Messages

1301

TalkBack / Re: Twilight Princess HD Amiibo Functions Confirmed

« on: January 20, 2016, 12:44:20 PM »

Less concerned about the reward for said dungeon than the content that's being gated.


If it's just a room with waves of enemies that need to be completed before getting a reward, it's less of an issue to me.


If we're talking about a fully realized dungeon that is good game content and similar length, then I'm definitely not a fan.


All in all, I don't know why people are so flippant about concerns with how Nintendo's driving Amiibo usage.  I think they're given a bit of a free pass when they do something that other developers would get flack for.

1302

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NX Rumors and Speculation Thread (Your guess is as good as mine EDITION)

« on: January 20, 2016, 12:33:14 PM »

To me, there are two BIG distinctions as to why the Wii was a rousing success compared to Wii U flailing despite having some great games (arguably better) comparably.


1) Wii Remote motion control's tapping into a casual market that otherwise wouldn't buy a console.  I've always seen jokes about how the Wii was a console for babies, but honestly, it wasn't, it was a console for your parents and grandparents so they could convince their kids & grandkits to come over & Wii Bowling.


2) Price - It's clear to me that the Wii U would have had a much better chance of success had there been one base model at the $299 price, or more ideally, the $249.99 price.  That casual market has moved on (I assume Nintendo knows this too, given their foray into mobile), they're fine with the Wii, and the dedicated gaming market didn't find the Wii U tablet a compelling enough accessory to justify a price tag so close to the competition that looks better and has distinctive features.  You can either be a premium product or a discount alternative, there isn't room for middle ground in this market, and Wii U tried to have discount graphics at a premium price, using a controller as justification for that premium price that didn't compel customers.




What I worry about is that Nintendo hasn't learned these lessons and they'll make the same error on bullet two.  I expect I'll get hyped about the NX at E3, but I'm going to temper my enthusiasm and wait out the initial sales period, I'm just not excited by the NX like I have been for previous Nintendo consoles.

1303

TalkBack / Re: Twilight Princess HD To Include New Dungeon That Requires Amiibo?

« on: January 14, 2016, 04:31:33 PM »

This is the station I get off Mr. Amiibo's wild ride if that's the case.  Probably also my threshold for reconsidering how quickly I adopt Nintendo consoles/handhelds.


I get it, Amiibo is DLC in figurine form.  The problem has always been with the scarcity of amiibo, so which is less important when it's a mundane addition like costumes or character skins.


A little bit different when you're talking about a whole level in a game.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NX Rumors and Speculation Thread (Your guess is as good as mine EDITION)

« on: January 14, 2016, 04:20:51 PM »

Whoa whoa whoa, I'm not so sure that's the correct answer, here. Its a combination of having to make development sacrifices and loopholes for a system structured to do things efficiently in a very different way from more western-oriented philosophies, which eats up dev time and money, in addition to the system being weak, sales-wise. I believe the XBone's install base grew faster than the Wii U but they are not drastically different in terms of overall sales. Am I wrong about this?

To me at least, what you wrote is a longer version of [size=0px] [/size][/size][size=0px]"Will this port make us more money than other projects we could have our employees working on right now?".  That encompasses things like the cost of them working to understand added complexity of the Wii U.[/size]
[/size]
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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NX Rumors and Speculation Thread (Your guess is as good as mine EDITION)

« on: January 14, 2016, 12:54:47 PM »

To those expressing pre-umbrage at Nintendo's bone-headed moves: there is no solid information at all about the NX. The "rumors" are barely even that, with the most recent one haven been taken apart by people in that NeoGaf thread. Actually, the only real new information there is people mentioning that Nintendo has an especially harsh NDA for the new system(s) this time around.

Also, all this talk about porting gives way too much credence to developer complaints about the difficulty. "Oh gosh, it's just so hard! We can't do it, sorry!" I'm sure it's not as easy as porting between PS4 and Xbone, but it wasn't some crazy mountain to climb with WiiU (the guys who ported Darksiders 2 talked about how quickly they got the build running, there were plenty of other ports in the launch window), and it won't be either if the new console is Arm-based.  Third parties just don't want to do it. Removing the supposed hurdle won't start an avalanche of ports, as the publishers will just come up with some other reason or fall back on the old demographic standby. The reality is that the big houses are perfectly happy with three platforms: PS4/Xbone/PC.

Just to speak briefly to the bolded above - 3rd party developers didn't quit porting to Wii U because it was too hard.  They quit porting to the Wii U because the install base is miserable, and the financial incentive isn't there.  Even if the ports of 3rd party companies made money over the cost of porting it, there's a term called opportunity cost, meaning basically "If I Port this game to Wii U, what opportunities are we missing out on by using our limited staff to focus on this instead of maybe working on project A, B, or C?".


The question may be "will this port make us money", but the bigger and right question these publishers ask are "Will this port make us more money than other projects we could have our employees working on right now?".  And the answer to that is a pretty straightforward "no". 

1306

Movies & TV / Re: Official Star Wars The Force Awakens SPOILER DISCUSSION thread...

« on: January 14, 2016, 10:18:15 AM »

I got a chance to see the movie over the break.  I enjoyed it, and have no problem with it being an extension of the original trilogy.  I think the overall story works well enough, and I reserved my expectations a little bit before seeing it, so I was satisfied with the movie as a whole.  Also, so awesome that the battles felt like they had some actual weight to them, specifically the light saber fights.  I have a few nitpicks.


1) The dialogue was pretty bad sometimes.  One part that definitely sticks out is when Finn admits to Rey that he was a storm trooper that defected.  He goes on a long winded paragraph explaining his feelings and how scared he is, etc.  A bad case of telling instead of showing, and in the original trilogy, didn't recall many (if any) situations where these kinds of situations happened, or at least broken into an actual conversation instead of a monologue.


2)  Some of the relationships felt a little forced.  Namely Finn & Poe, after spending all of a few hours together, act as if they're reunited best friends when they meet on the Resistance's base.  Just a bit jarring.




Overall, the movie felt like someone's best impersonation/interpretation of a Star Wars film, rather than if episode 7 was made right after 6.  A story using the characters and locations in the Star Wars universe.  This is fine with me, it's unrealistic to expect that, just something that takes getting used to after watching ep 4-6 right before it.

1307

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 458: Auguratio Ex Japonicum

« on: January 14, 2016, 09:57:50 AM »

Dammit, Guillaume, this is a serious topic that will result in years of ridicule interesting discussion and retrospectives.  Stop making a joke of predictions!!  Take this seriously!

1308

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Let's Talk Amiibo!

« on: January 14, 2016, 09:52:36 AM »

Ok, I've made my first "just because it's there and it might be in short supply" purchase of an Amiibo with Shovel Knight.  Like the game, but didn't really plan on getting the amiibo.


I think i'm done with Amiibo for now until the eventual release of Ryu & Cloud.  My shame pile is too high at this point. (doesn't mean my wife won't buy this stuff, I guess).

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Weird controller patent... what do you think?

« on: January 14, 2016, 09:48:19 AM »

What I like: the idea of a controller where the button inputs & controls can change per game, and the limitation isn't based on what buttons are on the controller.  One game could even have several sets of controls, depending on what you're doing in-game (really, look at the pics in the article, pretty cool).


what I don't like: touchscreen command inputs.  Unless it's improved upon what my phone or ipad can do, I have no faith that precise movements will be possible on this style of controller.  Shyguy's probably right that this is no more than a patent for an idea they've toyed with.  That said, this could turn out just like the Wii U's gamepad where it's another obscure deviation from the other consoles that'll turn-off 3rd party developers from bothering with it.

No, that cannot happen again. Surely they have learned their lesson by now. Don't squash my hopes that NX will actually be something to get excited about.

NX will be something to get excited about if:


1) You're a fan of Nintendo and some other Japanese developers games[/size] that they have close ties to.
[/size]2) You're excited by the reveal of what unique functionality the "hybrid" console provides, with the caveat that Nintendo will be the only ones that utilize it well.
[/size]
[/size]They've been doing goofy stuff with their console like this since the N64 (what a weird controller).  Sorry if this bursts your balloon, but I really, really, REALLY don't have any reason to believe we're going to see a wave of 3rd party support on the NX.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: NX Rumors and Speculation Thread (Your guess is as good as mine EDITION)

« on: January 14, 2016, 09:42:42 AM »

Glad someone updated the thread title appropriately. 


I don't envy Nintendo's situation.  The path they've paved for themselves ("hybrid' home & mobile console) sounds like it could be as costly as some of the VR solutions that are coming out, but at least for Sony/Microsoft, they can ditch support of those & focus on their core consoles if they fizzle out.  This IS Nintendo's next core business driver.


That said, I'd personally be comfortable predicting the following:


1) The NX will at best get lazy ports of Western 3rd Party developers.  At worst, it'll repeat Wii U with being primarily being the Nintendo machine.  If it's the best case scenario, Nintendo will be the only company to utilize cross functionality between NX home console & handheld in a meaningful way.


2) Nintendo's strategy isn't to be the complementary console to Sony/MSFT.  They want to be the primary machine you play on.  They may get some sales through this market, but their aim is to be the main thing you play on.


3) Lower your expectations on how capable the handheld portion will be.  While patents aren't guarantees of planned functionality, these patents make it look like they'd focus more on flexibility of control options rather than a core experience.  I have no expectations for a handheld portion as capable as a Vita, and moreso expect something akin to a portable accessory you can take on the go and play mobile, RPGs, RTS, & other games that require less tactile input.  I'd also expect the handheld portion to be more it's own separate console & an accessory to the home console, with the NX home portion coming with a controller similar to the Wii U Pro.


4) I expect the NX home console to have hardware comparable with PS4/Xbox One.  The Handheld to have Vita-like physical presence with more an empahsis on the front touchscreen and to not have a back touchscreen.  From a cost point, There's no way Nintendo launches NX home console over $299 - a big draw other than the killer app of motion control was the relatively cheap price point of $250.  If they want people to own both, they better find a way to get the handheld sub - $200, or at least offer a limited time discount to those who purchase the home console.

1311

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Welcome to Mira!

« on: January 14, 2016, 08:45:58 AM »

I've dabbled just a bit in the game since getting back from a business trip.  I've plodded my way to the entrance of the fallen ship/colony.  Gameplay is pretty reminiscent to me of Final Fantasy XII (probably more current references than that, my most current one), although my time has been limited and I expect the combat to develop a bit.


Anyone have general tips for someone who will probably be picking away at this 1/2 hr - 1 hr a night?  Don't have the luxury of setting down a 2-3 hour chunk of time with my current schedule, expect it might make it difficult to make progress in this game.

1312

TalkBack / Re: Animal Crossing Amiibo Win Greatest Tank Battles

« on: January 11, 2016, 11:18:33 AM »

Gotta agree with the consensus here - Not sure Animal Crossing characters have the same fervent appeal of the Smash ones, especially with the 3rd party ones that have and will come out.


I'll defend Amiibo Festival as well, it's not a bad game, at least to the degree that Neal roasted it in his review.  I think it's largely dependent on who you're playing with and how tolerable you are to simple games that are largely based on chance more than strategy (although there are clear strategies you should employ in game to ensure your best chance at winning).

1313

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Welcome to Mira!

« on: December 21, 2015, 09:31:51 AM »

Curiosity got the best of me after beating MGSV last week, and I went ahead & picked this up at Target, was a little concerned if I waited too long that it'd be difficult to find a disc copy.


Anyone have input on how much time I should plan on for my first session?  Already downloaded the packs off the e-shop over the weekend, so all set with that.

1314

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Would you trade Bayonetta 2's exclusivity for a Wii U Rare Replay release?

« on: December 16, 2015, 03:50:23 PM »

Three thoughts about the funhouse:
1) Nothing posted there is meant to be taken seriously. 
2) Outside of that subforum, conversation is supposed to be cordial/respectful.
3) it's not the only place that people post, in fact, if I were to guess, the talkback threads & podcast discussions are probably the most lively places on the forums.

1315

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Weird controller patent... what do you think?

« on: December 16, 2015, 01:23:01 PM »

What I like: the idea of a controller where the button inputs & controls can change per game, and the limitation isn't based on what buttons are on the controller.  One game could even have several sets of controls, depending on what you're doing in-game (really, look at the pics in the article, pretty cool).


what I don't like: touchscreen command inputs.  Unless it's improved upon what my phone or ipad can do, I have no faith that precise movements will be possible on this style of controller.  Shyguy's probably right that this is no more than a patent for an idea they've toyed with.  That said, this could turn out just like the Wii U's gamepad where it's another obscure deviation from the other consoles that'll turn-off 3rd party developers from bothering with it.

1316

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Weird controller patent... what do you think?

« on: December 16, 2015, 01:16:49 PM »

Ok so that is a man with a widow's peak wearing a onesie and playing a horsey rising game on his Wii saddle. What?

The words you're looking for are "receding hairline". 

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Would you trade Bayonetta 2's exclusivity for a Wii U Rare Replay release?

« on: December 16, 2015, 01:14:38 PM »

Stupid question, even for hypothetical one.

Would i rather be slapped by a mackerel or eat a bow of ants?

Would i rather get third Avatar series or get a good Terminator movies for once since Cameron left?

Would i get a raise or move to better place in the city?

Woud i trade new WarioWare game for new Super Mario Galaxy? obviously i would

Boy, plenty of hostility for a benign discussion topic.  This is a discussion forum, there's a limit to how much Nintendo discussion on actual events can happen right now, and Soren posed a topic.  Nice dismissive attitude for someone who bothered to post on the topic.

1318

TalkBack / Re: Should You Buy Minecraft?

« on: December 15, 2015, 03:17:31 PM »

I'm one of the few people on earth who has not yet owned or attempted a game of Minecraft.  I feel like Mojang's strategy is more about full market penetration rather than porting to the Wii U & everything else under the sun because they expect a big boost in sales from a new audience.  Kind of like how doom can be ran on basically anything but a toaster.


That way, Anyone who has been living under a rock who'd want to try Minecraft would see they can get it almost anywhere.  It's a win for them.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Would you trade Bayonetta 2's exclusivity for a Wii U Rare Replay release?

« on: December 14, 2015, 08:44:49 AM »

Nintendo/Platinum's probably experienced what sell-through they're going to get from Bayonetta 2 at this point.  Your proposal I think would be very little lost on their end.  I'd be more curious what extra sales Platinum could expect from porting to the Xbox One.  Also consider I expect additional work would be needed to port it to Xbox One.
[/size]
[/size]That said, while I've been pining for Rare Replay, I don't know if my desire for the game is equally shared among the install base for Wii U.  It would be a feather in Nintendo's cap for what I think is an impressive library of games, but I don't know what kind of business sense it would make for either parties.
[/size]
[/size]Can't just think of "will this make $$".  You also have to think of the opportunity cost aspect - "what could I be doing instead of porting this game, and will that make us more $$ than porting this game that's a few years old?"

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Let's Talk Amiibo!

« on: November 27, 2015, 08:25:21 PM »

Picked up Modern Colors Mario today.

Me too.  Ike & Little Mac were all restocked at my local gamestops, so picked up a Little Mac as well.


All of them were in pretty good supply. 

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TalkBack / Re: Why A Theatrhythm Star In Smash Makes Sense

« on: November 18, 2015, 02:19:40 PM »

Is too many sword users some meme I'm not in on? What makes using a sword any different from using an arm and fist?

It might be a meme too, but I find several of the sword users to play very samey, especially since there are enough that are offshoots from Marth.


Yes, there are nuanced differences like where on the sword you need to hit, and some have more heft than others, but the movesets are pretty similar as well.

1322

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Let's Talk Amiibo!

« on: November 18, 2015, 02:16:15 PM »

I think the retro packs are still well stocked... most gamestops in my area seem to have them on the shelf still.

1323

TalkBack / Re: Why A Theatrhythm Star In Smash Makes Sense

« on: November 18, 2015, 11:53:16 AM »

I think the only bad thing about Cloud being in Smash Bros is that it adds yet another sword character to the roster.  He make sense as a representative of Final Fantasy, but I have concerns he'll be samey.

1324

TalkBack / Re: Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival (Wii U) Review

« on: November 17, 2015, 12:27:28 PM »

Fortune Street is a very good game.

Agreed. Didn't blow my mind, but it's fun and interesting - feels like Monopoly with a lot more that you can do around investments in different locations (even on properties that aren't yours) to make it more interesting. Shame the online portion won't work now.


You might also look into Dokapon Kingdom - after it got reprinted, I think that pricing went down to reasonable levels. Don't spend a fortune on it though.

oof....$41 used is lowest price on Amazon for Dokapon on Wii.  $25 for PS2.  Any discernible difference between the two?

1325

TalkBack / Re: Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival (Wii U) Review

« on: November 17, 2015, 08:26:28 AM »

I of course got it because of my wife's dual obsession with both Animal Crossing and Amiibo.  We played it last Friday, and I thought to myself "This would be a lot more fun if my boys were older than 3 and 1, and could play along".  I think this game like most party games has opportunities for maximum fun if you're playing with more than 2 people.


Neal is right - the board game aspect of it plays similarly to several other small child board games, although I'd say it's more like Candyland than Chutes & ladders.  There are certain choices you can make in-game during your turn depending on the "event" that's happening in your turn (buying tarot cards from the medium, as an example, gives you different things i've seen from rolling two dice, to a guaranteed 6 roll, and a few other variables). 


Additionally, each week you can opt to buy turnips from the stalk market, then during your turns that week, there'll be a "trending" price (High, stable, low) for turnps.  Each space on top of it's good or bad indicator will have a turnip price you can sell your stock at.  I leveraged this much more than my wife, and by the last week, had a pretty hefty bell lead, approximately 2,000 bells to my 10,000 bells (although Happy points are the game-winning metric, and she was ahead by a handful).



Then, as the last few days approached, my wife landed on a "good" spot, and the event that triggered gave her 90,000 bells.  90,000 bells!  (for those who don't know, it's 1,000 bells per happy point conversion at the end of the game).  Needless to say, a game I thought I had clinched got swooped away from me in the 3rd to last day, and nothing I landed on was enough.


This is a shallow board game, which isn't inherently a bad thing if you're looking for something simple (my wife likes the game a lot), but it's not what I want in a board game.  The Stalk market portion is the part that interested me most, but it's a small swatch of the entire picture.  I'm especially disappointed that there's only one map with the calendar differences being primarily cosmetic, if this review is true.  The texts & animations are all very fun/funny, and would be enjoyed by any Animal Crossing fan.  Best analogy I can think of is having a cupcake and just eating the frosting - what you ate is sweet & flavorful, but it's short & severely lacking weight that the cupcake would have provided.


Anyone have thoughts on Fortune Street?  This has whet my appetite for other video board games, but something more akin to an actual board game than a MarioParty game.