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Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Apr 28, 2007 16:24:16 GMT -5
Lol. Cool! I wanna play that.... Warioware, I mean. XD
It'd be one of those games to play with a bunch of really cool people, and a bunch of non-gamers who are half-drunk and willing to give it a go. Mind you, the same could be said with Wii Sports... XD
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Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
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Post by Tensei Kaori on Apr 28, 2007 16:27:21 GMT -5
But WarioWare has DANCING! Lol.
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Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Oct 23, 2008 16:31:25 GMT -5
Recently, I purchased a Nintendo Wii. I thought I'd share my thoughts on the console with you folks... because I'm actually rather interested in seeing what others have to say. XD As I did with the PlayStation 3, I'll do two reviews - one is my initial thoughts on the console... and another one further down the line (in a month or so). I suppose it should be known that, yes, I have used a Nintendo Wii before. But now that the machine is now a permanent fixture in my entertainment system, I thought I'd share how well it fits in. (I'm also now a little more qualified to give my opinion on it. XD)
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Lord knows what excitement grows within a person when they purchase a new toy - especially one so popular as the Nintendo Wii. Having used the console at friends' houses before, I've had my eye on the Wii for some time. And who wouldn't? What with the promise of awesome games, a new way of playing... and at a cheap price, it's no wonder the Wii is the most popular console of the current generation.
Yet... to be quite honest... I believe the Nintendo Wii to be HUGELY overrated.
Let's get one thing clear - I'm trying to like the Wii. I really am. Seeing the console in action outside of my own home, I was rather optimistic about it. I sincerely believe that parts of what Nintendo have to offer are definitely a boost for gaming. The IDEA of non-gamers actually wanting to give the console a go is commendable at the very least.
But... outside of its new control scheme, the console has done very little to impress me - if anything at all.
* The main reason I got the console is because I wanted to get Wii Fit. Wii Fit is a cute game, it has to be said. The (in-game) Balance Board has some serious charm that only Nintendo could create - the game casually asked me if I was busy the other day, as I didn't play (was out of the house for the whole day, so no time to play). Mum took a look at the game, and, after creating a couple of Miis (for the whole family), she signed up for the game to track her progress too. So there's a good start....
* One of the pros of the console is that it appeals to everyone. Technically, my mother could pick up a controller and play Wii Sports or Wii Play without needing too much input from her tech-savvy son. And I'll admit, the day we got the Nintendo Wii, she did give it a go - I think she even beat me in bowling. XD BUT what makes Nintendo's strategy work is if she keeps coming back to play; there's a difference between something thinking "that looks fun, I can do that" and "that was fun, I want to KEEP doing that". I've shown my mother how to turn it on, and in the days we've had it... she hasn't yet powered up the machine. Not once. It was only with a little hinting from me that we ended up playing on the first day... but since then, nothing (trust me, I've checked the Wii logs). Perhaps with time, she may devote more effort to gaming... but until then, I'd like to continue thinking that gaming is a younger generation activity.
* As an additional note, I asked Dad (more or less also a non-gamer) if he wanted to play on the Wii. He said "I'm alright... but when you're finished, let me know and I'll put on Rock Band". Sony - 1, Nintendo - 0. Ouch.
* Every time I power up the Wii.... I feel so powerless, in comparison to turning on the PS3. And I'm not just talking about the hardware - given that the PS3 is severely gruntier than the Wii. I'm talking about features. The PlayStation 3 comes with an in-built hard drive (of varying sizes... mine of which has been upgraded to 250GB), with which I've used to store all of: - my music (decent listening through stereo/surround speakers) - a large amount of video/movie files (about 50 or so) - numerous TV series (I think about three different series) - a fair number of downloaded demos, trailers and full games from the PlayStation Store (which I can access at any time, so I always have something to play even if nothing's in the disc drive. The full games I paid for, while the demos and trailers are all free) - hundreds and thousands of our family photos, taken from our overseas journeys - an easy way of contacting my mates (what's your Wii system number... WTF?!) - an in-built Web browser, that's both functional and FREE. - a Linux partition (also important, as I'll show later on) Every time I turn on my PS3, I'm free to do basically anything I want.
In comparison, every time I turn on the Wii... - Because it doesn't have a hard drive, I can't listen to my music, or watch any video files I have. - The only storage the Wii accepts is an SD card - limited to 2GB, at that! While that seems like a lot for the Wii, the fact that the storage is only good for game saves, saved channels and downloaded content (read: Virtual Console/WiiWare games ONLY) makes such space all worthless. - Any photos I view on the Wii are in standard definition. Having a PS3 with the SD card slot on it, I can't imagine why I'd want to use the Wii; on the PS3, I can see all the little details of people's faces and signs in the background - on the Wii, I don't. Even if I didn't have a PS3 with SD card slots... our television has an SD card slot on it. And even if it didn't, there are numerous other ways to get the photos to the PS3 to see them in beautiful HD. Sure, the Wii might work if you only have a standard definition setup, but if you have something more powerful... use that instead. - I can't surf the Net on the Wii, without purchasing the channel. I don't know why on earth I'd even think about paying $5 to surf the Net when I can do it on the PS3 (or any of the computers at our house) for free. Not convenient, even in the slightest. - Speaking of paid content... the price of items on the Virtual Console sucks, big time. Seriously, $5 for a single NES game? Dear God, what were Nintendo thinking?! They made a giant profit on each Wii they sold, so you can't justify selling me a single 15-year old game for $5, period. I could go down to Cash Converters and buy an old console and NUMEROUS games for next to nothing. I don't think ANYONE can tell me paying $5 EACH for Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, and other NES games - EVEN THE CLASSICS - can be worth it. Not even as collector's items (which, due to the fact that they're only bytes on a hard drive, means they're not worth it). - As there's very little that's worth downloading, I also don't feel particularly inclined to keep checking the Wii Shopping Channel for new content. In contrast, I'm always scouring the PlayStation Network for new content - and always finding things too. - Strangely enough, I also don't understand the reason for the USB ports on the console. These USB ports CANNOT be used for external storage (USB hard drives, pendrives, etc). That only leaves two more uses; a possible wireless adapter made redundant by the in-built WiFi... and a USB keyboard. However, the only real use for the keyboard (the Internet Channel) is one you have to pay an exhorbitant amount for in the first place. Sure, you can send your friends messages, once you've gone through the process off adding their number to your list... but it just seems so difficult to do something so simple as that. An ovesecure system that works when you go through the process... but is rather inconvenient. - Furthermore... to those willing to dive into the territory.... if you've installed Linux on it, one can run numerous emulators on their PS3. Some of these emulators also work nicely with the Sixaxis (via Bluetooth, too!), so you can wirelessly use the Sixaxis/DualShock 3 for all your gaming needs. The legal status of such things comes into question, sure. But it certainly beats forking out money for a separate controller just to play a game that was overpriced in the first place.
I think perhaps I just need a really good game to play. I haven't yet come across many must-have games, and haven't been compelled to go out and buy many. I do have a couple on my list though, but as for what I currently have... = Wii Fit is okay, but is more for exercise purposes than for fun. XD = Wii Sports is alright, good at best. It's a good introduction for people who haven't played games before to get started... but the game is little more than that. The single-player aspect is, obviously, sorely lacking. And even some nice additions to the multi-player aspect to make it more party friendly - perhaps a tournament setup mode. Oh well, at least it's free, I guess... = Wii Play is also okay. Given that the game is more built as a learning toy for the Wiimote, it does well for that, but once you're aware of the possibilities the controller brings, there isn't much else to it. Not bad for NZ$10, though, I guess.
I do have to give it to Nintendo - they've got some real innovation going on, with the Wiimote controller and it's different orientations. Sometimes though, it seems to be partial gimmick. Some games use the Wiimote well - Mario Party, Wii Sports and Wario Ware are pure genius (even if some of these games are short-lived and have only a little bit of replay value). Other games just seem to poorly execute the feature, or use it for no real purpose other than to use it - a weak substitute for a button.
At the very least, the backwards compatibility of the console (with Gamecube) means that I now have a GCN. That particular console never really took off over here, but at least I have one waiting for me in the wings once I get a GC controller... if I decide to get one. I'll admit that there weren't many GameCube games I really wanted to give a go... but at least now I have a choice, right?
Straight out of the box, the Nintendo Wii is a severely overrated/underpowered console - though, even with some upgrade work (buying a 2GB SD card for it) it doesn't look like there's much room to make it flourish. The Wii as a whole is merely functional... at it's best, it's only a good console. Furthermore, in the week I've had it, it's failed to live up to its 'non-gamer attraction' approach. I don't get any sort of 'buzz' when I turn the console on; the PlayStation 3 spends a lot of its time activated in our house, whether it's for listening to music, surfing the web, or playing games. The Nintendo Wii, in comparison, is only ever really turned on when I want to play Wii Fit. I daresay, I almost regret my purchase - I was REALLY looking forward to hooking up the console, but have only so far met with mild disappointment, little excitement and the occasional smile. It's just way too inconvenient in relation to its more powerful rivals. As a result, I give the Nintendo Wii a rating of 5.5 / 10. Hopefully some good games will change my mind, as I'm really trying to enjoy the console... but I shouldn't have to force such joy through my system; surely it should come naturally?
We'll see how it goes in a month or so, when it's up for re-review. I'll keep trying though, and I'm hoping some day I'll get my money's worth... if not get fit. XD
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Can anyone recommend any games for it? Personally, I'm not interested in Twilight Princess.. but I might grab Super Smash Bros Brawl, and maybe borrow Super Mario Galaxy. Any other takers?
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strangevisitor
ANBU Squad Leader
Only a man looking for a dream
Posts: 1,754
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Post by strangevisitor on Oct 23, 2008 17:27:48 GMT -5
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Fantastic shooter, Prime and Prime 2 wish they could have gotten everything right that this game does.
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Post by Sorien on Oct 23, 2008 17:48:10 GMT -5
Hmm. I'd also go for Mario Kart Wii and I kinda enjoy Mario Party 8 (it's kinda cheesy, but you enjoy it on occasion). That's kinda fun. I still think you're kinda missing the point of the Wii though. It was never intended to be a huge game-boy's toy. If you want to play music, use a stereo, or an MP3 player, if you want to surf the net, use a computer. PlayStation 3 is just ahead for it's time. It's trying to be a computer AND a console. The Wii just aims for a console. I really like the Nintendo Wii. I've found Brawl to be extremely enjoyable. I quite enjoy Big Brain Academy too, pushing yourself to beat Malli's time is rather fun.
I really think you're comparing the Wii (a $400 console) to the PS3 here (a $700 minimum) console. That's a particular folly in your argument I think. Chuck on another $300 worth of stuff (That's almost double the RRP of the Wii) and you'll end up with your extra toys). Do you want to spend the time and effort in getting another old console for nostalgia, or spare the time, petrol and hassle and download them for a fee?
Reiterating though, I do think half the problem is that you ARE a hardcore gamer (with the $$$ to spend e.g. Rock band >_>). You want it all; Graphics, internet, Linux, blaa blaa. If it were a girl man, the Wii is just not your type XP.
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Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Oct 23, 2008 22:35:27 GMT -5
Mosh: I'll see if I can find someone with it. XD Something's gotta be worth trying before it's worth buying...
Sorien: Hmm.. XD Yes, and no. I suppose you do have a point in which if you add $300 worth of Wii games - the Wii's RRP is $500, with the PS3 being $800 I'd like to correct, but that's still a difference of $300 anyway XD - and downloaded content, there would be some fun with it. $300 would definitely cover the cost of Brawl, Galaxy, and maybe something else.
As a console though... hmmm, I dunno. A PlayStation 2's just a game's machine... and look at how cheap that is... XD I'd hate to think I'm 'missing the point' of spending $500. My issue is that it's so inconvenient in comparison with the PS3 - but then like you say, there is a $300 price tag difference.
I'll concede that as a hardcore gamer, I do want something worth a little more in my console (or maybe that's just the techo in me). My issue is, I've spent $500 on a console that only plays games. You can't tell me that nowadays, that in itself is value for money. XD Furthermore, say I'd decided to get a Nintendo Wii to get non-gamers into games - it's failed so far. From what I've observed, the Wii captures the "This is fun, I'll give it a go" audience, but not that "That was fun, I wanna KEEP giving it a go" audience. THAT is one of two points of the Wii - the other being of course, a revolution in gaming with all this motion sensing thing. The idea that the Wii gets non-gamers gaming is... slightly misleading.
Mind you, I suppose it's sold twice as many consoles as PlayStation 3... XD
Don't get me wrong. Remember, I thought really highly of the Wii myself - before I purchased my own console and brought it into my own home. Like I said, I'm actually trying to enjoy the Wii. The few games I've played for it just, don't have much life in them. Maybe the games are just, too casual for me? :-\ I haven't found a game that really hooks me into the console. So hopefully, by appealing to everyone to find exactly what the best games for it are may help to change my score. XD Essentially, I'm coming to you guys to ask how I should spend that $300 in price difference between a Wii and a PS3.
Furthermore... that fee for the VIrtual Console is just way too much. I'll concede that $10 for a Nintendo 64 game might be about right - I'm about to purchase Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped for $9.50 on PlayStation Network, so Sony have them beat by 50c. LOL. In comparison, though... is $5 really a good price for the first Super Mario Bros. game? Is $8 really worth it for Super Street Fighter II? $9 for Super Mario RPG? I think if they reviewed the prices for some of the REALLY old games (NES, SNES, Master System), there could be some value in the Virtual Console... instead of selling things at two or three times an acceptable price. (Besides, emulators fulfill my nostalgia and catch-ups. Don't tell me you wouldn't consider that without formatting your hard drive. XD)
I'll think about Mario Kart... it seems like more of a renter than a buyer, but maybe that's just me. I'm definitely aiming for Brawl at some stage. Had I not already purchased The Force Unleashed for the PS3, I'd consider getting it for the Wii - yes, I know the Wii version is way better, but is it so good as to demand that I buy one game for the price of two (my fault in purchasing the PS3 version)?
As for the girl stereotype... Nerida'd be more likely to play PlayStation 3 than Nintendo Wii. No kidding. XD
The List Super Mario Galaxy - added by me Super Smash Bros Brawl Mario Kart Wii Metroid Prime 3 Mario Party (are you adding this to the list, Sorien?) Big Brain Academy (this too?)
Any others?
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Post by Sorien on Oct 24, 2008 0:42:32 GMT -5
No, I didn't mean that chicks play Wii more, I meant that if a console was a girl, the Wii would not be your type.
You may have hit the nail on the head though, as to why you don't like the Wii, and something I can agree upon. The Wii seems to be a casual console. You buy it to pick up a game and play, on occasion. You don't buy it for RPG's where you have long entwined stories and gametime. You simply play a simple game, with a difference (the Wiimote) when you feel like it. Umm, as for Mario Party. Depends if you like a twist on a board game XD. I do, although it'd be better with more players. Tell you what, go over to Malli's and see what it's like for yourself.
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Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Oct 24, 2008 4:08:50 GMT -5
Oh okay. That's a pity... 'cos the Wii looks so much better than the PS3 in this ad. XD Mario Party... I've played it a bit. I don't really like the board game aspect of it much... but I do like the mini-games. It's a weird one, I know. I think for a party game, it's not bad - I found myself getting quite bored with the board game, but the huge number of mini-games was really fun - there's a lot more action there than waiting for people to roll their dice, etc. I think WarioWare Smooth Moves was pretty good too when I had a go at it in the States. That way it can become more than a $500 exercise machine (well, $650 if you include Wii Fit, of course)... XD But I digress. Mally's a good start. I guess I'll see if I can borrow a couple of games off him and then decide whether they're worth getting or not. Mmm, Brawl. XD
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