Simon looks at what the near-future holds for the Wii-U and also looks at why the console hasn't been too popular recently.
With so many games fighting for players' attention and interest losing out over time, time sink games are at risk of eventually losing steam.
It was worrisome to begin with.
It's a niche genre with only a handful of hits that can stand the test of time.
Nameer from eXputer: "Some exceptions aside, I don't think the battle pass is a net positive for gaming with how they're implemented in most live service titles."
I like the way Helldivers 2 does battle passes. It allows you to make purchases on each level of the battle pass and gives you the option of choosing which item to unlock first. The more purchases you make using medals the further you progress. There is no timer and you can earn medals towards purchasing stuff via personal orders and Major orders.
I haven't played much live service games that have battle passes but I remember some games that have battle passes where you progress through it linearly using an exp system. What makes it really bad is that the battle pass will have like 50 or more levels with the cooler stuff being closer to the end. They also have an in-game shop that sells exp boosters so you can reach the end of the pass before it refreshes. Everyone ilse will have to grind their way through.
battle pass in fortnite is perfect; buy one and it buys the rest for every other season as it gives you more money than the first cost. so 8.50 and season ends with you getting 13.00, it pays for the next and you have some pocket change to save up for cash shop. All of which is optional
Hanzala from eXputer: "The cruel hammer of Nintendo has fallen. Farewell, 3DS and Wii U, you surely brightened my life and many others; you won't be forgotten."
I don't think it will be "insignificant", but the issue is lack of support, both from Nintendo and from 3rd parties especially. Nintendo chose to launch first. There is no doubt that was intentional. However, by failing to have a killer first year, they've blown a massive advantage.
My fear for the console is this: the 3DS. Nintendo cannot afford to lose their handheld market. Through the dark days (in terms of marketshare) of the N64 and Gamecube, the handheld line always kept Nintendo afloat. Since the 3DS has more competition than ever before, Nintendo needs to make SURE that it succeeds. To do this, they have to divert attention away from the WiiU (which is what they're already doing).
I disagree with the author that it needs games like Mario Galaxy 3 (or an equivalent 3D Mario). What WiiU needs is a Wii Sports equivalent, Mario Kart, or more 2D Mario (which is the only game currently driving the hardware in large numbers). The Wii's popularity (directly due to Wii Sports, Mario Kart, 2D Mario, etc) allowed more niche titles to be developed for the system. You can't focus on the niche market first while ignoring the mainstream.
As of now yea you'd could say that the Wii U is insignificant but come this fall that could all change. #E3 ;)
hmmmmm i want to weigh in without ppl getting offended. Now it is insignificant to many but come fall yes it will have some good staple ips on the horizon and will catch interest, however i do believe it will be nowhere near the interest of the ps4/xbox and even its staple ips wont make it a successful console as say the other big two. Wiiu disappointed many not just in terms of lack of software to this point but just the overall package to many is underwhelming. Ps4 and rumored xbox is just in another league according to professionals like Digital Foundry and such and Wiiu just isnt doing it for many.
that being said Wiiu may not have the success that Wii had but i believe it will have some success and have some good games to play soon (not saying there arent any now just not that many). I admit when it drops below 200 and it gets a new Zelda game ill probably buy into one but at this point it has nothing for me or anything better than what my ps3 offers.
Right? -_-