Messages

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Nintendo Gaming / OT: What do you guys do for a living?

« on: January 03, 2007, 12:42:31 PM »

I know it's a bit off topic - but I'm just interested.

The people that post here seem fairly knowledgeable, and seem to have a fairly in-depth grasp of the games industry.
I was just wondering if any of you work for games companies, as I do myself - and if so, what role you have there.  

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Nintendo Gaming / Why did Nintendo not give Wii Sports online multiplayer functionality?

« on: January 02, 2007, 01:54:49 PM »

The more I play Wii Sports, the more I wonder why Nintendo did not include online multiplayer functionality for the game.

Especially with games like Bowling and Golf - which are basically turn based games and would work perfectly over a network.
To have this game online, with scoreboards/leaderboards and tournaments would just have been massive I think. They just HAVE to consider this for any sequal they make.

Anyone agree?

[Smash_Brother]

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Nintendo Gaming / RE:The Unending Viral Chain?

« on: January 02, 2007, 01:16:52 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother

To date, I have yet to have anyone ask me "What other games does it have?". I know it defies logic from a gamer's perspective, but the Wii just doesn't need the help to keep selling to the non-gamer.

This made me smile, cos it's so true. I honestly think some of the 'older' people that I've had playing the Wii probably don't realise that it plays other games - such is the domination of Wii Sports. Wii Sports (and a quick shot on Wii Play) is the only game that other folks have seen.

I can see the point in stating that Wii Sports is somewhat of a demo - in that it's main purpose is to show the potential of the machine. But in every other respect, it could be classed as a complete game. I think the Golf alone could almost be classed as a complete game - there are only maybe three things holding it back. That is being able to select more clubs, such as different irons etc, more holes/courses, and the ability to control slice and hook properly - as well as being able to put backspin on the ball. Other than that, the functionality is virtually perfect. It's probably my favourite golf game of all time.

One thing is for sure, in Wii Sports, Nintendo have really laid some solid groundwork that should show the way to third party developers. I just can't wait for more Tennis and Golf titles for the Wii. I just hope they are implemented with the same level of quality.  

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Nintendo Gaming / RE:whats the big deal about virtual console?

« on: December 31, 2006, 02:24:59 PM »

Quote

And this leads back to what I said about Microsoft and Sony understanding the importance of having all their bases covered. I mean, geez, some of you are actually trying to convince me that online gaming appealing to only a certain demographic of faithful gamers is valid excuse to not support it. That honestly troubles me. It's one thing to not make hardcore gamers your primary focus, but this smacks of trying to cast them aside completely. "Online gaming is not something to focus on, only the hardcore gamers want it." When did hardcore gamers stop mattering?  And heck, I don't even consider myself a hardcore gamer. Just one that would like to see Nintendo work its magic with online.

I'm not sure why some people have it in for Pittbboi. As far as I can see, all of the points he has made are valid. The criticism is constructive and fair. Nintendo has done many great things with the Wii - but it's approach to online gaming as a whole is a complete joke. I was thoroughly disappointed with the online aspects of Mario Kart DS. What a total waste of an opportunity. A game like Wii Sports could also have been an online classic. Nintendo's stubborn view on security with regard to the friend codes etc just makes the whole experience incredibly frustrating.

Forget the sodding Weather Channel, forget the News Channel - they are a total waste of effort. They should be concentrating their efforts in providing a stable and usable online platform for games. This is no longer something reserved for 'hardcore gamers' - this is something that is very much the norm. Yes, your Grandmother is not going to be interested in online gaming with the Wii she purchased - but a huge portion of the market is. Nintendo have had YEARS to conceive an appropriate online gaming structure - and there has been 2 consoles from Microsoft in that time that have set a decent example on how to make it work.

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Nintendo Gaming / RE: Europeans: Get free virtual console points off Nintendo Europe !!!

« on: December 31, 2006, 01:00:27 PM »

This is good news. I have over 5000 points to spend. Thank God I wasn't tempted to use points on the exciting range of goods Nintendo has supplied in the catalogue up till now. Like wallpapers and ringtones! Finally, registering all those points doesn't feel like a waste of time after all.

Although, knowing Nintendo's pricing on the VC, there will no doubt be a sting in the tail. Like 5000 stars gets you 500 Wii Points or something like that.  

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Nintendo Gaming / RE: Now this guy has the right idea (concerning the VC)

« on: December 30, 2006, 08:19:14 PM »

The difference is that these games are already more than 10 years old in most cases! Surely they should have their 'Platinum Game' status by now!

But seriously, I hope you're right. I hope Nintendo loosen up on the pricing. VC games that are 3 - 6 months old drop in price, or you buy 3 get one free or the like. My instinct says that there will be no price drops in at least the first year, if at all.

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Nintendo Gaming / RE: whats the big deal about virtual console?

« on: December 30, 2006, 07:58:33 PM »

Yeah, games are more expensive over here. I think we often pay the same figure in pounds as you guys do in dollars. So if you guys pay $40 for a game, we pay £40  - which is unbelievable, since £1 = $2.

The Wii cost £180 over here, which is $360.

So yeah, you can imagine that with a price structure of N64 = $15, SNES =$12 and NES = $7.50 - you guys would probably not be happy either.

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Nintendo Gaming / RE: The Unending Viral Chain?

« on: December 30, 2006, 07:27:38 PM »

I agree with the viral marketing point. I personally have NEVER seen a reaction to a gaming platform as I have with the Wii, and I've pretty much been here since the start of gaming.

The clincher for me was when my Dad was playing Wii Sports golf when I wasn't even there. That is unheard of - my Dad has barely ever played a videogame in his life even with my encouragement, nevermind playing the game with his own free will and desire.

Add to this the fact that all my family members, including my MUM - who can't even work the TV remote - have all been playing the Wii and having so much fun, it's just amazing. Nintendo's vision of a 'family' games console has never looked so real and convincing. I never thought it possible to be honest. Add to this the fact that the console appeals to both hardcore gamers, and casual gamers - and it doesn't take a genius to see that Nintendo's gamble with shifting their gaming focus, has paid off spectacularly.

It's not all roses though. I'm not the kind of person to get too worried about the fact that the Wii can't compete with the High-Def abilities of the PS3 and 360 in the visuals dept - but it has to be said that some of the games look awful right now. I'd say some of them look comparible to an average looking N64 title. And I'm not talking about games like Wii Sports - with their simple use of the Mii characters - because I think Wii Sports looks great. I'm talking about games like Far Cry - with it's extremely low-res muddy texturing and frame rate slow down. Even Zelda's visuals are technically very average, although it still does have many moments of beauty. I'm not saying that the lower spec of the visuals is detrimental ALL of the time. But in a years time, when the second wave of PS3 games hit the shelves, the Wii  may well look pre-historic in terms of it's graphics processing abilities. And no matter how much someone argues against it - this DOES affect someones enjoyment and experience of a game.

If Nintendo had put a bit more emphasis on improving the tech of the Wii's graphics processing, I think the Wii would have been able to compete side by side with the PS3 and 360. But the reality is that it can't. The reality is that the Wii will, for the most part, assume the role of becoming most peoples 'second console'. With the PS3 and 360 battling for the same consumers, with very similar product - the Wii becomes a fantastic alternative. I just wish it could be a fantastic alternative that could run games that looked better than the Gamecube.  

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Nintendo Gaming / RE: whats the big deal about virtual console?

« on: December 30, 2006, 06:39:18 PM »

I have to admit, I also think the pricing of the VC games is too high. That has not stopped me purchasing however. I now have Mario 64, DKC, Sonic, F-Zero and Tennis. (Don't know why I bought that last one tbh) But I think I bought more just now than I normally would - because its Christmas, and I'm off work, and bored.

I totally agree with Pittbboi - in that there is still an overwhelming feeling that the purchases 'do not feel good'. In the UK - an N64 game costs £7.50, SNES/Genesis - £6, NES - £3.75. This is a little too high I feel. The pricing should be (at highest) N64 - £5, SNES £3.50, NES - £2. I think this would represent an acceptable pricing level, which still lines Nintendo's pocket in a healthy manner, but would reduce the feeling that you are not quite getting value for money.

Note - I actually still have my original N64 and SNES and all the software. But for convenience, and if the pricing was right, I would gladly re-purchase all my favourite titles for the VC. But I can't help but feel that the pricing leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth.

Even if Nintendo gave some discount to multiple game purchases, that would perhaps ease the pain. ie - Buy 3 SNES games get a NES game for free or such like. No doubt I will still buy most of my favourites, but I will also feel the need to gripe a bit about it.