Mmm, I love Billy but I don't agree with 95% of this article.
First of all, the impression of the 3rd party launch titles is totally misrepresented. The comparison to the DS launch is misleading. The DS had basically no quality 3rd party launch titles but already Wii is expected to have Rayman, Red Steel, Madden, Trauma Center, etc. His assertation that there are no original games being made for it are baffling as well. I look at the list of release dates and the amount of original and exclusive titles is huge, 50% minimum. That doesn't even count games like Rayman which are designed primarily to be on Wii, but have other console counterparts. His comments are just untrue and make little sense.
I'm also getting tired of people blaming Nintendo for delaying their games. People want amazing games and they want them now. Nevermind that if you release games before they're ready you don't get quality. The reason for the drought isn't Nintendo but third parties. Yes that is quite a bit to do with Nintendo's business, but it isn't the fault of their software teams. One company can only make so much quality software! In fact, the only systems to NOT suffer from droughts have been the first place system. NES, SNES, PSX and PS2 are the only ones that didn't have a huge problem in this area (maybe Genesis). The N64 did, the GCN did, the XBOX has, the 360 does right now. Heck, the PSP has had a two year one and the DS had one for 6 months. The idea that this is a Nintendo problem is absurd, it's a non-market leader problem. If Nintendo can greatly increase their market share they'll have a steady stream of games. It's no coincidence that the worst droughts (after launch) came as the N64 and GCN lost more and more market share.
It's also tiring to see his dismissal of the controls. If the controller doesn't prove to be any more advantageous then the Wii will, indeed, fail. That's the risk being taken. But he's totally ignoring that. I mean the very term "controls strangely" is so silly it's hard to respond to. If all the games made for Wii "control silly" then of COURSE the system will fail. Usually if something sucks hard it doesn't do well (except in prostitution and politics). Duh, Billy, duh. And yes, if the third party games like the DS launch games suck then they too will fail. The amusing part is that he uses the DS as an example of crappy third party titles, but then totally ignores the current DS situation. Companies like SEGA, Atlus, Capcom, Konami, Square Enix and EA are having stellar DS sales. Phoenix Wright, Trauma Center, Castlevania, Mana & Final Fantasy are all success stories. Plus there are companies like Ubisoft and Majesco selling a fantastic amount. Far greater than any on Nintendo's past two consoles. PLUS these games are receiving great reviews. And we haven't even had the release of the Square games in North America yet! If anything the DS is an example of new controls proving their worth, and being a driving force in improving Nintendo's third party situation.
I am also terribly confused about Twilight Princess. One week we're being told by IGN that it's not hardcore, the next week Billy is saying it's "beyond" hardcore. Make up your minds mainstream game sites! Seriously, though. Next to Mario, Zelda is the best selling series Nintendo has. Does he really expect a Zelda at launch to NOT sell systems? Absurd. Absolutely absurd. How many systems have that good a system seller on day one? None since 1996. If anything it's even better than Mario because it won't appeal to the casual gamer as much, leaving room for other games that DO appeal that person (WiiSports, Madden). And it also means that younger households will be buying a third party game instead of just Nintendo's. That also leaves Mario for next year when the system has a larger installed base, allowing it to use its broad appeal by itself, when it's more important than the obvious sellout launch. Having Mario and Zelda within one year is perfect, and having Zelda go at launch when there are other less "beyond" hardcore games getting the spotlight is the wiser move. There's also the fact that Mario is, you know, still being made...
I just feel this article is way below the quality of intelligence Billy used to bring to PGC. It honestly reads like a 1UP article, more intent on the opinion than the argument, and I know that's a pretty harsh insult. I think Rick actually said the truth about this: it's just an angry attempt to justify emotions. Billy, much like Ian, doesn't care about Nintendo being successful if it means they won't focus on him. At the same time he wants them to be more traditional and yet he lays out an argument for why that isn't going to work. Basically the only way to please him is for Nintendo to make their games for the 360 and PS3. He doesn't like Nintendo's direction and he's forcing that feeling onto an "analysis" of their upcoming system. It doesn't work. He's valid to feel left out, but that's all it is. His criticisms are focused on half-truths and thoughts.
What it all boils down to is that Billy is afraid Nintendo won't make the games he wants them too, and he's taking his frustration out on the system that is causing those fears.
Topic: Grand Master Billy speaks on the Wii. (Read 34689 times)
