I was excited as hell for the Wii as it approached launch time. I waited in line for it at launch, and was number 37 at the Best Buy here in Syracuse. I loved it while I had it, up until Winter Break. By that time, my enjoyment of it was starting to wear thin, and through Winter Break and into today, I am very close to just full out hating the system for a couple of reasons.
So for this edition of Weekend Reading, my hatred is geared towards the Wii. I feel this is fair in light of all the great press Nintendo has been getting. Niero mentioned before his problems with the PS3, and how they are minor in hindering his play experience. I guess what's happened to me could also be considered "minor," but it's a major problem for me, and it seriously affects my attitude towards the system.
I have two main problems with the Wii: WiiConnect24 and everything that surrounds the Wii connecting to the Internet, and the system's games.
My first, and largest complaint with the Wii is its problems with the Internet. The premise of WiiConnect24 is that it is always connected to the Internet, so it should, in theory, be able to download updates without delay. Yet, I have to manually perform system updates, and I also have to connect to the Wii Store each time, which can sometimes take a long while. IGN's Matt Casamassina has summed up my feelings perfectly:
"WiiConnect24 is, in fact, not really connected at all. Xbox Live, meanwhile, is doing exactly what Nintendo promised. Xbox Live Marketplace and Arcade items are cached to the system throughout the day so that the process of browsing the stores is speedy and invisible. If data is being downloaded between the menus, you don't notice it. It feels as though you are simply looking through items already on your console, for the most part. On Wii, it's an entirely different story. When you click on the Wii Shopping Channel, you must endure between 30 and 35 seconds (we timed it) of loading and "Connecting. Please wait…" screens before the main interface pops up. Loading each additional menu takes about two seconds. And exiting from the Wii Shopping Channel back to the main interface requires another 10-15 seconds (again, we timed it). Absolutely nothing about the experience gives you the impression that you are always connected."
Compared to Xbox Live, Nintendo is doing a shoddy job. Both Sony and Nintendo want to emulate the Xbox Live system because it's proven to work extremely well. Sony has bitten the bullet and is featuring a system that's extremely similar to Xbox Live, while Nintendo refuses to play with everyone else. How so? Friend codes. It's a system no one loves, and even though Internet denizens have been vocal against this system, Nintendo decided to stick with it. Why? My guess is spite.
Another problem with the Wii is how the Internet setup is configured. My school has a web-based login for the Internet, and because of how Nintendo's WiFi connection setup works, I'm unable to connect since the Wii insists on testing the connection before I can use the settings. This sort of technical screw-up makes it impossible for me to download system updates on my own. One of my friends connects via the Nintendo WiFi adapter, while another uses a wireless router that's technically illegal to have at school. So, my only options at this point are to either unplug my Wii and carry it to another building in order to get any updates or Virtual Console games, or to spend another $25 or $30 for the Wii LAN adapter or my own WiFi. I really don't want to pay $25 for a LAN adapter, since it's something that should have been included in the system. How expensive is it to actually include a LAN adapter into the console? There certainly seems to be space to spare on the back of the console where the port could go. I certainly don't believe, either, that the "it makes the console less expensive" is viable at all here. The DVD functionality of the Wii was sketchy enough, because Nintendo could've dealt with only making $10 or so off of each console after including a DVD drive. How much does it actually cost to include one?
Now, as for the games on the Wii, let's tackle the Virtual Console first. Nintendo has not been making the best decisions for releases on the Virtual Console, with games like Baseball and Ice Hockey taking up space that could be filled by Chrono Trigger, Earthbound, or any N64 title besides Super Mario 64. That seriously bothers me, though, that there isn't much on there that I want, and what I do want I can get as part of the Sega Classics Collection for a whopping $30 (or 3 3/4 SNES VC games). Something else I noticed with the VC, and it may just have been Gunstar Heroes, but the game's graphics glitch a lot. Sprites would suddenly disappear, especially bosses, and the game would actually lag from too much gunfire on the screen. That second one is what kills me. I've never seen a game lag on Sega Genesis, but here it is, over 10 years later, lagging on a brand new system.
My final complaint against the Wii are the games that are currently out for it. For example, after rereading RevAnthony's review of Twilight Princess, I can't help but agree with him on the game. I've told this to my friends, and they act as though I speak heresy, but yeah, I've gotten sick of Zelda and I don't want to play the game anymore. The controls for playing Twilight Princess get tiring very quickly, and I'm left looking like a total toolbox because of how ridiculous it is playing with broad strokes. I'm fine with tilting the controller sideways for Metal Slug Anthology or Excite Truck, but I'm finding the "innovative" way to play not so fun. I can now see why people are calling the Wii controls gimmicky: because they get tiring pretty quickly.
So, after all this hate, I've got to make some constructive criticism. Nintendo, first off, fix your online system. There's got to be a way to make online connectivity better. Also, get rid of the friend code system and just switch over to gamertags. Really, why must you fight against the norm? It makes life so much harder for the rest of us. Change your Internet configurations, too, so that you don't have to test the connection before using it.
As for games, developers need to make games that either take good advantage of the Wii's controls (i.e., make an FPS that isn't Red Steel), or allow for much shorter periods of gameplay, like 30 minutes to an hour per playtime. Also, don't make it so short that consumers will worry about whether or not they're going to be getting a game that's worth their money. My friend was expressing feelings like this the other day in Best Buy when we passed by Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. “I really liked the DS game, but for $50? I'm really not sure if it'll be worth it...I mean, it's just a bunch of minigames, and I have the feeling it'll be a repeat of the past games,” she said. Hell, there's a bunch of Fake Game Friday articles that would work for the Wii, so why not just contact the authors? Nintendo does have some interesting options to work with, but I think that developers might actually want to just program some games with the Gamecube controller in mind, instead of relying on the Wiimote.
So, am I alone in my thoughts, or do others actually agree with me?
Editor's note: Fanboys, if you want me to "hate" on other consoles, you're going to have to send me the money for a 360 or PS3 so that I can actually play with them.
Contest:
12:24 PM on 01.21.2007
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Maybe I should add that that is because the games released thus far don't appeal to me, and neither does the control scheme. Should probably also cover my ass by saying I'm not massively impressed with the PS3 either. I would like a 360 though, wish I could spare the cash for it...
I can't say I agree with you on the control scheme gripes, however. I never really found the Twilight Princess controls, or any other controls for that matter, tiring to perform, and I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist. I still think that the scheme is quite innovative, and I really can't wait to see what developers do with it.
I'm not hating on you, Dick, just disagreeing on some points. Good job on the article!
As far as the rest of it, I agree on some points. I honestly prefer playing Wii Sports over any of my other Wii games, and recently I've been playing my VC games more than the actual games for the system.
As far as the VC games go, though, I'm glad that Nintendo is releasing the games they're releasing. I never had a Genesis, so getting to play some classics that I missed out on like Ecco the Dolphin or Toe Jam & Earl is great. If Nintendo came out with the big guns already, I might not have gotten the chance to play these. And I'm probably one of the spendiest people with the Virtual Console (I've already spent $70 on the VC).
Also agreeing with you on the VC titles. Most of what is on there is crap. Now I don't mind crap titles if they have prices reflecting that. A crap snes game is so not worth $8. If they cost less, reflecting maybe the amount they sold when it was first released, then maybe I would give them a chance.
I just hope NOA grows some balls and starts releasing games we want to play and not what NOJ will let us play with.
As for Wii imports, I assume a freeloader is soon to be released that will solve that problem.
As for the WiiConnect24 problems, I totally agree. Nintendo should just swollow their pride and switch to gamer tags or some other form of user name. I dislike WiiConnect24 so much that I haven't even bothered setting up my account, same goes for my friends.
but give it time
I'm all for playing games like Trauma Center and Wii Sports, but please, I need some real games. Games with substance and plots and gameplay! I shouldn't be deciding between what are essentially boxed minigames at launch.
And when you say that the Wii controls are gimmicky, you should think back to the beginnning of the DS. When it started out it seemed that touckscreen was just a stupid gimmick and all the good games were just going to use traditional controls. Everyone thought that the DS was going to be killed by the PSP because the PSP has such superior graphics. Now look at the state of things. Good DS games are being made all the time and the touchscreen actually makes new gameplay possible that never could've been done with traditional controls. I think this same kind've thing will happen with the Wii. It starts out seeming very gimmicky, but developers will soon relaize how they should utilize it and we'll start seeing some great games.
But I'm loving the VC. I always wanted a genesis and TG-16 but never got one so their choices are pretty great to me.
And the controls are great IMO. I've been going back to the PS2 and 360 now and then and the old style controller is starting to feel kinda lame.
I think the controls for Zelda are great though. I also think that a lot of people are expecting the wii to be something it's not ie. an alternative to the 360 and ps3. You're not going to find the same type of games because it's really not meant for that. The Wii is more of a multiplayer quirky gamefest and I'm fine with that.
You'll be hearing from my lawyer.
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20051119155606277
Of course, as I found out the other night, Windows users' mileage may vary, since it's technically possible, but I don't know where to find the info to set it up.
I've never had an issue with a console draught, even on Gamecube, due to time constraints in my life or the infamous "pile of games to play," plus other consoles and handhelds. I just really don't like the online service, and heartily agree with the article on that. I could learn to deal with Wii Friend Codes the way I did with DS, grudgingly but acceptingly, but just the promise of the name "WiiConnect24" pisses me off when it's NOT connected 24 hours.
I woke up a bit before Christmas and saw my light blinking. "Oh, is the weather channel downloaded?" No, it's just a message from Nintendo telling me to MANUALLY update it. What the hell? Maybe if they didn't promise it, I wouldn't be so mad. Just to play devil's advocate, though, I guess some people will find it nice to have the option to update when you want instead of a forced patch on the 360. That still doesn't change the fact that it should happen overnight.
And as a firm advocate of the Virtual Console, I am disappointed in it. Oh, sure, I've bought a bunch of games, mostly NES and Turbografx games, and the few SNES games on there. But why are Genesis games still $8? Don't they realize how many people have PS2s and can take advantage of said Genesis Collection, with tons of bonus content? Because of that, I've only bought Gunstar Heroes from Genesis. Also, [insert generic rage about lack of quality content from Nintendo consoles].
I only criticize because I love you, Nintendo.
P.S. Dick, not all VC games are that bad. NES, SNES, and N64 games are perfect emulations from what I've seen, but Genesis and Turbografx uses filtering and is an imperfect emulation. I'm not sure if Nintendo or Sega and Hudson dropped the ball on that. I can deal with Nintendo featuring other consoles for a while if they fix the problems with them. More details here:
http://222b.livejournal.com/144560.html
P.P.S. A WarioWare game should not cost over $35, which was the last DS and GBA cost. The Gamecube version was only $30! AND it wasn't pink on the cover!
P.P.P.S. Red Steel, from the little bit I've played, is more like Goldeneye 0.5 with bad controls than Goldeneye 1.1.
The problem with trying to appeal to non-gamers is that Wii really isn't appealing to non-gamers in the way that it should be. I mean, how the fuck are most non-gamers going to control a game like Far Cry on Wii? It's more complicated to control the game on Wii, in my opinion. Sure, Wii Sports is great for non-gamers, but even other Nintendo-developed titles such as Metroid Prime: Corruption and Super Smash Bros. Brawl will fail to be non-gamer-friendly.
As for Virtual Console pricing, yes, it's a bit steep. Still, people pay the same prices for shitty cell phone games, so I honestly feel that Virtual Console is a decent value for some people, especially when you consider the fact that some games are harder to find at such competitive prices. (You'll really thank Nintendo if/when games such as Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy III become available for around $8 or so.
Still, it's insulting that they're releasing some games as they are. For instance, releasing Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. as separate games when there's a combo cartridge on NES is just low, especially when you consider the fact that those games have, what, maybe 7-8 levels combined between the two. Fucking lame.
It's popularity will plateau soon, especially if they keep pushing back their big name games.
Upcoming, this year, I only see 2 Wii titles that I will buy, compare it to 13 for the 360.
Nice to hear someone else saying precisely the reason I have not, and likely will not purchase a Wii. I need real games. I can occasionally justify a particularly good mini-game as a download, but they simply do not hold my interest long enough to purchase as a full retail game.
I guess mindless button mashing (or arm waving as the case may be) appeals to some people, but it has very limited appeal to me. Since it seems like the system is more or less dedicated to that sort of game play, I can't justify buying one.
It's also nice to see some "media" comments about the system that get past the hype. A lot of media people seem to view the system as the second coming. So far it definitely doesn't seem to be for those who prefer deep games. Maybe that will change, but I'm not holding my breath.
I LIVE IN SYRACUSE!!!!!
WOOT!
As for friend-codes not really happy with them either but they do it to protect the kids. What do you rather have as a company, some whiny dudes on the internet crying about how bad the friend codes are or hearing in the media that your product can be used to lure children?
Anyway I agree that Nintendo should choice some better games for there VC for the rest I can really care less, I'm not to keen on the whole online gaming thing anyway, It can be fun be fun for a few hours but it still something I see as an extra.
Well, first off, you've got the Wii Remote, which is supposed to be the greatest means of controlling games. Oh, but it just can't do everything, so we have to tether an attachment to it with a wire (which is just retarded, because - in my opinion - a wireless controller shouldn't utilize any external wires).
The Wii Remote could easily control most of the games in circulation (including first-person shooters), but companies (Nintendo included) are simply adapting games or series that debuted in their current forms on Nintendo 64 or GameCube to work on Wii. As such, they've developed a reliance on the fucking analog stick, which the Wii Remote should be replacing, in my opinion.
If you look around online for that video of somebody controlling Half-Life 2 for PC with a Wii Remote, you'll see that the Nunchuk isn't really necessary for most games that currently require it. (And he isn't even able to utilize the pointer functionality, so controlling the same game on Wii would actually be even better.)
Anyway, let's move on: Classic Controller. Okay, let's fucking tether that to our Wii Remote. Now, we've got to put the fucking Wii Remote in our pockets or on our laps. Fucking yay! C'mon, Nintendo...give me a fucking break. I'll buy the Wii, but things like this just piss me off.
And try arguing these points on a Nintendo message board. They'll completely deny all of these claims.
Just for the sake of playing devil's advocate, i'll try to respond to a few of your points:
* Wii Connect 24: It is connected 24/7 (assuming you have orange light on, not red) as it will happily receive messages and Miis and start flashing blue at me when it does.
The reason it doesn't download updates automatically is in case an update come with a bug like some of the XBox lives one have done. If you choose to download it and your console bricks up that's one thing. If it downloads it for you, with no prior warning, you'd be twice as mad.
So to cover all their bases this stuff doesn't happen automatically.
As far as why it has to test the connection every-time, that doesn't make much sense, I agree. But then sounds like how your school has their web-access set up is kinds of backwards.
When I lived in halls, we connected through the university servers but it was always on and we didn't need to log on every time like that. That being said, ports for online gaming and p2p were blocked, so I would have had no hope trying to connect back then!
The long and short of it is that either there's some silly reason why the Wii can't connect without doing this every time. Or Nintendo just lacked the fore-sight to cater to someone in your position.
Friend Codes: They do kinda suck, and I know this caused an argument between Nex and Summa on an old PodToid, but I guess it's for 'safety' reasons. There's no benefit to Nintendo for using them. When you swap GamerTags with someone the 360 is just exchanging a number, ie your IP with another machine, so the console couldn't care less if that IP is attached to a number or a word.
But the sheer encumbrance of the damn things does mean a kid is less likely to give out a 16 digit no. than "Gamer_cHik391" or whatever.
I will say this, if Nintendo were looking to keep kids safe, hey they're lack of any goddamn online games is doing a fine job.
Virtual Console: First up, I haven't tried Gunstar Heroes, so I can't comment on that but I did get Sonic and Golden Axe and have no problems with either.
As to the quality of titles, there's a couple worth getting, I'd have bought Mario 64 if i didn't already have it on the DS. I agree there isn't that much out yet, but it has only been 2 months since launch. How many games did XBox live have 2 months after launch?
They just releases Street Fighter II here in Europe and they do have Ocarina of Time, Link to the Past, Mario Kart 64, Streets of Rage, Super Mario World, Comix Zone coming in the next couple months.
To be honest I can't afford to buy more than a couple a month on top of all the other games I buy, but pricing is another issue.
Zelda Controls: I have enjoyed the controls for Zelda and with the Wii-mote in general. I find that I rest my hands slightly further apart than when holding a normal controller, which is somewhat more comfortable.
As for the specific controls in Zelda, i like the Bow firing 'FPS' stuff and I love flicking the Wii-mote to bring out the sword. But apart from that there isn't very much in the way of innovative controls.
The jump attack (Z + A) is the only worthwhile attack against regular opponents and that doesn't even use the motion-sensing. To be honest I hope there's more of this built in to the next Wii Zelda game, I would actually enjoy that.
Shorter Game Times: I gotta say, if you wanna play Zelda for 30-60 minutes and stop you can, so I'm not sure where the problem is there.
If I want a short burst I usually go for VC stuff or Wii Sports, even Rayman. I do agree though that there's already enough Mini-games stuff going around, and I wouldn't pay £40 for Wario-ware.
Ok, I know that was long, just wanted to give you some feedback on your article. I'm not hating on you or what you wrote, like I said these guys need to make me feel like the machine is goddamn perfect, and not stop working at it till I do.
I'll also throw in to this debate that the browser sucks. They need the Opera gestures, tabbed browsing and preferable some support for something other than Flash movies. Also, it's hell as slow compared to every other machine in our house connecting through Wi-Fi, including; 2 laptops, a PDA, a tablet, a PSP and a web-phone. Only the DS' browser is slower.
The fact that you can't get hold of a Wii in the UK doesn't bother me anymore. I'll buy one when some more first party games come out, because the third party support looks fucking dreadful.
VC I think is a going to be up or down for most people. I personally accept that a lot of stuff released isn't going to be of any interest to me. As long as they do 1-2 games a month that perks my interest I'll be happy. I agree on price though, damn they're expensive for what you get, would be nice if you could buy two get one free or something.
Controls, couldn't disagree more. I enjoyed zelda all the more for the new controls, I even caught myself in a nerdy sword unsheathing mood a couple times then chuckled to myself. Sure they didn't add a huge amount to the game but they added to it, which is something a traditional controller never could. From what I understand Madden is also another title transformed by the controls.
Software support. I'm not sure why everyone is so concerned. I can't help but fall over developer interviews where they are annoucing games they want to make on the Wii. Sure there may be a dry patch as everyone hops on board later than a normal launch but to think this is going to be a gamecube moment when the console is hitting the 4 million (?) mark after two months is kinda dumb.
Also this machine is out 5 years after the PS2, a lot has moved on from then, now just about goddamn device has Wi-Fi access and most do it better than the Wii.
IMO the excuse 'It's their first time' means nothing, you stand on the shoulders of giants, in this case Microsoft.
Thanks for telling it like it is. Nintendo needs to wake up.
But what I want more than anything for the VC is this...
Okay lets say Nintendo doles out 2-4 VC games a week, fine. but AT LEAST make sure that ONE of those games are what gamers want to play. give us our RBI Basefall and Yo Noid, but you better release somthing we acually want alongside it.
hell I would consider Tecmobowl a godsend right about now
Thus far all I've downloaded were SM64 and Zelda. theres at least 3 more games i would like to download but i dont want to unless nintendo understands the reasons we crave VC releases in the first place.
So frustrating.
Once they fix the 50hz thing with the European Virtual Console, I don't really mind the selection so far. I'd like a bigger selection, but they're putting out the games that need to be put out at some point early on, so that people will buy them at all.
I'll have to disagree with you on the exhausting Zelda controls, though. What's this about broad sweeps? You just need to flick the Wiimote gently. Wanna do combo attacks? Wiggle your 'mote. My only - and that's only - complaint is that nine out of ten times you try to pull off a shield attack, the 'mote registers it as a 'wiggle' rather than a 'push', and you ineffectively spin-attack that shield-bearing guy you were hoping to throw off balance.
You have such a hard time because your arguments are mostly without merit.
The Nunchuck being seperate allows independant control from the WiiMote.
The use of the Nunchuck is up to the developer, it is an option.
Had nintendo forced everyone to use the Wiimote as an analogue controller replacement you'd be crying about how the lack of an analogue stick was a major flaw in the controller design (aka the original "I won't be able to play madden with a wiimote" line).
Classic controller setup I agree is a bit fucking dumb and given the price wouldn't have been too much to ask for a couple AA and wireless control built in. Then again what are those clips for on the back, perhaps its reliance on the wiimote will come clear at a later date?
And as for lan adapters or the usb wireless access points... gotta pay to play baby.
the friend code thing is kind of lame. I can't see any reason for it aside from harassment, but eh. they could have just made a block feature or something.
Also, you couldn't use the Wii mote's sensing for movement and the receiver bar for pointing. If you're tilting forward to move forward how can you aim at the same time? You need a separate movement input, so it's the developer's choice of the D-pad or the analogue stick.
The no ethernet port is even worse than the penny-pinching on the lack of DVD playback.
What are you going to find to do for 15 seconds? Get up, move something on your desk to another part of your desk, and sit back down? No one is going to get up just to sit back down a few seconds later for something they shouldn't have to wait for. And yes, the ethernet adaptor should have been there from the start, since it's so cheap to put in. As Dick pointed out, it wouldn't have taken that much out of Nintendo's actual profit from their launch systems.
The nunchuck I think I'd prefer this way, its a weak controller on its own and adding batteries and wireless would be overkill. The wire is kinda useful too because I can loop and hook it on my pinkie if I want to grab a quick drink and not put the nunchuck down. Well thats the habit I've formed anyway.