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Nintendo Talks the Future of Wii
Via Eurogamer (which offers a highlight reel of the article), a long piece at MTV Games where Stephen Totilo sits down for a chat with Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime. Unlike some other question-dodging executives, Reggie shares some interesting details. We have release dates (WarioWare in January, Mario Party in March, Mario Galaxy sometime after March), confirmation that they'll try to bring GoldenEye to the Virtual Console, a few details about the first online game for the Wii (Pokemon Battle Revolution), and word that there would be several Wii-related announcements in January. From the article: "For Fils-Aime, some of the projects he'd love to see happen in the U.S. can only be executed by his bosses in Japan. As a result, part of his job is to lobby for what he thinks American gamers want. 'The piece that I am more and more involved in is really looking longer-term and making sure the full range of games are being brought to the Americas. Making sure we have core gamer games like 'Metroid,' like 'Galaxy.' Making sure we have our types of market-extension games not only for Wii but for DS. Where's our analogous cooking game? Where's our analogous 'Brain Age 2' for DS?'"
We have release dates (WarioWare in January, Mario Party in March, Mario Galaxy sometime after March)
Translation: WarioWare in March, Mario Party by June, Mario Galaxy around 2008
You show me a chef trained using the Wii and I'll show you a severe case of food poisoning.
Disclaimer: Any errors in spelling, tact or fact are transmission errors.
Sweet!
wii play is deffinatly a game I am looking foward to. More mindless little games that are just fun to play. Personaly I can't wait for a mario party game.
As for the rest, yup nintendo knows they have to earn their suces, why? because they already found out what happens if you take it for granted. (some up and comming game system kicks your ass)
Do Or Do Not, There Is No Spoon, There Is Only Zuul. Everything in the above post is probably opinion.
That's what most of us want to know. You know, Samurai RPGs, that kind of thing.
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Where's our analogous cooking game? Where's our analogous 'Brain Age 2' for DS?'" How About Phoenix Wright: RIAA Attorney
Does Reggie use a lot of rhetorical questions? Does he talk like this a lot? Does this make him even more awesome? Yes.
And goldeneye on the wii? It's good that we get a classic game, but what about new franchises? The games listed (wario, mario, metroid etc) are getting old. Do we need more rehashes? I would rather see some new ideas, not "Super mario 131". look how well animal crossing did.
Translation: WarioWare in March, Mario Party by June, Mario Galaxy around 2008
No, Mario Galaxy is Summer - most likely July.
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I believe it's closer to "beloved son"
...is a goddamn KEYBOARD I can plug in! Everything I heard said you'd be able to plug in any old USB keyboard and it would work, but now I find out that I'm stuck 1-letter-at-a-time-point-&-clicking to get anything typed!
ARGH!
Other than that, I love it =)
"Christ what a design! I could eat a handful of iron filings and PUKE a better emergency pump than that!"
I got my Wii at Midnight Sunday 19th (thanks game crazy), and have been playing it off and on when I can since then, getting in at least an hour everyday. I bought Zelda and Trauma Center with it. I've put about 10 hours in to zelda (great game, worth the system, though the wolf mode annoys the crap out of me), about 5 in to wii sports (man, these are a killer on the arm), and 1 hour in to trauma center. I've put a fairly good amount of time in to the original Legend of Zelda on the virtual console (play this once a year, just to remember what good, non-pretty gaming can be).
Overall, the Wii comes through on most of what it promised (innovative game play, etc), though, I have to say, I'm very disappointed with the lack of online toys. The browser is not active, new games only appear once a week for the virtual console, and the weather/news pieces aren't working at all yet. I recently upgraded my xbox's Xbox Media Center, and the stuff I could do on there made me really feel bad about the wii's meager network offerings (yes, I know XBMC is third party, but it's also been around for a few years, and still does more). I think that Nintendo NEEDS to get some more pieces out online before the end of the year.
How Jaded Are You?
there is no need to sign your posts. this isn't usenet. your username is right there above your post. stop it.
Fils-Aimé would translate as "Loved-Son"
Firstly, a more reasonable online arrangement. Starting with the Virtual Console. I'm sure people are purchasing these games, but their prices could be a bit more fair. And while we're on the VC talk, why not some simple upgrades? Hell, that would be something worth paying for. If I could play some people over the net in Goldeneye, I'd open my wallet immediately. I'd pay a shitload for a MarioKart 64 online remake. For the rest of their online (or lack thereof) initiative, I was sorely disappointed to find little no functionality on their part. I know things are set in motion, but I suppose I was expecting things to happen a bit faster. Also, the Friend Code system isn't highly desirable. Sure, it protects children (aren't there Parental Controls anyway?), but it also decreases the possibility for immersion immensely.
Secondly, acknowledge the importance of 3rd parties. Nintendo may be able to survive with their 1st party games, but I believe they can flourish with adequate support from other developers. The Playstation(2) was largely a success because of its wide range of 3rd party support. A lot of shitty games, yes. But it's better than hardly any games at all. I wouldn't mind some mature titles on there as well. I'm not very attracted to blood and gore games, but there are some people who are and that can only help. What GTA player wouldn't actually enjoy "smacking their ho" with the Wiimote? I know that a lot of developers have been interested in the Wii, but that could go to waste if Nintendo doesn't play nice.
That's the only complaints I have right now. As a Nintendo fan (although I plan on owning all three systems eventually), I think it can only help them succeed. But then again, I just want them to stick around as long as possible (even if they're doing relatively well now). It seems they seem to understand the terms gameplay and replay value relatively well and that's the core of gaming IMO. The other things are simply supplementary.
you're both right. Fils is either son or wire. Aime is love or like. Masculine of course.
So, technically, it's Son-Loved. Which in English can also have a dual meaning.
And in French, having two or three meanings is a grand coup and a really good thing to do.
So, think of it as Wire Lover, Loved Son, or Sun Loved - all meanings are valid.
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And yet oddly, lots of people complained that the PS3 release titles mostly looked about the same as the XBox360 titles.
Does that mean the 360 is "last gen", that the PS3 developers got it right out of the bat, or that in a year the differences of what you can do on a PS3 might be impressive?
This space for rent. All reasonable inquiries will be entertained at proprietors discretion.
And goldeneye on the wii? It's good that we get a classic game, but what about new franchises?
And if you think about it long enough, you'll realize that Goldeneye is based on a James Bond movie from over 10 years ago... They're not talking about a new Goldeneye game, but a Virtual Console version of the original game (the Virtual Console on the Wii is an online service that allows you to purchase and download games for older Nintendo systems).
The reason why people care is because GoldenEye 007 was one of the most popular games for the N64.
Hopefully this background information answers your questions... I'm not trying to provide too much information, you just didn't seem to understand what you were complaining about.
We got our Wii at midnight Saturday 19th as well (EBX), and playing it a lot too, including having friends over. Bought Zelda, Excite Truck, and Rayman's Raving Rabbids. Made about 8 Miis and used them to play on the (sadly) single controller/nunchuk. At Wii Sports, our goal is to get our age down, and have done a lot of team bowling, but have played tennis golf boxing (workout!) as well. Fun! Two of us have played Zelda, it takes a long time, and the jumping thing takes a bit to figure out the best way to do it. Yeah, wolf is sometimes irritating (anyone talked to the puppy yet?), but fun game. Rayman's the most fun title, although tossing cows is a lot of work, but remember to sit on the toilet and get those skills down. Love the dancing! Still have to figure out if our Net is not functional or what - it seemed to work and then not - may have to recall it (bummer).
Basically, a wonderful game console for the whole family, any age range. Will try to get to Excite Truck on the weekend.
My son loves the two snow days he's had to play with it.
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Secondly, acknowledge the importance of 3rd parties. Nintendo may be able to survive with their 1st party games, but I believe they can flourish with adequate support from other developers.
Is this currently a problem? from what I understand, the development kits are much, much less expensive than those for the PS3 or the XBox360, and the development is made easier for programmers who have already done GameCube games, since the hardware is so similar. I've heard someone at Nintendo (Reggie? I can't remember who) saying they want to bring more mature titles to the console as well.
I know there's been a few skeptical developers when it comes to the Wii, but most of the developer response I have heard is positive... So I'm asking serioiusly... is there still a problem with 3rd party relations for Nintendo, or are things smoothed/smoothing over after the GameCube era?
> in a year the differences of what you can do on a PS3 might be impressive?
well, it's pretty impressive -now-, but yeah, my guess would be on this option. Especially given the oddball parallel stuff.
there is no need to sign your posts. this isn't usenet. your username is right there above your post. stop it.
And goldeneye on the wii? It's good that we get a classic game, but what about new franchises?
Goldeneye would be for the virtual console, and classic games is what the VC is all about.
New franchises are good, though. Never played Animal Crossing (doesn't seem like my style anyway), but I did enjoy Pikmin as a great new franchise for the GC. Will they come up with a new, fantastic game on the Wii? Maybe, and I'm sure that if someone there (in particular Miyamoto) gets a good idea Nintendo will go with it. Nintendo would certainly like to do so. But you can't just as a game designer say "I'm sick of rehashes, I'm going to invent something brand new and awesome!" So we'll see.
The enemies of Democracy are
You can turn on a word complete feature by clicking that Eject button above backspace. It helps out a lot.
"10 New VC games did not come out Monday as promised. Only 3 (I think), 2 TurboGraphix16 titles and Ecco the Dolphin. Where the hell is my Pilotwings? SMB? Come on guys, you want me to buy NES games at $5 a pop you're going to have to give me decent choices and soon. Playing these games legally on my TV is at least 30% of the reason I bought the Wii, don't disappoint me."
This is completely wrong.
First they never said 10 new games a monday. They said new VC titles every monday, 30 games by the end of the year, and then 10 games a month starting in January.
Second. It was 1 turbographix16, 2 genisis games (Ecco and Golden axe).
We all want all the games, but give them time to get it all right.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmm... As much as I love My Wii, and Reggie as a spokesman, I simply don't accept that CONTRA (III), SUPER MARIO WORLD, and Donkey Kong Country don't have a lot of potential in the USA.... Super Castlevania? They get that too (Hell I don't read Japanese, but I would try their Fire Emblem) Reggie, I got Wii points I want to spend on your stuff. Make it happen.
Take-Two Interactive announced they are supporting the Wii (when they hadn't supported the GameCube) due to the lesser development costs. The president said it costs between 20%-50% what it costs to make an X-box 360 game, so they can broaden their portfolio with less risk.
Just don't get too close to anyone else playing Smash Bros. on the Wii -- those Smash moves probably translate to some wild controller swings, and you don't wanna RL-Home Run Bat your buddy with a Wiimote... (ouch)
...when you're writing a game...tweak the difficulty of "Easy" to something [your mother] can cope with. -- onion2k
The MTV site wouldn't load on my Opera browser. =/
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Free boobs: http://dailygrrl.com/
Bad argument/example. The launch Dreamcast games that came out one year earlier looked better than the PS2's launch games.
you don't wanna RL-Home Run Bat your buddy with a Wiimote... (ouch)
You sure about that? For years my friends have dominated me in Smash Bros. (both SSB and SSBM) because they got to play it a lot more than I did. I usually hit them physically (all in good fun, they would do the same to me when I schooled them in Soul Calibur or Mortal Kombat). They would hit me back, and we'd get into a good ol' fist-fight (between friends, its not so bad as it sounds). At least this way, I can make it look like an accident ("Sorry, slipped"), so that when they 'retaliate', I can blame the whole fight on them, as they threw the first punch... hehe... Now, if only the nunchuck will stand up to being in my fist when I beat them...
W00t! While slightly off-topic, mod parent up for finding something highly helpful!
I agree. Even though I'm pretty liberal with my purchases so far (I never owned a Turbo16, or Genesis back in the day) I find it pretty much reasonable. Circuit City had a deal the first week that all Wii accessories $19.99 or greater were $5 off each. This made the Wiimote $35, Nunchuck $15 and the 2000 Wii Points cards $15. So at a 25% discount I found these game were priced quite well. I hope in the future they offer bundles or bonuses for other purchases like buy Mario Galaxy, and get another 'Mario Game' free.
He can't give a release date because the head developer on the project doesn't have one yet. Because of the nature of the game, it's entirely possible for them to go from being 50% complete to being 90% complete in as little as a month. Then it would have to be localized for other markets, although admittedly, Smash Bros. games do not require particularly intensive localization.
just some guy
Also, Animal Crossing, as well as it did, was not a new franchise, it was released as Animal Forest on the n64 and did moderately well in Japan, then did better in updated release on GC.
But if you're honestly looking for new franchises, though Nintendo has not announced release dates for them, they actually have 3 in the works. Disaster, H.A.M.M.E.R. and I forget what the other was called. They're just giving games like Smash Bros., Metroid, & Mario priority because A) most of the people with Wii's right now are hardcore Nintendo fans who have been looking forward to those games and B) they're already pretty far along in production and it'd be silly to just stop them and finish up another game first. Nintendo has several games in development all the time, but they can't all have full dev time devoted to them simultaneously.
just some guy
From the summary: "As a result, part of his job is to lobby for what he thinks American gamers want."
Reggie, there are plenty of us who want Mother 3. Make it happen.
Starmen.net
Answer: Most of them are gamecube games?
Why are you fucking over third party developers for online support?
Answer: We're not. We don't want the servers to all crash as soon as everyone gets online, so we're bringing people online slowly, you know, like Microsoft did with Xbox Live the first time. We want to avoid the WoW situation where servers crash every five minutes, that's just not good customer service.
What the fuck is going on with the hardware/software problems with the Wii? Bricked consoles from flakey firmware updating. And huge numbers of Wiimote problems.
Answer: There are no software problems with the Wii. Nor are there any Wiimote problems. There were hardware problems with the first revision of Wii units produced. We are replacing those, but it is well within standard error for any piece of technological equipment, and in fact less than most.
What the hell is going on with third party support? Why are you letting developers dump half-assed gamecube era engines with some pointing or swing bolted on? Where are all these 'innovative' games you've been bragging about?
Answer: We have plenty of 3rd party support. We are letting developers dump half-assed gamecube era engines with some pointing or swinging bolted on because that's what 3rd party developers want to do. There are 1400 PS2 games in existence, 900 of them are totally worthless. We figure it worked for Sony, it can work for us. The entire goal is to make development as easy for 3rd parties as possible, so we can have 900 crappy games that people can point to, just like everybody else. Don't worry, we'll keep making the new and innovative games we've always made, but it takes us time. We're not special gaming fairies with magical pixie dust that sprouts a Mario game fully formed from the ether. We're just normal programmers and artist who give a shit about video games and are willing to take a few hits to our image to release a game that doesn't suck. Unlike THQ, but don't tell them I said that.
just some guy
There's already the Nintendo DS Cooking Navigator; making a Wii version wouldn't be a big stretch.
--R.J.
Electric-Escape.net
Agreed. However it's simply a counter argument to the trolls that spout that if it isn't Teh HD!!! (1080p) it can't be a good game. Just because the Wii isn't doing HD doesn't mean it won't have 'pretty games'.
Ok, Mario Kart DS IS Awsome. However, even though there are 4 MK64 courses it's hardly a 'remake'. It's it's own animal and quite awsome at that.
"Where's our analogous cooking game? Where's our analogous 'Brain Age 2' for DS?'"
;)
I could tell you but since it includes fetching roms I guess it's not appropriate
To bad about the unreadable text thought.
Or, it could be that they're reusing assets and engines developed for the 360 versions (which, let's face it, also hasn't been around long enough for most developers to really optimize).
...but is it art?
I, for one, will never get enough Metroid or Zelda.
...I got nothing.
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
SSB:Brawl will not use the motion-detection capabilities of the Wii. It will use a Gamecube controller.
Ouch, the first thing I see when I load the page is a big Xbox 360 ad filling the content area (which then minimized down to the "small" square it is limited to when the page finishes loading...
If you think you can simply translate words and think the end results are valid, you're wrong. As a family name, Fils-Aimé means "Loved Son", and nothing else.
Ok, Let's take 'Mother 3' as an example. I understand it's very TEXT intensive and would take a team of people to do localization in English. The fact of the matter is though that the game is DONE, and being sold to the Japanese. So localization is all that is required. Let's say a team of people localizing that game goes for $50,000-$75,000 To finish the project. They now have a game that costs near nothing on a per unit basis to 'package and distribute' to EVERY other potential customer in the world who can read English. You don't even need to market it, just put it on the VC so people will see it.
Mother 3 might not be a mainstream success, but at $5-$10 on the VC it could be quite profitable.
My point is that a name can have multiple meanings. In fact, some people have names that "translate" as nice names, but have an extra meaning that is a very funny joke.
I remember that my family name in German, when it had two hyphens, sounded like such a very funny joke, which would cause Germans to raise their eyebrows or chuckle - luckily, the American (shorter) version doesn't have that effect.
I've been published in French in literary magazines and won an award for a French play once.
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I understand the economic concepts behind this; I just don't know the specific numbers. But lets play with what you've provided. Lets be generous and say that localization only costs $50,000, and the game is sold for $10 on the VC. That means that Nintendo needs 5,000 Mother 3 fans to make the game profitable, or a mere .125% of Wii owners (assuming 4 million consoles sold by year's end). I have a feeling that the costs are target number are even less. But even so, how do we know that there are that many people interested to begin with? I agree that a game does not need to be mainstream to be profitable, but it has to cross a popularity threshold. With all the noise about Mother 3, is that enough to guarantee that it cross said threshold? As I said, I would hope that Nintendo has done whatever market research is necessary to justify their position. If not, then they very well could be missing out on an opportunity.
The only thing I hate more than hypocrites are people who hate hypocrites.
Correct, it would need 5,000 Mother 3 fans worldwide, over time to break even. Considering though that there are very small costs associated with keeping it on the VC channel, packaging, and distributing it (they won't get stuck with a warehouse of unsold catridges) then these are the chances the NEED to make. There is no guarentee of course, they may get 1,000 customers or they could get 200,000. Given the low costs/ risk involved the VC should be a sandbox for this type of exparimentation.
well, I thought I had it set to 1, but I'll try it anyway.
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