Having also just played Kid Icarus, I also have to disagree with most of what was said about it on the show. While I agree that the controls are awkward and unwieldy (which I really think everyone agrees on) it didn't significantly diminish my experience. I think the reasons I enjoy this game are exactly the same reasons somebody else might dislike it.
For example, the goofy dialogue and the chatter among the characters gave the universe a very unique (and in my opinion charming) flavor. However, I am fully aware that this style of humor is not for everyone and I will admit that it did get a BIT excessive at times, but I vastly prefer the constant conversation to dead silence. Because let's be honest, the gameplay is pretty repetitive and doesn't require THAT much strategy or concentration, so the banter between the cast (and the pretty environments) is truly what make each level unique and memorable.
I also disagree that the majority of the level design of the on foot sections is "bad." A few levels (such as Pandora's Labyrinth and that tower with all the wind currents) are very frustrating and I did not enjoy those very much, but those cases all have one thing in common: they try to shoehorn platforming into this game, where it really doesn't belong. Other than that, I really can't think of an on-foot level that I disliked.
saying it should have stuck with being a rail shooter is a stab in the heart.
Also this. Nintendo already has Sin and Punishment and Star Fox as their pure rail shooter series. In my mind, the inclusion of the on-foot sections really justifies this game's existence. Otherwise it really is just a Sin and Punishment reskin. And as someone who is largely indifferent towards that genre, I think I would have enjoyed the game significantly less if that was all it had to offer.
[/size] i got stuck on [/size]Dark Pit chapter[/color][/size], i forgot what to do here (i originally played it a year ago and i vaguely think i got lost the first time as well) and just roamed it back and forth.
Really? And here I thought one of the major complaints about the level design was going to be that it was
too linear. I mean, there are glowing green arrows pointing you in the right direction all the time. Although I believe there is an option to turn that off in the options, so maybe you did that and forgot about it?
Some other random thoughts:
There is a control option to use ABXY to aim the cursor during the on foot sections, which I found a bit more manageable, as it eliminated the whole "spinning a globe" concept that I couldn't quite wrap my head around. It's still slow, clunky and certainly not ideal, but I found it ever so slightly more intuitive than the stylus controls.
Ultimately, I've come to the conclusion that the reasons I like this game really have nothing to do with the gameplay. I think this game has certain intangible qualities that make it more than the sum of its parts (in my opinion at least). To me, it was about a goofy, quirky, lighthearted ride that was just an enjoyable experience.
I know as Nintendo fans, we're drawn to games that put an emphasis on gameplay, and we jump all over people who praise games like Heavy Rain and say "It's a GAME isn't it? Shouldn't it be gameplay first, everything else later?" Although such games may not be my favorites, I can still enjoy them for the things they do bring to the table. But again, it's all a matter of taste, and those same qualities that I enjoy may turn somebody else off.
BUT ANYWAY, I really enjoyed your appearance on Weekend Confirmed, Jonny. When I saw the picture on Facebook of you with the crew, I immediately downloaded the episode and started listening. A crossover between my two favorite podcasts?! HELL YES.
I hope they invite you back sometime, but with fewer other guests so you can be on the whole show. I also couldn't help but feel that their ignorance of Nintendo held you back from your full potential. Conversation on this show is the best when you guys can bounce off of each other and get into the minutiae, whereas on that episode, I couldn't help but feel you were almost educating the others on Nintendo.
Regardless, I thought you did well and I thought you were very composed. I was surprised at the end when you said that you were really nervous. I hope that you have convinced some Weekend Confirmed fans to listen to RFN now, so they can hear some really good, meaty, passionate Nintendo discussion.