Post by: Donutt007 on August 04, 2006, 10:55:49 AM
Post by: Requiem on August 04, 2006, 10:58:21 AM
Post by: Donutt007 on August 04, 2006, 11:06:19 AM
Check out the videos for it if you haven't seen them yet.
Elebits
Or search youtube for more of them.
Post by: Kairon on August 04, 2006, 11:18:49 AM
But I'm not feeling optimistic. Which makes me sad, because reality is so depressing.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Blue Plant on August 04, 2006, 11:43:01 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on August 04, 2006, 12:01:25 PM
Post by: Pale on August 04, 2006, 01:02:32 PM
Many people hated the demo.
It had very basic graphics and VERY floaty physics. There wasn't really a game there either.
I was told by one of the reps that the game's creators were inspired by Katamari. After hearing that a lot of it made more sense. They are trying to achieve this world where EVERYTHING can be moved around. As you move these items, elebits pop out for you to collect. With such an ambitious goal it's understandable that the graphics are lacking. The physics was weird too, but I bet that will be tuned more before release. In my opinion actually using the controller to grab and throw items around was a lot of fun.
In short, the demo was a very entertaining sandbox to play in but the actual game mechanics were still very early. I think this game could end up being very good as long as they don't just rush it out as a launch title. If I were you, I would hope that this game comes out sometime in 2007 so they have more time to clean it up.
Post by: Donutt007 on August 04, 2006, 01:10:57 PM
Makes me think of a new game idea, I'll have to post it sometime
Post by: Svevan on August 04, 2006, 02:29:56 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on August 04, 2006, 03:06:14 PM
mark my words
Mark them
Post by: Pale on August 04, 2006, 05:59:55 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on August 04, 2006, 06:26:50 PM
It's Wii new cute characters IP vs. 360 new cute characters IP.
I will have my console war, and it will be bloody
Post by: Pale on August 04, 2006, 07:15:42 PM
Post by: SixthAngel on August 24, 2006, 11:45:18 AM
Not long ago people got excited when games like shenmue promised being able to pick up and interact with everything and none of these games actually pulled through with the promise. Now here is a game where literally everything seems interactive and the remote takes it to another level. Why is noone else hyping this game?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 24, 2006, 11:50:18 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on August 24, 2006, 11:51:11 AM
Post by: Donutt007 on August 24, 2006, 11:57:00 AM
The point of the game is to collect these little things, elebits, they are hiding everywhere so you basically have to try and tear everything up to find them.
I'm sure with the multi-player it's gonna be a sort of "party mode" at least I hope they add that. Everyone in one room trying to collect as many elebits as you can withen the time limit. Should make for some interesting times!
Post by: SixthAngel on August 24, 2006, 12:57:31 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 25, 2006, 12:09:32 AM
Post by: WalkingTheCow on August 25, 2006, 01:05:48 AM
- From a particularly promising sounding Hands-On Report from IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/727/727755p1.html
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 26, 2006, 01:37:59 AM
.http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=B230033A
Post by: Donutt007 on August 26, 2006, 08:50:52 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution
Not sure if you guys knew this or not but Gamestop.com is giving away a free Elebits plushy with preorders. I'm definately preordering one
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=B230033A
SWEEETTTTT....me thinks it's time to start a new thread!
Post by: Mario on August 30, 2006, 11:25:20 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 31, 2006, 07:24:17 AM
CROSS THY STREAMS
Post by: KDR_11k on August 31, 2006, 07:30:37 AM
Post by: Athrun Zala on August 31, 2006, 08:50:51 AM
Quotemaybe his keyboard is broken XD
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
WRITE IN ALL CAPS
but the games seems really interesting, especially if it has multiplayer
Post by: SixthAngel on September 25, 2006, 08:51:19 PM
Best in Show (the Konami site has anew video but it pauses every 3 seconds to load for me)
It won one of several best in shows a TGS. (and the girls playing certainly made me want me to grab my Wii)
This is going to be a game in the U.S. that is largely overlooked at launch but afterwards everyone goes and buys because of great word of mouth. Don't doom yourself (and the game) to searching used bins for a copy like you have with Beyond Good and Evil and Disgaea, just pick it up at launch so you won't have to buy it later to prove you're some uber hardcore fanboy.
Post by: ShyGuy on September 25, 2006, 10:23:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Athrun ZalaQuotemaybe his keyboard is broken XD
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
WRITE IN ALL CAPS
Maybe lower-case CAN'T HOLD ALL THE AWESOME.
From the demos I have seen, I don't see the challenge part of the game. Is it a race against the clock in all levels?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2006, 10:33:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel
Since I seem to be the only one who has this as one of their must have launch titles I'm going to shamelessly pimp it.
Best in Show (the Konami site has anew video but it pauses every 3 seconds to load for me)
It won one of several best in shows a TGS. (and the girls playing certainly made me want me to grab my Wii)
This is going to be a game in the U.S. that is largely overlooked at launch but afterwards everyone goes and buys because of great word of mouth. Don't doom yourself (and the game) to searching used bins for a copy like you have with Beyond Good and Evil and Disgaea, just pick it up at launch so you won't have to buy it later to prove you're some uber hardcore fanboy.
Hey you aren't the only one who is super excited, in fact besides Twilight Princess this was one of the first games I preordered. It looks so unique, and most importantly tons of fun, in fact besides TP this is my most anticipated Wii game. Not only that but you get that cute little Elebit plushie with your preorder!
Post by: Pale on September 26, 2006, 02:53:52 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel
Since I seem to be the only one who has this as one of their must have launch titles I'm going to shamelessly pimp it.
Best in Show">http://www.nintendowiifanboy.com/2006/09/25/tgs-2006-elebits-wins-best-in-show/[/S (the Konami site has anew video but it pauses every 3 seconds to load for me)
It won one of several best in shows a TGS. (and the girls playing certainly made me want me to grab my Wii)
This is going to be a game in the U.S. that is largely overlooked at launch but afterwards everyone goes and buys because of great word of mouth. Don't doom yourself (and the game) to searching used bins for a copy like you have with Beyond Good and Evil and Disgaea, just pick it up at launch so you won't have to buy it later to prove you're some uber hardcore fanboy.
Somehow it won that award when no one actually got to play it.... what does that tell you?
Also, your Wii joke sucked.
Post by: SixthAngel on September 26, 2006, 12:45:45 PM
Quote
Somehow it won that award when no one actually got to play it.... what does that tell you?
It tells me that the game looks like tons of fun and people at the show were excited for it. It also tells me that you might be unclear about the definition of "shamelessly pimp."
Post by: zakkiel on September 26, 2006, 01:14:42 PM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on September 26, 2006, 05:33:07 PM
I'll agree with Pale though, the dev team should work at the game and not rush it. If this is a game they hope will be big, like Katamari you don't wanna start out with a so so game, for instance imagine if Devil May Cry 2 was the first game and not the 2nd game. I think Capcom would have gave up on the thought of a sequel.
Post by: Kairon on September 26, 2006, 07:58:19 PM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 26, 2006, 10:02:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon
I want to support Konami but... I can't find any magic feature of this game that would make it more than just a hide-and-seek game where you can turn things over...
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
I hope all you Elebit doubters and haters are condemned to spend eternity with PS3 and its launch games.
Post by: WuTangTurtle on September 26, 2006, 10:40:39 PM
Post by: Pale on September 27, 2006, 04:30:40 AM
I really think the game is going to fall victim to being rushed out by launch. It has potential but needs a lot of work... more work than can be done in a month.
Post by: couchmonkey on September 27, 2006, 06:02:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution
I hope all you Elebit doubters and haters are condemned to spend eternity with PS3 and its launch games.
Oh baby, yes!! Must...doubt...harder! *DOUBT DOUBT DOUBT* Oh wait, launch games? Okay...I'll doubt a little less in that case. *doubt...... doubt...... *
Post by: Kairon on September 27, 2006, 10:32:50 AM
Give this game character Konami, give it life, give it verve, pizazz, chutzpah! ... steal a page from Rayman Raving Rabbid's book...
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: JonLeung on September 27, 2006, 10:43:01 AM
I agree with Kairon that Elebits needs some more wackiness.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 04, 2006, 11:35:05 PM
Quote
The last time we took a look at Konami's Elebits, it was shaping up to be a fun first-person scavenger hunt in which you could use the Wii controller to interact with just about everything in the environment as you searched high and low for energy-producing creatures called Elebits. That's all still true, but as development on the game progresses, we're learning that there's a lot more to Elebits than initially met the eye.
For starters, the developers at Konami have significantly fleshed out the way you proceed through the game, which is primarily set in and around the young hero's house. When you begin a level, no Elebits are providing power to the various fixtures in the room, but as you use your capture gun to snag the little critters, it will increase the wattage in the area, and as you reach specific benchmarks, dormant appliances will become usable. In the kitchen, for example, the lights, door, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and toaster all activate after you collect a set number of Elebits, and each one unlocks a new opportunity to interact with the game world-such as putting a turkey in the oven, popping popcorn in the microwave, or making ice cubes in the freezer. Manipulating the objects in such a fashion inevitably reveals even more Elebits, which activate more contraptions, and the puzzlelike advancement continues. The game structure is somewhat reminiscent of sleeper hit Katamari Demacy.
To make the game even deeper, Elebits features an experience system that allows the capture gun to increase in strength. While many of the creatures-such as the blue, red, and flying orange Elebits-simply provide more electrical power upon their capture, special gold Elebits reward you with experience points that that level up the gun and thereby let you lift bigger, heavier objects (and thus explore more of the environment). Adding to the complexity, the game utilizes a sound parameter that measures the amount of racket you make as you toss around furniture and appliances. Some Elebits are frightened by sound, so at times it's in your best interests to stay quiet: a few of the game's 15-plus stages even require you to keep the decibel level low.
Other levels are a bit more hazardous. Naughty black Elebits can attack the hero (yes, you do have a life meter), and in some missions your goal is to take out particularly aggressive boss Elebits. When you're tired of completing missions, however, you can kick back and enjoy a score-attack mode, or you can snag Elebits competitively with up to three friends; at press time, Konami representatives anticipated that the multiplayer mode would include the same stages as single-player mode. However you choose to play Elebits, it's certain to be an electrifying experience.
The game sounds like it is going to be great with this added complexity (I'm not surprised though!).
Post by: Nick DiMola on October 05, 2006, 12:47:24 AM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 05, 2006, 01:02:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mr. Jack
This game seems to have caught my attention a bit more now. Before the game didn't really look all that interesting, but a line like this, "The game structure is somewhat reminiscent of sleeper hit Katamari Damacy." is enough to make me buy just about any game. I'll still hold out for some reviews and if they are strong I guess I have another launch game to look forward to.
It definately is on my list, I really want to know if Kairon has changed his mind a bit regarding it after reading the new gameplay details. The game looks to be a unique and engaging experience with complexity to boot!
Post by: Kairon on October 05, 2006, 10:09:53 AM
The key to this game is how well they integrate the puzzles into the real world environment. Roasting turkeys and cooking popcorn is great, if they deliver on the wacky, puzzle-like real-world based promise of those examples, I think it may be a breakout title.
Otherwise, it'll just be a niche oddity.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 05, 2006, 08:17:20 PM
Post by: Svevan on October 05, 2006, 09:21:42 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 05, 2006, 10:16:47 PM
.
Post by: Ceric on October 17, 2006, 10:24:34 AM
As for the game it looks interesting. More so then before. But I'm very disappointed that for the most part the Elebits are just different colors and not different little creatures.
Post by: couchmonkey on October 17, 2006, 10:34:14 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 17, 2006, 10:37:10 AM
The game looks like it has promise, but it seems too batsh*t crazy to know exactly where that promise lies.
Post by: SixthAngel on October 17, 2006, 02:54:24 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 17, 2006, 09:53:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel
IGN has a new video up. I think it is the one that I could never watch on the konami website. The crazy japanese pop music I could do without though.
That crazy Japanese pop music was somewhat infectious
.
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 17, 2006, 09:57:44 PM
Post by: Kairon on October 18, 2006, 12:07:51 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
This game looks like a fabulous tech demo...
Same thing they said about Katamari, I'm sure.
Seriously, more and more it looks like they're trying to model this game on Katamri, just with conceits that are not as outright wacky or intuitive.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 18, 2006, 12:10:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: KaironQuote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
This game looks like a fabulous tech demo...
Same thing they said about Katamari, I'm sure.
Seriously, more and more it looks like they're trying to model this game on Katamri, just with conceits that are not as outright wacky or intuitive.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Elebits will be game of the year and you will drooling with anticipation to play it. Ok maybe not but I still think you guys will be surprised by its quality
.
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 18, 2006, 07:52:53 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon Same thing they said about Katamari, I'm sure.
Who's "they"? I sure didn't say anything of the sort about Katamari.
My reaction was probably something along the lines of, "Wow, I'm rolling a ball around...can we do something else now?"
Post by: NWR_pap64 on October 18, 2006, 08:32:09 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_BrotherQuote
Originally posted by: Kairon Same thing they said about Katamari, I'm sure.
Who's "they"? I sure didn't say anything of the sort about Katamari.
My reaction was probably something along the lines of, "Wow, I'm rolling a ball around...can we do something else now?"
Hey, the game was surprisingly fun, challenging and even relaxing.
I mean, it is extremely satisfying starting with a ball and picking up ants, then having a colossal ball and pluck whole islands and continents like they were daisies.
The sequel was unnecesary and the creator is a bit of a dick, but the first game I shall relish.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 18, 2006, 12:11:32 PM
so much for that fanchise.
Post by: ShyGuy on October 18, 2006, 12:22:23 PM
Post by: Pale on October 18, 2006, 12:54:32 PM
PS: Elebits was still boring at the press event last month. I felt as though I was dozing off while playing.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 18, 2006, 01:01:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Pale
Anyone else notice that VGRevolution is out-optimisticing Bill (even from when he was in his prime?) =P
PS: Elebits was still boring at the press event last month. I felt as though I was dozing off while playing.
You'll see, you'll ALL see.
Post by: Svevan on October 18, 2006, 03:21:25 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on October 18, 2006, 03:28:38 PM
Post by: SixthAngel on December 03, 2006, 12:51:56 PM
Zero G
In the first video the player is placing the elebits around and then playing the level. This may mean that we can build our very own levels (then send them to friends through wii connect24?). The second video shows the options of sandbox mode where the gravity can be turned all the way down to zero. Looking at this game I would probably buy it just for the sandbox mode.
Post by: Ceric on December 03, 2006, 01:07:41 PM
Post by: chris1932 on December 04, 2006, 07:23:57 AM
Post by: SixthAngel on December 04, 2006, 04:45:37 PM
Post by: matt oz on December 04, 2006, 05:00:54 PM
With a plushie!
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 10, 2006, 05:16:07 PM
Post by: Donutt007 on December 11, 2006, 06:53:01 AM
12/12
Konami
I think I'll trust them
Post by: SixthAngel on December 11, 2006, 03:42:55 PM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 11, 2006, 03:53:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel
IGN has a review up and it looks like a winner. I already have it preordered so I will find out tomorrow either way.
At least, IGN think its a winner.
I would like to see a bit more reviews, since the game did receive some mixed impressions after E3.
I am beginning to get interested on the game, so I will rent it when it becomes available.
Post by: Amodaus1 on December 11, 2006, 04:10:35 PM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on December 11, 2006, 08:02:45 PM
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 12, 2006, 01:14:00 AM
EDIT: Nevermind, guess today was the ship date, so I'll put up impressions tomorrow night.
Post by: couchmonkey on December 12, 2006, 02:10:04 PM
I'm still waiting until after Christmas to buy this one, I can't remember if I put it on any lists and I'm nowhere near finished Zelda anyway. But I'm really glad to hear this one turned out well, I was interested in it in the beginning.
Post by: Amodaus1 on December 12, 2006, 04:24:05 PM
oh its not orcestrated and midi sound is so awful my ears bleed..... and god the graphics are so last gen, but wait doesn't dead rising look the same as a last gen game on a normal tv? (i've seen the game on standard def and its damn true) Bah who has standard definition we all have humongous entertainment centers with 57 foot plasma direct mind feed tv's and ornage ray players and speakers the size of godzilla positioned right next to our faces so we can feel the vibrations. And the blood in gears is so awesome....
yeah sorry for the rant. Anyway, i rather hear the average gamer's voice to get an opinion on the game. I have a huge back log of games to play catch up on, and i think its a good thing the wii doesn't have much selection right now (for me its just zelda) but this game has caught my attention, and if its good by word of mouth i'll pick it up when it gets a price drop.
Post by: aquaticmerman on December 13, 2006, 01:46:38 AM
Rustin Allison
Post by: couchmonkey on December 13, 2006, 02:28:48 AM
Post by: xanrastafari on December 13, 2006, 08:06:36 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 13, 2006, 08:12:00 AM
As for the reviews, I think these Wii concept games will be love/hate with most reviewers but I'll more than likely enjoy them.
Post by: Kairon on December 13, 2006, 08:15:20 AM
This Elebits Doubter is defeated.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Hostile Creation on December 13, 2006, 08:21:19 AM
(btw, EGM is the scum of the gaming journalism world. . . and that's saying something)
Post by: Amodaus1 on December 13, 2006, 10:24:27 AM
Now to be honest, i have a huge selection of games that i have yet to play (well not so huge but its alot for me) and i'm intrested in this game, but i'll generally wait for reader impressions. However, i do have alot of games to play, and anything in the 7 range isn't going to grab my attention when i already have a bunch of 8's and 9's and 10's based on my own personaly opinion and indusrty ranks to play.
you may seem to see 3/4 or 4/5 as a high score, but for reviewers that hand out 9.9's to GTA and something dumb like Jade Empire, a 77 might as well be an F. Once again, I'd like to point out i don't rely on these reviews, however, you mentioned that its a good score so i'd point out that its really not.
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 13, 2006, 10:31:44 AM
The mutliplayer didn't strike me as all that great. At least in the two rounds we played, I controlled the camera/motion in one round, and she did in another. The controller was always the winner because the other person usually isn't on top of the ball until it is too late already. There is some strategy by using items to block the capture of Elebits, but it is still really crazy and the controller is the only one who seems to really know where they are going, and can lock in on Elebits easier. It is possible that there is a camera control where the screen is split and each person has the ability to have full control, but I didn't delve deep enough to see if that is true or not.
There seems to be alot of replayability because you can always repeat a chapter and get a better score, plus there were various extra modes which seem to extend the life of the product. Haven't looked at the map maker yet, but I am greatly anticipating a trial of it. In general I think the game is quirky but fun and definitely a pleasure to control. As you get deeper into a session, the room becomes cluttered and chasing Elebits that are running through the mess is a blast. I recommend everyone to at least check this game out, and if you are looking for another enjoyable Wii game(for purchase), picking this one up.
If anyone has any other questions I'll do my best to answer them. Or you could wait for other users and Evan's review.
UPDATE: Edit mode is a ton of fun, not sure exactly what the formula is yet to make the perfect Edit Mode map, but I have thoroughly enjoyed creating the maps and all of the settings accompanied which make playing the map a true pleasure. The biggest black mark on the game happened just now, which is the inability to transfer the save file to an SD card. This one hurts because you won't be able to back up maps you make on your hdd which would be desirable.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 13, 2006, 10:42:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
It's in my car right now, when I go home from work, I will have impressions.
As for the reviews, I think these Wii concept games will be love/hate with most reviewers but I'll more than likely enjoy them.
Weren't you doubtful of the game at one point, though? I think you were turned off by it when someone said that it resembled Katamary Damacy.
Am I right or wrong?
Post by: Spak-Spang on December 13, 2006, 11:19:21 AM
I want to rent:
Elebits
Dragon Ball Z
and
Excite Truck
We shall see what the weekend brings for impressions.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 13, 2006, 11:58:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64 Weren't you doubtful of the game at one point, though? I think you were turned off by it when someone said that it resembled Katamary Damacy.
It's hard to say for certain, but the game is pretty fun so far. They actually put a meter in to keep you from breaking too many things, though, which absolutely sucks since grabbing breakables and flinging them against the wall is one of the best parts of the game.
The game basically gives you full motion control of the physics of all the objects in the game and that can be rather interesting. It can be quite satisfying to simply tear apart a room looking for Elebits.
I hope they don't reward you on cleanliness later on...
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 14, 2006, 06:47:15 AM
It's fun, but I'm still not sure HOW fun to call it. Right now, I want to go home and play it some more.
My only objection so far is that the main game has a time limit on each level and if it runs out, you fail. I would have preferred the timer to count UP instead of down so you can rush through the level for a good rating if you want but if you don't want to, you can screw around with everything at your own leisurely pace.
This is probably the most entertaining "f*ck with stuff" game I've ever seen. Not only is it immensely satisfying to hurl breakable objects against walls, but the ability to manipulate everything in the game is REALLY entertaining. It becomes immersive in the sense that everything in the game can be toyed with, even things like pizza boxes which can be opened and DVD players and toasters which need objects fed into them.
I've yet to try multiplayer, but I have one friend who has played the game so I'll probably get a shot at it tonight.
Post by: therat on December 14, 2006, 08:25:51 AM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 14, 2006, 12:07:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
Ok, so 24 hours later, here's how I feel about the game:
It's fun, but I'm still not sure HOW fun to call it. Right now, I want to go home and play it some more.
My only objection so far is that the main game has a time limit on each level and if it runs out, you fail. I would have preferred the timer to count UP instead of down so you can rush through the level for a good rating if you want but if you don't want to, you can screw around with everything at your own leisurely pace.
This is probably the most entertaining "f*ck with stuff" game I've ever seen. Not only is it immensely satisfying to hurl breakable objects against walls, but the ability to manipulate everything in the game is REALLY entertaining. It becomes immersive in the sense that everything in the game can be toyed with, even things like pizza boxes which can be opened and DVD players and toasters which need objects fed into them.
I've yet to try multiplayer, but I have one friend who has played the game so I'll probably get a shot at it tonight.
Maybe the game will have a "Free for all" option in which you get to do whatever you want with no time restrictions. I know Katamary had a "Roll forever" option in which you could roll around forever, without worry of time or meeting certain goals.
I think the question you should be asking is how long the fun lasts. Elebits looks like the sort of game that is fun for a while, then grows old right away (unless it offers new gameplay modes and challenges).
Post by: Darkheart on December 14, 2006, 12:57:06 PM
I think thats pretty good if a room of college students are cheering on a video game, you never see that at their DOA tourneys or Halo matches. . .
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 14, 2006, 01:06:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
Maybe the game will have a "Free for all" option in which you get to do whatever you want with no time restrictions. I know Katamary had a "Roll forever" option in which you could roll around forever, without worry of time or meeting certain goals.
I think the question you should be asking is how long the fun lasts. Elebits looks like the sort of game that is fun for a while, then grows old right away (unless it offers new gameplay modes and challenges).
There are a set of 3 pink elebits in each level, if you capture all three you unlock "Eternal Mode" (also called this in Katamari).
As far as how far the fun lasts, I think that depends on the person. There is the whole map editor thing, which is pretty fun, but of course the levels are nowhere near the quality of the pre-fab ones for the main game. All in all though there seems to be more replayability than KD, and the game is mission based which allows for many replays to accomplish the best possible grade.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 14, 2006, 01:16:10 PM
And I know what you mean, Jack. I personally loved the eternal mode in Katamary, since I could take my time rolling crap up, but SB couldn't stand 10 minutes of it, hence why I ask if Elebits suffers from the same thing.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 14, 2006, 05:05:02 PM
Rob and I tried multiplayer and it was pretty crazy. I can only imagine that 4 player will be absolutely INSANE...
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 14, 2006, 05:29:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
There's a certain raw satisfaction you get from being able to hurl objects violently around the screen, something KD didn't provide for me.
Rob and I tried multiplayer and it was pretty crazy. I can only imagine that 4 player will be absolutely INSANE...
You could say that both Elebits and KD offer a similar sense of satisfaction while being completely different games. Elebits offers you the opportunity to affect the gravity in the stage and destroy things in search of Elebits, while KD offers you the opportunity of rolling a ball so big you can pluck continents, clouds and even gods as if they were lego pieces. Both games simply deliver an experience that simply can't be emulated in real life, thus you get great satisfaction when you do it.
From what I heard, Elebits does more than KD did.
Post by: SixthAngel on December 14, 2006, 05:50:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution
You'll see, you'll ALL see.
They see.
This game is great. I am only a little bit into it but it is loads of fun to tear through the rooms searching for elebits. Picking up any object and being able to freely manipulate it can't be beat. I can also already tell the replay value is going to be huge. There are three extra modes to unlock by finding the 3 hidden pink elebits in each level. There are also unlockable rare items and upgrades that you recieve by beating certain amounts of levels and modes. Buy it now.
Post by: IceCold on December 14, 2006, 06:50:45 PM
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 14, 2006, 10:27:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceCold
Hmm.. I wonder where VGRevolution disappeared to.
I'm pretty sure she is out of town for the rest of this week.
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
You could say that both Elebits and KD offer a similar sense of satisfaction while being completely different games. Elebits offers you the opportunity to affect the gravity in the stage and destroy things in search of Elebits, while KD offers you the opportunity of rolling a ball so big you can pluck continents, clouds and even gods as if they were lego pieces. Both games simply deliver an experience that simply can't be emulated in real life, thus you get great satisfaction when you do it.
The thing I find intriguing about Elebits vs. Katamari Damacy is that they are actually opposites of one another, and both feel immensely satisfying to play. In Katamari Damacy it is your job to roll things up (essentially you are playing clean up with a big rolling sticky ball), while in Elebits your job is to tear everything apart in search of elebits. Both use a system of small pre-fabricated items resembling real world objects (KD's objects are significantly more Japanese in nature though). Both games appeal to basic instincts in human behavior. Naturally, humans favor some sort of organization and a feeling of control, thus the appeal of KD, and humans conversely favor disaster, destruction and power, hence the appeal of Elebits. Interesting to say the least at least to me...
Post by: ShyGuy on December 15, 2006, 07:51:19 AM
Post by: Kairon on December 15, 2006, 12:44:21 PM
Dude... ALL Launch games should be like this. I CANNOT believe I was gonna skip out on buying this.
I CANNOT BELIEVE!
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Amodaus1 on December 16, 2006, 12:21:13 AM
How are the bosses in the game intresting? or are they just rare elebits, and you catch them once you find them?
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 16, 2006, 01:04:45 AM
Another thing I wanted to add in general is the inclusion of challenge mode stages. I was under the impression that these were the same as the normal mission just harder. As it turns out each challenge mode mission is a new mission entirely that usually has you doing something in as little time as possible. Another great addition to the game.
Post by: MattVDB on December 16, 2006, 02:03:44 AM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 16, 2006, 04:50:34 AM
Post by: WalkingTheCow on December 17, 2006, 08:18:42 AM
As an aside, I love the cover.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 17, 2006, 02:08:15 PM
The problem is, the levels are tiered so that unlocking additional elebits is a somewhat linear progression, and if you don't figure out how that line works (which is nigh-impossible the first time through), you're going to find yourself retrying the level at least 2-3 times in order to get it right.
When a level can take 15 minutes, that means you'll often wind up spending 45 minutes on a single level while attempting to beat it and the repetition is NOT enjoyable.
I've said it before, they should have simply made the timer count UP instead of down and given you a better grade if you finished quicker but if you wanted to take your time through the level, you could.
Cap is going to see if he can hunt down a fully unlocked save game so we can play the levels without worrying about time running out.
It's basically a polar opposite of what you'd expect: Konami gives you a game where it's immensely fun to just mess around but they give every level a timer which forces you to play as quickly as possible.
For that reason alone, this game deserved the 7 most places are giving it. Funny that the issue is not with the Wii controls at all but with a poor gameplay design decision...
Post by: SixthAngel on December 17, 2006, 03:09:28 PM
It makes levels interesting because it forces the player to be quick yet still follow the rules necessary for the level. When you only have 6 minutes and can only break 12 things it makes you think whether you want to take the time to be careful or if you can afford to smash those plates. You also have to remember where key items are for future reference when you can finally activate them. Do you want save time and mess the room up to grab those elebits and risk losing time searching for the microwave you just tossed, or be neat and know exactly where the microwave is? Having a time limit makes you become a better player to continue, like all good games.
It is not like the eternal mode isn't available anyway. If you want a sandbox to mess around with it is there. This games has got it all. I guess you want everything right away and don't like unlocking things though.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 17, 2006, 03:33:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel It makes levels interesting because it forces the player to be quick yet still follow the rules necessary for the level. When you only have 6 minutes and can only break 12 things it makes you think whether you want to take the time to be careful or if you can afford to smash those plates. You also have to remember where key items are for future reference when you can finally activate them. Do you want save time and mess the room up to grab those elebits and risk losing time searching for the microwave you just tossed, or be neat and know exactly where the microwave is? Having a time limit makes you become a better player to continue, like all good games.
Problem is, after the 3rd time redoing a level because I didn't know where the hairdryer was the first time and the cordless drill the second time, I'm wishing I had rented the game instead of buying it.
Urgency can be optional in a game like this: finish in under x minutes, get a good rating and unlock something, hence optional urgency
Like I said, I'm just going to use a completed save file to unlock everything, then probably sell the game back before it depreciates. I don't have an issue with unlocking things, I just have an issue with enduring boredom in order to do so.
Post by: SixthAngel on December 17, 2006, 04:02:09 PM
Most people now tend to shy away from games where the object is simply to get a high score like you are suggesting. They want to accomplish something that actually tests there abilities before they can advance to the next level. When I beat a game I want to actually feel like I accomplished something. I beat it, defeated it, I don't want to have to replay everything to feel any sort of accomplishment.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 17, 2006, 04:30:43 PM
Sixth, I think SB doesn't mind urgency and timed challenges in a game (unless I am mistaken, SB). His problem with Elebits, from what I understand, is that the game forces you to rush through the level when at the same time it invites you to explore and mess around with it. Its kinda like when you go to a massive theme park and you only have like 30 minutes to explore it and enjoy the rides.
But this is just my interpretation of SB's opinions.
Post by: Arbok on December 17, 2006, 04:58:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
Its kinda like when you go to a massive theme park and you only have like 30 minutes to explore it and enjoy the rides.
Except that after the thirty minutes you get to explore and ride as much as you like (eternal mode). I will agree that I'm not a huge fan of timers myself, but since you can unlock a mode that nulls it, I don't see much of an issue to be had in that alone.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 17, 2006, 05:06:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: ArbokQuote
Originally posted by: pap64
Its kinda like when you go to a massive theme park and you only have like 30 minutes to explore it and enjoy the rides.
Except that after the thirty minutes you get to explore and ride as much as you like (eternal mode). I will agree that I'm not a huge fan of timers myself, but since you can unlock a mode that nulls it, I don't see much of an issue to be had in that alone.
Yeah, but you have to spend a lot of time and even a lot of cash before you get the lifetime pass to the park.
I think SB's issue is that he has to grind through the timed levels in order to get the infinite mode.
But again, I don't exactly know what SB's issue with the game is since I haven't played it myself nor I quite understand what he means.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 17, 2006, 05:45:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64 Sixth, I think SB doesn't mind urgency and timed challenges in a game (unless I am mistaken, SB). His problem with Elebits, from what I understand, is that the game forces you to rush through the level when at the same time it invites you to explore and mess around with it.
That, and after scrambling through a level for 15 minutes only to be 50 watts short, you'll find your enthusiasm for the game rapidly diminishing, and Rob felt the same way (as he said in the next Medacast).
Elebits doesn't seem to want for a longer story mode so I'm scratching my head as to why they made failure almost certain on most of the levels for your first play through when you don't know where to look for all of the appliances.
Quote
Except that after the thirty minutes you get to explore and ride as much as you like (eternal mode). I will agree that I'm not a huge fan of timers myself, but since you can unlock a mode that nulls it, I don't see much of an issue to be had in that alone.
That's not entirely true: you need to find all three pink Elebits in a level and then complete it (I'm assuming you must complete the level after finding the pink elebits in order to unlock eternal mode), which makes for yet MORE play throughs of the SAME levels.
Now, the gameplay can be fun and enjoyable, yes, but after playing the same level three times through, I want nothing more to do with it. In fact, I generally stop playing Elebits.
Elebits is a fun and inventive game, but the timers for the levels takes fun and turns it into work by forcing you to do it at an undesired pace. Like I said, if the timer counted up instead of down, it would have been fine.
Post by: ShyGuy on December 17, 2006, 06:27:09 PM
Post by: obscureownership on December 17, 2006, 08:40:34 PM
I perhaps will start a "I own elebits, let's trade levels" thread tomorrow.
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 17, 2006, 11:15:56 PM
Personally, I don't mind the timer. I like the sandbox mode, but that usually becomes boring for me because there is no objective. Whenever there are records that can be broken I find myself coming back for more to break those records (probably why I have been playing Excite Truck nonstop). If you don't mind timers or playing through levels multiple times, this issue SB describes probably won't affect you, but if you share the views of SB, you might want to sit this one out for a while and rent it when you acquire a full save game.
As far as the trade levels thing goes, we totally need to get that going.
Post by: Sabe002 on December 18, 2006, 01:28:47 AM
Thanks!
Post by: Spak-Spang on December 18, 2006, 01:37:15 AM
But I never had a problem not passing a level. Just pretty much go crazy and search for the appliances you turn on once you get the notice and you are ok. Most of the time I have beaten each level with minutes left on the timer. Now, what is confusing and difficult is finding the right objects to place into some of the puzzles. What am I supposed to put in the Microwave? And manipulating the objects that carefully is difficult.
Overall, the game is fun and that is important. But there are flaws in the game...one being the repetitious design of the game. But, the game does get difficult, but by artificial means of forcing you not to break stuff (The most enjoyable part of the game) and not making too much noise (also taking away from the enjoyable part.)
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 18, 2006, 03:27:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mr. Jack
I think SB's complaints are valid. Everyone likes playing games a different way and the way SB describes it, it accomodates both styles. With a counter going up, it is impossible to fail your first time which is probably a good thing. From that point, you can play the level again in an attempt to beat it as quickly as possible (this brings the urgency SixthAngel describes). This allows for someone like SB to play through every mission is a way that he can enjoy and it allows everyone else to play through as many times as they like to get the higher score.
Personally, I don't mind the timer. I like the sandbox mode, but that usually becomes boring for me because there is no objective. Whenever there are records that can be broken I find myself coming back for more to break those records (probably why I have been playing Excite Truck nonstop). If you don't mind timers or playing through levels multiple times, this issue SB describes probably won't affect you, but if you share the views of SB, you might want to sit this one out for a while and rent it when you acquire a full save game.
As far as the trade levels thing goes, we totally need to get that going.
In other words, this is clearly a preference issue in which some will not mind it while to others it will be a game breaking element.
Post by: Ceric on December 18, 2006, 03:57:27 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 18, 2006, 06:12:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mr. Jack Personally, I don't mind the timer. I like the sandbox mode, but that usually becomes boring for me because there is no objective. Whenever there are records that can be broken I find myself coming back for more to break those records (probably why I have been playing Excite Truck nonstop). If you don't mind timers or playing through levels multiple times, this issue SB describes probably won't affect you, but if you share the views of SB, you might want to sit this one out for a while and rent it when you acquire a full save game.
It's also an issue of time. I don't have as much time for gaming these days so failing an Elebits level repeatedly ranks pretty low on my list of priorities.
Excite Truck is a fun game to watch as well as to play, but Elebits (at least in single player) just doesn't entertain a crowd. In my current living conditions, there's seldom a time when only one person can be using the TV.
Combine that with the fact that story mode levels must typically be repeated and you can see why it's not exactly an ideal game for me. It's not fun to watch someone play through a level the first time, let alone the 2nd and possibly 3rd times.
With so many other awesome games like Excite Truck and Super Swing Golf which entertain far more via watching and playing, Elebits likely won't get enough play time to warrant a purchase which again makes me wish I had just rented it instead...
Post by: ShyGuy on December 18, 2006, 09:05:24 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 18, 2006, 09:42:25 AM
Post by: Bloodworth on December 18, 2006, 09:57:35 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 19, 2006, 07:03:48 AM
I've played some more levels and it's tolerable but it treads the line. All it's going to take is one particularly irritating level to make me say "F*ck it." and be done with the game forever.
The more I think about it, the more I think this was Konami's way of testing the water with a cute tech demo using Wiimote controls: the engine was licensed from the Open Dynamics Engine (which is an open-source project and can therefore be licensed for free), the graphics are blah at best with with rather low-polygon models and dull textures to boot.
I'm guessing Elebits didn't take them more than 5-6 months to create and probably under $100,000 to develop, considering that the engine was free, the graphics are simple, and the gameplay largely revolves around reusing the same levels over and over again with different layouts of the objects.
It's a proof of concept game, for sure, but IMHO, the gameplay in Elebits consists entirely of actions which should be a subset of actions in a larger game. For example, a detective FPS which requires you to search around objects for clues and open doors, activate appliances, etc. could be VERY immersive (Wiinix Wright?).
As a standalone game, though, this is a tech demo, and while it definitely shows off the flair and finesse of the Wiimote, it was made as a test of the waters by Konami and it shows.
Post by: Kairon on December 19, 2006, 09:42:07 AM
Hmmm...
Also, even though you objectively label it as a tech demo, the game really is more than the sum of its parts, much like Wii Sports or Nintendogs.
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: ShyGuy on December 19, 2006, 09:55:10 AM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on December 19, 2006, 11:10:02 AM
It is getting a tad bit tiring though to hear tech demo applied to his game, Wii sports and even Excite Truck because this is NOT a tech demo. The game is a well polished and fun game that is best played in short doses, like the other games. Honestly I wonder if you guys even know what a tech demo is because it sure seems to be thrown around alot, with only Wiisports being the closest to the term (and not even that close). The game is what it is, a polished hide and seek hybrid that has you frantically trying to collect enough Elebits before the time runs out or trying to beat your high score. I haven't played multiplayer mode yet but I definately think this game is worth the money if you enjoy games that are more focused on high scores than a beginning and a end (which this has as well).
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 19, 2006, 01:24:42 PM
Quote
A technology demo is a prototype, rough example or an otherwise incomplete version of a product, put together with the primary purpose of showcasing the idea, performance, method or the features of the product. They can be used as demonstrations to the investors, partners, journalists or even to potential customers in order to convince them of the viability of the chosen approach.
Is Elebits, along with the rest of the Wii games, a tech demo according to the definition given by Wikipedia?
You decide...
Post by: Strell on December 19, 2006, 01:30:08 PM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on December 19, 2006, 01:36:44 PM
I'll throw my 2 cents in as soon as i get a good amount of play time with it.
Edit: Emphasis to Pap64's comment instead of Strell.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 19, 2006, 01:44:17 PM
Again, sorry if the joke offended you, but I didn't mean anything by it.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 19, 2006, 03:37:59 PM
I just don't think there's enough substance there for me to call it a complete game. I'd go so far as to call it the "Luigi's Mansion" of the Wii: it's cute and all, but all it really does is state the obvious facts about the Wii which you would have learned later anyway.
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 19, 2006, 05:46:36 PM
Calling Wii Play a compilation of tech demos is fair. Wii Sports for that matter too. Of course in many of those cases the final compilation is worth more than the sum of the parts (someone said this in another thread and I agree, Kairon perhaps?). A game like Yoshi Touch and Go is a through and through a tech demo. It has no real substance, besides replay for high score type value. Calling something a tech demo gives such a negative connotation because it makes things sound like a quick cash in. I don't get that impression from Elebits. It has a pretty fleshed out set of features and a respectable number of levels. Luigi's Mansion was one of my favorite Gamecube outings and something so unique that calling it a tech demo is unfair. It seems to me more thought than that for a simple tech demo went into these games. Katamari Damacy comes closer to being a tech demo than Elebits, and I would label KD as one of my favorite and most memorable gaming experiences. Just because someone tested the waters with a new concept/technology doesn't mean the whole experience is a tech demo.
Of course all of this is open to your own interpretation, as pap points out. Something I see as a more than adequate game experience may not be enough for someone else. Value in general is all perception anyway. I think the concept of a tech demo and value are closely knit concepts and an opinion in reqards to value impacts your opinion of it being more or less like a tech demo.
P.S. - SB your avatar is quite humorous. It tells a whole story in one frame. Fantastic.
Post by: Kairon on December 19, 2006, 07:11:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
Elebits doesn't feel like a complete game to me, honestly. It feels more like something which should have been a $15 indie game download on the VC.
That's scary. If Elebits is only worth $15 to you, then I wonder what priveleged few games are worth a full $50 or even $40 to you.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 19, 2006, 07:13:22 PM
In that aspect, can Red Steel be called a gun and sword and Wii FPS tech demo? I mean, the game is severely trashed for being rushed and lacking polished, qualities seen mainly on tech demos. How about Zelda? You could say that its a tech demo of how Wii controls can be implemented into an already completed Gamecube game. Monkey ball could be called a tech demo game since from what I heard some of the mini games do not work out as well as they hoped.
Post by: Kairon on December 19, 2006, 07:16:18 PM
Anyone remember that Metroid Prime 2 boss battle tech demo? What makes MP3 so different from that after all?
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 19, 2006, 07:21:11 PM
Thinking about it, I think SB's definition of tech demo is a game that lacks the polish, depth and substance a big, hyped game would have, a game that isn't worth the full price. 15 to 20 bucks, maybe, but not 50 dollars or more.
I think some of SB's bitterness of the game comes from the fact that he spent money on a game he wasn't 100% satisfied with as he expected more out of it. If you think about it, wouldn't you be a bit annoyed that you spend your hard earned cash on a game that didn't satisfy you?
I think this should teach you to rent games you are not 100% sure of, SB.
What made you buy it anyway? I thought you were on the "I am not so sure about this" bandwagon. Not even I was interested in the game, and I am a sucker for silly little games like Elebits.
Post by: Nick DiMola on December 19, 2006, 11:26:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
My question now is, if we can't use the term "tech demo" to describe simple games that plays around with an aspect of the console (whether it be graphics, sound, controls etc.), then what else is there? SB calling Elebits a tech demo proved that not everybody sees simple games as tech demos, so again, what else is there?
I think the difference between a tech demo and a simplistic game is the amount fo depth. An Elebits tech demo may have been up to about 5 levels demonstrating the gravity gun and the Elebit searching. As it stands there are a ton of features to Elebits including level creation with internet sharing, 4 different types of missions per level (challenge mode missions being new levels entirely), more than simple handling of objects and creative applications of the pointer device, a method for grading which includes replay value, and an increasing challenge as the levels progress. The game is extremely fleshed out. Had it been just a few simple levels where Elebits were randomly placed through the level each time you played, that would be a tech demo. In the mean time, they created a whole game around a probably once tech demo and fully featured it for some value. Just because gameplay is simple or the game is conceptually simple doesn't mean it is a tech demo. Compare Wii Sports to Elebits, Wii Sports has bare bones versions of each sport, just the simple mechanics, nothing extra. You can clearly see the difference in Elebits. There is so much more to the picture.
In conclusion, just because something began as a tech demo doesn't mean it will always be a tech demo. Nintendo had a Kururin tech demo at E3, you can't call the next Kururin game a tech demo just because they tried something neew using the Wiimote. It will be a fully featured game as is Elebits.
(Note: I am not fervently in love with Elebits, I just think to pin the dubious "tech demo" title on it is unjustified.)
Post by: vudu on December 20, 2006, 07:16:19 AM
QuoteHow about budget game (i.e. about $20)?
Originally posted by: pap64
My question now is, if we can't use the term "tech demo" to describe simple games that plays around with an aspect of the console (whether it be graphics, sound, controls etc.), then what else is there?
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 20, 2006, 07:30:31 AM
There just doesn't feel like enough substance to make me continue going back to the game for more, and Rob (roommate) feels the same way. After playing 7-8 levels, I can't see the remaining levels giving me anything that I haven't already experienced in the earlier ones: I move objects, collect elebits, activate appliances...and?
Also, the multiplayer is way too hectic to have any real depth to it, but I admit it's funny to see all the chaos as players hurl things around and try to snatch up elebits when they do show up.
I'm not telling people not to like the game, but I do want to warn folks who aren't big into quirky puzzle games and don't care to replay the same level repeatedly in an effort to get a good score that you probably won't like this game. Rent if you're not sure.
Post by: SixthAngel on December 20, 2006, 09:48:05 AM
You have hardly even gone to any outside levels, zero gravity levels, boss battles, yellow elebits, new powerups and you are doing things like calling it a tech demo and a budget game. If you don't like a game fine, but don't throw out comments that you are in no position to judge.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 20, 2006, 10:00:09 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel If you don't like a game fine, but don't throw out comments that you are in no position to judge.
Seven levels in, multiplayer, fooling with the level editor = roughly 4 hours total spent with the game and I'm not having fun.
How much more of this game do I need to force myself to play before I can convince people that I don't like it?
My warnings are perfectly valid: gamers who don't enjoy quirky puzzle games should probably rent Elebits or avoid it entirely. This is a far cry from Konami's best work and this doesn't even classify as "support" for the Wii in my book.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on December 20, 2006, 10:12:18 AM
Post by: SixthAngel on December 20, 2006, 10:22:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_BrotherQuote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel If you don't like a game fine, but don't throw out comments that you are in no position to judge.
Seven levels in, multiplayer, fooling with the level editor = roughly 4 hours total spent with the game and I'm not having fun.
How much more of this game do I need to force myself to play before I can convince people that I don't like it?
I never said it wasn't okay to not like it, I said that is fine and I understand that this isn't the type of game everyone will love. My comment was simply about you calling it a tech demo and a bargain price game when you have hardly played it. You said them mainly because you didn't like the game and not because they fit at all.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 20, 2006, 10:28:02 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 20, 2006, 10:53:40 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution Haha, not support in your book?
What exactly is entertaining enough about this game that people find it worth playing for more than an hour?
Picking up crap and moving it around with the Wii remote isn't so phenomenally entertaining that I could justify calling it a whole game.
This feels like it should be a PART of a bigger game with more depth involved, hence why I keep calling it a "proof of concept tech demo". The concept can DEFINITELY work, yes, but I would have been happy assuming that the concept works and not spending $50 to affirm it because I could probably buy a REAL game at a later date which includes all of the "gameplay" elebits offers and then some.
With THAT said, I will under NO circumstances yield on my warning to people who aren't 100% sure that they will adore the game already to rent it instead of buying it. $50 ain't exactly cheap and I DO feel as though I was burned on the purchase.
I thought Red Steel was a great deal of fun, but I was VERY quick to warn people that it's NOT a game for everyone and advised them to rent it. I will do the same here.
And this is PATHETIC support from Konami: the engine was essentially STOLEN, the graphics are bleh, the voice acting is awful and the levels were just slung together once the editor had been completed. Do you have any idea how little this game must have cost them to make???
I find myself in the ironic situation of hoping it sells well to bolster Wii support but at the same time being afraid that this will be the extent of the effort the think they'll be able to put into their games and still turn a nice profit...
Post by: SixthAngel on December 20, 2006, 02:21:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
With THAT said, I will under NO circumstances yield on my warning to people who aren't 100% sure that they will adore the game already to rent it instead of buying it. $50 ain't exactly cheap and I DO feel as though I was burned on the purchase.
Guess what? No one wants you to take back what you said. I explicity said it was alright to not like the game, yet you are acting like there is some crusade to make you like it. You don't like a game where the object is to catch small critters by exploring the environment. Good, but realize that other people can like a game. When you don't like something it doesn't make it bargain bin trash that is considered no support. Your opinion is not the end all be all. You made comments about your time playing the game and I made comments about how I hadn't experienced these problems (such as having to replay levels.) I'm done arguing now and I'm only going to talk about the game from now on in this thread.
I have surprisingly really liked the no gravity levels. They are so different from the regular ones because the object is opposite most levels. You have to catch the elebits and not move anything if possible because breakable things are everywhere. It makes powerups like the homing ray absolutely necessary but ones like the vaccum gun worthless.
The yellow elebits are great addition as well, forcing you to slam a large object into them in order to break them into smaller, capturable elebits. They are pretty much invincible until you can power up your gun enough to slam a good sized object into them in order to stop them from making noise or throwing stuff.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 20, 2006, 03:05:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel
Guess what? No one wants you to take back what you said. I explicity said it was alright to not like the game, yet you are acting like there is some crusade to make you like it.
You mean like this?
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 21, 2006, 02:32:31 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel Guess what? No one wants you to take back what you said. I explicity said it was alright to not like the game, yet you are acting like there is some crusade to make you like it. You don't like a game where the object is to catch small critters by exploring the environment. Good, but realize that other people can like a game. When you don't like something it doesn't make it bargain bin trash that is considered no support. Your opinion is not the end all be all. You made comments about your time playing the game and I made comments about how I hadn't experienced these problems (such as having to replay levels.) I'm done arguing now and I'm only going to talk about the game from now on in this thread.
I was replying to VG, not you.
But what can I say? I'm pissed that I spent $50 on an item which probably cost Konami squat to develop and attempts to make a game out of what is an applaudable object movement engine but still feels better suited as a subset of a bigger game which involves moving objects (I'm tellin' ya: Phoenix Wright Wii = WIN).
Yesterday, I FORCED another friend to sit down and play a multiplayer round with me. His reaction was the same as mine: cute game, but he thought the novelty would wear off pretty rapidly (I went easy on him, what with it being his first time playing and all, and he won).
I WANT to like this game: everything about it screams innovation and pushes gaming in new directions, but the novelty of moving objects around wore off after the second or third level for me and rapidly diminishes every time I try to pick it up again.
Know what? I think I'm going to buckle down and just plow through this game as fast as I can. Maybe it's one of those titles which doesn't REALLY show its appeal until 5+ hours into it (like Red Steel). Maybe I'll grow to like it, or maybe I'll be bitter and resentful toward Konami to the nth power.
We'll see...
Post by: therat on December 24, 2006, 04:58:07 AM
Post by: therat on December 25, 2006, 05:50:42 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 25, 2006, 07:28:17 PM
It's a neat idea, but still feels more like a concept game than a full game.
While playing Farcry today, I had to stop myself from trying to pick up some boxes and move them around like in Elebits, though...
Post by: Svevan on December 25, 2006, 10:26:51 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 26, 2006, 05:23:10 AM
I couldn't figure out if you were spelling something or not...
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 26, 2006, 05:28:00 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 26, 2006, 05:30:05 AM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 26, 2006, 05:33:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
I don't think he can, as it remains in the Elebits memory file.
I mean he taking a picture off of a TV screen or something.
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 26, 2006, 07:29:20 AM
It was a picture of some of the furniture scattered and tilted sideways.
Post by: Svevan on December 26, 2006, 09:35:15 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 26, 2006, 09:36:43 AM
Post by: rutledgek on December 26, 2006, 01:47:06 PM
Post by: Mario on December 26, 2006, 02:11:24 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 26, 2006, 05:03:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mario Thanks Smash Brother, you have convinced me to buy Elebits
You want to try the toilet paper level that badly, eh?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on December 26, 2006, 05:14:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mario
Thanks Smash Brother, you have convinced me to buy Elebits
This is perhaps the biggest irony in the history of forever...
I gotta save this!
Post by: Kairon on December 26, 2006, 05:20:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_BrotherQuote
Originally posted by: Mario Thanks Smash Brother, you have convinced me to buy Elebits
You want to try the toilet paper level that badly, eh?
S_B... as much as the game may be lacking, you making toilet paper levels for it makes up for all its flaws.
~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Keldryn on December 26, 2006, 07:38:20 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on December 26, 2006, 09:14:27 PM
Post by: NeoThunder on December 26, 2006, 11:32:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Hostile Creation
How is a 77.7% score low? That's just over 3/4, it's nearly a 4/5. I fail to see how that's a low score. It's a rental, at least.
(btw, EGM is the scum of the gaming journalism world. . . and that's saying something)
what the hell is this 77% crap
Post by: Smash_Brother on December 27, 2006, 03:58:07 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64 This is perhaps the biggest irony in the history of forever...
I gotta save this!
Nah, Mario's just being a prickly pear about it.
The irony is that even if he says he loves the game, no one can believe him now because the only alternative is to admit he bought the game to spite me and that it was a poor choice.
Though I'd advise him to go back and read my progression through this thread: I started out loving the game but liked it less and less as I played on and now I'm kinda lukewarm with it.
I've been hammering through the levels without failing any of them and that makes it tolerable, but like I said earlier, if I get to a level where I'm just 50w short when time runs out, that's likely all it'll take to make me quit the game for good.
Post by: TrueNerd on December 27, 2006, 07:00:35 PM
Seriously, this game IS Katamari Damacy. It's structured exactly the same and the thrills both games provide are very difficult to explain. I would guess that the fun here won't last forever, especially on multiple playthroughs, much like KD. But for now, I'm having a blast. Throwing desks and bookshelves around like a mad man is bliss. Also, having the best FPS controls on the Wii thus far certainly helps.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on December 27, 2006, 08:04:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: TrueNerd
I just rented Katamari Damacy: Gravity Gun and I like it. A lot.
Seriously, this game IS Katamari Damacy. It's structured exactly the same and the thrills both games provide are very difficult to explain. I would guess that the fun here won't last forever, especially on multiple playthroughs, much like KD. But for now, I'm having a blast. Throwing desks and bookshelves around like a mad man is bliss. Also, having the best FPS controls on the Wii thus far certainly helps.
I forgot all about that aspect, the FPS controls are pretty much flawless and really show how the Wii can change aiming in games.
Post by: SixthAngel on December 28, 2006, 04:11:27 PM
If anybody is interested in trying out my basic level I'll send it to you, I want to try out the wiiconnect24 stuff. I got the idea for the level when I realized that slamming objects into shooting tanks makes elebits come out. It is basically an arena I built where you have one object to use as club in order to stop the elebits from shooting you. I also put in some spectator elebits that watch the action from a distance and a couple of powerups.
Post by: Smash_Brother on January 02, 2007, 08:55:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution I forgot all about that aspect, the FPS controls are pretty much flawless and really show how the Wii can change aiming in games.
Speaking as someone who has played the other three Wii FPS offerings, the FPS controls in Elebits are slow, cumbersome and only passing acceptable because you never find yourself in a situation where turning around quickly is necessary.
The best FPS controls on the Wii currently are in FarCry with the camera sensitivity all the way up. FarCry's ability to stop all camera movement with the A button to allow for pure aiming is perfect, and Elebits would have GREATLY benefitted from such a feature (like if it were mapped to either the A or B buttons instead of using both of them to fire the gun).
I don't need to point out how much easier flinging objects around would be if you could lock the camera and thus not have to worry about accidentally moving the view around. IMHO, any game with FPS controls on the Wii henceforth MUST have the camera lock feature at the push of a button. Any other way at doing it just fails miserably.
Also, something occurred to me: imagine how awesome co-op, spilt screen multiplayer could have been in this game: you find yourself in situations where you need to use your gravity gun to grab the other player and move them to high platforms, past obstacles and through gauntlets of peril where a steady hand is an absolute must. I can see a level where one player must lift the other high in the air so that the 2nd player can grab hold of an object, then, they must maneuver that object to a location with both players performing in perfect synchronicity.
Instead, the mutliplayer is a laughing joke of disorganized chaos where every person I've shown it to has afterwards said, "No thanks." on the idea of playing again, ever.
I've played to mission 25 and I still can't see this game being worth it. It seems like Konami thought the novelty of using the Wiimote to move crap around would carry the game through repetitive and boring gameplay. VG said it best "Small doses".
Post by: segagamer12 on January 02, 2007, 10:04:05 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on January 02, 2007, 11:09:10 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: segagamer12
So is the game any good? I hadnt even looked at it because I didnt even ehar about it till a few days ago. Anyone who played it got a recommendation? and whats it even like?
It CAN be good if you enjoy these kinds of games, but I'd highly suggest renting it first to see if that includes you.
I THOUGHT it would include me, and a friend who's an electrical engineer and a massive puzzle buff who agreed with me that the game was cute but lacking.
Like I said, rent it to be on the safe side and put in a few hours. If you DO like it, it's not like you'll lose your save or anything.
Also, don't think you'll be getting a good multiplayer game out of this. It's fun to try once with 4 players, but then never again.
Post by: segagamer12 on January 02, 2007, 11:13:35 AM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on January 02, 2007, 11:16:00 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on January 02, 2007, 02:12:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: segagamer12 renting is NOT an option but I will pass based on the repies in thie thread after I read them all.
That's a shame because you could really like it but it's almost a coin toss.
As for my friend, he's brilliant and is a much, MUCH larger buff for quirky and bizarre games and after the first time I played Elebits, I figured it would be an instant hit with him but he came to the same conclusions I did.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on January 02, 2007, 03:24:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_BrotherQuote
Originally posted by: segagamer12 renting is NOT an option but I will pass based on the repies in thie thread after I read them all.
That's a shame because you could really like it but it's almost a coin toss.
As for my friend, he's brilliant and is a much, MUCH larger buff for quirky and bizarre games and after the first time I played Elebits, I figured it would be an instant hit with him but he came to the same conclusions I did.
Not sure how intelligence enters into whether you enjoy the game or not, there is no doubt many who really enjoy Elebits that aren't dummies. The trouble with using friends as examples of game tastes is we usually end up becoming friends wth people we have alot more in common when than we may even realize. I've never played the supposed "prequel" game to Elebits, so I am judging the game based solely off my experience. What I've found is a fun, quirky, relatively deep, hybrid game, that shows why the Wiimote can add so much to an experience. I can't imagine playing this game on anything other than the Wiimote, the pinpoint accuracy and the sense of actually being involved with what is going on cannot compare to what the Wiimote adds.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on January 02, 2007, 03:56:17 PM
I played SB's copy of the game during the week and I must say that while the game is cute it feels lacking and undeserving of the huge amount of love its getting.
Before anyone says anything, I LOVE these quirky games to DEATH, and I am a BIG fan of the first Katamary Damacy game. What I loved the most about KD, as I mentioned before in other threads, is how you keep progressing as you work your way through the game and the immense sense of satisfaction you get from it. I mean, it is almost magical starting out being even smaller than an ant, then creating a ball so, so big that you are able to plug whole islands as if they were mere lego pieces and rip Gods from the sky.
Having said this, Elebits provides very little of this. The game is cute, but nothing succeeds to capture my imagination. I'm just going through these stages picking up the creatures. Its fun the first couple of minutes, but after that I grow bored of it.
I personally think the game is too long. It should've ended on 15 stages or else. 29 is an overkill for this type of game. Even KD had fewer stages. The developers knew that gamers would grow bored of the rolling after a while and decided to end the game before it grew annoying. Konami, on the other hand, thought people would LOVE to play the same game for 29 stages straight. Again, they should've ended it at stage 15.
One other thing lacking very badly is heart and soul. The Elebits are cute, but I can't shake off my mind the fact that these are generic creatures created to capitalize on the cute critter craze in gaming nowadays. The whole game lacks the heart and charm of KD. KD had awesome music, great humor and an amazing self awareness combined with some life metaphors. Elebits is just...blah.
Oh and the voice acting is so bad it makes 4kids dubbing look like masterpieces.
The graphics are very weak as well. True, KD had that same flaw but what lacked in graphical power it made up in art and style. I am surprised that the game begins to slow down once more than 5 Elebits enter the screen. They seriously rushed this game and didn't take the time to polish it.
So overall, I would give this game a 7. Its a cute little idea done good, but it just feels lacking. It can get boring, repetitive and tedious in some occasions. Smashing crap and destroying public items just isn't enough to get me interested for more than an hour...
Post by: Rancid Planet on January 02, 2007, 04:36:48 PM
So everyone can just count on me using the words "crap game" instead. I find it a much more dead on balls way of categorizing any game that in my estimation...is crap.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on January 02, 2007, 06:47:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Rancid Planet
I think I have officially read the words "tech demo" enough now.
So everyone can just count on me using the words "crap game" instead. I find it a much more dead on balls way of categorizing any game that in my estimation...is crap.
Well, I didn't say the game was "crap". I think the term "crap" would be too much to describe the game. It may lack substance and depth of a full blown game, but at least its solid enough to keep it away from being considered truly awful.
I just saw SB finish the game (complete with an audience that was cheering him on
) and the ending raised the game's score to 7.5. The ending was definitely cute and touching, and the story was certainly cute and interesting enough. It should've been better voiced and certainly didn't need to be told through 29 whole levels but what we had was cute.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on January 02, 2007, 07:51:14 PM
Elebits has depth, it has charm, and it is a unique experience. See, wow, I can give an opinion too which is why I think people need to try the game out. I've never played played KD so any comparions to that game cannot be made, but if it was on PS2 and used a joystiq I can see me not liking it. What I was most impressed with the game is how it slowly makes you feel like things are progressing and not feeling like the same thing. Whether it be the more complexity added to the levels (I love the limits on breaking things, it adds something more to the game besides "break everything". The only part I have despised were the bad Elebits, which I found to be a pain and not very fun to deal with, besides that, no real problems.
I'll admit the music isn't great, but it is adequate, especially for someone like myself that doesn't give a crap about music in games like this (same with story or voice acting). Progression within the levels itself is a fun experience, I always get a warm feeling inside when a new area is unlocked or I can activate a device whether it be inserting an item or flipping the switch seeing what happens. Not only that but the ray gun power levels adds another layer to the game, and shares a similar feeling with me when I achieve power enough to start moving heavier objects.
Another layer of the game I enjoy is trying to be careful around the Elebits who can panic, alerting the others, possibly knocking over breakable items or making too much noise. It adds yet another strategic element to the game that avoids the repetition of throwing stuff around. The game has exceeded my expectations in the way of variety and these things are just a few of the areas that have impressed me.
Personally I cannot believe I'm hearing complaints about the game being too long, especially after hearing how it isn't worth the money. So would you be happy with less levels? Would that all of a sudden make it worth your money? The one area I would agree on is that the multiplayer mode is quite weak, and does feel thrown in. Besides that the game is fully featured from a lengthy story mode, to challenged, to an edit mode that utilizes Wiiconnect 24, to the average multiplayer mode. Not only that but it feels polished besides the slight framerate hiccups here and there, the physics are solid, Elebits are cleverly hiddon, aiming controls are spot on for pinpoint accuracy, and it has more variety than many "quirky" games. So in conclusion, don't listen to me and don't listen to the haters (most of which are friends), check out the game yourself, maybe even read a few more opinions from sources that are not as biased.
Post by: Smash_Brother on January 03, 2007, 03:19:25 AM
Quote
Not sure how intelligence enters into whether you enjoy the game or not, there is no doubt many who really enjoy Elebits that aren't dummies.
I just mean that you have to have a decent sized brain in order to enjoy quirky games. I've never met a slack-jawed idiot who was big into puzzles.
Quote
Originally posted by: VGrevolution I can't believe I am actually hearing complaining about the freaken voice acting, talk about nitpicking. The game isn't built around story, dialogue, or voice acting.
Actually, I thought the pictures were quite pretty and the ending was a nice way of wrapping the entire story up.
Honestly, I liked the ending enough that it took a bit of the sting of having to frantically charge around trying to collect 60,000w and my hand cramping up horribly.
That's the other issue which makes short bursts of play ideal: hand cramping. Repeatedly mashing the same button to collect Elebits basically turns this game into a button masher. Not in the Mario Party sense, but you do spend and awful lot of time rapidly pressing the same button over and over again.
If they make a sequel (and since they only spent like $30,000 developing the first one, I'm sure they'll bring out another), I'd want to see a scenario I mentioned above: co-op multiplayer with gravity guns to solve puzzles and no more collecting of Elebits (since they go back to normal at the end anyway).
There's so much potential for gravity gun puzzle solving that it would be a shame not to see it.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on January 03, 2007, 03:27:19 AM
Well, that's almost like complaining when a teacher gives your essay or paper a low score because you didn't spell check or wrote correctly. Just because the essay was very good and it was understandable it doesn't mean that it was written poorly.
It's true that the game isn't about the story, but that doesn't mean they couldn't have hired better voice actors.
Post by: Nick DiMola on January 03, 2007, 03:34:49 AM
In a way Elebits reminds me of Pikmin. The first Pikmin gave us a fantastic concept and an amazing game but certainly didn't explore it's potential completely. Pikmin 2 came along and really fleshed out the concept and took a B-C game straight to an A. I see Elebits doing the same with a sequel. A sequel forces the designers to come up with new ideas and concepts, and it the interim usually wind up creating a much better sequel. Without a doubt everyone should play Elebits because I think everyone who has commented thus far would agree that there is huge potential here.
Post by: segagamer12 on January 03, 2007, 03:50:20 AM
Flame me if you want but I don't like cute or quirky games, i didnt like katamary, pikmin or that chibi robo game which I thought I would but didnt.
I guess if people like it thats cool though.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on January 03, 2007, 05:47:35 AM
Post by: ShyGuy on January 21, 2007, 05:25:23 AM
If you have made a level for this, plz send it to me! If I'm not on your Wii list, PM so we can add.
Post by: zakkiel on January 22, 2007, 02:54:21 PM
Post by: SixthAngel on January 23, 2007, 04:55:06 AM
