Ron Gilbert: Developers unsure what do with the Wii U
Hereisthecity.com: ''It may be a year before developers fully appreciate how to use the Wii U’s unconventional screen-controller, according to The Cave developer and industry veteran Ron Gilbert.''
(Industry, Tech, Wii U)
I always felt applying the off-TV feature was a no brainer if you could not think of any method for adequately using the game pad. That's still my favorite feature on the console thus far.
Who says you really HAVE to do anything with it? I really hate it when some developers think you need a checkmark under every box, when you can make a fantastic game with a lot less.
Plenty of Vita games don't make use of the touchscreen or do so in a VERY limited way. Many DS games used it as a rather pointless display, so it might be a map for Castlevania or attacks in Tekken. As long as the game is fun and works properly, many people will be happy. I think a LOT of us accept that not every game would work that well with split screen features anyway. At the very least they can limit it to gamepad play.
You are right. The gamepad doesn't have to be used in every game in some unique way. What I meant in my comment, was like on the DS/3DS (I don't have either) it seems that some games use the touch screen in a limited way and others go all out. It does not make or break a game though. If the gamepad does not add to a game and the game is good enough on its own, developers don't need to beat themselves up finding a way to use it. On the flip side, with the second screen it should open developers up to new, cool ways to play. Zombi U demonstrates some ideas that could be improved upon.
I can't help but point out the contrast in agrees here. You basically said what I said but worded it differently (sans the part about favorite features). Ah this community never fails to surprise me. :P
I think, like the Wii, Nintendo is going to have to lead by example and sort of show third parties via their first party games what they pictured when making the gamepad. I'm not sure we've seen that yet.
Not every game needs to be Zombi U in terms of GamePad integration.
As far as multiplatform titles go, using the gamepad's screen to clear a bit the HUD from the TV, and putting inventory and maps in the smaller screen would be more than enough. That, in addition of off-screen play (in which case everything would be displayed on the smaller screen, leaving the TV free), would most likely make the Wii U the superior console for multiplatform titles (assuming, of course, that said titles look and run equally or better than the other 2 HD consoles).
Not that hard, really. Even by using the gamepad in these two obvious and simple ways, would make the game experience great. Black Ops 2 seems to be a good example of this, judging by what I've read (I don't own it).
Use it as a doorstop? Or paperweight. You could use it as a weapon, or platform to place your coffee mug. All better uses than the games the wii u offers.
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Plenty of Vita games don't make use of the touchscreen or do so in a VERY limited way. Many DS games used it as a rather pointless display, so it might be a map for Castlevania or attacks in Tekken. As long as the game is fun and works properly, many people will be happy. I think a LOT of us accept that not every game would work that well with split screen features anyway. At the very least they can limit it to gamepad play.
All the wiiU needs to succeed are the ports themselves.
-Why are they making this so hard.
EPIC use of the 2nd screen would be great- but we won't be disappointed with a "regular" HD title.
As far as multiplatform titles go, using the gamepad's screen to clear a bit the HUD from the TV, and putting inventory and maps in the smaller screen would be more than enough. That, in addition of off-screen play (in which case everything would be displayed on the smaller screen, leaving the TV free), would most likely make the Wii U the superior console for multiplatform titles (assuming, of course, that said titles look and run equally or better than the other 2 HD consoles).
Not that hard, really. Even by using the gamepad in these two obvious and simple ways, would make the game experience great. Black Ops 2 seems to be a good example of this, judging by what I've read (I don't own it).
Try making the CAVE run at a constant clip.