It's been a while, hasn't it? You know... life 'n stuff. But I got another thing to talk about, and I'll keep it brief so I don't bore you to death.
Lately, everyone's been getting all in Nintendo's grill. Considering them DOA, so to speak. Now despite the fact that my primary console of choice is the PS3, I have nothing but fond memories and respect for the Nintendo consoles I have man-handled over the years... I've even played good games on the N64, if you can believe that. So I'm not digging all this negativity towards their current console, the Wii U. But taking a step back, you have to admit everything isn't coming up sunshine and daisies.
My biggest problem with it is that many devs don't feel the desire to support it. These companies, I feel, forfeit any right to rag on the system's lack of third party support, seeing as how they're part of the problem. But may I speculate on why I think this may be happening? As always, I don't claim to be the end all source for right answers, and I'm not saying I'm right and you're wrong. But if I make a point that you actually agree with, feel free to do so.
My actual problem with Nintendo as of late... the gimmick controller. Yes, you've made it wok for you and had some marginal success with it, but in the end it's still a gimmick. Just like motion control and Kinnect. And constantly having to rely on the gimmick to play your games can feel limiting after a while. Yes, there are very talented game devs that manage to make the most of it and still make games using them that you want to play and enjoy playing. But, and while I can't prove this unequivocally, I strongly believe there are just as many people out there... who don't WANT to program their games to work with this controller. In fact, I bet they'd be pretty content programming a game that uses a regular controller.
The obvious response to this is of course, buy the classic controller. But there's no guarantee that everyone will have access to one. So how do we get around this? I'm probably not the first to have this idea, but I think it's a good one, so I'll throw it out there yet again. Why not just throw the classics controller in there with the Wii U and just adjust the price accordingly? Surely people wouldn't mind paying a little more for the system knowing that a worthwhile peripheral has also been included. And who knows... with every system actually coming with an optional REGULAR controller, more developers will come on board.
So what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Sound off.
One last thing. The Wii U tablet has handheld capabilities. With a system like the 3DS out, doesn't that seem kind of redundant?
Duuro says: "I think the idea behind the movement is cool, but on the other hand, the execution and clear limitation of the platform somewhat undermine the whole thing."
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Review - If you are a fan of intrigue in your stories then The Mildew Children on Xbox will be well up your street.
"Gimmick" ~ 'a trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or business.'
Just wanted to throw that out there. It irks me how people love to throw that word around.
But as for my actual response:
When you compare the Wii Remote to the Wii U Gamepad ~ the Gamepad is definetley a traditional controller, by comparison. Honestly; the biggest difference between the Wii U Gamepad and the Pro Controller, is that touchscreen in the middle. Take that out - and you have yourself a "traditional" controller with a few extra bells-&-whistles.
That alone makes it more adaptable than the Wii Remote ever was. That thing was as far as you could get from a "traditional" controller; but when used correctly (Wii Sports/Resort, Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess, Mario Galaxy, just to name a few) - it was pretty awesome.
Honestly; the fact that the Gamepad has a touchscreen is a TINY little peeve to steer developers away; especially when the two other systems are embracing the second-screen option as well (PS4 + Vita/Companion App and XBOX One SmartGlass). So if the other two are including it; the only difference is that the Wii U is INTEGRATED with it.
As you mentioned, the Wii U is also compatible with the Classic Controller as well as the new Pro Controller. Will everyone have access to one? No; but they're the price of your average game - so if you can afford a game - you can afford an extra controller.
If devs don't want to go the extra mile and make use of the touchscreen, they don't have too. They can do the basic method, as some have already done, and stick with the "Inventory, Map, Off-TV Play ~ DONE!" maneuver if they choose.
Finally; "The Wii U tablet has handheld capabilities. With a system like the 3DS out, doesn't that seem kind of redundant?"
Answer: No. No it doesn't.
The Wii U Gamepad is NOT a tablet, nor does it have handheld capabilities. It has a TOUCHSCREEN, which renders it as having handheld CHARACTERISTICS. There's a difference. It's limit is 30-ft away from the console unit. Handhelds are designed to go everywhere and anywhere. It's still a controller; it's just more free.
The Gamepad is meant to interact in a fundamental way with the TV screen, like the two screens on the DS/3DS. So no, there's nothing handheld about it, except for Off-TV Play.
"My actual problem with Nintendo as of late... the gimmick controller. Yes, you've made it wok for you and had some marginal success with it, but in the end it's still a gimmick. Just like motion control and Kinnect. And constantly having to rely on the gimmick to play your games can feel limiting after a while. Yes, there are very talented game devs that manage to make the most of it and still make games using them that you want to play and enjoy playing. But, and while I can't prove this unequivocally, I strongly believe there are just as many people out there... who don't WANT to program their games to work with this controller. In fact, I bet they'd be pretty content programming a game that uses a regular controller. "
The "gimmicky" controller has nothing to do with anything.
The Wii U is pretty much Nintendo's attempt at combining the DS concept with the Wii concept. This is important, because the DS was seen as a gimmicky device for a long time. However, it still did better than the PSP ever did (please don't bring up piracy). This continued with the revisions too. The Vita is a fairly standard system, that has some gimmicky features (back touchscreen...), but it's a fairly traditional console. However, we still see strong support with the 3DS, which is basically making use of the same concepts that you're shunning the Gamepad for.
Anyway, when push comes to shove, I simply have to ask... why? Not why do you think that, but why do you assume you have to do that much with the gamepad. Several games do next to nothing with it. Tekken Tag Tournament? It shows attacks and menus or can be used as a second screen. Super Mario 3D World? It just displays the game on both screens (Sonic is very similar to this too) and a few things on a few levels use touch interaction (along with other things you can touch, but not needed for gameplay). Thats the thing about the gamepad. You don't have to use the gamepad in some original way. It could be a map or just a second screen and people would be happy. Beyond that, it works like a normal controller thats really long.
The reasons devs don't support the Wii U, is the fact Nintendo doesn't cater to their needs. The gamepad, sales, install base, these are just easy excuses to justify their stance. Not like devs go in with their best foot forward. I know when Deus EX came out, I couldn't wait to pay $20 dollars more to play it on my Wii U.
I would suggest theybring games to the game that willo sell their console more. Also make a racing game like GT and Forza but a game of their own on the WIIU or bring back Sega GT to the WII U. They can't keep churning outr the same games over and over again hoping they will sell their console without bringing in COD , battlefield and other multi platform games to their console which will help sales.
Why would you think people don't believe the N64 had great games?
That was one of the best consoles from Nintendo, the game library on that system is amazing. Anyone acting like N64 didn't have quality games is a total clown.
Not a bad idea.
I'm just not sure the devs are scared of the controller, they're just scared at the idea of making a Nintendo game in the first place.
Even with the pro controller as the only controller the devs would still shy away from the console.
Just my opinion.