Wii/Wii U

[finalark]

I played the demo at a Best Buy the other day. It's... pretty hit and miss.

 

[κomıc]

Anyone getting Game & Wario? I've never played a Warioware game before, so I have no idea if its worth it.

I was actually looking forward to this... I love the Warioware games. I like the ideas in this Game & Wario, but man... It sounds like it isn't appropriately executed the way it was intended. I'm hoping the team just makes a new WarioWare Inc. game for the 3DS. I want another fix of Microgames. DIY felt underwhelming considering it focused on simple taps- but the community was incredibly creative in making their own games. Also gave me an extremely basic insight on how a game is made. When Nintendo launches the GBA VC on Wii U, and Wario Ware Inc. Mega Microgames is available, I highly suggest you get that instead to get a good taste of this incredible franchise.

Anyhow, the Ouya came out on Tuesday and I've had mine for a couple of months. Switched it on today, and found this neat little game called Towerfall. It's a very simple Smash Bros.-like game that looks incredibly fun. I'm hoping the guy brings it over to the Wii U's eShop. It's $15, and what I'm afraid of is that something goes wrong with the Ouya brand- I don't know. But I would love to have this game on Wii U with a better controller and some online component. Even then, the game was made for local multiplayer and frankly, the Wii U and Nintendo consoles in general does it best. Even a 3DS port would be fine by me. Love these retro inspired games. Looking forward to Shovel Knight on Wii U

All these incredible indie games coming to Wii U puts a smile on my face. I'm actually enjoying them more than these mainstream run of the mill AAA games that flood the industry today. It's kinda breath of fresh air...

 

[DakotaBonez]

Man, wii games are so cheap now. Picked up "Guilty Gear", "King of Fighters Orochi Saga" and "Go Vacation" last week, can't believe I didn't know about these titles til now.

Go Vacation is an obscure gem by Namco Bandai that plays like a mix between Kirby's Air Ride and Wii Sports Resort. There's over 50 minigames to play, ranging from crappy point and click matching games, action packed water gun and snowball fights, wacky pie dodging matrix style, and I just found the sword fighting minigame. The sword fighting game is so good! It takes you to a virtual reality tron inspired world where you can fight a cpu or a friend in a lightsaber duel! That's right, a lightsaber duel. With a super meter and a health bar. I'm honestly surprised that the wii didn't have like a million lightsaber fighting games, it only seems logical.

Anyway the best part of this game is the insanely massive resorts to explore, free roam by yourself or with 3 friends! You can just explore the landscapes for hours looking for treasure chests and other secrets. There are four resorts, Beach, Snow, Mountain and City, and each one has a specific set of vehicles to help you get around, because if you wanna walk it'll take you an hour to get anywhere. Rollerblading around the city like Jet Set Radio, driving a Van or riding a Horse through the hyrule-esque mountain trails crashing into wildlife, creeping around the spooky jungle, surfing on the waves most realistic waves I've yet to see in a game with a decent sized ocean to play in), kayaking or swimming down torrential rapids and leaping off of high places. Another cool feature is that you can actually play as your mii and customize their outfits until they look actually decent. This game just lets ya do what ya want whenever ya want, bungie jump or skatepark or, well, whatever! Plus the achievements system will keep ya busy for awhile.

Everyone has gotta try this game! The title and boxart is so misleading.

Oh yeah there's also a house designing aspect similar to the sims that alot of people seem to like, I've seen some people make pretty cool homes, like castles or haunted mansions.

 

[RespawningJesus]

I won't be checking that game out because I play with my Wii by myself. Mini game-centric games are only good if you have friends willing to play them with. And all my friends wanna do is play 360 or ps3.

 

[Minato]

When Nintendo says graphics are subject to change, they weren't kidding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm4Aaf94E1I

 

[Wario Bros.]

When Nintendo says graphics are subject to change, they weren't kidding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm4Aaf94E1I

Sucks I don't have an HD TV to fully enjoy those graphics.

Can't wait for Pikmin 3 as it's in my top two MOST wanted Wii U games (other being Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)

 

[KayB]

When Nintendo says graphics are subject to change, they weren't kidding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm4Aaf94E1I

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Pikmin 3 is ****ing gorgeous. Ironically, its probably one of the, if not the most prettiest games to look at out of all the E3 games. I'm so hyped.

 

[DakotaBonez]

When Nintendo says graphics are subject to change, they weren't kidding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm4Aaf94E1I

I don't get it, are the visuals in this trailer improved from the previous trailers in any way?

Anyway, my TV can't display the graphics and cuts off a lot of the image from the top, bottom, left and right.

It's was pretty weird at first when I started noticing people on tv talking to eachother with only like half of their bodies in the camera shot. For the longest time I wondered why they would film it in such a way til I realized all TV stations expect you to have a widescreen TV.

It really sucks now that I got a Wii U and the games have text and stats and sh#@ cut off. Thankfully most games can be played on the gamepad screen. But for ZombiU, which was the reason I bought a Wii U so early, there is no off TV play and the text is so f#@$#@% tiny!

Why is it that all modern games have such tiny text? Only nintendo sticks with nice big fonts anymore. It's okay on the gamepad screen because it's right in your face but on a tv it's difficult.

 

[theeboredone]

Now those are graphics I can respect.

 

[Minato]

I don't get it, are the visuals in this trailer improved from the previous trailers in any way?

Yup, the first batch of screenshots looked more like a Wii game in HD. All the textures and and even the character models look upgraded (like that ice looking boss with the pincers around its mouth). And yeah, Nintendo's pretty known for having the final game looking pretty differently from the original. Sometimes they even switch art styles halfway through.

Why is it that all modern games have such tiny text? Only nintendo sticks with nice big fonts anymore. It's okay on the gamepad screen because it's right in your face but on a tv it's difficult.

I actually find that annoying too. The text is usually suited for HDTVs so the size and res will make it way too difficult to read. Sometimes I've ran across text that was difficult even on HDTVs.

 

[κomıc]

I've seen GoVacation awhile back and what I found most impressive were the visuals. You are not the only one to praise the game. Never got around to getting the game, unfortunately. "Hidden Gems" in a consoles library tend to be hard to come by or even know about since they're well, hidden.

Looking at the latest trailer, the game looks beautiful but it still kinda shows that it's a very suped up Wii game (considering it started on Wii). I do notice that it definitely got a bump compared to how it looked last year. Lots of games go through this. Especially Nintendo's. I watched Nintendo's E3 Press conference of 2012, and Nintendo Land looks FAR better than what it did at that presentation. Same goes for Smash Bros. Brawl and Melee... And several games.

And apparently, Mario Kart 8 looks gorgeous.. In person. And I wouldn't be surprised, either. And it apparently runs at 1080p, 60 frames per second which isn't even a norm on 360 or PS3 games. I'm not a techie, and honestly, I don't care too much. But at least it shows that Wii U definitely has some grunt under the hood, so people can't go around and say it's weaker than PS360 when that isn't and shouldn't ever be the case (Nintendo would have to TRY to make it weaker than 360 and it would cost more to do so lol).

In my eyes, HD is HD. Better textures on walls aren't going to sell me on a game. Draw distances, I don't even notice much. Some guy made a video complaining about some pop in of some blades of grass that you probably wouldn't bother to notice with a giant dinosaur in the distance in that new X game. Of course, he identifies himself with the PC Master Race. These alliances are really getting old. Lots of "pick your side! Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft!" I'm going off on a tangent- I'm looking forward to Pikmin 3 and Wonderful 101 a month later. Also, would love to check out Splinter Cell Blacklist because that makes some really neat uses out of the gamepad. I might hold off on Mario and Luigi Dream Team since I'm also getting Shin Megami Tensei 4 this month (only getting it this soon because of the special edition perks that come with it).

What are you guys most looking forward to between Wonderful 101 and Pikmin 3? I find W101 a bit more intriguing because of it being new, but I'm also weary about it's apparent short length.

 

[DakotaBonez]

Wonderful 101 and Pikmin 3 don't really get me that hyped.
Wonderful 101's gameplay seems repetitive as f#$%.
Pikmin 3 is still held back by its lack of multiplayer co op in a type of game that is perfect for that, also you cant go out at night when supposed tough enemies come out. I do find the idea of having to get enough food before night fun though, but is the food hidden in a preset location every day? And every day is another level or what? I never owned a Pikmin game but from what I've heard they're bringing back the limited time from Pikmin 1 that nobody liked. Can ya give me some info?

 

[κomıc]

I myself don't know a whole lot about what's up with Pikmin 3. I enjoyed the first two (liked the second better). I'm sure you can hit up Nintendo's website to see a comprehensive break down of what the game offers or some other news site.

 

[KayB]

Pikmin 3 is still held back by its lack of multiplayer co op in a type of game that is perfect for that

The lack of co-op/multiplayer doesn't necessarily make a game worse. FE:Awakening is a good example. Though its the absolute PERFECT game for online matches, its lack of existence doesn't make the game any less worth it.

also you cant go out at night when supposed tough enemies come out.

Trecking out at night would have been a fun mechanic to have, but on the flip side, the existence of the countdown until night time introduces a pressure mechanic that forces players to work faster under a time limit and be "scared" of the dark.

I do find the idea of having to get enough food before night fun though, but is the food hidden in a preset location every day? And every day is another level or what?

For the first question, I have no idea. For the second question, no. Pikmin isn't exactly set in levels, more like different areas to explore. Level implies that the game gets more difficult as it progresses. However, the difficulty of each day is only dictated by the area your in and what you have accomplished the day before.

I never owned a Pikmin game but from what I've heard they're bringing back the limited time from Pikmin 1 that nobody liked. Can ya give me some info?

Nobody liked the limited time, but wasn't detested as much as, say, tripping in Brawl. People see the time limit as a decent mechanic since like the daytime limits, it introduces a feel of pressure and fear of your inevitable end. Nevertheless, the mechanic still held back some of the things people wanted to do in the game, and casual players were hit hard. But it isn't something like "Oh, they're bringing back the timed mechanic. Welp, not gonna buy the game anymore."
If I understand correctly though, the fruit that you collect apparently extends the time limit that you have. So there's that.

 

[κomıc]

The Pikmin games have always been about time management. And seeing how in Pikmin 3 the mechanic seems more fleshed out and balanced, it's a good thing they're bringing it back to add that layer of challenge. Multiplayer was a nice diversion, but core RTS experiences always put an emphasis on single player (with notable exceptions of course). I mean, isn't Pikmin considered an RTS to some degree?

 

[Minato]

Oddly enough, it's the time management that got me interested when Pikmin 1 was announced. It added that layer of stress/challenge where you had to learn from your mistakes along the way, and I loved that. Pikmin 2 removed that, and I haven't even started it despite owning it (I'll beat it before 3 though). I don't think Miyamoto ever outright confirmed if the time limit will be returning, but it does sound like it.

"That's deep," Miyamoto said, in Japanese but without needing my question to be translated (he seldom needs that). "I personally am the kind of person that likes those sort of timer-based challenges. When you first play it, you're kind of nervous or feel pressured by the time. And, gradually, as you go back in and try it again, you seem to get calmer and are able to think more thoughtfully and work your way through a little bit better."

I agree with that and I do hope it's in since it's part of what Pikmin is for me. Just make a separate "Forgiving" mode for players that don't want to deal with it.

 

[κomıc]

Oddly enough, it's the time management that got me interested when Pikmin 1 was announced. It added that layer of stress/challenge where you had to learn from your mistakes along the way, and I loved that. Pikmin 2 removed that, and I haven't even started it despite owning it (I'll beat it before 3 though). I don't think Miyamoto ever outright confirmed if the time limit will be returning, but it does sound like it.



I agree with that and I do hope it's in since it's part of what Pikmin is for me. Just make a separate "Forgiving" mode for players that don't want to deal with it.

They could do what Fire Emblem Awakening did and have two different modes. I think it's a good way of bringing in new people into the fold while keeping veterans pleased. The Pikmin fanbase is already pretty divided between the two games.

 

[KayB]

They could do what Fire Emblem Awakening did and have two different modes. I think it's a good way of bringing in new people into the fold while keeping veterans pleased. The Pikmin fanbase is already pretty divided between the two games.

I'd assume that would be a lot more difficult and (probably) unrealistic. In Fire Emblem Awakening, the difference between Casual and Hardcore was just simple coding. If Pikmin 3 really is a time-based game, making two different modes would change the whole game drastically between the two of them.

 

[κomıc]

It depends, really. If it's just like Pikmin 1, it could be difficult. If it's different than that, then I doubt it would be too difficult.

But I see what you mean.

 

[Minato]

Earthbound is apparently out today for Wii U VC for 9.99. Nintendo really shouldn't have a done a stealth release.

 

[ndayday]

It's not, they're making a big deal of it. Original player's guide will be up on Nintendo's site and optimized for the gamepad!

 

[Minato]

While the game did get advertised on today Direct, I wish they tried to not surprise us and instead hype it up earlier this month.

I was expecting this game during the fall or something since they've been rather quiet about it.

 

[Wario Bros.]

What are the odds: I was at a retro game store 2 days ago and saw the SNES cartridge of this game behind the counter (they were asking for $180) and yet I find the Virtual Console release today.

 

[KayB]

I'd rather have it on the 3DS, but I guess its good for Wii U sales. I hear a lot of Earthbound players are buying Wii U just cause of this release.

 

[RespawningJesus]

Also Pikmim 3 sorta has a time limit: you need to collect fruit to make jelly. Run out of jelly, and you starve. Luckily enough, there is enough fruit in the game for 100 days worth of rations. (Assuming you do all the puzzles and whatnot.)

 

[ChibiIceClimberz]

Woah. Just by looking back a couple of pages, did a lot of people here ignore Monolith Soft's X? The successor to Xenoblade? Out of all the games people mentioned this game was seriously overlooked and it's severely underhyped right now. I just cannot imagine this game flopping because it looks like a high-budget title along with Bayonetta 2. I mean, just look at these:

 

[Minato]

Woah. Just by looking back a couple of pages, did a lot of people here ignore Monolith Soft's X? The successor to Xenoblade? Out of all the games people mentioned this game was seriously overlooked and it's severely underhyped right now. I just cannot imagine this game flopping because it looks like a high-budget title along with Bayonetta 2. I mean, just look at these:

http://smashboards.com/threads/wii-wii-u.126818/page-302#post-15533252
It was mentioned There's just too much of a drought of info.

As much as I like the Xeno games though (and Bayonetta), I think it's just going to do ok. Games like these deserve more sales than they usually get. At least Nintendo's actually pushing X here unlike Xenoblade, so I'm happy about that.

I'm excited about the game though. I hope the battle system is more refined and the story is more ambitious than Xenoblade.

 

[KayB]

I'm excited about the game though. I hope the battle system is more refined and the story is more ambitious than Xenoblade.

That's already asking for a lot.

X is one of my most anticipated games of 2014. By far.

 

[finalark]

I don't know what this Xenoblade thing is, or what it tastes like, but it was all the hype last year when it came out. I hope I get a chance to give it a place one day. Sadly, it's already become a rare game.

 

[Minato]

That's already asking for a lot.

X is one of my most anticipated games of 2014. By far.

I liked Xenoblade's story, and the beginning was pretty strong too. The only faults I would say it has is that the story is a lot safer than past Xeno games and also more "shounen". IMO, the last 4th of the game was a tad weaker, but overall, Xenoblade is definitely one of the better JRPGs to come out this gen.

I don't know what this Xenoblade thing is, or what it tastes like, but it was all the hype last year when it came out. I hope I get a chance to give it a place one day. Sadly, it's already become a rare game.

It's good, but don't overhype it and leave yourself disappointed. I like the game a lot and it does a lot of stuff right, but it does have it's weakpoints as well. It's one of my more favorites out of this gen (although I'm going through other good JRPGs I missed like Lost Odyssey and eventually Nier), but I'm undecided on where to put in on my overall list.

 

[κomıc]

I would love for Monolith Soft to return to Baten Kaitos. I remember that rumor about Baten Kaitos DS back in 2005 that never has seen the light of day. It would work perfectly on 3DS and of course, Wii U with the touch screen interface. X is looking nice and clearly, 2014 is going to be big for Wii U with Smash Bros, Mario Kart 8 and whatever surprises Iwata was hinting at. I know for a fact Nintendo is cracking down on making loads of software on Wii U with how the system seems to be on life alert.

 

[Minato]

Less than a week until NA finally gets Pikmin 3 (finally a game I want). Hopefully this game gives Nintendo a good start.

I just saw Nintendo's quarterly report, and it's pretty abysmal. They really need to get stuff out.

 

[Wario Bros.]

I so dang excited for Pikmin 3!! It's mostly the main reason I got a Wii U.

Unfortunately , the day it's released is the same day I'm going on family vacation and won't be back until the Saturday after Pikmin 3 (and we're leaving for the vacation before the GameStop I preordered it at opens that day too )

crap...

 

[κomıc]

I feel you. Helping my sister move that day...

 

[theeboredone]

Well it sucks that Batman: AO is not getting MP. At the same time, I'm not exactly keen on Wii U's net infrastructure, and I figure WB is not either.

 

[Big-Cat]

Less than a week until NA finally gets Pikmin 3 (finally a game I want). Hopefully this game gives Nintendo a good start.

I just saw Nintendo's quarterly report, and it's pretty abysmal. They really need to get stuff out.

If they could just change the name, that'd be an improvement. I'm hesitant right now as it is.

 

[κomıc]

Well it sucks that Batman: AO is not getting MP. At the same time, I'm not exactly keen on Wii U's net infrastructure, and I figure WB is not either.

I think it's a bogus excuse. That's like GOYA saying "Not many people shop at X store. Hence, we are removing these ingredients from this can of beans to save money but we're selling it at the same price as the cans we sell at Walmart with the missing ingredients that add flavor".

Silly analogy, but c'mon now. WB Games should remove multiplayer features from XB1 and PS4 games for a year because they don't have the same install base as the previous generation of consoles. Be consistent with what you preach. And the key reason why a lot of 3rd party games don't sell well on Nintendo's consoles is because of poor optimization and gimped features. Now, other fledged out 3rd party games on Nintendo's consoles do sell. They should really take note of that for once.

Really, they should just not even bother bringing Arkham Origins to Wii U. It's going to sold at the same price as other versions, people who wanted to get it on Wii U won't want to anymore. Then, WB Games turn around and say "See! Our games don't sell on Nintendo's consoles!"

Rubbish.

 

[Minato]

If they could just change the name, that'd be an improvement. I'm hesitant right now as it is.

Wii U has a ton of problems right now, imo, haha. I can debate this with other Wii U lovers, but they really really need something.
They started off on the wrong footing with this and ruined their opportunity to do well.

I don't blame you on being hesitant. I only bought mine because it was 250 for the deluxe, and even still none of the games really interest me. The ones that do interest me, I'm not super motivated to get right on launch day either.

 

[theeboredone]

I think it's a bogus excuse. That's like GOYA saying "Not many people shop at X store. Hence, we are removing these ingredients from this can of beans to save money but we're selling it at the same price as the cans we sell at Walmart with the missing ingredients that add flavor".

Silly analogy, but c'mon now. WB Games should remove multiplayer features from XB1 and PS4 games for a year because they don't have the same install base as the previous generation of consoles. Be consistent with what you preach. And the key reason why a lot of 3rd party games don't sell well on Nintendo's consoles is because of poor optimization and gimped features. Now, other fledged out 3rd party games on Nintendo's consoles do sell. They should really take note of that for once.

Really, they should just not even bother bringing Arkham Origins to Wii U. It's going to sold at the same price as other versions, people who wanted to get it on Wii U won't want to anymore. Then, WB Games turn around and say "See! Our games don't sell on Nintendo's consoles!"

Rubbish.

I did read somewhere that WB commented on the fact that it's also due to lack of a big online community on the Wii U, but I also do think it goes deeper than that. Look, the Wii U's online play is still in the dark, and for whatever reason, Nintendo has not figured out how to do things right when it comes to online play. It boggles my mind that in the year 2013, they still can't get it right. It would expand the replay value on some of these games so much. Imagine playing New Super Mario Bros with a buddy in another state. I know Nintendo likes to stress it's more about the local experience, but something really stinks. I truly am starting to wonder if they just can't get a working universal online system up. First or third party games. If Nintendo had a strong or perhaps even DECENT online structure, than maybe a company like WB wouldn't mind developing MP for the WiiU version as well.

Also, that PS4/Xbone analogy is rather poor. Companies like WB know that investing in those consoles is going to yield a high return. Both in sales and community. Nintendo is quite the unknown. Was the WIi popular? Yeah, but the graphics stunk and so did their online infrastructure. Developers would have to put so many more resources into making adjustments for the Wii. In the WIiU's case, they would need to make adjustments for the Tablet play and the current online network + Nintendo audience may not be as supportive towards third party games as X1 or PS4.

Finally, VG Charts has sales for Black Ops 2 for the Wii U at 200,000. It's easily the most popular MP out there, and it's a joke how many own it for the Wii U. What the hell would Batman look like then? 10,000? Why put resources into such a small community?

 

[Minato]

I wouldn't use VG Chartz as a source though. There have been quite a lot of contradictions with actual sales numbers, so a lot of sites tend to just ignore them.