Messages

151

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Let's talk about Nintendo Switch's online service...

« on: January 14, 2017, 09:28:17 PM »

Having your smart phone as an option for online is great idea, but it shouldn't be the only option.

Yeah, I haven't heard a good reason to do that.  Reggie justified it by saying that it would keep us from wearing bulky gamer headsets when on the go.  Apart from the obvious fact that a standard phone headset should work on the Switch, I wonder how many people will be playing the Switch online when they are on a train or whatever.  It would need to be tethered to the phone, and people will need data plans that allow significant amounts of tethered data.  That is very expensive, unless data plans exclude Switch data from counting.  I could see T-Mobile doing that as a promotion.  At least keeping chat on the phone will save a little tethered data.

My guess is that Nintendo just doesn't know how to do online internally.  DeNA may have been asked for help with an app that Switch software developers can access with a simple API.  The thing I like about it is that it could also work with their games on Android and iOS.  Pretty much everything else about it is worse than just having it handled locally.

152

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch/Wii U) March 3, 2017

« on: January 14, 2017, 04:01:32 PM »

It looks a lot like phone games when casting to a TV, but the art style is fantastic.  The price does seem increasingly nonsensical compared to other mobile devices I have, but not bad if you factor in an $80 controller set and a $90 dock.

153

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Which Nintendo Franchise Needs A Reboot?

« on: January 14, 2017, 03:15:51 PM »

It would be easier on the timelines and better (IMO) if Zelda games didn't each have a doomsday scenario, where Link must save the world from imminent destruction.  The same is true for superhero movies and anime.

You mean like Link's Awakening?

Yeah, that is a good example.  The only thing that rubs me the wrong way is the "it was all a dream" ending, although the dream seems to be rooted in some things of consequence to the Zelda world.  It might be worth returning to the Wind Fish in another game.

Speaking of Pikmin, a Pikmin collection, or at least Pikmin 3 for a low price, would be good Switch titles.  I generally dislike ports, but so many people missed the Wii U that it would be nice to just port every first party title if it isn't too much work.  The "Wii Missed You" collection.

154

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch/Wii U) March 3, 2017

« on: January 13, 2017, 02:33:02 PM »

If I can't afford to pay my preorder (dang Nintendo), it is tempting to just buy all those new Amiibo for now.  The Bokoblin one in particular is so cute.

155

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Let's talk about Nintendo Switch's online service...

« on: January 13, 2017, 02:30:52 PM »

Nintendo tends to make a mess of things when they get positive feedback.  It happened after the initial positive showing of the 3DS, after the NES/SNES era, and more recently after the Wii.  They become anti-consumer, or at least behave that way, and try to milk us mercilessly.  It usually doesn't work, and I hope it doesn't this time either.

This is referring to the presentation in general, including the console and accessory prices, lack of a bundled game, etc.  At a time when they should be humbled and seeking favor with customers as Sony did at the PS4 presentation, they went in the opposite direction and took the steam out of their comeback (and Steam is free).  They do have two incredible games this year, so it's not so bad.

156

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The Switch Dilemma: What becomes of handheld gaming?

« on: January 12, 2017, 04:15:41 PM »

I think the possibility is low, only because Nintendo can keep a unified ecosystem and release a cheap and compact Switch with the same capabilities in maybe a couple years.  Even cheap phones can already run relatively sophisticated 3D games.  I hope they don't split the market and instead take the PC-like approach of allowing games to run on a variety of hardware.  It does feel redundant with Steam, but Steam doesn't have Nintendo games.

I wonder if we will see a flood of Switch-like portable computers at some point, sort of like an NVidia shield with an integrated controller system, x86 processor, and Windows OS.  It is nice to see Nintendo leading the way again.

157

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switchmas Eve Rumors and Speculations Thread

« on: January 12, 2017, 04:02:06 PM »

My prediction is that they announce NintenDogsCats Switch in which your pet is a dog when you're taking the game on the go but magically switches into a cat when the Switch is docked.

I actually really like the idea of a game changing up like this in the docked vs. undocked mode.  It seems likely that Nintendo will have some lighthearted games that use that concept.  Rotom is basically a Switch, so that would be a good place to do it.  It reminds me of Another Story for DS, which cleverly used a lot of the DS features for puzzle solving, including one that required closing the DS hinge.  That one stumped me for a while.

158

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The Switch Dilemma: What becomes of handheld gaming?

« on: January 11, 2017, 04:27:26 PM »

To me, the Switch is just a handheld that has a docking feature.  The home console aspect is a marketing spin on a cool feature that is similar to what any modern phone or tablet can do.  It will likely miss out on most current-gen ports after the initial period, unless sales are so good that third parties are willing to downport.  More compact versions with a better battery life and lower price will come.  This is the Switch Phat.

159

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Which Nintendo Franchise Needs A Reboot?

« on: January 11, 2017, 03:53:01 PM »

I'm gonna say it one last time. Pikmin has the best story, so if you want to argue about ANY narrative, it should be Pikmin.

I acknowledge the Zelda timeline, but it's rare that the games actually build on one another, and when they do, it's often in a "this happened in one game before so we're bringing it back for this one" sort of tie-in rather than "THIS IS AN OVERARCHING THING THAT HAS TO HAPPEN IN EVERY ZELDA" and I prefer the former implementation. And honestly, getting all worked up about the Zelda chronology is time wasted in the first place, since every game focuses on telling a contained narrative anyway.

I do like Pikmin, so I won't argue with you there.

With Zelda, a lot of the canon consistency is subtle.  There are many small references to all sorts of things in previous games that most people would miss and wouldn't distract new players.  But, for those who are a bit too obsessed with the games, it is great and makes the world feel richer.  The only issue is when they throw one of these references in in a way that fans can recognize, but is just nonsensical fan service that contradicts Nintendo's own narrative.  Although, nonsense can be fun in the right dosage.

It would be easier on the timelines and better (IMO) if Zelda games didn't each have a doomsday scenario, where Link must save the world from imminent destruction.  The same is true for superhero movies and anime.

160

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Which Nintendo Franchise Needs A Reboot?

« on: January 10, 2017, 04:40:01 PM »

Interesting discussion about Zelda canon.  It reminds me of the issues people had with the official timeline in the Zelda book.  They laid out detailed reasons that it couldn't possibly be true.  For me, there is no problem with creating an underlying story that contradicts the older games in some ways.  It has to be done, because the old games were not likely made with the modern canon in mind and there would be conflicts regardless.

But, having a canon does make the games better.  The world is more immersive, and there are layers beneath layers that can only come with a long-form story being told over decades.  The same is true for TV, movies, and books.  With that said, I find deviations in post-canon games less acceptable.

Miyamoto has talked about being limited by story, but is it really so limiting?  I think that with creativity, developers can weave any new gameplay mechanics or dungeon designs into the Zelda world.  As with some other major franchises, I think they should have a small staff devoted to understanding the history of franchises and protecting the IP, similar to the teams at Disney or Ubisoft.  The developers wouldn't need to focus on those elements or just rely on memory.

161

Nintendo Gaming / Re: What Small/Niche Game/Genre Would Excite (Only) You at Switch Launch?

« on: January 09, 2017, 04:37:28 PM »

I would also like an Excite game, but the game that would excite the (only)est me would be a Faxanadu sequel.

162

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Rumors and Speculation Thread (Mighty Switch Force Edition)

« on: January 05, 2017, 04:43:06 PM »

The desire for wired internet is not about speed.  It is the shorter latency and better reliability.  I don't personally use it, but I can understand why it is a must for some people when playing certain games.

163

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch Launch Lineup - 16 Days

« on: December 28, 2016, 02:12:03 PM »

Splatoon makes sense in a way, but I don't think it has the broad appeal that could help sell consoles.  The Switch has a marketing advantage in that people will be taking it to work, school, etc.  While Splatoon is the rumored game and seems likely to happen, even a mainline Mario game would be more likely to get random people wanting to play.  Tetris was the perfect title for that purpose with the Game Boy.  Minecraft would actually be kind of logical.

164

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Do You Expect Third Parties to Support the Switch?

« on: December 22, 2016, 12:55:39 PM »

Everything you said makes sense, Kairon.  The 3DS was my favorite platform of this generation, and I expect that support to follow, with various console style games from big developers to see if it is worth it for them.  If Nintendo goes for the rumored $250 price point and actually makes enough of the hardware, the install base should be large from the first year.  The question is if there are enough people who are willing to take a hit in graphics and AI, plus lose their current XBOX/PS online system of choice, to have portable gaming.  If not, then it isn't much of a loss in my opinion, although it hurts the messaging that the Switch is a console first.  NVidia has done the work to make downports as easy as possible, and the Indie games that don't need much power anyway should come over.

In other words, I expect great third party support, but not a replacement for a PC or PS4.

165

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Rumors and Speculation Thread (Mighty Switch Force Edition)

« on: December 19, 2016, 01:57:21 PM »

166

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Official Sales Thread

« on: December 16, 2016, 04:13:56 PM »

Most of the games that I play on mobile are not free-to-play and they are all a better value for the content.  If it wasn't Mario, there would be zero chance of me buying a game like this for the price.  But, it's Mario, and I understand that Nintendo wants to set as high a precedent for price as possible.  Iwata was concerned about undervaluing games in the mobile space and hurting the market.

167

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Rumors and Speculation Thread (Mighty Switch Force Edition)

« on: December 15, 2016, 03:30:05 PM »

While everything seems consistent with the previous rumors, it is nice to see something more concrete.  The IR sensor having some vitality sensor functionality is floating around, with recognition of different people to auto-login and health functions.  The two gyro controllers and portable screen does seem practical for fitness games.

In terms of the X1 style architecture as originally rumored, I don't mind too much.  It is still a huge step forward for a Nintendo handheld, and I don't expect a lot of PS4 and XBOX ONE/PC ports anyway.  If they can get some of the main console games that would benefit from portability, plus all the handheld developers, it would be great.  This isn't a system to replace other systems, in my opinion.

168

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Good interview with Miyamoto

« on: December 14, 2016, 02:08:32 PM »

A physics based game where you have to build furniture for different shapes of aliens that would survive a Galactic Summit meeting without incident would be fun.  Later stages would involve more heated debates, with the aliens shifting and pounding on the table, requiring more stable chairs for their oddly shaped bodies with moving centers of gravity.  If the chair falls, it will be the last straw and war will erupt.

This interview clarified what makes me uncomfortable about Super Mario Run.  It isn't that the game is tailored to touch screens, that it is simplified, or that it is friendly for newcomers.  The quirky geniuses that make my favorite games looked with fresh eyes at how to make a platformer on a phone... and came to the same conclusion that nearly everyone else did.

169

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Official Sales Thread

« on: December 14, 2016, 01:55:16 PM »

Seems like Super Mario Maker for 3DS is doing very well, even with the missing features.

170

TalkBack / Re: Lego City: Undercover Switches From Exclusive To Multiplatform

« on: November 22, 2016, 05:44:54 PM »

Good to see Steam support.  The Switch might be the way to go with a game like this, though.

171

Nintendo Gaming / Re: NES Classic and Nintendo's futility trying to meet demand.

« on: November 14, 2016, 07:45:58 PM »

I would much prefer to play these games on something like a Retro Pie, but I am one of those bad people that just wants one because it looks like a little NES.  In terms of practical use, it would make sense for anyone too young to have grown up with the system.  Some games do hold up really well and are worth playing, while others might be considered filler to play for a few minutes out of curiosity.

Those Atari all-in-one joysticks were very popular a few years ago, and the games were much more basic.  If the NES version is similar, it will end up flooding every superstore and house goods store before people lose interest.

172

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch Launch Lineup

« on: November 09, 2016, 01:30:17 PM »

I hope the 2D Pikmin is more of a one-off, unless it turns out to be better than expected.

173

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch Launch Lineup

« on: November 07, 2016, 05:32:52 PM »

I would like Nintendo to take their time and make a Mario game that is large in scope, with orchestrated music and a lot of creative ideas.  They can always drop in a NSMB or 3D Land style Mario if they feel the need to have the franchise represented before then.  Plus, the inevitable Mario Maker, whether it ends up being a port or a true sequel.  I hope that it includes a lot of new features, but is able to load and edit all the Wii U stages.

The launch lineup should differentiate the Switch from other mobile platforms, with an emphasis on more traditional game styles that people can't find on phones.

174

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Rumors and Speculation Thread (Mighty Switch Force Edition)

« on: November 03, 2016, 03:51:12 PM »

It looks like we could be getting to breathe some wild soon.

175

TalkBack / Re: How Nintendo Can Sell a New Handheld Alongside Switch

« on: November 03, 2016, 03:48:42 PM »

In response to your first point, the rumored battery life is around the same as the 3DS and even better than my 3DS units have done in some real world cases.  It is poor, but that is apparently acceptable enough to people buying handhelds.

Otherwise, I like the idea, but see it taking a different form that will be much easier for developers and consumers.  Let the 3DS ride a while longer, with the Switch as the new focus.  It won't be long before a less expensive and more compact version of the Switch with the same capabilities can be made, and it can be marketed as the version meant specifically to take on the go.  It could even lack a dock, but all software would be compatible, so there would be no market confusion.

Over time, there could be a series of NS platforms, with the more portable versions being essentially a generation behind.  As with Scorpio or PS4Pro, the platform would be flexible enough to allow game compatibility across multiple generations.