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NWR Interactive => TalkBack => Topic started by: Pale on September 17, 2006, 09:46:50 AM

Title: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 17, 2006, 09:46:50 AM
Is the speaker in the controller a worthy addition?

Three games made use of the Wii remote speaker at the Wii Event last week.  It was the first time I was able to actually listen to the speaker without many distractions.  In fact, the sound from the television wasn't even on.  To understand exactly what it sounds like, imagine playing your GameCube with your DS in your lap broadcasting the sound effects.    


Overall the sound quality is the pits.  At times the speaker sounded as if it was being driven beyond its capabilities.  Crackling and popping was prevalent.  When it is used in a way that benefits the multiplayer experience it doesn't bother me.  Specifically, in Wii Big Brain Academy your controller will alert you about whether or not you finish a puzzle correctly.  This allows you to keep tabs on how your opponents are doing without looking at their section of the screen and adds to the fun.  When it is used in a single player game, like Zelda or Mario, it is incredibly frustrating.    


In Mario Galaxy, whenever Mario received something (coin, musical note, star, etc.) the chime came out of the remote.  In Twilight Princess, all sword sound effects (sheathing, unsheathing, combat contact noises, etc.) came out of the speaker.  The fact that the remote is directly related to Link's sword should mean this is a good idea, but why do I want to hook my Wii up to my home theater only to hear much of the sound effects coming from such a cheap speaker?  The hardware may not support Dolby Digital, but Pro Logic II is good enough to position the sound effects at the focal point of the room in a way that would sound a heck of a lot better than what I experienced on Thursday.    


My biggest fear when the speaker was announced appears to have been realized.  If Nintendo continues to overuse this 'innovation' I will only get more frustrated.  Developers, do me a favor and make using the speaker optional.

Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on September 17, 2006, 10:46:06 AM
Ack.  Yeah, I don't like where these cheesy, distorted sounds are going.... For $40 you'd think Nintendo would have a decent speaker in there.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: mantidor on September 17, 2006, 10:57:21 AM
My question would be how much of an audiophile is pale? I really don't mind quality a whole lot unless it sounds like a radio from the 50s. Still it would be nice if Nintendo offers the choice of putting all sounds of the remote into the TV. Having a choice is always a good thing.

Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 17, 2006, 11:02:54 AM
I'll admit I can be anal about sounds.  I would not be surprised if the speaker is IDENTICAL to the one in the DS.  If you think you would be happy having sound effects come out of the DS instead of your audio set up, then you probably won't mind.  I think it sounds terrible though.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Kairon on September 17, 2006, 11:37:16 AM
If it's good enough for the little handheld that could it's good enough for me.

Oh, but I agree Pale. I hope that when they DO put sounds on the Wiimote (ala your multiplayer example), it makes sense and enhances the gameplay (unlike the Mario Galaxy example?).

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Artimus on September 17, 2006, 11:56:30 AM
The DS has pretty good speakers!

But I do wish only pertinent sounds came from the speakers...
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 17, 2006, 12:00:43 PM
Time to cancel those pre-orders!
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Hostile Creation on September 17, 2006, 12:10:19 PM
Well I don't have a Dolby surround immersive sound system.  I just have a TV that has speakers no better than the DS.
So, doesn't bother me. :P
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on September 17, 2006, 12:41:18 PM
A surround system can cost as much or more than a decent TV, so I hope Nintendo and developers can work out the flaws and make the controller speaker a worthwhile feature.  DS speaker quality would be fine with me, actually.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: WhoDey on September 17, 2006, 02:16:23 PM
I doubt the controller speaker is meant to replace the sound from your TV or your surround sound system. It's supposed to just add a little, not replace anything. I doubt you are going to notice the quality of the sound when you are playing a game with the TV sound on. You said yourself you were playing without the TV sound on.  
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: PopeReal on September 17, 2006, 02:35:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Pale
I'll admit I can be anal about sounds.  I would not be surprised if the speaker is IDENTICAL to the one in the DS.  If you think you would be happy having sound effects come out of the DS instead of your audio set up, then you probably won't mind.  I think it sounds terrible though.


I think the DS speakers are just fine.    If that is what the controller sounds like then I'm happy
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on September 17, 2006, 04:44:03 PM
Considering you're supposedly able to adjust the volume of the Wiimote speaker, I'd hope vital sounds like sword swings would migrate over to the main audio channels.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Dax20798 on September 17, 2006, 04:52:06 PM
Wow, that is truly terrible.  So the sound of Link's sword clanging against a stalfos is going to be a little tinny, garbled "ting" from a speaker in a freaking remote control?  That seriously makes me ask myself if I want want of these Wiis...
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 17, 2006, 05:08:43 PM
Dear Nintendo,

The quality of the Remote Speaker is not satisfactory for high-impact sound effects.  Please remove this feature.


Hate,

The Internet
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 17, 2006, 05:34:00 PM
Oh Pro, I'm only asking that they make it optional so that I can choose to play them through my nice surround setup.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: PopeReal on September 17, 2006, 05:51:14 PM
On a side note, I can't wait to play the Wii myself so I can actually agree/disagree with the posts of the staff here.  All I can do is guess, as in IF the speaker on the Wiimote sounds like the DS speakers I will be fine with that.  But maybe I won't.  I don't know.  
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Ceric on September 17, 2006, 06:10:02 PM
Quote
Crackling and popping was prevalent.


Just like the original DS speakers.  I've been meaning to ask if they have fixed this with the DSLite.  But alas from everyone response I see they have not.
I'm one of those people who like my sound to be just loud enough that I can hear it.  So the DS speakers where a great let down for me.  If its not loud their crackling.  As it seems the problem wasn't addressed with the DSLite.  I have no reason to buy one (I'm fine with the size and the screen of my DS.)

If thats the sound the comes for the WiiPointer then yes it's a let down.  A great let down.  Heres hoping that I can pump those effects through my surround system or it's only used for indicating stuff in multiplayer.

Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 17, 2006, 06:32:22 PM
It's kind of a different crackling... imagine trying to put too much volume through a speaker that can't handle it...
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Blue Plant on September 17, 2006, 06:37:09 PM
If volume is the problem, would using the - and + buttons help any?  Or do those actually adjust the volume of the speaker?
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: IceCold on September 17, 2006, 07:38:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Dax20798
Wow, that is truly terrible.  So the sound of Link's sword clanging against a stalfos is going to be a little tinny, garbled "ting" from a speaker in a freaking remote control?  That seriously makes me ask myself if I want want of these Wiis...
I would normally accept that as sarcasm, but I've never seen a post by you before, so who knows..
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: SilverBack1138 on September 17, 2006, 08:20:21 PM
Ok, here's my own view.  The speaker in the controller is not the best quality but I don't think it's as bad as you say.  I think it adds to the immersion.  Are you sure that what you heard weren't sound bugs or the like?  I wasn't where you were so I can't vouche for what you heard, but I can tell you that from what I've used of it, it sounds fine.  Not great, but good for what it is.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Nephilim on September 18, 2006, 05:52:36 AM
funny this, i see people argue the opposite for HD

not every kid has surround sound or even stereo in there room, this is were wii will be played the most
Infact most small tv's are still sold with mono, so this is a blessing even if quality is low  
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 18, 2006, 06:26:35 AM
As I tried to get across, this definitely won't bother everyone.  In my particular situation (a situation in which I have invested in a very nice surround sound set) I am not willing to deal with a speaker of DS quality.  If you think you are in a similar situation to me, you will probably feel the same.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Dax20798 on September 18, 2006, 06:36:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceCold
Quote
Originally posted by: Dax20798
Wow, that is truly terrible.  So the sound of Link's sword clanging against a stalfos is going to be a little tinny, garbled "ting" from a speaker in a freaking remote control?  That seriously makes me ask myself if I want want of these Wiis...
I would normally accept that as sarcasm, but I've never seen a post by you before, so who knows..



You've never seen a post from me because I've never posted on this forum before.  And no, I wasn't being sarcastic.  Unless I interpreted the article incorrectly, it sounds like the sword slashing sound effects on the Wii version of TP won't be heard from a surround sound speaker system or from the TV speakers, but from a little speaker in the Wiimote.  The author of the article said that the sound effects don't sound so hot.  Unless the option is given to have all sound effects come from the main speakers and not the little Wiimote speaker, why would I want a Wii?  Plus the sword controls with the Wii sound, dare I say..."sparkling innovationy".    
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Dax20798 on September 18, 2006, 06:37:54 AM
Well, as you can see, this website won't even let me use the "g" word, instead it censors it out.  Cute, Nintendo fanboys, cute.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Ian Sane on September 18, 2006, 07:39:00 AM
I agree with those saying it should be an option.  I also think they should make better use of it than the examples provided.  A sword swing makes sense because the remote is your sword.  The sound should come from your sword.  Mario grabbing coins though has no reason to be on a crappy speaker since the "coin sound" isn't coming from whatever is in your hand.  It's just a standard background sound.

Considering how stupidly expensive the controller is I say get rid of the stupid speaker and see if that can save us a few bucks.  It's a minor feature anyway.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 18, 2006, 08:22:17 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Dax20798
Quote
Originally posted by: IceCold
Quote
Originally posted by: Dax20798
Wow, that is truly terrible.  So the sound of Link's sword clanging against a stalfos is going to be a little tinny, garbled "ting" from a speaker in a freaking remote control?  That seriously makes me ask myself if I want want of these Wiis...
I would normally accept that as sarcasm, but I've never seen a post by you before, so who knows..



You've never seen a post from me because I've never posted on this forum before.  And no, I wasn't being sarcastic.  Unless I interpreted the article incorrectly, it sounds like the sword slashing sound effects on the Wii version of TP won't be heard from a surround sound speaker system or from the TV speakers, but from a little speaker in the Wiimote.  The author of the article said that the sound effects don't sound so hot.  Unless the option is given to have all sound effects come from the main speakers and not the little Wiimote speaker, why would I want a Wii?  Plus the sword controls with the Wii sound, dare I say..."sparkling innovationy".

I also need to make it clear again that i could not hear the speaker from the tv.  It was muted.  It is possible that the sound effects come out of BOTH.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 18, 2006, 08:46:23 AM
Pale's trying to say the speaker was inadequate in his skewed play test, and removing the feature would be great cuz it would save Ian about $0.80 from the normal price.

GO GO NINTENDO TEAM
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pale on September 18, 2006, 08:52:48 AM
No, what I'm trying to say is that the quality of the speaker sucked and that if the game designers can achieve the same desired effect by sending it over pro logic II then they should as well and let me choose which one I want.  =P
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Pryopizm on September 18, 2006, 09:00:57 AM
Quit apologizing, Pale.  Many people do have speaker setups at home.  While some still play with their default television audio, unless they have a craptacular B&W set from the 80s, then the speakers are significantly better than that on the DS.  Anyone here defending the use of this "feature" without an alternative is the type that would accept anything Nintendo would give us because it is from the almighty Nintendo.  Obviously, since Nintendo is above reproach, the executives cannot make bad decisions (unless, of course, they admit to it later on) and consequently, this remote speaker is a brilliant idea on par with GBA connectivity.

However, there are those of us who can still be fans and realize when our team is doing something retarded.  
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Kairon on September 18, 2006, 10:25:43 AM
The speaker may turn out to be something like the dual screens in the DS.

It's sort of dumb to just use the second screen as a map (and the Wiimote's speaker as just another sound effect speaker). But if you can actually use the Dual Screens to real benefit, then it proves its worth. Many of Nintendo's DS games don't make exceptionally exciting use of the dual screens (for example, in Princess Peach the touch screen is just 4 touch buttons to select your mood), but every once in a while we'll see someone figure out how to do that right.

Likewise, I hope that someone will come along and make real use of the Wiimotes speaker to do something that couldn't previously be done, much like Pale's example of keeping track of your opponents in a simultaneous multiplayer game using just your ears so that your eyes can remain focused on the task at hand.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: couchmonkey on September 18, 2006, 10:26:21 AM
Yeah, but what if we don't think it's retarded?  So far I'm still looking forward to this feature.  But yes, it absolutley should be possible to control the volume on the speakers.

I'll admit that if Nintendo could drop the price of the controller by at least $10 by taking this out, then, yeah, I'd be all for that.
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Nephilim on September 18, 2006, 11:41:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
I agree with those saying it should be an option.  I also think they should make better use of it than the examples provided.  A sword swing makes sense because the remote is your sword.  The sound should come from your sword.  Mario grabbing coins though has no reason to be on a crappy speaker since the "coin sound" isn't coming from whatever is in your hand.  It's just a standard background sound.

Considering how stupidly expensive the controller is I say get rid of the stupid speaker and see if that can save us a few bucks.  It's a minor feature anyway.


your example for mario isnt very logical
the coin would be grabbed from infront of you, either head, cheast or legs.... were is the controller, well if u sitting down... infront/ontop of these
why is it a background sound? the noise of the coin is from your interaction!
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Rhoq on September 18, 2006, 11:51:46 AM
The speaker itself, is cheap. It probably costs Nintendo next to nothing to include in the Wii-mote. The technology used to receive the sound effects from the Wii console to the Wii-mote is probably what adds to the inflated price of the controller. I too, would be all for it's removal from the design. It's a nice feature in theory, but not necessary.  
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Viewtiful mario on September 18, 2006, 12:47:04 PM
What is with you people?  It seems planet gamecube always has something to complain about.  If it's not about the Wii not having HD support then its about the name being unpopular, if it's not about the name being unpopular than it's about the Wii's price or release date, if it's not the release date or price it's about controls in Twilight princess sucking, when they fix the TP Wii controlls it's about the speaker on the controller.  

Is it me or is always SOMETHING Nintendo's dong that they don't aprrove of.  It seems to me like none of you will ever be satifyed.  And that goes for the forum users too.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 18, 2006, 01:12:25 PM
You have to have something to complain about.

If not, Sony was very happy to believe you'll accept the $600 PS3.  
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: IceCold on September 18, 2006, 01:22:37 PM
See our slogan at the top of the page..
Title: RE:IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Viewtiful mario on September 18, 2006, 01:57:43 PM
Quote
See our slogan at the top of the page..  


oh, but still sometimes there's just no pleasing you people.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Caliban on September 18, 2006, 04:21:00 PM
Humans are made of wants and desires, therefore bitching is forthcoming.

Do I care about the remote speaker? Not really, but I am interested in seeing how it works.
Title: RE: IMPRESSIONS: Wii
Post by: Kairon on September 18, 2006, 06:33:45 PM
Didn't we have a thread somewhere where we were brainstorming intelligent uses for the Speaker?

~Carmine M. red
Kairon@aol.com