Author Topic: Boom Blox Sequel Coming This Spring (Read 24175 times)

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #25 on:** January 29, 2009, 05:05:16 PM »

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on January 29, 2009, 04:58:11 PM

Quote from: Mr. Adolph Vega on January 29, 2009, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on January 29, 2009, 04:37:29 PM
Does the game even need Wii Motion plus though? It read acceleration just fine with the original.

it might work fine, but why not wait and update with it. Will people really cry if the game comes out in August instead of April ?

Seemed pretty solid to me. My point is that it really doesn't need Wii Motion plus. The only thing you use motion for is throwing.

Boom Blox is one of those games that could totally use Wii Motion Plus. The game was very hard on novice players specially in the Jenga style levels....I think Wii Motion Plus would provide much better accuracy for those levels...which needed more precision in the controls.

I agree, if they start working on it now, I bet they can get Wii Motion Plus control in for a June or July launch. Seriously...it should not be that much harder. After all the original game tried to innovate and push the control system why shouldn't the sequel.

D_Average · « **Reply #26 on:** January 29, 2009, 05:12:51 PM »

My only request is a new art style as those block monkeys are LAME!

NWR_insanolord · « **Reply #27 on:** January 29, 2009, 05:18:46 PM »

Aiming in Boom Blox is locked in with the pointer before the throw, Motion Plus wouldn't improve accuracy. It's totally unnecessary unless they completely change the throwing mechanic.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #28 on:** January 29, 2009, 05:29:49 PM »

Quote from: Spak-Spang on January 29, 2009, 05:05:16 PM

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on January 29, 2009, 04:58:11 PM
Quote from: Mr. Adolph Vega on January 29, 2009, 04:56:48 PM
Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on January 29, 2009, 04:37:29 PM
Does the game even need Wii Motion plus though? It read acceleration just fine with the original.

it might work fine, but why not wait and update with it. Will people really cry if the game comes out in August instead of April ?

Seemed pretty solid to me. My point is that it really doesn't need Wii Motion plus. The only thing you use motion for is throwing.

Boom Blox is one of those games that could totally use Wii Motion Plus. The game was very hard on novice players specially in the Jenga style levels....I think Wii Motion Plus would provide much better accuracy for those levels...which needed more precision in the controls.

I agree, if they start working on it now, I bet they can get Wii Motion Plus control in for a June or July launch. Seriously...it should not be that much harder. After all the original game tried to innovate and push the control system why shouldn't the sequel.

The Jenga levels use the IR though, it does not use motion controls which would not be helped with Motion Plus (at least I think they were all IR been awhile). I don't recall Boom Blox having any motion controls.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #29 on:** January 29, 2009, 11:34:04 PM »

It totally uses motion control. You have to PULL or LIFT the pieces out. If you flick up, down, left, right it will mess it up...Motion Control Plus would make this more accurate and allow you to do some crazy fancy maneuvers...

Jonnyboy117 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 30, 2009, 03:45:52 PM »

I honestly don't know how the grab/pull mechanic works... but it does seem to be more about IR than motion controls. Throwing is very much about motion controls, but it only uses the acceleration of your throwing motion -- knowing the true rotation (from Wii MotionPlus) wouldn't make any difference. So, I think MotionPlus might make a difference for grabbing, depending on how it is implemented, but it wouldn't affect the primary (throwing) part of the game.

Michael8983 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 31, 2009, 07:13:21 AM »

I think a third Boom Blox built around the enhanced motion+ controls would be a great idea but I'd rather see them improve upon the original formula first. The original worked so well because it was designed with all the Wiimote's limitations in mind. They'd have to go back and change the core gameplay to use the motion+ to its fullest potential.

Mop it up · « **Reply #32 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:04:15 AM »

I'm not a fan of the original game, I thought it was pretty mediocre and had numerous little problems which all added up to larger problems. I ended up selling it.

However, the game certainly has potential so I'm glad to hear there is a sequel in the works. If they polish up/remove the components which didn't work very well, such as the shooting levels, it could become something great. Oh, and axe those mop-awful characters, they were exasperating beyond belief.

If they added Wii Motion+ to this game then I hope it is optional. That accessory shouldn't be used for multiplayer-focused games; how many people are honestly going to have four of them lying around?

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:07:17 AM »

Quote

Oh, and axe those mop-awful characters

Coming from mop-it-up. Sorry found that funny (don't know why!).

I actually liked the characters in Boom Blox, they were goofy and fun. The shooting games do need to go though, that is the ONLY part of the game I disliked. In regards to Wii Motion plus, I sure hope companies don't limit their games to optional use of it. That would stifle creativity and design in games. Personally I do not think it will be a problem, just like the nunchuck is sometimes required in multiplayer games.

Mop it up · « **Reply #34 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:37:05 AM »

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on February 02, 2009, 04:07:17 AM

Quote
Oh, and axe those mop-awful characters
Coming from mop-it-up. Sorry found that funny (don't know why!).

I use "mop" in the place of "god". Nobody can be offended by such use of the almighty... cleaning tool.

Anyways, as for Wii Motion Plus: imagine the controller monstrosity of the Wiimote, Wii Motion Plus, and Nunchuk. That's an $80 piece of equipment that you wave around recklessly. Now, the Wii comes with a Wiimote and a Nunchuk, but if you want four complete controllers for games then you'll need to spend an additional $260. That's more than the price of the system. Nintendo passes off the Wii as an affordable system but then they tack on accessories like the Wii Motion Plus, which add hidden costs. $60 for a Wiimote and a Nunchuk is already a bit pricey, adding another $20 is ridiculous.

Nunchuk is a little different. You get one with your system. It existed when the system first launched, many people already have more than one, lots of games use it so it's something which is worth having. The game which Wii Motion Plus comes with may be something which lots of people are likely to buy, but you still get just one. People with no interest in that game will have to purchase the accessory (up to four of them!) separately if they want to play any game which requires it, and by the looks of it, not many will. Wiimote + Nunchuk is expensive enough, adding more to that is just going to make things worse.

Wii Motion Plus seems like one of those things which should either:
1. Have been included in the Wiimote in the first place, or
2. Have been held off for a few years when the successor to Wii is released.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #35 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:42:43 AM »

I actually think it is VERY likely it will come standard built into the Wii remote. In regards to the cost, that is true but still I"d hate to see games being dumbed down for standard Wiimote controls. The Wii Motion Plus opens up so many opportunities that I think it would be a travesty for it to be "optional" in games. Maybe Nintendo will allow 3rd parties to pack in with their games along with some other Nintendo games that could include it.

Mop it up · « **Reply #36 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:01:46 AM »

I truly hope that they do intricate it into the Wiimote, and keep the $40 price point. I guess they could do that rather than dropping the price. Packaging it with multiple games is definitely a good idea, as then it would be easier for people with older Wiimotes to get the device (or two or three). Having them be extremely cheap/free would also be nice. Most profits come from the sale of games, and people would be more likely to buy the Wii Motion + games if everyone actually had one... for free no less.

Also, I don't really know much about the Wii Motion Plus so I'm not sure how it can open up gaming possibilities that the standard Wiimote couldn't do at all. It's just a more accurate motion sensor, right? If so, then it seems all it results in is more accurate detection of movement, which would just make games easier to play with less errors.

If the Wiimote had two motion sensors, does that mean a game could finally contain... baton twirling? I'd love that!

KDR_11k · « **Reply #37 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:48:36 AM »

Quote from: Mop_it_up on February 02, 2009, 04:37:05 AM

I use "mop" in the place of "god". Nobody can be offended by such use of the almighty... cleaning tool.

May you be cleaned by his brushy appendage?

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #38 on:** February 02, 2009, 12:26:17 PM »

Well from what I understand it basically has more gyroscopes in it. In regards to games, pretty much any game that involves sword fighting would benefit greatly with it. Also I'd think games with more complex motion controls could be quite innovative. I see Wii Motion Plus as what Wii SHOULD have been in regards to interaction with games.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #39 on:** February 02, 2009, 01:23:03 PM »

The regular Wiimote has no gyros at all, it can't reliably track rotation (especially when it's being moved fast so it can't sense the gravity to determine "down" anymore). The reason it wasn't built into the wiimote right away was cost, these devices would have cost something like 10$ a piece back when the Wii launched, they've come down in cost by now.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #40 on:** February 02, 2009, 02:39:38 PM »

Quote from: KDR_11k on February 02, 2009, 01:23:03 PM

The regular Wiimote has no gyros at all, it can't reliably track rotation (especially when it's being moved fast so it can't sense the gravity to determine "down" anymore). The reason it wasn't built into the wiimote right away was cost, these devices would have cost something like 10$ a piece back when the Wii launched, they've come down in cost by now.

Thanks for clearing that up. All I know is that with Wii Motion plus you can almost get 1 to 1 control.

Mop it up · « **Reply #41 on:** February 02, 2009, 07:47:37 PM »

Quote from: KDR_11k on February 02, 2009, 01:23:03 PM

The reason it wasn't built into the wiimote right away was cost, these devices would have cost something like 10$ a piece back when the Wii launched, they've come down in cost by now.

I forgot, Nintendo likes to make a profit on every single product they sell. It isn't like they are making more money than any other game company so there's no way they could have afforded to sell one of their products at cost, or even a slight loss, nor would the cost of manufacture ever reduce to the point where it would have been profitable.

By the sound of it, the Wiimote can already do everything that the Wii Motion Plus can do, it just can't do it as well. As such, I see no reason why games which utilize the Wii Motion Plus can't also offer the option of being controlled with the regular Wiimote. Sure, the game wouldn't function as well, but people who don't have the accessory (or more than one for multiplayer games) probably wouldn't care. Since this isn't something which everyone will have (or have multiples of), requiring the use of it will likely result in less sales for that particular game.

NinGurl69 *huggles · « **Reply #42 on:** February 02, 2009, 07:58:15 PM »

Motion Plus allows the capability to track the Remote's location in space. The Remote by itself absolutely does not do this, and software intending to use Motion Plus for that purpose will either not support the plain Remote by itself or just disable the "bonus" functionaity in Motion Plus' absence.

Wii Sports Resort, non-plus version? Not happening. Get real.

Wii Play still sells. Resort will sell.

Mop it up · « **Reply #43 on:** February 02, 2009, 08:04:26 PM »

Wii Sports Resort comes with a Wii Motion Plus so there's no need for the option to use just a Wiimote in that game. Then again, you'll need four of the devices if you want to play multiplayer so maybe it is a good idea to include such an option. If the device makes the game better compared to the regular Wiimote maybe people would be impressed by it and go out and buy some.

Any single-player game which requires the device should probaby come with one or include an option for the regular Wiimote if they want the game to sell better.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #44 on:** February 02, 2009, 11:21:54 PM »

I hope Nintendo is smart enough to pack 2 Wii Motion Plus devices with Wii Sports Resort.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #45 on:** February 02, 2009, 11:23:18 PM »

Quote from: Spak-Spang on February 02, 2009, 11:21:54 PM

I hope Nintendo is smart enough to pack 2 Wii Motion Plus devices with Wii Sports Resort.

Do you think Nintendo is made of money or something?

NWR_pap64 · « **Reply #46 on:** February 02, 2009, 11:25:02 PM »

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on February 02, 2009, 11:23:18 PM

Quote from: Spak-Spang on February 02, 2009, 11:21:54 PM
I hope Nintendo is smart enough to pack 2 Wii Motion Plus devices with Wii Sports Resort.

Do you think Nintendo is made of money or something?

If they can pack a 90 dollar board and convince people to buy it I think they can pack two motion plus devices.

Mop it up · « **Reply #47 on:** February 02, 2009, 11:47:15 PM »

What if they offered two different bundle deals? You could get the game with one Wii Motion Plus for $50 or you could get the game with four of the accessories for $70-80. I might actually consider that if it were offered up.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #48 on:** February 03, 2009, 09:34:18 AM »

Mop it Up: I like your bundle idea, but realistically Nintendo will NOT be doing that.

The most likely thing is Nintendo will package it with a single Wii Motion Plus, but might have a preorder bonus somewhere for a second one free.

I would even settle for them allowing me to buy the game and buy extra Wii Motion Plus devices for half price when you buy them with the game.

UltimatePartyBear · « **Reply #49 on:** February 03, 2009, 12:54:56 PM »

Quote from: Mop_it_up on February 02, 2009, 07:47:37 PM

Quote from: KDR_11k on February 02, 2009, 01:23:03 PM
The reason it wasn't built into the wiimote right away was cost, these devices would have cost something like 10$ a piece back when the Wii launched, they've come down in cost by now.
I forgot, Nintendo likes to make a profit on every single product they sell. It isn't like they are making more money than any other game company so there's no way they could have afforded to sell one of their products at cost, or even a slight loss, nor would the cost of manufacture ever reduce to the point where it would have been profitable.

I think KDR_11k may be underestimating the cost a bit, but it's been a while since I read much about it. The Wikipedia article claims they were $30 in 2007, but the linked source doesn't actually mention any price. Still, most applications for MEMS gyroscopes are far more expensive than Wii remotes (such as cars), so I wouldn't be surprised. Also keep in mind that that price is for a single component.

Quote

By the sound of it, the Wiimote can already do everything that the Wii Motion Plus can do, it just can't do it as well. As such, I see no reason why games which utilize the Wii Motion Plus can't also offer the option of being controlled with the regular Wiimote. Sure, the game wouldn't function as well, but people who don't have the accessory (or more than one for multiplayer games) probably wouldn't care. Since this isn't something which everyone will have (or have multiples of), requiring the use of it will likely result in less sales for that particular game.

There are two big things Motion Plus means for controls. The first is obviously accurate tilt sensing. Currently, that's done by the accelerometer sensing the pull of gravity or the IR sensor watching the LEDs on the sensor bar turn. The former is a little slow and unreliable because it can't tell gravity apart from any other movement. The latter only works on one axis and requires that you point at the sensor bar. Technically, it's true that this is just an improvement on what the remote already does. However, that leads to the second, bigger big thing, which is enabling more accuracy to be gleaned from the accelerometer. With the tilt sensor telling you which way is up, you can predict how gravity will affect readings from the accelerometer, which makes it easier to differentiate one motion from another. This also makes it possible to predict exactly where the controller is relative to where it started (though I still think you can overwhelm the accelerometer with excessive gs, so it will require setting a home position regularly, as demonstrated in the Wii Sports Resort demos), a.k.a. one to one controls.

Quote from: Spak-Spang on February 03, 2009, 09:34:18 AM

Mop it Up: I like your bundle idea, but realistically Nintendo will NOT be doing that.

The most likely thing is Nintendo will package it with a single Wii Motion Plus, but might have a preorder bonus somewhere for a second one free.

I would even settle for them allowing me to buy the game and buy extra Wii Motion Plus devices for half price when you buy them with the game.

Nintendo giving a discount. Thanks for the laugh.

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Author Topic: Boom Blox Sequel Coming This Spring (Read 24175 times)