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NWR Interactive => TalkBack => Topic started by: NWR_Neal on July 30, 2010, 03:10:01 PM

Title: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on July 30, 2010, 03:10:01 PM

Players will be able to watch the story's cutscenes in a two-hour movie-like presentation.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/23796

Metroid: Other M will boast a lengthy film as a special feature when it hits stores on August 31.

The film, unlocked after the game's completion, features all of the game's cut scenes and a few pre-recorded sections of gameplay in a two-hour presentation split up into DVD-like chapters.

"We placed just as much weight on enjoying the story as we did on the action aspects of this game, but it's hard to fully communicate a storyline in a video game with just one playthrough," said Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi in an interview with Famitsu (translated by 1UP.com). "At the same time, though, it's asking a lot of players to beat the game twice to get it all, so that's where the idea for that mode came from."

The emphasis on story is also leading the game to feature a more uniform presentation. "We're making this game so there's no obvious seam between the cutscenes and action parts, ensuring the player isn't cut off from the scene and can get into the story," said Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto, the father of the series.

Hayashi and Sakamoto also commented on some of the worrisome aspects of the game. Apparently the amount of hidden items will be the same as in other Metroid games, and he expects players to find around 30 percent in a normal playthrough.

The controls also came up, and he gave insight as to how the idea for Wii Remote-only controls that gave 'the latest in gameplay with the simplest of controls' came about.

"We had decided how many buttons to use from the planning stages, and I think Team Ninja went through a lot of trial-and-error with the controls, getting them right without increasing the number of buttons," Sakamoto said.

Metroid: Other M is hitting North America on August 31, Japan on September 2, and Europe on September 3.

Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Halbred on July 30, 2010, 03:18:41 PM
Metroid Other M: Existance!

It's a bizarre option, though.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Caliban on July 30, 2010, 03:22:54 PM
Cool.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Seacor on July 30, 2010, 03:25:08 PM
Very cool feature!  It's great when developers put extra effort into bonus/unlockable content.

I remember watching Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes (Gamecube) demo theater mode.  Although, I don't recall those being stitched together and I recall having to swap discs.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: broodwars on July 30, 2010, 03:28:18 PM
This really should be a standard feature on any game that puts a lot of emphasis on cutscenes.  I don't think even FF XIII had that feature, which was a little strange.  Still, I'm a little wary that the game apparently has so many cutscenes that it's necesssary to give them their own replay feature.  The quality of the storytelling had better live up to the hype.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 30, 2010, 03:31:48 PM
So it's just putting all of the cutscenes together? Sorry Seacor, but this takes almost no effort at all. This is one of those bonus features that the majority of gamers will MAYBE watch once, it's nice to have more bonus features but is not that interesting.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: King of Twitch on July 30, 2010, 03:35:01 PM
Wow, I can't picture any game needing 2 hours worth of cutscenes  :Q

1.5 minutes of recreating Super Metroid
10 minutes of Samus telling what a bad girl she was -- so naive -- so naiive and looking out the window
10 minutes of finding herself in Starfleet High School, the first naiive-bulemic-goth-punk girl in her class
10 minutes of explaining her Starfleet Bounty Hunting Academy years, aka Going Rouge

10 minutes of Other M's opening story
10 minutes every game-month to complain about cramps and wanting cookie dough ice cream
10 minutes in the middle, bad stuff happens, Other M sucks the power from the Light World's power generator
5 minutes at the end, good guy turns out to be the bad guy and explains his betrayal
15 minutes of end credits

---
I'm only at 1 hour, 21.5 minutes  :-\
 
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on July 30, 2010, 03:41:51 PM
Quote from: TJ Spyke on July 30, 2010, 03:31:48 PM
So it's just putting all of the cutscenes together? Sorry Seacor, but this takes almost no effort at all. This is one of those bonus features that the majority of gamers will MAYBE watch once, it's nice to have more bonus features but is not that interesting.

They also have bits of pre-recorded gameplay that might offer hints of how to alternatively attack a boss or find an item. It's a little bit more than what you're saying, and it says that in the story. :)
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 30, 2010, 04:11:44 PM
It doesn't say that they will offer hints on anything, it just says pre-recorded gameplay. You are assuming those will present hints of stuff.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on July 30, 2010, 04:31:52 PM
Quote from: TJ Spyke on July 30, 2010, 04:11:44 PM
It doesn't say that they will offer hints on anything, it just says pre-recorded gameplay. You are assuming those will present hints of stuff.

Hold on, let me update the story to include a quote from Sakamoto or the other guy about exactly that...
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 30, 2010, 04:49:15 PM
OK. With the updated story, I guess the mode is a little more useful.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Lindy on July 30, 2010, 05:47:36 PM
Metroid: Other M = worst game ever CONFIRMED
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: BwrJim! on July 30, 2010, 05:58:50 PM
But does it blend?
 
what i mean is, i would like a time limit to destroy.   Super metroid under 3 hours prime and so on..
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Mop it up on July 30, 2010, 09:42:30 PM
Quote from: NWR_Lindy on July 30, 2010, 05:47:36 PM
Metroid: Other M = worst game ever CONFIRMED
Have some faith or direct another website.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Sarail on July 30, 2010, 10:08:13 PM
Quote from: Mop it up on July 30, 2010, 09:42:30 PM
Quote from: NWR_Lindy on July 30, 2010, 05:47:36 PM
Metroid: Other M = worst game ever CONFIRMED
Have some faith or direct another website.

That should be the title of the next podcast.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: stevey on July 31, 2010, 01:51:50 AM
Metroid: the Other Metal Gear Solid

Behold the evolution of digest/super guide mode. (personally, when I replay the game I want to skip as much of the story as possible to get to the game and not the other way around)
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: KDR_11k on July 31, 2010, 04:13:06 AM
Quote from: Mop it up on July 30, 2010, 09:42:30 PM
Quote from: NWR_Lindy on July 30, 2010, 05:47:36 PM
Metroid: Other M = worst game ever CONFIRMED
Have some faith or direct another website.

This is Nintendo World REPORT, not Nintendo World Sycophancy. Negativity about Other M is widespread and I hope if it bombs Sakamoto is put under tighter limitations again.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on July 31, 2010, 08:58:46 AM
I also like how everyone took what Jon said seriously. This is the same guy who said "Man....**** Super Mario Galaxy 2" on the PAX Drunkcast and then bought the game a week after it came out.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Mop it up on July 31, 2010, 08:10:27 PM
Sarcasm or not, is it wrong of me to want to see a little enthusiasm for a Nintendo game on a Nintendo-focused website?
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Adrock on July 31, 2010, 09:09:40 PM
I really don't expect the story or cutscenes to be all that interesting, especially with total sh*t dialog and acting like "Mother, time to go." I'm hoping there's an option to skip the cutscenes for future playthroughs because I'll watch them once, but I'm buying the game for the some sweet, sweet Metroid gameplay.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 31, 2010, 10:25:44 PM
Quote from: Mop it up on July 31, 2010, 08:10:27 PM
Sarcasm or not, is it wrong of me to want to see a little enthusiasm for a Nintendo game on a Nintendo-focused website?

Sarcastically mocking the people bashing a game is about as close to being positive about Nintendo as Lindy gets.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Halbred on July 31, 2010, 11:36:38 PM
Quote from: Mop it up on July 31, 2010, 08:10:27 PM
Sarcasm or not, is it wrong of me to want to see a little enthusiasm for a Nintendo game on a Nintendo-focused website?

Oh, com'on. I gave Phantom Hourglass a 7.5 and think that Twilight Princess was a waste of effort. New Super Mario Bros. DS was the worst core Mario game I've ever played. We're not going to blindly cheer from the sidelines. We love Nintendo and Nintendo games, sure, but we're not GoNintendo, nor would you want us to be (I would hope). Besides that, I think we can all agree that Jon was being sarcastic.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Mop it up on August 01, 2010, 01:24:38 AM
Quote from: Halbred on July 31, 2010, 11:36:38 PM
Oh, com'on. I gave Phantom Hourglass a 7.5 and think that Twilight Princess was a waste of effort. New Super Mario Bros. DS was the worst core Mario game I've ever played.
The difference is that you played those games (hopefully thoroughly). Did you proclaim New Super Mario Brothers was the worst core Mario game before you played it? I sure hope not.

I'm not asking for blind opinions. If you have concerns about an upcoming game, then that's fine. But I'd like to see them voiced in an optimistic, "let's wait and see" manner. I don't want it to seem like your mind has already been made up before you've even played the game.

I don't know the staff personally. I don't want to know the staff personally. I shouldn't have to know the staff's personalities to understand their opinions.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: KDR_11k on August 01, 2010, 03:41:01 AM
Why the hell should people be hyped for something that looks like the developer completely misunderstood why people liked his games and is now pushing in the entirely wrong direction? Why should people here be dishonest? I'm disappointed because I get the feeling that the game won't be what I expect from a Metroid game and that Sakamoto wants to be a movie director (a job for which he isn't qualified at all) and shove his ideas down our throats. I'm rapidly losing faith in any non-Miyamoto designers on Nintendo's staff. Miyamoto's efforts to train others to replace him are failing.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Mop it up on August 01, 2010, 04:17:22 AM
Those are completely reasonable concerns. I'm not saying that everyone should be hyped, or dishonest, or not disappointed in what has been shown so far. All I'm saying is that I think people shouldn't declare the game anything until they've actually played it.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 01, 2010, 11:23:07 AM
Metroid: Other M = Best GAME EVER! CONFIRMED!

Is that better?
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Mop it up on August 01, 2010, 03:17:24 PM
No, it isn't. You're confusing enthusiasm with fanboyism.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Tennindo on August 01, 2010, 03:24:39 PM
Everyone can say there opinions.
wether its bad or good, WE as Nintebdo Fans will not know intill we play it. So for now we ar e basing our opinions off cutscenes and pictures.
Tbh I think it looks really cool, yet I thought The Last Airbender looked cool too and look what happend there. hmm.
So its not easy to mke ppl think what you think. Who knows hto it could be AWESOME or be FAIL
Eather way the topic is about the 2 hours cutscenes to make a movie, I kinda think thats interesting. but makes me think Metal Gear Solid 4. x_x
at least in this game its mashed up in its own Mode.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 01, 2010, 04:22:30 PM
To get back on topic and get away from debating just how sarcastic Lindy was being...

The idea of this is ok with me, but I'm also excited for the potential terrible writing in this game in the same way that I watch terrible sci-fi movies. I remain hesitant about the game's quality overall, especially after playing it at E3, but I'll be getting this in the launch window regardless because it's Metroid, and I've never really been let down by a Metroid game.

Note: I don't count Metroid Prime Hunters as a Metroid game. I didn't like the demo and have never had any interest in the game.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Mop it up on August 01, 2010, 04:43:58 PM
Quote from: NWR_Neal on August 01, 2010, 04:22:30 PM
To get back on topic and get away from debating just how sarcastic Lindy was being...
There wasn't a debate over that. Once again you misunderstand my thoughts, but you're right, it isn't important.

What is important is that people don't pass this game off due to its emphasis on story. The recent videos have shown that the gameplay is very true to Metroid, and it doesn't look as if it's going to suffer because of the inclusion of a story. I think it's refreshing that they're changing up Metroid and trying to create a more story-driven game than most previous ones, though I also do have concern over how it works out. But we won't know if it works or not until it's released.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 01, 2010, 05:08:30 PM
Yea, but I can speak about how the controls are shaky, and how the section shown was a bit unimpressive. I remember talking to people about Other M at E3, and almost everyone's reactions were something along the lines of "I didn't quite like what I saw, but this is the beginning of the game, and it probably picks up as it gets going."

I mean, we can hope it will be a quality game, but there are a lot of reasons to doubt it. We don't know if this will be true until we all play it, and Mop it up, you are right on the mark there.

Personally, I think Nintendo's handling of Other M starting in February has been poor. The fact that it was kept in such mystery, even after people played it at the media summit in February. The fact that they've only presented early sections that didn't really show much off outside of the story and basic gameplay mechanics. Maybe a vertical slice wasn't feasible for this game, but they haven't shown off too much to completely quell people's worries.

As far as I know, I think the game is being shown off sometime soon (if it hasn't already) in a more substantial form before the August 31 release. The impressions here might make or break the game.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Halbred on August 02, 2010, 01:16:54 AM
I will impressionate the hell out of the game when I get it.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: KDR_11k on August 02, 2010, 02:30:33 PM
Quote from: Tennindo on August 01, 2010, 03:24:39 PM
Everyone can say there opinions.
wether its bad or good, WE as Nintebdo Fans will not know intill we play it. So for now we ar e basing our opinions off cutscenes and pictures.

And statements of intent by the lead designer. He talked about how it's like Fusion and directing the player more to tell its story, that's not what I want from a game called Metroid.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Caterkiller on August 02, 2010, 02:37:52 PM
Don't worry Mop it... up! I already had high hopes for the game before I even played it or read those great impressions. I don't see how anyone is complaining about direction without realising this is where Metroid was headed since Prime 1 and Fishion. Prime 1, 2 and 3 gradually added more cut scenes, more voice acting, and NPCs to each game. It was only natural that what ever was coming was going to be big on story and heavy on voice acting. At least unlike Prime 3 the animation actually looks good for the humanoid characters. The way everyone moved around just looked laughable, especially Samus and ice man.

Just playing the game 2 weeks ago, I found everyone's voice acting to be just fine. I didn't think that "mother time to go" line was very good. But all of Samus' other dialogue seemed just fine to me. And it's nice to get some personality from one of Nintendo's core characters. If the game was Prime 1, or Super Metroid in 3rd person, it would only appeal to us and no one else. To see the Metroid Universe getting fleshed out even more makes mevery happy. I was glad to read Samus' thoughts in Fushion and was extremely excited to see a living walking Chozo in her flash back in Zero Mission. The thought of getting more of that is fantastic.

As far as gameplay goes, it's awesome! Control wise the latest builds sound much better than before, and we've seen awesome powerups. What more can you want?
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: behellmorph on August 02, 2010, 03:04:29 PM
I can't really judge the game itself because i havnt played the game yet.....but what I can judge is the sheer amount of annoyance I have got from all of what i have heard and seen so far. But i have so many things i wanna get of my chest so i will just do it all in a list:
 
1. The horrific emo dialoge, i always enjoyed the "strong silent" persona Samus has shown in the past, retro studiois proved that body language does all the talking like when gandrayda died and Samus couldnt do any thing about it and all it took was a clenched fist to show emotional termoil and I play metroid for the gameplay, not to her Samus the princess of emo just go on and one about her "tragic past", who talks like that? its forced, annoying and only serves to waiste time....so what I will have to put up with 2 hours of emo dialouge from a person whos voice sounds deader than megan fox's ability to act? HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!
 
2. The way on how the developers are hyping this game in rather questionable of intelegence sort fo way, like saying that teaming up with ninja is "unlike anything that's ever been done at Nintendo; it's more than just a collaborative effort -- it's one group working toward a common goal" for the love of of rubber duck chewing Ridleys that is stupid, by that logic all games nintendo has made in the past has been made by one guy. Every project has a collection of people behind it, regardless of the people behidn the core develoment this includes people who made the materiels which are used, in fact every project ever made is such, by speaking loudly like this i can only assume that nintendo is just trying to be dramatic but only suceding in sounding childish and ignorent of how development works.
 
3. The cheap look of everything, I never enjoyed which which focused soley on visuals, because any one who does ie Micheal Bay, has no value in content and credability in quality. All i needed to see was the card board cut out look of Samus's suit and the plastic federation suits oh and the duch on crack look they gave Ridley to know that these guys have no intention to keep consitency. If they are going through the trouble of keeping all the same items but using this cheap way of unlocking them, seriously by waiting for Adam to give the go head this is making Samus sound like a 2 dimensional thinking slave, why not keep the suit the same? Well no we have to see Samus with GIANT SIZED breasts
Seriously who thought team ninja was the right choice to let lose with Samus
 
4. The poor match up between studios, this is also a bit like the topic above when I mentioned bay. With the transformers films one reason why i found sucked was because instead of a good combination like Tim Burton and Danny Elfmen who both understand each over and thus get good results the same could not be said with the transformers films, all bay wanted to do was have sizure inducing fight scenes while the writhers wanted to tell a story, as such nothing worked, to much conflict and from all of what i have seen it is happening again with this game. All nintendo want to do is milk the fame and ride of super metroid and considering all of their recent games which seem quite keen to refuse to move foward it will be tough to convince me other wise, while team ninja want...I'm not sure what they want aside from flashing samus's parts for all to see. Like ninja wants many zero suit moments but nintendo will only let it be so if it works into the story, this is NOT good callobration between the 2 studios, its conflicting interests.
 
5. The real odd controls, i have no idea what is up them. I mean the wii was sold for its motion controls and all of a sudden they throw that out for a way to simplified control scheme? that will be a hinderence, when a game comes out I wish to get the most out of it but simplfying the controls is a good warning that the game will be to simple 2 and thus offer less
 
Well that should cover the basics, to put it short
never before has a game gave me this much doubt and head ache
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Sarail on August 02, 2010, 03:19:55 PM
You really should read some of the good impressions out there.  More recent reports are coming in that the game is coming along quite nicely now.  You're making way too many over-dramatic assumptions of something that just isn't true.

Calm down.  It'll be a good game.  :)
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: KDR_11k on August 02, 2010, 03:34:46 PM
Quote from: Caterkiller on August 02, 2010, 02:37:52 PM
I don't see how anyone is complaining about direction without realising this is where Metroid was headed since Prime 1 and Fishion. Prime 1, 2 and 3 gradually added more cut scenes, more voice acting, and NPCs to each game.

Why is "it's been coming for a while" a defense? I hated Fusion for it and didn't like Prime 3 as much as 1 because of it.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 02, 2010, 03:37:28 PM
I'm happy to see more positive impressions, but I'm still nervous. Just a little less so.

In case anyone cares, Zach is on the review, and we'll be trying to line him up with the review copy ASAP.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Sarail on August 02, 2010, 03:45:49 PM
Quote from: NWR_Neal on August 02, 2010, 03:37:28 PM
I'm happy to see more positive impressions, but I'm still nervous. Just a little less so.

In case anyone cares, Zach is on the review, and we'll be trying to line him up with the review copy ASAP.

Awesome.  I cannot wait to read what you guys have to say.  Should be fun! I also can't wait to get my grubby hands on this game, too! Ready to blow some Bottle Ship arse to smithereens! >:)
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: broodwars on August 02, 2010, 03:52:05 PM
The increase in story content only bothers me if it interferes with the flow of the game.  I'm more concerned with the egotistical power trip that the Exec Producer has taken forcing Wiimote-only controls on us, even when it hurts playability.  This isn't an issue of accessibility: the Wii comes with the nunchuck accessory, and quite a few Nintendo games use it.  Even New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which played on an entirely 2D axis where digital control is most effective, allowed you to use the Nunchuck if you wanted to.  For some bizarre reason, though, Nintendo is insisting on shipping this game with broken controls just because it can.  The game also seems to be structured like Fusion was, with a de-emphasis on exploration and organic design.  Fine, I don't have to buy it and I'll be quite content to sit back like the neighbors in "What About Bob?", enjoying the show as the game bombs in the marketplace knowing that Nintendo could have prevented it if they weren't so stubbon.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: Halbred on August 02, 2010, 04:37:18 PM
Quote from: NWR_Neal on August 02, 2010, 03:37:28 PM
I'm happy to see more positive impressions, but I'm still nervous. Just a little less so.

In case anyone cares, Zach is on the review, and we'll be trying to line him up with the review copy ASAP.

I've never reviewed a Metroid game for the site before, except Corruption, and that was just one of like three reviews, so it wasn't primary. The importance of this task weighs heavily on my shoulders. I cannot promise that my Metroid fanboyism will not creep into my review.
Title: Re: Metroid: Other M to Feature 'Theater Mode'
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 02, 2010, 05:23:01 PM
I will probably be keeping an eye on Zach's review to make sure it doesn't incite the internet in flames. In which case, I might do a second review. :P

Hell, if I have something different to say than Zach, I'll probably do a review anyway. I might have my doubts, but I'm still very intrigued by this game. It's kind of refreshing in a weird way to have a game shrouded in such mystery.