Messages

276

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Ducktales: Why did no one tell me?

« on: June 17, 2013, 09:12:56 AM »

If you don't own a Wii U, there is always Steam.  I am looking forward to the game, too!

277

Podcast Discussion / Re: E3 2013 Bringing the Home Team Back Together

« on: June 14, 2013, 06:06:54 PM »

Okay, TJ.  I should have been more specific.   :

For the first time, a Nintendo console did not have enough at or close to launch to make me buy it, or even be very excited to try it.  We didn't get the "next big Mario game" yet, or even an announcement.  We didn't get a price drop, though that could be announced later this year.  Retro's game was shown, and it was Donkey Kong.

I like DKCR and will likely get the sequel on sale at some point, but it is not a system seller.  I like Super Mario 3D Land, but it falls far short of a full marquee Mario title in my view, and just got tedious after a while rather than capturing my imagination like Galaxy or Sunshine.  It should be fun for mixed groups.  SSB and X are 2014.  It's just not enough yet for me personally.

But, at some point it will be.  It will be fun to jump in late and get the perks of having a lot of cheap games to pick from and special edition consoles.  I should have done it with the 3DS, but I bought it because it was a Nintendo system rather than waiting for it to be worth the price.  I guess that experience is what gave me the willpower to wait this time.

278

Podcast Discussion / Re: E3 2013 Bringing the Home Team Back Together

« on: June 14, 2013, 09:21:19 AM »

"a system that I'm just looking for an excuse to buy"

That is funny, because I think many of us Nintendo fans are doing the same thing.  It is hard to believe that I've waited this long to buy the console.  I expected the next big Mario game and a price drop this year, along with something from Retro, which would easily push me over the edge.  Instead, it is another year of waiting for next year.

Since I've waited so long, I can hold out for a price drop and special edition.  As an early adopter, I've never been able to get the fun colors.

279

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Mario Kart 8 Announced

« on: June 13, 2013, 01:18:36 PM »

This was one of the most visually impressive games, and is making me think of buying Mario Kart again after skipping 7.  The beautiful rendition of the Mushroom Kingdom and castle make me eager for the next full Mario title.  I am glad to see them putting effort into the presentation, in addition to the cool new anti-gravity gimmick.

280

TalkBack / Re: Wii Party U Impressions

« on: June 13, 2013, 12:58:28 PM »

I don't think I'll have many opportunities to play games like this, but it sounds like good fun.  If it is a bargain price, it would be nice just for the holidays when family members are around.

281

Podcast Discussion / Re: Connectibite: E3 Nintendo Direct Reaction

« on: June 12, 2013, 01:58:20 PM »

I agree with Zack that it didn't look very good.  The style was on the generic side, without much charm, and technically it lagged behind big games like Galaxy and Skyward Sword.  On the bright side, I think the new game has improved character design.  Like the first game (and seemingly reusing some of its assets), the backgrounds are more impressive in their complexity and attention to detail than in their design.

Regardless, I am much more excited for DKCR than for Mario 3D.  The tables will turn when Nintendo shows the next marquee Mario title.

282

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

« on: June 11, 2013, 10:58:19 AM »

It was a bit underwhelming visually and lacking in new gameplay, but I will buy it at some point for sure.  The style of the enemies and environment is more appealing to me than the Wii one.

283

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Super Mario 3D World

« on: June 11, 2013, 10:54:31 AM »

This was the biggest videogame-related letdown for me in years.  I was hoping for the next "true" Mario sequel.  This game looks like a good thing to pass time with on a handheld or play with a mixed group, but not a full 3D Mario adventure that the developers put their hearts into.  Ah, well.  I can only hope that the big Mario games haven't been abandoned completely.

I guess I will wait until 2014 to get the system.

284

TalkBack / Re: Rumor: Retro Studio's New Game is a New IP

« on: May 29, 2013, 01:46:56 PM »

I am ready for a new 3D Metroid, but a proper new IP would be much more exciting.

285

TalkBack / Re: The NWR Staff Chimes in on the Xbox One

« on: May 22, 2013, 12:51:16 PM »

The problem with Kinect for PC is Proximity.  The Voice the Items all could be achieved with a typical mic.

Some people, like me, have PCs hooked up to big screens and do not sit right in front of them.  Still, the new Kinect is supposed to work up close.  We'll have to see how it plays out in the real world.

In terms of the current Kinect, the version for PC use is redesigned to be able to work close ("near mode").  The bigger issue is that the original Kinect PC version is not very high resolution and geared more toward business use, so games were not made for it.  It would make sense for Microsoft to push this new Kinect as tightly integrated with Windows 8, since the interface makes so much more sense now than it did with Windows 7.

286

TalkBack / Re: The NWR Staff Chimes in on the Xbox One

« on: May 22, 2013, 09:28:22 AM »

I'm very glad to see the lack of backward compatibility with the PS4 and One.  It is not worth the compromise of sticking to an old architecture, and includes the benefit of cheaper and faster PC ports.  That could benefit all of us.

My reaction to the press conference was boredom.  They showed very little to be excited about, with the focus on media features.  Still, it's a new system and I have no doubt that it will be a good one eventually.  Like the 360, it may have a rough start.  They didn't show much practical use of the Kinect or the new controller, but hopefully both will work seamlessly with Windows 8.  I'd rather buy those than the console.

287

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Putting Content ID Claims on 'Let's Play' and Game Coverage Videos on YouTube

« on: May 17, 2013, 01:03:14 PM »

Youtube is so quick to take down things randomly, or incorrectly label them as copyrighted with no recourse, that I've been surprised that LPs have gotten this far.  For Nintendo to dissuade them in any way seems illogical.  When people watch them, including all the retro Nintendo games, the reaction is often to want to play them.  Some people put a ton of effort and time into them, which they can only do if they are getting paid for it.

I hope that Nintendo backs off on this.  In contrast, it is becoming increasingly popular for companies to send early games or demos to Youtubers for publicity.  This won't hurt Youtubers much, whether LPers or those that make other forms of content with extended clips.  They will just move to non-Nintendo games.  This will only hurt Nintendo.

288

TalkBack / Re: Wii U System Update Live in North America, Europe

« on: April 26, 2013, 04:49:25 PM »

Yes that was the issue.  Nintendo didn't leave any "safe zone" like every other electronics maker anywhere ever has done, so if you have a tv that can't turn overscan off you were screwed.  Thankfully it's fixed now. I've barely used my Wii U since it came out because of that.


Thanks for clearing that up!  The ability to turn off overscan is always the first thing I check on TVs I am reviewing or might purchase, and thankfully the majority allow it or have it off by default.  Still, a big oversight by Nintendo.

289

TalkBack / Re: Why the E3 Snub Is What We Should All Want 

« on: April 26, 2013, 03:04:08 PM »

I don't think we have enough information to know whether this is good or bad, but it should at least serve them better than the lackluster press conference they had last year.  It may hurt their image to not hit E3 hard this time, but will it hurt sales?  That is what they care about, and I don't expect them to spend the money just to entertain us.

From the perspective of this Nintendo fan, my only concern is the lack of the fun live atmosphere and spectacle of the big yearly conferences.  Nintendo Directs are better produced and convey information more clearly and with less fluff for retailers and mainstream press.  They will never rival the big moments with cheering crowds from the ridiculous live events, though.

So, a practical business decision that will likely result in a good flow of information to both retailers and us, but we are also losing something less tangible.

290

TalkBack / Re: Wii U System Update Live in North America, Europe

« on: April 26, 2013, 10:11:41 AM »

Do you guys have TVs that don't allow you to turn off overscan?  That is a pain.  I like overscan off in general, but particularly for PC use.  Overscan slightly zooms the entire screen, so it can also add a bit of blur to text.

I apologize if this has nothing to do with overscan.  I don't yet have a Wii U, so I'm just assuming that would be the issue.

291

TalkBack / Re: Hyrule Historia: A Timeline for the Trash

« on: April 24, 2013, 08:49:40 PM »

I like the timeline because it is a somewhat official way for us to think of the progression of the series and makes the Zelda universe richer, with a unified history.  I doubt that there is any proposed timeline that would avoid any contradictions.  Screenwriters seems to have trouble writing two hours of content without plot holes.  Rather than fret over it not being completely consistent, I choose to enjoy it and the thought put into it.

292

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Direct 4.17.2013 Megaton Round-Up

« on: April 17, 2013, 04:17:23 PM »

Nice roundup, and a lot of great games!  It is hard not to look at all the Mario and Zelda stuff without longing for a new IP, but at least the games are coming and they appear to be high quality.

293

TalkBack / Re: Batman: Arkham Origins - Staff Roundtable Discussion

« on: April 10, 2013, 12:50:35 PM »

I'm excited for both!  With Arkham Asylum, it was the first time I felt like I was Batman (outside of wearing the underoos), and swinging between gargoyles to quietly nullify enemies was thrilling.  Near the end of the game, the formula began to get a bit stale, which in turn made Arkham City a bit less enjoyable.  It was a refinement of the first more than anything.  Also, the dark grungy look of everything was fatiguing.  I look forward to seeing what the new studio has in mind.  The 3DS version should be at least decent too.

294

TalkBack / Re: People Will Eventually Understand Wii U According To Miyamoto

« on: April 09, 2013, 09:11:30 PM »

"That's not what Miyamoto is saying. It's not that games are good because of the second screen; it's that games can be better with it. That's what "I can't do everything I want to do if I don't have a second screen" means. He has a point. Ocarina of Time is a good game without a touchscreen, but it's a far better game with one."

I agree that is has been used well in a few cases, but as a whole, the second screen on the DS was not a leap forward ("It feels like going back in time to play without it!").  Unlike other innovations from Nintendo, nobody was rushing to copy it.  I would have been fine with one big touchscreen on the 3DS, though I do like how clean the clamshell design keeps things.  Having two screens might be more useful with the Wii U, since it adds an additional interface type (touch).

295

TalkBack / Re: People Will Eventually Understand Wii U According To Miyamoto

« on: April 09, 2013, 02:14:27 PM »

That picture scares me.

I don't think people think that the DS was good because of the second screen, or that the 3DS is because of the 3D.  It's all about the games.

296

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Satoru Iwata: Hubris versus Western Culture

« on: April 05, 2013, 11:44:00 AM »

I like Iwata and he has an amazing background in video game production that helps guide his decisions.  However, I have been a Nintendo fan long enough to know that he says whatever people want to hear.  The GCN and Wii were supposed to have amazing online infrastructures.  He said the same thing about Wii U, and I was surprised how many people were disappointed and surprised when they used it.  Nintendo always says that they have "learned [their] lesson," but they just do what they want to and are unwilling to give up enough control to work with companies that could help them.  Similarly, they always talk up how they will not make the same mistake with a lack of games after launch.  There are many messages or themes that they create in their communications that are purely manipulative (normal people think graphics on Wii are the same as the 360, etc.).

Iwata is the primary voice of a major company, and like any other large business he promotes whatever message will provide a positive image, whether it is based in truth or not.  I don't know if that qualifies as hubris or just a lack of morality in keeping with standard corporate practices.

297

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Battlefield 4 won't be coming won't be coming to WIi U.

« on: April 04, 2013, 10:27:34 AM »

I'm with Shingi in that I don't mind the Wii U being primarily a console for Nintendo, indie, and select Japanese games.  If a new Assassin's Creed or other big third party title comes out, I'd rather play it on a more powerful system anyway.  With Steam, prices drop fast, and even a modest PC can play games at a higher resolution, with a better frame rate, and with better effects than current consoles.

I don't mean to argue that the Wii U is too weak, but rather that it does not need to be the ultimate console, getting every game, to be worthwhile.  As with the Wii, it will probably be a great console with a very different library than the competitors.

298

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 331: Maskerade

« on: April 03, 2013, 01:45:11 PM »

Thank you so much for answering my silly VR question!  I felt deep shame after submitting it.  You had a lot of really good thoughts about it and I laughed at the idea of a gamepad helmet.  I had not considered the issue of motion sickness being more prevalent with Japanese people.

When I was imagining how Nintendo would introduce it, it was not with a FPS.  Rather, it was a Nintendo Land or Wii Sports type of game with asymmetric gameplay.  For instance, have the person with the Nintendo Glasses (what many of us fanboys wear year-round) seeing one view, with the other players seeing a wider view of the same area.  The other players might help ("Look up!  There's a spider!") or hinder, similar to the Luigi's Mansion game.  There are a lot of group games that could be played this way.

Also, imagine being able to switch to the camera on the glasses, which would show the person wearing them their surroundings.  A minigame might involve other players saying if they are pointing at the screen with their Wii controllers.  The player wearing the glasses can only see them when he is pressing the button on his controller, and the total time he can use the camera is limited.  So, if he uses it too much, he won't be able to use it again.  The player can win by correctly guessing whether the person is lying or not for a certain number of rounds.

Even if there is no way it would actually happen, it's fun to think of how Nintendo would approach a VR accessory.

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TalkBack / Re: Assassin's Creed to Remain Annualized Series As Long As Players Want It 

« on: April 02, 2013, 03:34:34 PM »

I think it is fine to come out with them yearly if the quality is high.  Once sales dip, give it a break and hopefully come back with a new take on the series once people are willing to give it a shot again.  I look forward to getting AC3 when it hits a super low price on Steam.  I enjoyed Brotherhood, which is the only one I've played.  The pirate theme looks like it could be fun, too.  The themed historical settings help each one feel fresh, masking some of the "sameness" that is so obvious in other sequel-heavy series.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Would you play a game for 50c...

« on: April 01, 2013, 12:47:32 PM »

I'd rather go with a rental model, where I get a certain time period (a month?) to play the game, after which it goes away.  There are very few games that I play more than once, since time is limited and there are so many games to experience.  Usually, after beating a game on Steam, I immediately delete it to clear the SSD space.

Paying 50c per play could work for demoing a game, as long as the save was kept and whatever money was spent could be used as a credit toward purchasing the game.