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Katamari Creator Critical of Revolution

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the what-isn't-he-critical-of dept.

Gamasutra has an article on Keita Takahashi's reaction to the Revolution controller. From the article: "Takahashi commented of the Revolution, which has drawn widespread praise for its underlying concepts from other Eastern and Western designers: 'I'm not really interested in it. I don't think a controller should have that much influence on the enjoyment of games.' He continued: 'I see what [Nintendo is] trying to do, but they're putting such emphasis on the controller; 'Woah, this controller lets you do this!' and I'm thinking - are you messing with us?'"

3 of 397 comments (clear)

  1. Re:paradoxical comment by geoffspear · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    Right, because humans roll things when they want to move, rather than walking.

    It's still an abstraction, just a different one.

    --
    Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
  2. Re:What Evokes These Comments? by SlayerDave · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    I completely understand where Takahashi is coming from. Both the 360 and PS3 offer enough computational horsepower that significant improvements in core gameplay elements, such as graphics, physics, AI, audio, level size, etc., are possible (once developers figure out the new hardware and the PS3 is actually on shelves). And all Nintendo has to offer is comparatively weak hardware and a goofy controller? Are you kidding me?

    I'd also like to point out that virtually every innovative console game (and boring imitator) since the NES 20 years ago has used basically the same controller design. That includes Mario, Zelda, RE:4, God of War, Katamari, Halo, Shadow of the Colossus, Psychonauts, Odama, Okami, etc. There have been a few good games that use gimmick controllers such as DDR and Guitar Hero, but for the most part good game design is about a lot more than "what wacky stuff can we pull off with this controller?" or "how the hell am I going to make my game work with this controller?"

    I think that Takahashi's point is that Nintendo is putting huge and somewhat arbitrary constraints on their developers with the Revolution. Since the Rev can't compete with the 360 or PS3 in terms of graphics or raw horsepower, the only thing it has is the controller. Personally, I'd hate to be a developer who can't make the game I want because of a non-standard controller and sub-par hardware.

  3. Re:Two Things To Think About by Homestar+Breadmaker · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    You might want to play it before you pretend is fun. Its about as enjoyable as a colonoscopy.