tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22749834.post1463947093405622282..comments2023-08-01T03:45:24.206-07:00Comments on Branded Newb: Duty Calls TwiceKenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00747751824993948425noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22749834.post-82625906063612597082007-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:002007-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:00Well, you have to look at it this way, even though...Well, you have to look at it this way, even though it is cheaper than the other systems, both in price and in development costs, it is still something of a risk. With the GameCube sort of dead in the water for a better part of its life, developers are likely wary of Nintendo's next system, which is vastly different than its competition. So, with this new console, shipping a lot of cheap ports not only makes sure you aren't losing a bunch of money in development costs for a system that may not succeed, but it will also make money for the time when they do start to develop larger projects.<br /><br />As for innovation, we must look towards the game you mentioned, LocoRoco. Like that game, and games like Katamari Damacy, we have seen that innovation is possible even with hardware that doesn't lend itself to it. On the Wii, I think we will indeed see some interesting concepts for the system, as the resources are there - again, I have to point at the DS - and there are already a few fine examples of this.<br /><br />From Nintendo, we have games like Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, which is not just a FPS, but also uses a few interesting concepts, like thrusting the Wii-mote nunchuk forward in order to snatch enemy shields away with an energy beam. From other companies, one game I know I am looking forward to is the new Harvest Moon game, which has some true-to-life controls. Sometimes it isn't always about innovation, but also immersion, and I think the Wii can do that better than any one else right now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22749834.post-58919062927368562332007-01-08T23:41:00.000-08:002007-01-08T23:41:00.000-08:00Murderous husband? Oh brother. I don't want to kno...Murderous husband? Oh brother. I don't want to know... or do I?<br /><br />I agree with both your first and second point. Nintendo has a great system on their hands but the big question is will it have the software to support its capabilities for the long term?<br /><br />I think the graphics are fine for now, like I've said before, we really have reached the near point of diminishing returns on these graphics. When I'm in the heat of the moment playing, I really don't notice much of a difference. <br /><br />Your third point is my big question. Will there really be enough developers that are out there that can take advantage of the Wii's capabilities? I'm talking about taking gameplay to the next level rather than just substituting button mashing for epileptic hand-waving. I'd really like to see some LocoRoco type thinking applied to the Wii. Now that's gonna make things interesting.Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00747751824993948425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22749834.post-59923188293542228392007-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:002007-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00Even though I don't yet own a Wii -though, believe...Even though I don't yet own a Wii -though, believe me, I have been trying my hardest but everything from my health to a murderous husband (no, really) has been getting in my way - I believe Nintendo has a winning system. And there are quite a few reasons, I think so, too.<br /><br />First, they are Nintendo. Okay, this one is a little obvious, but if any one can find an interesting and fun way to use new technology in video games, it's this bunch of talented guys. If you need proof, just look at the Nintendo DS - it is, more or less, an experimental handheld and, even with the weak sauce graphics (compared to the PSP), it has still managed to blow Sony out of the water! I own both systems, and I'm not lying when I say my PSP is collecting dust. I mean, the system gets roughly one great game every six months, while the DS, IMO, has a much better ratio. Once some of those great Nintendo franchises start coming out (in a few months), the system will really start cooking.<br /><br />Second, the gap may not be as large as you think. Sure, when you look at the graphics between the three consoles, the Wii certainly seems to be bringing up a distant third, but that can be misleading. Think back to the GameCube, and there are plenty of games that are like crack for your eyes, including Resident Evil 4 and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, which, really, ported with very little changed in the way of visuals. But, what's more, while it may still be lacking, so was the PS2 last generation, and it came out on top.<br /><br />And, finally, as to the question of whether or not developers will support it, I believe the answer is a big ol' yes. Several developers/publishers have created studios to focus solely on Wii games, and they can afford to. Because the Wii hardware is so similar to the GameCube's, development costs are only a fraction of the other systems. And, it isn't just cheap for them, consumers are also getting a break, and being the most affordable system on the market will have a big impact on their decision, simply because it raises the chance that they will have a larger installed base.<br /><br />In short, have faith!<br /><br />(Oh, and in the interest of full disclosure, despite being a Nintendo fanboy, I do own a PS3. While the system isn't all it's cracked up to be - yet - it does have potential...just not more than Nintendo's little box)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com