The whole XBox360 vs. PS3 war is just one giant 'line on a loo wall' contest. Sony's whole attitude ('you should be honoured for us to be selling this console to you for so little') gets my back up instantly.
Props to Nintendo for stepping back and doing what they know best, rather than getting into a 'next gen' fight. :)
Nice column and i agree with basically all of it. I think the Wii is just what the industry needs and will really start the creative juices flowing again. However i dont think that it will 'save' the industry so to speak, as the industry doesnt need to be saved. Despite the price the PS3 will sell, sell and sell some more this christmas because as soon as kids and adults alike see the sony badge they know what they want and they want to know how to get it, as soon as possible. Yes Nintendos E3 conference was great and made me think again about buying a PS3, but the average joe gamer wont have watched E3, hell most of the people who buy the PS3 wont even know what E3 is, so it really is down to Nintendo's pricing and marketing plans from here.
If they get out what they are trying to achieve and how the console really is for everyone, and that it offers something new, exciting and refreshing in the high street then it will sell for sure. They need to get reps into stores, posters, ad campaigns..and show consumers why innovation beats graphical prestige. They need to choose certain aspects to really get out there to the average joe consumer, they need to shout the fact that the whole Nintendo back catalogue will be available, attracting the parents who are buying it for their kids, or anyone who knows that Nintendo make great games for that matter. They need to shout about their new controller, how it works, how it will make games fun and involving, and why it is much more fun and much more geared for gamers than the competitors. If they get all this right they will succeed.
Originally Posted by Paradigm Shifter I wholeheartedly agree.
The whole XBox360 vs. PS3 war is just one giant 'line on a loo wall' contest. Sony's whole attitude ('you should be honoured for us to be selling this console to you for so little') gets my back up instantly.
Props to Nintendo for stepping back and doing what they know best, rather than getting into a 'next gen' fight. :)
I second that comment.
I personally would buy a Wii as a primary console and then perhaps one of the other two for the more shiney games. Although i own a PC so that would fill my need nicely.
instead, it focuses on how you would naturally move to perform an action. Not only is this just a whole lot more fun and immersive, it also drops learning curves incredibly, making the games become more accessible to everyone.
Though it may seem nice and easy to use real movements to control a game, some serious balancing will have to be done. Take a cricket game, would you rather press a button combination to hit the ball, or would you rather actually have to swing the bat? Which do you think is easier? Red steel features shooting and katana-slashing, but is it easier to press a button or swing a sword?
Don't get me wrong I am holding out every hope for the Wii, but I'm scared that it's just too big a jump to pull off successfully. I mean, it takes 4 gamecube controllers, the new remote and about three add ons for that. I appreciate the ideas but can you be bothered to fork out for a pair of 'old skoool' controllers, a gun-type one and the 'nunchuck'? Oh and then you can connect the DS too it as well! Not to mention the amount of configuring this will take on the players part... will we see games only compatible with certain controller configurations? And not just the odd light gun of fishing sim type of game either.
This is just an example of the ridiculously high standards Nintendo has set for themselves but in short: I'll wait until I've played one.
In reply to Skutbag, all the Wii addons, just adapt the remote.
The "gun" controller is just a piece of plastic that makes it held like a gun, so it's point and shoot.
The old skool style one, is again, just an attachment, the actual remote goes in the middle.
So the gun add-on will be tops of a few £, even if u actually need it.
I personally think that the way theu have Metroid using the numchuck is awesome, Allows a lot more freedom of movement and more natural. If anything the Wii could get the most flak from Games promote violence lobbyists as if will feel more natural when you play the games, your not as restricted by the controller.
lol, chuck norris vs. bruce lee type game with nunchuk's to dish out the damage. :)
Skutbag: I can see where your getting at but your missing the point. It's just all about fun and i'm all for it. You don't really need all the controllers and add-ons available and i doubt that there would be any sort of configuration needed on the player's part
I already own a PC for games, that I would probably play on a PS3 or a X-Box 360. So Nintendos Wii would be my first choice, to get some new playing experiences.
Nothing would be more fun, then to play tennis, jumping around in front of your screen, handling the controller like a racket.
With the site being very technology based, I usually seem to be reading how 'awesome' stuff like the psp and 360 is here instead of a little more exposure for the DS and Nintendo in general.
Make no mistake about it, the Wii had a massive impact at e3 while Sony had an absolute nightmare.
Personally I believe the Wii will take a huge bite out of Sonys market share in Japan, possibly even overtaking it. In the States it will do very well to but not as well as in Japan. Unfortunately however, I can't see the Wii having much impact in Europe but I hope I'm wrong and people here respond to the console.
I always said I would buy another console again cause my pc gives me all the gaming "pleasure" I need, but seeing the gameplay that the Wii gives it is the only console i would consider buying. The ps3 and 360 just dont have anything special that would make me buy it. Nothing that my pc doesnt give me that is. I'm used to not having the best graphics so I dont really care about that. I rather have a console that has innovative gameplay and that is what the Wii gives.
As for the selfdestructive part of your collomn, I really agree. After playing 3 GTA realeases I've really have enough and dont really need any more of it, and i just know there are gonna be alot more. And to be honest, I still like GTA 2 the best (is that the last 2d version?).
I'm still not sure if I'm gonna buy a console again, maybe when they are a bit cheaper, but I know it wont be a ps3 or a 360.
You make out that the name Wii will sell its console. I dont care what a console is called. I buy it for the games. As the 360 has alot of games I want and the PS3 does too, like F1 and getaway and I will be buying them.
Unless there are games on the Wii I would like to play, the name does not do anything for me. The Wii is just a novelty which will wear off not long after its released.
At the moment I have a Game cube I havnt played on since I bought it 2 years ago (lasteted a couple of hours). A PS2 I not played on in 1 year and a Xbox I not played on in 1 year.
End of the day I dont have time for consoles anymore as my PC games take up most the time and are far supperior and fun :) A fancy controller on the Wii wont stop me playing BF2 and Guildwars :)
After playing 3 GTA realeases I've really have enough and dont really need any more of it, and i just know there are gonna be alot more. And to be honest, I still like GTA 2 the best (is that the last 2d version?).
And a 100th release of Mario, Zelda and Metroid Prime does do it for you???
Its about time they shot Mario and made something new.
Originally Posted by atanum141 Subarishi!!!! (means wonderfull)
Subarashi desu. Hey if you're gonna speak japanese spell it right!
As for the 100th release of Mario and company, the difference with Mario games is that each Mario is significantly different. The newer GTA games are just the same thing with different clothes in a different town and a few minor additions.
Very well-written article with a great perspective - I hadn't thought of that at all. It's this sort of stuff that makes me read bit-tech over other gaming/hardware sites :)
I agree that the Wii is going to be a really fun console, and I'll be getting one on release to go with my 360, but Im afraid the bit about the violent game names for Playstation and Xbox is ridiculous. What about the Resident Evil series on Gamecube?
I agree on the innovation side however, I don't see what all the fuss is about violence in games. In my opinion it's a good thing as it provides release without actually hurting anyone. Can anybody honestly say that a good frag fest in Quake or CS or any other similar game doesn't make you feel better after a long day at the office/school. I know it helps me. So before we engage in evangelistic violence-bashing let us stop and consider some of the advantages.
Funfactor is what it's all about. I just beat Final Fantasy Tactics and that was a cool game. It's funny sitting right next to a 2000 dollar computer and playing PSone games. Will there ever be another game like fallout? Starcraft? Command and conquer?
Everyone has a top 10 gaming list and I assure you most of the titles are 2D....
The Wii is just like the gamecube but with Wifi and a broader format. Is any one else suprised they won't make the jump to hi-def?
Originally Posted by Nature The Wii is just like the gamecube but with Wifi and a broader format. Is any one else suprised they won't make the jump to hi-def?
Wait wait, you say they're focusing on us, but at the same time taking out the agression? I liked that part. :(
TBH, I won't be buying any game consoles. I have a PS2 which I regret buying (but at least I can use that as a DVD player), and I have a NES, which from time to time I still play. That's good enough for me, I don't know why we need new consoles. Just like I don't understand why we need a new Windows... come on, we're not done fixing XP yet! The best games have always been on computers.
Originally Posted by eddtox I agree on the innovation side however, I don't see what all the fuss is about violence in games. In my opinion it's a good thing as it provides release without actually hurting anyone. Can anybody honestly say that a good frag fest in Quake or CS or any other similar game doesn't make you feel better after a long day at the office/school. I know it helps me. So before we engage in evangelistic violence-bashing let us stop and consider some of the advantages.
-ed out
I just wanted to comment on this really quick...please note my disclaimer on not being a Jack Thompson idiot parade believer! I'm talking about marketing tactic here, nothing about the violence. It's about the aggression, and much of that aggression is subtext (hence why I mentioned about the X and its semantic issues). I'm simply pointing out that much of videogame marketing ploys play into our alpha-male tendancies. :)
Just wanted to clear that up...there was no intention for evangelical violence-bashing; simply a note on the level of advertising tactic that focuses on our aggressive tendancies.
Comments 1 to 25 of 47
The whole XBox360 vs. PS3 war is just one giant 'line on a loo wall' contest. Sony's whole attitude ('you should be honoured for us to be selling this console to you for so little') gets my back up instantly.
Props to Nintendo for stepping back and doing what they know best, rather than getting into a 'next gen' fight. :)
If they get out what they are trying to achieve and how the console really is for everyone, and that it offers something new, exciting and refreshing in the high street then it will sell for sure. They need to get reps into stores, posters, ad campaigns..and show consumers why innovation beats graphical prestige. They need to choose certain aspects to really get out there to the average joe consumer, they need to shout the fact that the whole Nintendo back catalogue will be available, attracting the parents who are buying it for their kids, or anyone who knows that Nintendo make great games for that matter. They need to shout about their new controller, how it works, how it will make games fun and involving, and why it is much more fun and much more geared for gamers than the competitors. If they get all this right they will succeed.
Ice
I second that comment.
I personally would buy a Wii as a primary console and then perhaps one of the other two for the more shiney games. Although i own a PC so that would fill my need nicely.
Though it may seem nice and easy to use real movements to control a game, some serious balancing will have to be done. Take a cricket game, would you rather press a button combination to hit the ball, or would you rather actually have to swing the bat? Which do you think is easier? Red steel features shooting and katana-slashing, but is it easier to press a button or swing a sword?
Don't get me wrong I am holding out every hope for the Wii, but I'm scared that it's just too big a jump to pull off successfully. I mean, it takes 4 gamecube controllers, the new remote and about three add ons for that. I appreciate the ideas but can you be bothered to fork out for a pair of 'old skoool' controllers, a gun-type one and the 'nunchuck'? Oh and then you can connect the DS too it as well! Not to mention the amount of configuring this will take on the players part... will we see games only compatible with certain controller configurations? And not just the odd light gun of fishing sim type of game either.
This is just an example of the ridiculously high standards Nintendo has set for themselves but in short: I'll wait until I've played one.
Depends how hot she is tbh, and if it indeed does end up a "2 way street".
The "gun" controller is just a piece of plastic that makes it held like a gun, so it's point and shoot.
The old skool style one, is again, just an attachment, the actual remote goes in the middle.
So the gun add-on will be tops of a few £, even if u actually need it.
I personally think that the way theu have Metroid using the numchuck is awesome, Allows a lot more freedom of movement and more natural. If anything the Wii could get the most flak from Games promote violence lobbyists as if will feel more natural when you play the games, your not as restricted by the controller.
Skutbag: I can see where your getting at but your missing the point. It's just all about fun and i'm all for it. You don't really need all the controllers and add-ons available and i doubt that there would be any sort of configuration needed on the player's part
I think I shall get one of these wii's.. first console ever :O
"a kinky bondage club where a leather-clad Sony rep with a whip asks us to lick her controller."
yes please ;)
Nothing would be more fun, then to play tennis, jumping around in front of your screen, handling the controller like a racket.
I really want one!
With the site being very technology based, I usually seem to be reading how 'awesome' stuff like the psp and 360 is here instead of a little more exposure for the DS and Nintendo in general.
Make no mistake about it, the Wii had a massive impact at e3 while Sony had an absolute nightmare.
Personally I believe the Wii will take a huge bite out of Sonys market share in Japan, possibly even overtaking it. In the States it will do very well to but not as well as in Japan. Unfortunately however, I can't see the Wii having much impact in Europe but I hope I'm wrong and people here respond to the console.
As for the selfdestructive part of your collomn, I really agree. After playing 3 GTA realeases I've really have enough and dont really need any more of it, and i just know there are gonna be alot more. And to be honest, I still like GTA 2 the best (is that the last 2d version?).
I'm still not sure if I'm gonna buy a console again, maybe when they are a bit cheaper, but I know it wont be a ps3 or a 360.
Unless there are games on the Wii I would like to play, the name does not do anything for me. The Wii is just a novelty which will wear off not long after its released.
At the moment I have a Game cube I havnt played on since I bought it 2 years ago (lasteted a couple of hours). A PS2 I not played on in 1 year and a Xbox I not played on in 1 year.
End of the day I dont have time for consoles anymore as my PC games take up most the time and are far supperior and fun :) A fancy controller on the Wii wont stop me playing BF2 and Guildwars :)
And a 100th release of Mario, Zelda and Metroid Prime does do it for you???
Its about time they shot Mario and made something new.
As for the 100th release of Mario and company, the difference with Mario games is that each Mario is significantly different. The newer GTA games are just the same thing with different clothes in a different town and a few minor additions.
-ed out
Everyone has a top 10 gaming list and I assure you most of the titles are 2D....
The Wii is just like the gamecube but with Wifi and a broader format. Is any one else suprised they won't make the jump to hi-def?
TBH, I won't be buying any game consoles. I have a PS2 which I regret buying (but at least I can use that as a DVD player), and I have a NES, which from time to time I still play. That's good enough for me, I don't know why we need new consoles. Just like I don't understand why we need a new Windows... come on, we're not done fixing XP yet! The best games have always been on computers.
I just wanted to comment on this really quick...please note my disclaimer on not being a Jack Thompson idiot parade believer! I'm talking about marketing tactic here, nothing about the violence. It's about the aggression, and much of that aggression is subtext (hence why I mentioned about the X and its semantic issues). I'm simply pointing out that much of videogame marketing ploys play into our alpha-male tendancies. :)
Just wanted to clear that up...there was no intention for evangelical violence-bashing; simply a note on the level of advertising tactic that focuses on our aggressive tendancies.
With that said...carry on with the conversation!