Slashdot Mirror
Wii Games Go Online, Lose Happy Clouds
Ars Technica has the news of some comments made by Reggie Fils-Aime on the SpikeTV show GameHead about Wii's online multiplayer future. Essentially, there aren't any games in the near future to look forward to, online. The Japanese launch saw the inclusion of Pokemon Battle Revolution, a with a solid online mode. The first batch of online games is slated for sometime around March or April. From the article: "Many games still in development for the Wii are designed around playing with people who are physically present: a recent preview of a new anime-themed golf game for the Wii on Electric Playground revealed that the developers had not included online multiplayer modes. Fils-Aime also indicated that new multiplayer channels were on their way for the Wii's online service, but declined to give any details about what new features might be enabled on them." In somewhat related news, it seems that the Bob Ross game may not end up happening after all. The loss of happy little clouds will be felt by every Wii owner.
I can't believe how low my interest for the Wii has fallen since E3. From dreams of developers revolutionizing the console gaming world with the Wii to the botched online stuff and turds like Red Steel. Even the decent Wii games are leaving me with a 'eh' feeling now that I've played them for a little while over at a friend's house how already has one.
Ordering the GameCube Zelda TP was pretty much the final nail in the coffin. At least for the next six months. I'll wait for a price drop, Nintendo getting their online shit together, and actual games that live up to the hype. I've still got huge number of GameCube and PS2 stuff waiting to be played.
Can anyone with a Wii (*snicker*) comment on how viable a Bob Ross game would be? In other words, does the Wiimote give you enough DPI (for lack of a better term) to give you precise motion for a painting program? I could zone out and relax for hours with something like that.
Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
Two questions:
1) If they trust the adult to set up the system, and thereby determine if parental controls for games will be used, why not trust that adult to determine if friend codes are necessary?
2) Why won't they allow an online mode where you can hook up with anyone, but not talk (or are confined to standardized questions/comments)?
Apology to Ubuntu forum.
While I agree with you on all points, think of it...a properly crafted online multiplayer SSB game...that ALONE would have made the gamecube ten times better
Living With a Nerd
I'm really sad that my Mii Parade is always empty. None of my friends can afford a Wii, so I never get to interact with others online. Why the heck isn't there an option to do something like enter your zip code and obtain Mii's from people within a certain radius from you or something?
Morphing Software
Nintendo Wii won't have an online killer app unless they develop voice chatting capabilities first.
Without that feature it'll always play second fiddle to the XBox 360 in the online multiplayer gaming arena.
That being said, Wii Sports Bowling with voice chat and online multiplay tournaments would totally take names and kick ass.
In Soviet Russia, I ruled you
1. Use Ruby on Rails to create a P2P friend code sharing site in 30 minutes.
2. Add copious abouts of AJAX and call it Miir or something.
3. ???
4. Profit!
Help poke pirates in the eyepatch, arr.
It's nice to think that when you want to play a game, you can always turn to your friends to play.
But what happens when, like me, none of your friends are into video games? It happens, there is no rule stating your friends have to have all of the *exact* same interests you do. Since none of my friends are into gaming, it's important to me the game has some decent multi-player. It's fun to play with someone after I've finished the single player campaign.
While it's true I'm able to con my non-gaming friends or family into the odd game, it isn't often. So online multi-player really comes in handy.
I'm sure there are a host of gamers who don't require online multiplayer in order to enjoy games. I'd prefer my real friends as well, but many of them have jobs and other responsibilities that don't always coincide with my schedule. Who cares if it's at the bottom of the social ladder? Unfortunately, it's not really about making friends for many people; it's about having a better experience.
Plus, if the Xbox Live service is any indicator of general interest, I'd say that Nintendo has a lot to gain in terms of offering online services, especially if they're free.
Personally, I would want a stronger online system. And if they want to appeal to the parents, they could have two separate systems; one that protects children and a more sophisticated solution for a mature (up for debate) audience. Upon initial setup, the parent could choose a password to limit the online functionality for their children.