Nintendo Wii

[Dhsu]

I have no idea what you just described.

However, I believe Psyclone makes a rechargeable sensor bar.

[Penfold]

I have no idea what you just described.

However, I believe Psyclone makes a rechargeable sensor bar.

lol, oops, sorry. My post may have only made sense to me :P.

Basically, what I'm saying in the post is that I bought a Nyko Wireless Sensor Bar (supposed to be the best currently available sensor bar), and wired it back up to the Wii so I could have a stronger sensor bar and not have to manually turn it on/off or change batteries. I just wrote up what I did to perform this modification in case anybody else had interest in doing a similar thing.

[anthonium]

Some Mario Kart Wii news from http://wii.ign.com/articles/849/849925p1.html:


With Smash Bros. at last out (in Japan, at least), Nintendo appears to have penciled in Mario Kart as its next big title. We're assuming that much, considering the unexpected blowout on the game in the latest issue of Famitsu.

The Wii installment of the cart racer that started it all looks like it's going to have lots of variety. Famitsu reveals a total of 32 courses, with 16 remakes of old courses, and 16 completely new courses. New courses include Mario Circuit, Momo Country, Kinopio Factory, DK Snowboard Cross, Coconuts Mall, Kinoko Canyon, and Luigi Circuit.

Some of these courses will put a new feature of the karts to use: mid-air tricks! Karts and bikes are both capable of performing actions and tricks in the air. Get a trick just right, and your cart will perform a dash upon landing.

In addition to a ton of content, Mario Kart Wii will have some serious multiplayer options. The game will include Wi-Fi based play for up to 12 players. You'll be able to select to play against players from throughout the world, players in your country, and players on your friend list.

As part of the new network mode, Nintendo will be making use of the Wii's Channel interface in yet another unique way. We're not sure of the specifics, but it seems that you'll be able to install a Mario Kart Channel to your Wii hub to view world rankings as well as your own records.

Going along with the Wi-Fi multiplayer play, Nintendo will be giving players a means of customizing the game. You'll be able to make your very own Mii ride a bike or kart, adding that bit of you to online races.

The online mode will also expand the single player fun. The game will offer downloadable ghost data, so you can play against some of the best players.

Not big on the whole internet thing? In addition to the Wi-Fi play, the game will also let players play together the old fashioned way: through split screen for up to four.

With this Famitsu blowout just hitting Japan, we expect the Nintendo marketing machine to start getting into gear and remind everyone why Mario Kart is so great. If, as a part of that initiative, we get a chance to sample the Wii installment in advance, you can be sure we'll let you know.

I'm not too thrilled about the mid-air tricks (SSX anyone?) but I'm happy to hear you'll be able to use your Mii to race.

[megadave]

By the way, people, I borrowed No More Heroes from my friend and it does NOT suck. In fact, it's a ton of fun.

The controls are really fun to execute, the power ups are really cool, and the game has tons of style (very similar to Kill Bill). There's also a crazy randomness to it, such as batting baseballs back at enemies.

It reminds me of the games of the old days, when you could have a game about a cheeseburger who saves the world from cyborg ninjas and it would sell 2,000,000 copies. So, if you're a fan of the old school style and brawling action, please get this game. I seriously didn't buy into the hype of this game. I just played it, and I love it.

Also, hearing your character yell 'FUCK YOU BASTARD' while charging his sword and slicing five enemies in half is so liberating. It's a character that I can truly identify with. My only qualms are the graphics are a bit glitchy and the overworld is somewhat meh. Seriously, buy or rent this game.

[Thalzon]

I want to, but for some reason the Canadian release date keeps getting pushed back. It's supposed to come out today, however, so I'll be picking it up this weekend.

[the_muteKi]

Some Mario Kart Wii news from http://wii.ign.com/articles/849/849925p1.html:



I'm not too thrilled about the mid-air tricks (SSX anyone?) but I'm happy to hear you'll be able to use your Mii to race.

Oh Hello Sonic Riders :P

[BardicKnowledge]

If anyone needs a game to satisfy their Wii gaming needs until Smash comes out, try Kororinpa Marble Mania as a fun budget title. The easiest way to describe it is the next generation Marble Madness -- and it's amazing. Some of the music is remakes of old arcade game titles! In any case, it's the best $30 game for the Wii right now IMO (unless you prefer Endless Ocean, which I also have thanks to MiamiGuy's recommendation).

[anthonium]

I don't know if this is old or not but for any Metroid fans out there I came across this the other day:

Custom Samus Action Figure
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2264/2048885547_5c673b5c1f.jpghttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/1349274517_b2ef3bf7c4.jpg

Very awesome. His flickr has more shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12421933@N05/
He's made 6 of them and is selling them on ebay. He still has 2 left to sell but it seems they are going for around $500.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=160205144114&Category=348&_trksid=p3907.m29

[FR]

^that guy/girl has some skills!

[Airwalker]

Europeans! It would seem you guys are getting Mario Kart and Wii Fit before the US. April 11th and April 25th respectively. It's probably a "sorry" about whatever they plan to do with Brawl.

Meanwhile, for the US, May 19 is the day Wii get Fit. (Hahahaha... that wasn't funny. Sorry, I didn't mean to pun.) While Mario Kart still lives in the lofty world of "Q2".

I hope somebody has a Wii when I head off to Sweden this May. I want to get some Mario Kart action going on.

:-P

[atmuh]

Europeans! It would seem you guys are getting Mario Kart and Wii Fit before the US. April 11th and April 25th respectively. It's probably a "sorry" about whatever they plan to do with Brawl.

Meanwhile, for the US, May 19 is the day Wii get Fit. (Hahahaha... that wasn't funny. Sorry, I didn't mean to pun.) While Mario Kart still lives in the lofty world of "Q2".

I hope somebody has a Wii when I head off to Sweden this May. I want to get some Mario Kart action going on.

:-P

wikipedia says april 26th

[Final_metroid]

wasn't mario kart wii already being lambasted by some sources even before its release?

[atmuh]

wasn't mario kart wii already being lambasted by some sources even before its release?

what .

[anthonium]

Have any of you read the most recent Mario Kart info?

First of all, Mario Kart Wii will be 12 player compatible over the internet. Additionally, the game will allow either one or two players per system, so when you jump online, you can play split-screen with a friend and compete.

Grand Prix mode still features the same three different classes of difficulty: 50CC, 100CC, and 150CC, but now there are 11 other racers on the track instead of seven. That's right, it's now a 12-kart competition. Additionally, the game adds a new class of vehicles: motorcycles. Each character has six different vehicles right from the start, three karts and three cycles that alter the character's different racing attributes. In Grand Prix, 50CC races are kart exclusive, 100CC races are motorcycle exclusive. 150CC races allow for the mix of karts and motorcycles.

The player roster will start at 12 drivers. Right from the start the line-up of racers includes: Baby Mario, Baby Peach, Toad, Koopa, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, and Bowser. Even though there were no "question blocks" that hinted at hidden players, the menu selection seemed kind of "open," which leads us to believe that there are more characters that'll surface as you unlock them. Nintendo did confirm that you'd be able to race as Mii characters, but this was an option that wasn't available during our play session.

For the full article: http://wii.ign.com/articles/852/852952p4.html

[Zombie]

:-o That sounds amazing. They just need to add support for a headset.

[The Damned]

wasn't every good video ever made already being lambasted by internet sources even before their release?
FTFY. 10 char

Also, according to the IGN Mario Kart Wii preview, boosting will be done not by steering back and forth like in the DS game, but by how long you can maintain a powerslide. Which is great for me, because that was something I practiced a lot and got pretty damn good at. I actually held powerslides for up to ten seconds depending upon the course and kart.

I suspect that there will be a limit as to how long you can do it before it maxes out, but still...

[Arek the Absolute]

FTFY. 10 char

Also, according to the IGN Mario Kart Wii preview, boosting will be done not by steering back and forth like in the DS game, but by how long you can maintain a powerslide. Which is great for me, because that was something I practiced a lot and got pretty damn good at. I actually held powerslides for up to ten seconds depending upon the course and kart.

I suspect that there will be a limit as to how long you can do it before it maxes out, but still...

I am not 100% positive on this, but wasn't that how you boosted in Mario kart 64?

[Castle]

I am not 100% positive on this, but wasn't that how you boosted in Mario kart 64?

Nope, 64 was the game that introduced "Left right left right BOOST!!!" to the series (not to mention fake item boxes, triple items, the banana trail, and the blue shell).

[WesPip]

Nope, 64 was the game that introduced "Left right left right BOOST!!!" to the series (not to mention fake item boxes, triple items, the banana trail, and the blue shell).
I thought you could boost in the original via the left/right business?
The other 4 were true though, I know THAT much.

[Bahamut]

I thought you could boost in the original via the left/right business?
The other 4 were true though, I know THAT much.

Nope, powersliding in the first one was just to save your top speed while sliding, no extra boost business.

[Neo Samus]

What's everyone's opinion about the graphics of Mario Kart Wii? There are some pics where I think the game look really good, example scenery images. Then there are the ones with close ups of the characters and I just go WTF? Why do all the character models look like they were takeing straight from MK DS?

[Sag Ee Mana]

About the graphics, it's said the 16 old circuits won't be as beautiful than the 16 new ones. Pixels ? Old school style ? Nintendo wanted things like this. We know how they like to put old graphics in their games...

Otherwise, I'm really happy to see the Ghost Valley 2 ! (I'd prefer the one but it's really cool)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5559/88sw5.jpg

Oh, and there are more screens here :

Part 1 (http://salon.p-nintendo.com/news/N-1064068725.html)
Part 2 (http://salon.p-nintendo.com/news/N-1064068727.html)
Part 3 (http://salon.p-nintendo.com/news/N-1064068728.html)
Part 4 (http://salon.p-nintendo.com/news/N-1064068729.html)

[megadave]

They should have fucking Mario Galaxy graphics in my opinion. There's a little more detail and more lighting effects over the Gamecube Kart, and that's all I've noticed. But wait until we see it in action then I will give you my true verdict on that. The track designs look awesome for sure.

I am very psyched about Mario Kart Wii. 3X more than Smash Brothers or any other game. The Mario Kart games have brought many people in my life together many times. We've had a good deal of fun summers, drunken arguments, and broken controllers over the Mario Kart series. Even my gf rocks on backseat with double dash. I certainly hope that Wii wheel will allow her to hang with us since she can't ride on my back for this round, which Reggie claimed will be the case.

From what I've read, this looks like the best Mario Kart game ever. Although I am a certified snaker, I'm glad that they've made the turn boost automatic, because this puts the focus back on the action and less on implementing difficult commands that distract from combat and steering.

Mario Kart summer here go. Bring it the fuck on please.

[Neo Samus]

I guess my only real gripe is the character models. I wish they had just a bit more detail. Besides that, images like Ghost Valley 2 shown above prove to me how much I want this game. I guess I truly am a Nintendo nut.

[megadave]

Agreed, the character models are weak. Imagine if they were somewhere near the detail of those in Mario Galaxy. I understand there is a lot more going on in this game (lots of racers and stuff), but look at what EA (yeah I know) did with Medal of Honor Heroes 2.

[Neo Samus]

Man if they were Galaxy quality, I'd be shiting my pan.......ahem bad analogy. Well you get the point. At least the tracks look awesome.

[atmuh]

the graphics are terrible and if you try to justify them you are a blind fanboy faggot

[megadave]

You're mom's graphics are terrible, Mr. "I have ads in my signature" guy.

[Azul v2]

The screenshots for Galaxy looked bad at first, too. I'll wait til the game comes out.

[Neo Samus]

I'm in no way saying the graphics are perfect. They are far from it, but as Azul said, lets hold our judgement untill we see the game in motion.

[Overflow]

Speaking of which, when does the game come out?

[Neo Samus]

April 10 in Japan, 11th in Europe. NA shows (on Wikipedia) April, 28 (latest). Not sure what that means...

[Arek the Absolute]

I'm in no way saying the graphics are perfect. They are far from it, but as Azul said, lets hold our judgement untill we see the game in motion.

That would be the best thing to do. This reminds me of how people acted when there were early screen shots of ToS2. People freaked out at the "horrible quality". A day later, higher quality screen shots came out and everyone was like "ohok daz coo".

Judging a game's graphics by simple screen shots isn't exactly the best thing to do when you haven't seen a demo of the game in motion.

[megadave]

^ I agree, although I like to make predictions. I do see a lot of detail in the backgrounds.. There's a lot going on back there, plus there are more moving objects, like the trees that sway back and forth.

I like that.

[WesPip]

I saw a commercial for Brawl today.
It made me happy.

[Linkjing Donuts]

new music video, guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLn2u2INps8

watch it over and over okay

i'm MC N64, the one in the green shirt

[Schwaltzvald]

So hey nintendo wants to start chargin via Pay-to-Play...
http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/02/nintendo-to-beg.html

:/

I'd better start seeing some boards up or something damn it...

edit: also awesome vid donuts :)!!

[atmuh]

woooooow nintendo i thought your online couldnt get any worse

[Bigfoot]

woooooow nintendo i thought your online couldnt get any worse

wooooow atma i thought the fanboy in you couldnt get any worse

But seriously, this is probably just for games like that Animal Crossing MMO that's been announced. I doubt it's for something as simple as Mario Kart Wii online.

[Scufo]

So hey nintendo wants to start chargin via Pay-to-Play...
http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/02/nintendo-to-beg.html

:/

I'd better start seeing some boards up or something damn it...

edit: also awesome vid donuts :)!!
If it'll make their online service any better, then I'm all for this. I doubt the payment will be anything significant.

If not, then Nintendo has hit a new low. The only reason their current service is even close to being forgivable is because it's free.

EDIT: Then again the chances for voice chat are basically zero, and since this only applies to certain games we know there's never gonna be a centralized online service. So there's not a whole lot they can add to make the cost justifiable.

Well I hope it's only for very few games.

[atmuh]

nintendo officially shot down the acmmo idea

LETS PAY FOR FRIEND CODES

[Bigfoot]

People pay for song packs on Guitar Hero, so I'm pretty sure people won't care about paying for this either.

[Neo Samus]

Sound's like a load of crap to me. Seems like he is trying to start controversy.

Edit: Never mind. This is crap. The pay to play better be friend code free.....

[UnforgivingEdges]

Excellent. Nintendo finally catches up to next-gen.

[Antipode]

Oh, man, this is horrible news. All I can say is I hope it will be really obvious why they force pay to play for certain games. If the games they have pay and play on are just like the online games they've already released, they're going to be seeing a lot less of my business.

[atmuh]

Oh, man, this is horrible news. All I can say is I hope it will be really obvious why they force pay to play for certain games. If the games they have pay and play on also contain friend codes, they're going to be seeing a lot less of my business.

there ya go

[Antipode]

No that isn't specifically what I was getting at - but that's definitely at least a part of it.

[Bahamut]

I'm guessing Nintendo is finally getting ready to be serious about online gaming on the Wii. I'll wait until I hear the actual details before I get my panties in a bunch.

[The Damned]

Depending upon what it features and what kind of pricing they will use, this could be a step in the right direction.

I'm not expecting Live level of usability, but I am expecting something more than simple friend codes.

[Neo Samus]

I'm hoping that it will be the end of friend codes...well pay to play at least.

[PuRe-eViL]

Well whatever happens, I don't think anyone is really going to take the Wii's online too seriously (no matter how much better it may get once it's pay to use) until Nintendo whips out a harddrive peripheral.

I've had a Wii since the beginning of last year, and a 360 since 3 weeks ago. Nintendo is not going to get close to anything resembling XboxLive until they put some actual effort into their online component, and then also supporting that on the client's end (HDDs Plz).

Here's to hoping that whatever they end up doing is worth the time they're spending.

[Soma]

I can't see myself paying to play a wii game online. If it makes friend codes die and voice chat a possibility then that's all well and good. But there's very little coming out on the Wii besides Brawl that i want to play. So hopefully if they're going to revamp the online stuff then there's going to be a shitload of games announced at e3 that take advantage of it.

[Arek the Absolute]

Game-by-game basis? This might get expensive fast...

[Drack]

This probably has something to do with that Animal Crossing MMO mentioned in October.

Here's an article (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7666&Itemid=2).

Edit: Maybe not (http://www.destructoid.com/iwata-destroys-animal-crossing-mmo-hopes-also-santa-doesn-t-exist-68805.phtml).

Even so, I don't see online service for any single game except MMOs needing a subscription fee.

[Jam Stunna]

Did they just play Wii Tennis at the Academy Awards?

[megadave]

I'm not paying for friend codes. Nope.

[Penfold]

Man, I was really hoping they'd announce a hard drive for the Wii during GDC...kinda frustrating they didn't given that the Wii Ware debut is just on the horizon. I'd really much rather be able to just buy and download games that interest me than have to budget my memory space (Wii Ware games have got to have some size to them). Maybe they'll make the SD card functionality, well, functional before Wii Ware are available...

[anthonium]

Pay for play? No thanks. I hope Mario Kart Wii or any Nintendo game won't use this. :P

[Bigfoot]

Apparently from Reggie, people in Europe aren't getting their version of Brawl until the Fall.

That sucks :\

[Sag Ee Mana]

Apparently from Reggie, people in Europe aren't getting their version of Brawl until the Fall.

That sucks :\

Sometimes, I wonder why I live here... :-P

[AarowSwift]

Folks, regular online content from Nintendo is and will remain free. The pay to play thing only refers to games that have a huge architecture that must be supported by dedicated servers, like MMORPGs for example.

[Arek the Absolute]

Anyone know what error 97003 is and how to fix it? I have gotten it 3 times now and I have no idea what is causing it.

[Bigfoot]

I'm assuming you already checked here, but..

From Nintendo's Support site:

Error Code: 97003
Specific Error Code Not Found - General Troubleshooting

* Try adjusting the "Channel" your wireless router broadcasts on. We highly recommend setting your wireless router to either channel 1 or 11. This can potentially increase the download speed. For information on accessing your router's settings, click here to select the brand name and model number of your router (if available).

* Check your router's broadcast settings to find out if it is set to "G", "B", or "Mixed." Mixed typically works best, but try all three to see if it improves the network connection to the Wii console.

* Make sure that any other interfering devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, are turned off. Wireless keyboards and mice may also cause interference.

[Airwalker]

http://wii.ign.com/articles/855/855033p1.html?RSSwhen2008-02-26_104500&RSSid=855033

So, Mario Kart will support text chat through a USB keyboard.

It's a step up, I suppose.

[Hale-Bopp]

wow, I can't wait to text chat. I also can't wait to have a keyboard accessory next to my huge pile of wii accessories that now fill up my coffee table entirely. yeah...can't wait for that.

[Arek the Absolute]

I'm assuming you already checked here, but..

From Nintendo's Support site:

Error Code: 97003
Specific Error Code Not Found - General Troubleshooting

* Try adjusting the "Channel" your wireless router broadcasts on. We highly recommend setting your wireless router to either channel 1 or 11. This can potentially increase the download speed. For information on accessing your router's settings, click here to select the brand name and model number of your router (if available).

* Check your router's broadcast settings to find out if it is set to "G", "B", or "Mixed." Mixed typically works best, but try all three to see if it improves the network connection to the Wii console.

* Make sure that any other interfering devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, are turned off. Wireless keyboards and mice may also cause interference.

Made sure my signal is mixed and changed the channel to 1. Just as an extra precaution, I made sure I had the latest firmware on my router.

Let's see if this works.

[Airwalker]

wow, I can't wait to text chat. I also can't wait to have a keyboard accessory next to my huge pile of wii accessories that now fill up my coffee table entirely. yeah...can't wait for that.

Well, apparently you can connect any old computer keyboard with a USB cord to the USB port in the back of the Wii.

I've not tried it, but I hear it already works for the Internet Browser and several other channels.

[Bigfoot]

A new freeloader has been released specifically for the Wii to play both Wii and Gamecube games from any region.

http://us.codejunkies.com/Products/Wii-FreeLoader__EF000593.aspx

[Hale-Bopp]

So, even though that works without modification, could Nintendo still render it useless with a simple firmware update? Or is it free of that sort of thing?

[Bigfoot]

So, even though that works without modification, could Nintendo still render it useless with a simple firmware update? Or is it free of that sort of thing?

Yup, I'm sure an update could render it useless. Only $20 down the drain, right? :p

[Lord.Roderick.i]

http://wii.ign.com/articles/855/855033p1.html?RSSwhen2008-02-26_104500&RSSid=855033

So, Mario Kart will support text chat through a USB keyboard.

It's a step up, I suppose.

No USB keyboard here, its gonna be similar to the texting system for Brawl acording to IGN Wii.
And yes any USB Keyboard works with the Wii.

[Bigfoot]

No USB keyboard here, its gonna be similar to the texting system for Brawl acording to IGN Wii.
And yes any USB Keyboard works with the Wii.

Yeah, that was posted in the MK Wii thread. Sucks :\

[Ray Falling]

Yup, I'm sure an update could render it useless. Only $20 down the drain, right? :p

Do you know if Nintendo ever had any problems with the original Gamecube Freeloader? If they just let it be then this will be a very good investment for anyone. There is no way I'm waiting 'till next Fall to get SSBB. T__T;

[Linkjing Donuts]

i just beat No More Heroes. Honestly, I think it's one of the best games on the Wii right now

[Penfold]

i just beat No More Heroes. Honestly, I think it's one of the best games on the Wii right now

That's a game I'm looking forward to getting, but probably not for quite a while yet. Especially because it's now confirmed that Mario Kart Wii is coming out less than two months after Brawl (April 27) (http://wii.ign.com/articles/858/858860p1.html).

[Cecilff2]

Thought I'd bump this. Okami for Wii is out tomorrow and I'll probably go pick it up and see how it does on the Wii.

Also while lookin up a little more information about it I saw that apparently Sadness isn't dead. Seeing as it was supposed to be released last year, and I hadn't heard anything about it, I thought it died. Some new pics showed up (http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/27980/info.shtml). It'd be nice to have another M game for the Wii.

[Hylian Lemon]

Wait, what? Okami Wii is out tomorrow? I didn't hear it was coming to the Wii until yesterday. I'm definitely going to have to pick that up soon; it looks amazing.

[nookster]

I thought i heard nibris, the developer of sadness was fake, and so was the game?

[atmuh]

ill have it in like 30 minutes
if you need to waggle to attack im not playin it

[Zombie]

Slight controll problems aside, I am totally going to buy Okami. I do not have a ps2/3 and wanted to play it ever since it was released. :smile:

[atmuh]

Games Radar had some unsettling things to say about Okami:

Of course a virtual paint brush was destined for the Wii and Okami enables you to channel your inner Bob Ross. By holding the B button, the screen becomes faded parchment and you’re able to paint weak lines with the A button and thicker lines with Z, but the brush isn’t always precise. We were hung up on the simpler brush techniques like getting a tree to blossom or slashing through an enemy. Also, we never had to use the weaker lines on the PS2. So why is that option mapped so readily to the A button? Holding B on your right hand and Z with your left, while making deliberate, precise motions with the Wiimote feels slow and at times, unstable.

Not all fights can be solved with magic ink, though. The close combat weapons range from beads to oversized swords, but most fights were usually the button-mashing fare on PS2. This is not the case on Wii. Rather than simply assigning the attack button to A and calling it a day, each attack is registered by swiping the Wiimote. However, instead of repeatedly shaking the Wiimote for simple slashing combos like in Twilight Princess, control is on a 1:1 ratio now. This means that you’ll shake the Wiimote slowly once and then wait for your attack to register, and then shake the Wiimote again for your second attack in the combo. Combat now feels awkward and is not the fast-paced slashfest we were used to on the PS2.

A lot of the reviews some to contradict one another. Makes me wish I had a place nearby that stocked a lot of Wii games for rental. I'm stuck between $8 at Blockbuster or praying the mom & pop rental place picks it up.

ok forget it im not gonna even bother playing it
way to ruin the game fags

[Thalzon]

Wait, wait... People are getting mad that the combat ISN'T mindless wiimote waggling and instead takes some timing and practice?

Also, I don't recall a single brush technique that required thick lines. The only time I made lines thick was filling in bridges and the like.

[atmuh]

you are a wolf
wolves do not attack by waving their arms or any other appendage
they bite and crap
waggling to bite is stupid

i have the game sitting right here but because of the terribleness of the combat i am not gonna bother with it

[DarkeSword]

Actually if you've PLAYED Okami for PS2 you'd know that Amaterasu uses WEAPONS. She has a sword, a mirror, and a rosary. She doesn't swipe with claws or bite. She swings out the weapons just like Link swings his sword.

Maybe instead of writing off the game you should actually play it.

[atmuh]

i hate motion control
i hated twilight princess
i doubt id like okami on wii
ill just finally go back to my ps2 copy

[Schwaltzvald]

Also, I don't recall a single brush technique that required thick lines. The only time I made lines thick was filling in bridges and the like.

Certain techniques such as the windslash (using the wind as a blender against enemies) gave you the option of choosing thin long lines for a longer duration of attack but moderate damage, or thick short lines for a shorter duration but heavy damage.

Much like where the bigger you make the infinity sign for the inferno blast the stronger the damage you do as well as more ink you use.

To get access to the windslash attack you need to do a short fishing side quest for a chef.

I love the game. :)!!

[SirChadlyOC]

For those of you who have already bought the Wii version, please let us know what you think. Not of the game necessarily, but of the controls. I want to know if I should buy a used PS2 Okami from GameStop for $26.99 or should I buy a new Wii Okami for $39.99. Thanks!

[Penfold]

I thought today was the ship date for Okami, but if it's actually available in stores today I'm definitely going to pick this up during lunch. I'm really looking forward to it, especially because I loved Twilight Princess.

So WiiWare comes out next month, and just checking out IGN's coverage of some of these games I'm pretty excited for its launch. LostWinds is looking especially cool I think. I don't fully understand how the distribution system works for WiiWare, but I heard that Nintendo won't be approving/filtering out games that are submitted so there's a lot of room for serious innovation to come out of that. Should be fun to see.

[SirChadlyOC]

I thought today was the ship date for Okami, but if it's actually available in stores today I'm definitely going to pick this up during lunch. I'm really looking forward to it, especially because I loved Twilight Princess.

You're right; today is the ship date. My bad.

But still, when people do get their hands on it, let us know how it plays.

[Drack]

Wii Okami is fantastic. But that's the game being awesome, not any awesome innovation in controls - It feels like Twilight Princess. Wiimote controls for a game that could be controlled without them. Nifty but unnecessary.

However, if you have an HDTV, only the Wii version has 16:9 and progressive scan.

No content was added for this version. Just those display features and wiimote controls.

[Zombie]

The review on IGN said that the game controlled fine for the most part, the only problems being the moves mapped to nunchuk (dodging). That is about all they had to complain about control-wise. I'm not sure what other sources said about the game in their reviews.

I am most likely going to pick it up.

[Penfold]

So, first time playing Okami, and for the most part it's been awesome so far. The only thing that's been bugging me is that combat doesn't seem to flow. Almost every time I attack normally, I can attack one time then several seconds go by before I can attack again. I miss that whole "three hit combo" I'm used to from Zelda games, though having just played through Kingdom Hearts 2 it's made battles seem that much choppier. Am I doing something wrong, is the game not picking up my control waggle, or is that just how this game is?

[Schwaltzvald]

I've had moments where the wii mote would "disappear" on me on other games, though for me it had been syncing issues.

The combat itself on Okami isn't as "choppy" as you say on the PS2 version.

At a friend's who has the Wii version, he fought just the same as I did on my PS2 version. Maybe it's how you waggle the mote..?

[Penfold]

I've had moments where the wii mote would "disappear" on me on other games, though for me it had been syncing issues.

The combat itself on Okami isn't as "choppy" as you say on the PS2 version.

At a friend's who has the Wii version, he fought just the same as I did on my PS2 version. Maybe it's how you waggle the mote..?

Cool, thanks man. I was thinking that might be the case, since it didn't make much sense for the action's momentum to break so much. Maybe my movements aren't exaggerated enough or something...at any rate, I'll figure it out tonight.

[Cecilff2]

You need to time it well. If you don't just attack rapidly you can continously hit. Though I still have trouble getting the 4 hit reflector combo perfect(usually only make it to 3). If you attack like crazy you seem to lose the ability to do so for a few seconds.

[Penfold]

You need to time it well. If you don't just attack rapidly you can continously hit. Though I still have trouble getting the 4 hit reflector combo perfect(usually only make it to 3). If you attack like crazy you seem to lose the ability to do so for a few seconds.

That might explain it...I just swung around like crazy, without particulary trying to time anything beyond the first hit (and sometimes not even that...after all, it worked in Twilight Princess :P). Thanks for this suggestion, I'll try it as well.

[atmuh]

finally caved and popped in okami wii
waggle is terrible and i am never playing it again

[Zombie]

I will gladly take it off your hands then, atma. :razz:

[Hylian Lemon]

There is something so comforting about Atma's predictability.

I think I might pick the game up as I get Mario Kart Wii. Just to save myself a trip. I didn't mind Twilight Princess's waggling, so I should be ok with Okami.

[atmuh]

I will gladly take it off your hands then, atma. :razz:

ya ok

[Penfold]

You need to time it well. If you don't just attack rapidly you can continously hit. Though I still have trouble getting the 4 hit reflector combo perfect(usually only make it to 3). If you attack like crazy you seem to lose the ability to do so for a few seconds.

Sure enough, that fixed it...thanks again, man. Now that I'm not swinging around like an idiot, the battles are significantly more enjoyable. The funny thing with getting that 4 hit reflector combo for me is I would either mess up the timing on the 2nd hit or I would get all 4 (at least at the dojo when I purchased it). Great game so far.

[Cecilff2]

PS, don't get fleetfoot. It's pretty worthless. It rarely dodges the way you want it to, unless you want to go backwards.

[Bigfoot]

Question to those who bought Okami for the Wii. Did you happen to notice an IGN watermark located to the right of the mouth? lol

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/914/gamokamiignwatermark2fx7.jpg

[Thalzon]

That was pointed out to me last night. I think marketing is in charge of things like box art, so I can only assume the port team's marketing department is lazy, incompetent, or both. *sigh* And the box art is so cool otherwise...

[Drack]

After 44 hours, I beat Okami.

Wow, what an incredible game.

[Schwaltzvald]

After 44 hours, I beat Okami.

Wow, what an incredible game.

Which has made me wonder... Would a sequel to the first one do justice at all..? When you finish the game, you get an ending that both feels as if it truly is an incredible conclusion, yet also hints of the possibility of a continuation.

[Animae]

Which has made me wonder... Would a sequel to the first one do justice at all..? When you finish the game, you get an ending that both feels as if it truly is an incredible conclusion, yet also hints of the possibility of a continuation.
As Clover Studios was shut down by Capcom just after the release of the game, I seriously doubt that it will get a sequel.

[Schwaltzvald]

As Clover Studios was shut down by Capcom just after the release of the game, I seriously doubt that it will get a sequel.

Old news slowpoke, as I'm more or less referring to "Platinumgames" which before that was formed as "Seeds Inc." possibly continueing it.

Regardless right now, I'd say it's just fine as it is. Expecially since I'm hesitant in a possible lackluster sequel...

[megadave]

I just got Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance. It's pretty much a Gamecube game, albeit a good one. If any of you guys are looking for a good strategy RPG, this one is top notch. Still, it would've been nice to have some pointer controls. Only a week left until Kart!

[Hylian Lemon]

Hahaha the IGN logo on the Okami box art is even more obvious when you have the actual thing in front of you.

I just got it today, and the waggle-fighting has been a lot more responsive than Twilight Princess's, so I'm happy. Everything about the game is pretty sweet. I can't get over how beautiful it looks.

[Zombie]

I just got Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance. It's pretty much a Gamecube game, albeit a good one. If any of you guys are looking for a good strategy RPG, this one is top notch. Still, it would've been nice to have some pointer controls. Only a week left until Kart!


Um.

That is because it is a gamecube game.

:razz:

[prophetik]

i think he meant this game (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/rpg/fireemblem/index.html?tag=result;title;0).

[megadave]

Yeah, I did. Sorry about that. They both sound the same. Anyway, it's pretty damn fun.

[Bigfoot]

Capcom is offering to replace the cover for Okami for the Wii. They even have 2 different covers to choose from over the original. Pretty sweet.

http://www.capcom.com/artredemption/

[MechaFone]

I've already got Okami for the PS2, I don't need two copies. Still, I might just rent sometime and see how it controls.
I remember playing Okami. The visuals were beautiful, the story was so rich and interesting, and I think I loved the music the best, along with it's humor. Issun is a fantastic little sidekick/imp/fairy/bug. His pervy tendencies are a breath of fresh air compared to some of the lackluster little sidekicks *coughnavicough* He likes to talk about Sakuya's boobs more than yelling "HEY! HEY!! LISTEN!" That's something that warms my heart.

[Effector]

Is it just me, or is "Art Redemption" very, very accurate? Made me chuckle at least.

[prophetik]

boy, i just read the review on okami on gamespot. was it me, or is kevin waxing poetical throughout the entire thing? he seems so...happy...about the game.

[Penfold]

Hmm, this is potentially disconcerting new: Retro Studios Lead Designer, Engineer, and Art Director leave the company (http://wii.ign.com/articles/869/869021p1.html). Not sure what their future projects will be, but I wonder if they're going to be so atmospheric and engaging without these individuals.

EDIT: Maybe it's just me, but looking at the "artwork redemption" (which, I agree with Effector, it's extremely fitting :P), it's kinda funny that their thumbnail version for the "redesigned original cover art" looks to still have the IGN logo :P.

[Zombie]

:? I wonder if the quality of their games will be significantly effected by this.

:|

[Antipode]

Man and I was so curious what the team would come out with after Prime 3.

[JCvgluvr]

:? I wonder if the quality of their games will be significantly effected by this.

:|

Well, lets look at history. When Yuji Naka left Sega (or was it Sonic Team, I can't remember), the Sonic series still maintained its quality in its titles, right?

Or when Sakurai left Hal Laboratories, Kirby games still had that ageless charm, didn't they?

:| *Note the inaudible, troubled hint of sarcasm in my voice* :neutral:

Here's hoping Retro Studios never touches another Metroid again. We need a new 2-D one, anyways.

[Bigfoot]

I'm pretty sure I remember them saying after MP3, they were done with Metroid.

[Cecilff2]

Was it simply Metroid? I remember them saying something like that but I wasn't sure if it was the Prime series or just Metroid altogether.

[Antipode]

Speaking of metroid, happy page SR388.

[Overflow]

I never heard of any metroid plans from retro after MP3, but I'm sure Nintendo plans on making more metroid, but I think they always said MP3 would be the last MP game.
It's good, too; MP was an experiment that worked, but I think it's time to leave it before Nintendo accidentally maims it.
Plus, if they can't get the atmosphere in it, then they CAN'T DARE to make another one. Atmosphere is what makes the metroid games, the MP ones in particular.

[Soma]

I've gone on record a few times saying the Wii is a piece of shit but I might actually pickup Boom Blocks. It looks very interesting. That is very sad about the Metroid/retro studio losing some people. I think they might have done all they could really do with the Prime series though.

[Bigfoot]

My friend got Mario Kart Wii tonight, and I have to say I'm disappointed. It was fun for a little bit, but then it was just annoying since it's so luck based. The game does look great though, and I love the stages.

It seems that Nintendo doesn't like people that are good at their games, so they want to give everyone a chance to win at least once :P

Guess I'll just have to play it some more.

[JCvgluvr]

I've gone on record a few times saying the Wii is a piece of shit but I might actually pickup Boom Blocks. It looks very interesting. That is very sad about the Metroid/retro studio losing some people. I think they might have done all they could really do with the Prime series though.

Of all the games to convince you to get a wii, you're picking Boom Blocks? How could you ignore Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Twilight Princess, and so many others? Boom Blocks looks like an adventure into mediocre land...

[Jam Stunna]

So my wife and I are high right now, playing Wii Bowling. Going into the 10th and final frame, I'm winning 162-141. On the last frame, my wife proceeds to hit three consecutive strikes. Meanwhile, I end up hitting only 8 out of 10 pins. She ends up winning 171-170. Man, what a crushing defeat.

[Penfold]

So, it sounds like a storage solution for the Wii may be under way (http://wii.ign.com/articles/870/870937p1.html). Really hoping something comes out soon, what with WiiWare launching in the US in the very near future.

[Imagist]

Of all the games to convince you to get a wii, you're picking Boom Blocks? How could you ignore Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Twilight Princess, and so many others? Boom Blocks looks like an adventure into mediocre land...

Your lack of reading comprehension scares me.

[Bigfoot]

By the way, the first tournament is underway for MK Wii. It ends tomorrow. More than anything it's like saying who's the best at a slot machine :P

Some of the times on the ranking board seems impossible though.

[Bigfoot]

:D

Earthbound is coming to VC. Everyone should buy it, even if they already own the game. Then, maybe Nintendo will bring over Mother 3 due to the how many people bought it :P

Search for Earthbound
http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp

[Penfold]

:D

Earthbound is coming to VC. Everyone should buy it, even if they already own the game. Then, maybe Nintendo will bring over Mother 3 due to the how many people bought it :P

Search for Earthbound
http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp

Yay. I've wanted to play this game, so after however long it takes Nintendo to post it I'll finally get to!

EDIT: Boo, still no esrb rating for anything Mega Man or Majora's Mask for Wii, so I guess some other games I'm most hoping for on VC aren't even in the pipeline yet.

[Steben]

I will buy this game three times.

[JCvgluvr]

Ah, yes, Earthbound.

The only kinds of RPGs that have interested me so far are ones with Mario in them, and ones made by Bioware. Should I still give this game a chance, regardless?

[Airwalker]

Ah, yes, Earthbound.

The only kinds of RPGs that have interested me so far are ones with Mario in them, and ones made by Bioware. Should I still give this game a chance, regardless?

Only if you want to play one of the greatest RPG's ever made. Yes! It is rather light-hearted like a Nintendo game should be.

I've beaten it twice.

[Red Shadow]

ive beaten it 30 or so times

[OA]

i'll give Earthbound a shot.

Nice work fanboys, you did good for once. :-)

[cobaltstarfire]

Random question about the wii when you buy it, what all does one come with, and what should I expect to have to buy seperately?

My dad is thinking of getting me one (and himself a 360) when he returns from Iraq, but he doesn't know what all comes with it, and neither do I, neither of us are in a possition to go to a store and ask.

I've looked around for info but I've never been great at finding information online, and that holds true in this case. So I decided to ask you all.

[Drack]

It comes with one Wiimote and one Nunchuk for controllers. Comes with Wii Sports and the necessary cable for SDTVs. If you want component video instead of composite video you'll need to buy a wii component cable separately.

You don't need memory cards or SDCards for wii games but you will need a gamecube memcard and controller for gamecube games. None of that's included.

For most VC games, they use more buttons than the Wiimote has so you'd want to buy a GC controller or a classic controller.

[cobaltstarfire]

Thanks, now when we get a chance we have to just find one. It seems online places gauge the cost, but store locations hide their wiis from the public eye.

Wheee.

[Bigfoot]

For any VC game(besides N64 ones I guess) I really recommend the classic controller. For the old school feel though, I use the Wiimote sideways for NES games. :P

[Dhsu]

Apparently this has been out for a while, but I just found out about the Twilight Hack (http://wiibrew.org/index.php?title=Twilight_Hack), which lets you run homebrew (e.g. emulators, MP3 player, Linux, etc.) without a modchip. Pretty exciting stuff. Day of the Tentacle on a big-screen TV with Wiimote controls? Yes, please.

[Drack]

Indeed. All you need is Twilight Princess and an SDCard to jump into Wii Homebrew.

This won't let you use Gamecube mode homebrew (Without a modchip you'll need an action replay + an SD Gecko) but a lot of stuff is being ported to Wii mode. Open Source at work.

Unfortunately, Wii mode homebrew can't read form the DVD yet, so you need to use an SD Card to store your stuff.

But this means that really, the only purpose of a wii modchip now is to pirate wii/gc discs. Homebrew is possible without one thanks to this hack.

Interestingly, homebrewers are working on USB Mass Storage support - they already have a demo out that lists directory contents. This means that soon, we'll be able to attach a USB hard drive and use it for homebrew (ROM, save, config storage for homebrew emulators, for example).

And if any of you are programmers, I've written a guide (http://www.tehskeen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2968) to set up the development environment, if you want to get cracking on writing your own software for Wii.

[Cadmus]

Apparently this has been out for a while, but I just found out about the Twilight Hack (http://wiibrew.org/index.php?title=Twilight_Hack), which lets you run homebrew (e.g. emulators, MP3 player, Linux, etc.) without a modchip. Pretty exciting stuff. Day of the Tentacle on a big-screen TV with Wiimote controls? Yes, please.

Pardon my ignorance, but what does this let the average Wii user do now?

[RedTigrr]

Thanks, now when we get a chance we have to just find one. It seems online places gauge the cost, but store locations hide their wiis from the public eye.

Wheee.



Best thing I could suggest would be to search out smaller towns around where you live at

Sometimes you can find them outside of town easier than you could in-town. I know that's how I found mine.

[Dhsu]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does this let the average Wii user do now?
It lets you run user-made, aka homebrew, applications on your Wii from an SD card. Here's a list (http://wiibrew.org/index.php?title=Homebrew_apps) of stuff that's been released so far. The most useful things will probably be the various emulators that have been ported already, and media players if you're the home theater type of guy. Also definitely check out OpenTyrian if you never played the original.

Hopefully they'll release a free web browser sometime soon as well.

[cobaltstarfire]

Best thing I could suggest would be to search out smaller towns around where you live at

Sometimes you can find them outside of town easier than you could in-town. I know that's how I found mine.

Maybe I should try to find one before leaving Denton then...finding a "smaller town" around where I live outside of College is pretty much impossible. (San Antonio=Massive Sprawl).

Twighlight Hack sounds really neat.

[Amayirot Akago]

Picked up Boom Blox today, surprisingly addictive game. Can't wait to try out the multiplayer when my buddy comes visiting again one of these days.

[Penfold]

Noticed the flashing blue light this morning as I was getting ready to go to work, and found the Nintendo Channel is now available. I understand that it's supposed to let your Wii work basically as a DS download station, though I didn't have time to check it out (I also couldn't even open the channel because apparently my Wii is too full...dammit Nintendo, I want my increased storage options now! :P). Should be kinda cool, since I don't think I've taken my DS to a download station pretty much since the first month of owning it but it'd be nice to play some new demos.

[Neo Samus]

Yeah I noticed it this morning as well. I was able to download it, didn't have time to check it out.

[Ramaniscence]

Man, I got the Nintendo Channel this morning and used it to download the Ninja Gaiden demo. The demo itself is no longer than the Metroid Prime: Hunters one, but man was that game cool for the 5-10 mins I got to play it on Normal difficulty (I unlocked a harder one, but I had to leave for school)

Getting a chance to actually DOWNLOAD DS demos makes me a very happy boy.

[Bigfoot]

I'd love to download this, but trying to connect to anything Nintendo for me is like trying to win at slots.

[Penfold]

I'd love to download this, but trying to connect to anything Nintendo for me is like trying to win at slots.

Internet trouble?

[Bigfoot]

Internet trouble?

Everything else works fine. I downloaded the update with no problem, but I could not connect to the shop channel at all.

[Penfold]

Everything else works fine. I downloaded the update with no problem, but I could not connect to the shop channel at all.

That sucks...sorry man :S.

[Airwalker]

The Nintendo Channel is awesome. I am playing Cooking Mama 2 right now and I am trying to purposely make a bad pie. :-P

This will certainly be one of my favorite channels from now on as long as they constantly add demos. They would be silly not too, as I am already pondering buying Cooking Mama. It's a great marketing device.

[Dhsu]

Cool stuff, but honestly they should have had this channel all along. There have been homebrew apps out for years now that let you download demos from a database directly from your DS over Wi-Fi.

[Penfold]

Cool stuff, but honestly they should have had this channel all along. There have been homebrew apps out for years now that let you download demos from a database directly from your DS over Wi-Fi.

I agree with you. At the very least I was expecting this, like, last January, just given that this is one of the many features of the Wii they highlighted during those pre-launch press-conferences. Oh well, at least it's here now :P.

[Chiwalker]

The wii would be perfect if it had PixelJunk - Monsters on it. That game is awesome and there is another one that is about to come out - it involves optical illusions and a little block figure walking through obstacles, it looks really cool.

Other than that, TP and Brawl automatically make wii the better console.

[Imagist]

So I've been playing Okami on Wii. It's a great game and all, but my biggest problem is not the "waggle" combat (which I actually prefer to Twilight Princess's rapid-fire style; the directional dodging with the Nunchuk could work better, but then again TP could never quite tell what should have been a shield bash from what should have been a spin strike). I have issues with the drawing, as it seems a little too strict for the pointer controls (especially on the issue of a "straight" line; it can sometimes take 2 or 3 attempts to recognize a power slash on something, although circular techniques are a little easier). Was it ever so tough to draw properly on the PS2, or is that a problem unique to the Wiimote adaptation?

[I-n-j-i-n]

The power slash must have been the easiest thing to do on the PS2 version. Also, I had no problems with the analog controls for the circle either. I just don't see any reason to buy the Wii version considering all those control quirks. Sounds to me like the wiimote functionality was mostly tacked on the game.

[Zombie]

So I've been playing Okami on Wii. It's a great game and all, but my biggest problem is not the "waggle" combat (which I actually prefer to Twilight Princess's rapid-fire style; the directional dodging with the Nunchuk could work better, but then again TP could never quite tell what should have been a shield bash from what should have been a spin strike). I have issues with the drawing, as it seems a little too strict for the pointer controls (especially on the issue of a "straight" line; it can sometimes take 2 or 3 attempts to recognize a power slash on something, although circular techniques are a little easier). Was it ever so tough to draw properly on the PS2, or is that a problem unique to the Wiimote adaptation?

Only the times when I have to draw the moon the pointer fails me. It always wants to make wind. :? I usually am able to get power slashes and whatnot the majority of the time... just hold Z and you can get them consistantly.

My issue with the game would have to be the camera control. It feels really clunky mapped to the D-Pad, and makes me wish I had it on a 2nd analogue stick most of the time. :|

[Cecilff2]

I have no troubles with the slash or the moon. Just make a backwards C for the moon. You don't have to be that elaborate. Also make sure you're looking at the sky. As for the slash, I just learned to draw it quick(like an actual slash) and that helped. By spoiler the time I made it to the second Orochi I cut every head without missing once./spoiler.

Trying to draw the sun sometimes gets mistaken as wind though. That and bloom.

[Necrotic]

So I've been playing Okami on Wii. It's a great game and all, but my biggest problem is not the "waggle" combat (which I actually prefer to Twilight Princess's rapid-fire style; the directional dodging with the Nunchuk could work better, but then again TP could never quite tell what should have been a shield bash from what should have been a spin strike). I have issues with the drawing, as it seems a little too strict for the pointer controls (especially on the issue of a "straight" line; it can sometimes take 2 or 3 attempts to recognize a power slash on something, although circular techniques are a little easier). Was it ever so tough to draw properly on the PS2, or is that a problem unique to the Wiimote adaptation?

Zed. Zee. Z. Whatever you want to call it, however you want to spell it, whatever you want it to look like, it's your friend, it's intuitive, and it rarely misses me a power slash. You should try using it more often if you don't already, or maybe you just need to find something to steady your wrist with.

Sometimes I fumble up the circular motions, but I find half of the problem is my Wii sensor bar really acting up when I sit in certain ways and not the game itself. The game has actually recognized some pretty awkward looking circles as being what I intended them to be, though, which leaves me impressed.

Sadly, I never had a chance to play Okami before the Wii version. But so far I'm left wanting to slap myself for never realizing how awesome of a game it is, and I'm telling everyone who has a PS2 or Wii that likes Zelda-style adventures to buy it. Especially now more than ever, since the Wii version is out and there's no excuse not to buy at least one of the two versions. I don't know which of the two has superior controls, I'm sure different people you talk to will have different opinions, but the whole painting with the Wii remote aspect has been a lot of fun for me.

[Imagist]

Z? What?...

(I really had no idea that was a feature. And I thought I was paying pretty good attention to the tutorials.)

Anyway, Injin, the reason to buy the Wii version is I don't have a PS2. And I'm sure this is a valid reason for many others as well. Besides, as someone else mentioned, using widescreen and progressive scan mode on Wii makes the game look gorgeous. And all in all, I find the Wiimote controls more annoying than fun--I just don't have a steady enough hand to draw straight lines using a pointer without help.

[Hylian Lemon]

I believe Z makes a thicker line or something.

Drawing the lines really quickly helped me. When you have to draw straight up (like with waterspout), it can be a bit more difficult to control.

[Forty-second]

I got Okami, and am completely defeated by that darn brush. It takes two to five attempts per circle I try to draw (I'm about three hours into the game). I am stuck at Mr. Orange's cutscene with the drawing circles and stuff, and I have tried for hours to complete it, but drawing one circle is hard enough, drawing 4+ in a row is impossible for me. Sometimes it shines the sun instead of growing the flowers. I'm at a complete loss. Though I did figure out after awhile that I need to have the ends of the circle meet exactly or something...

[Thalzon]

The circle must be closed for it to register. I really, really wish they gave this game its own sensitivity setting, because I can't for the life of me draw as smooth as it demands. It's made the game harder, at least. I guess that can be seen as a plus (I died! I actually freakin' died!)

[Imagist]

The ends of the circle don't have to meet exactly, in fact it doesn't even have to be very circle-like at all, but it must be some sort of completely enclosed oval (if it's open it won't work) and for most things it has to completely encircle the thing you're trying to affect. Make sure your circles are big enough or it won't work.

(HALF-JACKED)

[LiquidGlass]

You know I feel like i'm the only one that hasn't had any problems with the brush strokes. Maybe it's because i've played a lot of pointer heavy games? The only problem i think i've had is with the blossom stroke not working. I'll get a sun instead, or it just wont work. With the power slash i usually just do a quick flick to the left and it works every time. Though i'll admit I do get annoyed when the sensor bar goes haywire and starts jumping left and right. It always happens during some intense moment in a boss battle...

Oh and I second Imagerys widescreen progressive scan argument. This game is beautiful.

[Penfold]

You know I feel like i'm the only one that hasn't had any problems with the brush strokes. Maybe it's because i've played a lot of pointer heavy games? The only problem i think i've had is with the blossom stroke not working. I'll get a sun instead, or it just wont work. With the power slash i usually just do a quick flick to the left and it works every time. Though i'll admit I do get annoyed when the sensor bar goes haywire and starts jumping left and right. It always happens during some intense moment in a boss battle...

Oh and I second Imagerys widescreen progressive scan argument. This game is beautiful.

I don't tend to have problems with the celestial brush techniques, though I agree with the comment about camera control being a little clunky (especially in places like Sei-an City, where you have a lot more objects).

To help diagnose the sensor bar going haywire as you mentioned, does the cursor also jump around a bit when you're just on the Wii menu? If so and you've already upped the sensor bar sensitivity (or whatever they call it in the Wii system options), you might sitting too bar away from the sensor bar for it to work perfectly so you might wanna get a 3rd party sensor bar (since they tend to be stronger...IGN has good reviews on them). Alternatively, if you have another strong source of light (like the sun through a window) it can confuse the wiimote a bit. Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in, since I had that problem before getting thicker curtains (windows right behind my tv) and a 3rd party sensor bar (got the Nyko wireless one since it was the strongest at the time, then modified it to be wired so I didn't have to worry about batteries).

Also, Wiiware on Monday! :-D Very excited for LostWinds especially.

[Thalzon]

I'm personally looking forward to World of Goo the most, though that's not due for release for a while yet. Lost Winds definitely looks engaging, or at least whimsical.

[Penfold]

I'm personally looking forward to World of Goo the most, though that's not due for release for a while yet. Lost Winds definitely looks engaging, or at least whimsical.

Yeah, I heard World of Goo is supposed to be pretty awesome. I'll definitely be getting that with LostWinds on Monday. As a side note, it'll be interesting to see if WiiWare titles' reviews will be collected together on Metacritic - they don't with VC games, but do with XBLA games (even the oldschool releases).

[XZero]

Every Wii owner should buy a Kama nunchuck controller. The wirelessness of the controller makes playing the games easier since there are no cords to get in the way, and it works *perfectly*. In sum, go to GameStop or Game Crazy and buy one of these things.


Here's the IGN review:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/871/871407p1.html

[SirChadlyOC]

Is the cost of the WiiWare games still a mystery? I fear that I'm not going to get into it because it'll be too expensive.

Unless someone like Pepsi starts a "Free Wii Points with Purchase" program. *dream*

[Penfold]

Is the cost of the WiiWare games still a mystery? I fear that I'm not going to get into it because it'll be too expensive.

Unless someone like Pepsi starts a "Free Wii Points with Purchase" program. *dream*

Not totally a mystery, but it's by no means transparent. Here a list of the known WiiWare titles, with relative info (including price point for some) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WiiWare_games). In terms of pricing model, it's not static, so there's no telling necessarily how much a game might be unless Nintendo has already told us. As I understand it, the devs give a suggested price point to Nintendo when uploading the game for future distribution, at which point Nintendo can make final judgement on price. I wonder if that means we could see "sale prices" for WiiWare titles from time to time...I guess it's all up to what Nintendo wants to do.

[Jarvi]

Just to interject into the conversation a bit, has anyone tried Baroque? It's a port of a PS2 game that was apparantly a remake of a Sega Saturn game is something. The controls for it are a bit awkward and the camera sucks, but the story is so hopelessly muddled and confusing in the beginning, that I keep playing to find out more.

[Thalzon]

I played it for PS2. Most unforgiving game I've ever played, and the fact that it's so unforgiving makes it an absolute chore to play. Also, the combat is so stiff and dull, and it seems I couldn't find a healing item that didn't also have some adverse effect. And what's with the vitality meter? It just adds another layer of annoyance. I didn't enjoy my time with it at all.

[Penfold]

So, I checked the shop channel before heading to work this morning, and saw WiiWare is up now! Downloaded LostWinds and played a few minutes of it, and so far it seems to have a lot of charm. Moving through the world using the wind is pretty fun and there's something appealing about bushes, tree leaves, etc moving around as the cursor brushes past. I look forward to getting to sink more time into it.

I was kinda disappointed to see games like World of Goo and Dr. Mario Online RX, which were supposed to be available at WiiWare launch, aren't available till next week. Also gonna decide whether to get My Life as a King based off reviews as they come in.

[megadave]

So, WiiWare is out now. I haven't messed with it because I still have disc games that I haven't finished - Endless Ocean, No More Heroes, and most loveledly, Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn. I'm liking how it looks though. (Mario Kart also gets some action, but I don't plan on taking you guys on until I get a certain special vehicle).

Speaking of Radiant Dawn, it's an excellent game. In that game, when characters under your control die on the battlefield, it's a real pain in the ass, because you can't play as them anymore and some of them don't even show up in the story anymore. So, I left those old saves and continued my quest without sacrificing characters. So, I have to fight each battle several times because it's almost impossible to not have a character die unless you use characters with extremely high durability, which makes the whole battle slower and less dramatic.

It's such an awesome game! And your characters change class after a certain level, and it's so awesome. They look different and they gain new abilities and tear the shit out of enemies. Also, the characters themselves have tons of depth and personality. I can't wait for a sequel with actual Wii pointer controls.

So, how are the Wii Ware games? Fun?

[Hector]

Sounds like this is your first Fire Emblem game. They're all similar to that.

[megadave]

Yes, it's my first, and my third strategy RPG. First was Warcraft 2, second was the legendary Shining Force, and now it's Fire Emblem. I'm digging it I tell you.

[SirChadlyOC]

Yes, it's my first, and my third strategy RPG. First was Warcraft 2, second was the legendary Shining Force, and now it's Fire Emblem. I'm digging it I tell you.

Welcome to the Fire Emblem obsession. We knew you'd come. :-P

Feel free to pick up the prequel, Path of Radiance, for the GameCube ($25). A few of the new additions will be gone, which will be annoying, but the storyline is worth it. The easiest way to find it now would be using the store locater on GameStop's Web site (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=34036).

Also, I highly recommend the first American GBA game "Fire Emblem (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=27918)" (FF7 in Japan) ($20). You can probably skip the second GBA game "Sacred Stones" for now, but keep your eyes peeled for the somewhat recently announced (http://uk.gamespot.com/pages/unions/read_article.php?topic_id=25995064&union_id=13852&print=1) DS installment of Fire Emblem, featuring Marth.

[sephfire]

Has anyone been having trouble with logging into the Wii Shop? Mine refuses to do so 90% of the time. The other 10%, it lets me to the top menu and boots me out as soon as I select something. It's just a little sad when my poor little Wii can't even access its own store.

[Red Shadow]

Lost Winds is really fun.

Interesting to note that the boss battle has more steps to it than one would think.

[OA]

Lost winds looks great, so i'm happy to hear it is good. :-)

I'm picking up the FF game tonight, so i'll let you know what I think of it. A few months back in some thread I remember wishing for basically a game just like this, so it's kind of strange that it actually came out. :O

And since Square Enix is apparently granting my wishes now, I'd love a Soul Blazer sequel/remake/VC release please. <_<

[Penfold]

Lost winds looks great, so i'm happy to hear it is good. :-)

I'm picking up the FF game tonight, so i'll let you know what I think of it. A few months back in some thread I remember wishing for basically a game just like this, so it's kind of strange that it actually came out. :O

And since Square Enix is apparently granting my wishes now, I'd love a Soul Blazer sequel/remake/VC release please. <_<

Quick, wish for Chrono Trigger!!!! :P Haha.

Anyway, I'd definitely be interested to hear how that Crystal Chronicles WiiWare title is. It's the only one that IGN hasn't reviewed yet, and it doesn't seem like Metacritic will be compiling WiiWare reviews at this point (which is lame).

LostWinds is great. 45 min in so far, and I'm really looking forward to what further powers you obtain, and seeing other pretty novel ways you move around and interact with your environment to continue.

On that note, they've announced there will be a sequel to LostWinds!! (http://wii.ign.com/articles/873/873467p1.html) Considering LostWinds is supposed to be around 3 hours, it seems like they'll have lots of room to do a very fresh-feeling sequel. Wishful thinking, but with Nintendo in the near future bringing out a new storage option, maybe that will lead to an increase in the WiiWare size cap, and they could make an even lenghier sequel.

Sephire - I haven't had any trouble connecting to the Wii Shop channel on my end. If it was just trouble connecting yesterday, maybe it was because of a lot of traffic from people downloading WiiWare games?

[Penfold]

Double-post.

Beat LostWinds last night, and I've got to say I highly recommend it. For any who enjoy games such as Zelda or Metroid which have an emphasis on adventuring, this would be a perfect fit.

I have two small gripes that, while not detracting from the experience, do show a couple areas for improvement. First, I'm not at all taken back by this game from a value standpoint - while only 3 or so hours long, the experience is worth the $10 pricetag in my opinion. The flipside is, though, that the once game really feels like it's starting to take off it's already over. In other words, it left me wanting more. The other gripe is that it's actually very easy to get lost towards the end. There's no map system, and no signs that the player can read to help navigate, so the only way to get your bearings is by talking to the townsfolk and just wing it. This may be a function of the length/size of the game (the experience would be just that much faster if you had a map to show the objectives' locations), and it's really not a bad thing as it was still fun. It's a beautifully-rendered world, but so many of the environments look alike that it would have been too much of a chore to navigate if the world was much larger. A larger rendition wouldn't need a map necessarily, but readable signs or more varying environments would also do the trick (the reason games like Metroid worked so well without a map was there thanks to a very decent variation in environments, I think).

All in all, the mechanics work great, the world is beautiful, the boss battle is very satisfying, and while the story may be a little trite it's not bad. I think this is a game that shows what WiiWare can and should be: quality gaming that shows the strengths of the Wii system. Like I said before, a LostWinds 2 has already been announced, and thankfully so! Here's hoping for a sequel of perhaps larger scope, and if so hopefully some way of dealing with potential navigation issues. Great game, and I would encourage everyone to support such a fantastic effort.

[OA]

I spent a few hours on my life as a king last night and I have to say I'm really impressed. The art and music are beautiful, and the game play reminds me on an ultra-detailed version of the Actraiser town areas, mixed with a bit of Sim City, and with a few unique twists.

You build different types of buildings, learning more types as you progress through the game. Small houses bring in 2 new people and earn you 10 gil per day. Of these 2 people, 1 you can commission as an adventurer (for a 1 time 100gil fee to sign them up, and then 15gil for every day they go out and do things for you).
They can level up, and they go into the dungeons to brign back building materials for you. They all have friendship levels with each other, so if you want them to be extra effective, you can have them join a group with their friends. You can go into their houses and view thier stats as well, which is pretty cool. When they defeat bosses, you can award them a medal, which gives them a stat increase of your choice, in addition to their leveling up.

You can also build bakeries and different weapon shops for your townspeople. The bakery improves morale of the surrounding citizens, which gradually fills a bar. When the bar reaches 100% you get a cool present and then it resets. You can also increase the bar by running around town and talking to your residents.
The weapon shop is cool because it allows you to invest money in it to improve it's goods, which your adventurers will spend their money on to grow stronger.
There are a few restrictions of where you can build; like the bakery needs to be near houses, and stuff like that, but you have a good amount of control of how things grow and develop.

Overall totally worth $15 to me.


Once I finish this, I'll probably be picking up lost winds, especially after the positive review from Penfold.

[Penfold]

Nice, I'm very interested in giving My Life as a King a shot, though I really should finish Okami before starting it (and I probably have to delete LostWinds to make room for it :-x). I'd be interested in hearing how many hours you clock in before beating the game.

Incidentally, I was wrong, they are compiling reviews for WiiWare titles on Metacritic after all, but none have 4 yet so their meta scores are still null.

In other news, new title revealed from Platinum Studios (formerly Seeds, formerly the fallout of Clover Studios). (http://wii.ign.com/articles/874/874210p1.html) Reading their first paragraph about Mad World started to turn me off to the game despite the art style, but I started to get more interested when they talked about the violence being intentionally over-the-top to be comical. Looking forward to more info about this.

Then, potential Castlevania game for the Wii. (http://ds.ign.com/articles/874/874323p1.html) It's reaching to say that's confirmation of a forthcoming Wii entry, but I'm hopeful. At least another DS title in on the way...

[Cecilff2]

Took me about 38 hours to beat Okami, and I still have a bit I can more I could do(That last blockhead is REALLY annoying[8 points]). Got the blossom tree for three of my totals. I think I missed on enemies defeated and demon fangs.

[BardicKnowledge]

Those of you that have My Life as a King -- how does the "Pay to Play" thing work? I understand that you've gotta pay for certain expansion packs / buildings a la Oblivion, but is it really a monthly thing?

[Penfold]

Those of you that have My Life as a King -- how does the "Pay to Play" thing work? I understand that you've gotta pay for certain expansion packs / buildings a la Oblivion, but is it really a monthly thing?

I haven't yet played it personally, but looking at the wiki page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Life_as_a_King) "Pay to Play" in this case is just it's the downloadable content, which you buy as desired - so no monthly service charge or anything.

EDIT: After watching a not offscreen version of the Mad World trailer, I'm even more hoping for more gameplay vids and details (come on, E3!). It's so over-the-top, it is pretty funny (like the guy walking around with the sign sticking out of his face).

[OA]

Those of you that have My Life as a King -- how does the "Pay to Play" thing work? I understand that you've gotta pay for certain expansion packs / buildings a la Oblivion, but is it really a monthly thing?

It's a little shop that you can buy stuff in; it's not a reoccurring subscription or anything. I bought a new building type, and it was pretty streamlined into the game. Buying the new building opened up a new dungeon that I needed to clear before I could get the building plans(which is cool; it gives my dudes more to do), but once I received the plans, it unlocked the building for good, meaning if I start a new town, it'll be ready from the beginning.
I don't think i'll be buying everything, but maybe I'll get some other stuff if it appeals to me.

[Ray Falling]

IGN has screenshots of a new "shooter" coming to Wii, called Pyroblazer. It looks fantastic!

From the looks of it it's more of a racing game a la Wipeout. No other details yet, just 4 screens: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14245910/pyroblazer/images/pyroblazer-20080521094707666.html

[The Pezman]

I had a rare case of being in the right place at the right time on Monday.

I was just browsing a GameStop, not intending to buy anything. This was 10:45 in the morning (I'm back from college) so it was just me and an employee. I asked about the Wiis, and of course they were still sold out. But, as I was standing there, a UPS deliveryman came in with a single Wii. What to do, what to do? I went back and forth, but then went ahead and bought it. It was very sudden and I haven't started playing it yet. My friend will loan me Metroid Prime 3 on Friday. I'm excited.

[Red Shadow]

how much are wiis selling for on ebay these days?

theres a store about two miles away that has three of them

[Neo Samus]

I had a rare case of being in the right place at the right time on Monday.

I was just browsing a GameStop, not intending to buy anything. This was 10:45 in the morning (I'm back from college) so it was just me and an employee. I asked about the Wiis, and of course they were still sold out. But, as I was standing there, a UPS deliveryman came in with a single Wii. What to do, what to do? I went back and forth, but then went ahead and bought it. It was very sudden and I haven't started playing it yet. My friend will loan me Metroid Prime 3 on Friday. I'm excited.


If you are a fan of the MP series (which if I remember correctly you are) I think you will enjoy Corruption very much. It seems like luck was on your side. Hopefully it didn't put to much of a hole in your wallet.

[megadave]

Alright people, it's time for a Wii update. Let's look at the status of our little white console. There's some good games for it. There's some good games coming out. So let's take a look at those exclusives coming out.

Exclusive Wii Games:

Fatal Frame 4 - New sequel by Tecmo and Suda coming out later this year. Previous games are rated highly, and this one is looking really good. The series is often classified as the scariest series of games ever (often moreso than Silent Hill).

http://wii.ign.com/articles/848/848721p1.html

The Conduit - The developer of this first person shooter game is taking inspiration from Metroid Prime 3 and Medal of Honor Heroes 2. It looks awesome. Apparently the developer has the most powerful Wii engine as well. The dev is still looking for a publisher though.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=C5EhfHNPA8g

Madworld - It looks like Sega is bringing a cool, bloody game to the Wii. Just watch the video or whatever. It looks cool. I give props to ol' Sega, they are even cool enough to make a Wii version of the upcoming Sonic game.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hbg6-yLgy_Y

Tecmo Bowl - A fucking Wii exclusive Tecmo bowl is coming out. Cool.

http://play.tm/wire/cluster/1878114

Sadness - It if comes out, it will probably be really cool. They've been working on it for 2 years already.

Disaster - Day of Crisis - A cool distaster-style game being developed by Nintendo. It has to come out soon, doesn't it?

Monster Hunter 3 and Chocobo Mystery Dungeon - Everybody already knows about these I think. Also, we know Nintendo have to release some good games by Christmas. First party is a no-brainer. Nintendo's going to churn out all kinds of stuff by Christmas, so we will wait and see.

Stuff that we're unjustly missing out on (and by "we're", I mean those who have to worry more about bills than shelling out for another console)

Bionic Commando - Made famous by the classic NES version. Too fucking bad for you, because there are two different Bionic Commando games coming out on other consoles. Yeah, I suppose that the using a Wiimote to strike the shit out of enemies and swing around with that bionic arm is just too much to ask. Instead, you can use archaic analog controls to do the same thing, which simply won't be as fun.

Street Fighter 4 - You won't see this one either. Although Capcom has mentioned that it is possible to port it to Wii, you won't be getting it. Save up $400 bucks now, because to be quite honest, any old school gamer must have this game on launch day.

Soul Calibur 4 - Not getting it. Sorry. Apparently the Wii can't handle the new boob physics. Screw it, Namco is stupid anyway.

Splatterhouse - A new game is being made for the bigger consoles. Okay, it was never famous on Nintendo consoles, but I'm drunk with anger and jealousy.

A Final Fantasy game that doesn't suck - Don't worry, Nintendo fans will get the kiddy superdeformed versions and some other weird games that will be fun yet nowhere near the epic quality of those released on other consoles.

Beyond Good and Evil 2 - I don't even want to talk about this right now.

Stuff that Nintendo should already be working on, or either they're just stupid

Kid Icarus - People have been waitin for this one forever. What's Retro Studios up to? How about the Zelda team, I heard they're back together working on something.

Punch Out - Wii remote and nunchuk? Super-stylized, hardcore, more accurate, version of the boxing on Wii Sports. C'mon Nintendo. Do it and make it online, please.

Startropics - Make a new one, now. Or at least a new DS sequel. No, don't do that, the DS already has enough fun games, so team up with another developer and make a 3D island quest of awesomeness (see Metroid Prime 3 but instead with a boy travelling across tropical islands and a 2nd person view like Resident Evil 4 - the submarine should be controllable as well).

FZero Wii - This is bound to happen. Also, use Mario Kart Wii's online and take out the friend codes please. K thanx. Also, don't make it look like the Gamecube version with extra lighting effects (cough...Mario Kart Wii cough).

Franchises to revive on Nintendo:

Double Dragon Wii - Billy and Jimmy are back to kick ass on the 80's-inspired post apocalyptic streets. Two new selectable characters have joined, and the soundtrack is the same as it was before, except rearranged and sounding better. Strap Wiimotes to your legs, kick, and watch a foot come up and kick the shit out of the enemy in front of you as his nose explodes. The controls are tight, the game is only two hours long because it's about destroying enemies, and there are no save points because it's the 80s again and save points are for weaklings and RPG players (which is okay). 2 players preferred. Rated mature for bloody violence and whip-wielding lesbians. Also, this will never happen. In fact, a sequel will be announced - exclusively for Playstation 3 and Xbox 60. We will be getting Cooking Mama 2 instead. Don't worry, it will end up much like Final Fight Streetwise, which apparently sucked really hard.

Blaster Master Wii - If this were to happen, I would fulfill my Mother's dreams of becoming a Christian.

Mega Man - The Final Battle - Mega Man is back for the final battle which explains how he passed to make way for his successor, X. Finally, Mega Man fans can get the game that Mega Man has been deserving for over a fucking decade. The game plays similarly to Metroid Prime 3 (wiimote for aiming), but Mega Man is in third person (ala Mega Man legends) to better incorporate the jumping and running strategies that made the games so special in the first place. Battle 20 old robot masters, and 20 new ones. Upgrade your character, and take out Wily once and for all. Features music on par with the original trilogy. Graphics will be of Metroid Prime 3 quality, and Deathmatch will be provided on Capcom's servers, featuring no retarded friend codes and you can play as like all the other characters like on Mega Man Powered Up for PSP. This will never happen.

Things Wii developers need to consider:

1. Shooters should play like Metroid Prime 3, except that they also have a deathmatch mode, which Metroid Prime 3 should have had.

2. Online should be like Mario Kart Wii, but with no friend codes. Just make online like the Xbox 360's. We'll pay a fee, we're cool with it.

3. We need a little 20-gig hard drive attachment for Wii, or at least better SD card compatibility.

4. Quit giving us PS2 graphics on a console that's about 3 times as powerful as a PS2. Have you seen Mario Galaxy? Metroid Prime 3? Any of High Voltage's new games? Make the graphics look like those. Okay?

5. Give us more games with blood and tits. Sega's doing this, and Suda already did it.

6. Noone needs more party games or games abuot petting puppies. Wario Ware and Wii Sports is all that anyone needs.

7. In reference to 6, Ubisoft can kiss my ass. We don't get Beyond Good and Evil 2. We get fucking "Baby Party".

http://www.cubed3.com/news/10153

8. Advertise the games that don't suck. That way, they will sell, and we don't have to hear you bitching about how your games don't sell on Wii, when half of the Wii audience are old school gamers who love games that don't suck (the other half is made of trend whores who put the thing in the closet two months after purchase).

I guess that's all guys. That took a long time. My hands are tired. Is there anything that I missed?

[Thalzon]

You forgot a new Ice Climbers game.

[Drack]

Took me about 38 hours to beat Okami, and I still have a bit I can more I could do(That last blockhead is REALLY annoying[8 points]). Got the blossom tree for three of my totals. I think I missed on enemies defeated and demon fangs.

I kind of cheated on Blockhead Grande.

I memorized four points, my roommate memorized the other four points.

It still took several tries as the margins of error were very small. Be extremely precise when you make those dots.

and yeah, Okami is a wonderful masterpiece. Got blossom trees for everything but praise which was a green tree for me, after 44 hours of bliss.

[Bigfoot]

I'm pretty sure a Kid Icarus title has already been confirmed.

[Penfold]

Is there anything that I missed?

Here are the confirmed games I'm looking forward to, personally:

WiiWare: LostWinds 2, World of Goo

VC: Earthbound, Vectorman, Earthworm Jim, Sonic and Knucles, (thought Mario RPG had been confirmed, but I guess not).

Wii [retail]: Wario Land Shake, Tales of Symphonia 2, de Blob, Sam and Max season 1, the inevitable (and hopefully soon-announced) Pikmin 3, Animal Crossing Wii (first time I'll be playing a game from this series), FFCC: The Crystal Bearers, King Story.

Anyway, in some respects I can kinda understand how some people feel let down by the Wii, but all in all I don't regret it. I think part of it is the feeling that Wii games tend to be lackluster - in concept, visuals, and controls. I know I've been disappointed quite a few times by titles that look and sound interesting but the execution isn't there. I still have a fair backlog of fun Wii games that I have yet to beat (Zack and Wiki, Trauma Center: New Blood, etc) and, despite there being so many quick cash-ins, there are a lot of titles that I look forward to getting my hands on - both current and future releases.

I think another big component of it is that the Wii can't deliver the blockbuster titles we'll see on the 360 and PS3, like MGS4 and RE5. There's no way around it - the Wii won't have these games, but I guess the trade-off is the promise of new experiences, such as Super Mario Galaxy and LostWinds. Personally, instead of looking at what the Wii won't have, I tend to be more excited about what it WILL have - MadWorld, LostWinds 2, etc. I also own a 360 and soon a PS3, so that might explain my outlook :P.

The virtual console is one of the things I like most about the Wii, and it really adds a lot of value for me. Part of it is definitely nostalgia, but the bigger part is getting to play all the great games I missed the first time around. I also have high hopes that more great/original/not quick cash-in games come to WiiWare, though offhand the only unreleased titles I could think of off hand that I'm especially excited for are listed above. Overall, despite having an inordinate number of half-assed attempts at games and not offering the same experiences as PS3 or 360, there's certainly plenty available on the system to make me happy, and hopefully things keep improving.

...

As a side note, I was pretty suprised how small a download Dr. Mario Online Rx was - it was like 69 blocks (which spurred me on to get it :P). As much as I want to get My Life As a King, I'm having trouble convincing myself to delete LostWinds so I have enough room...come on, hard drive!

EDIT: actually about 93 blocks...whatever, still under half the file size of LostWinds :P.

[atmuh]

lost winds was god awful but the fact that every single everything can now be easily installed with the twilight hack makes it ok

seriously between all the n64 and [really bad] wiiware games ive run out of space like 5 times

[Bigfoot]

So getting things without paying for it because of a hack makes it ok?

[MaCe]

Hey guy s could you post your wii codes here? mine is in top right corner

[SirChadlyOC]

Well, there's an interesting way to bump a thread.

Anyone actually play Wii Fit? I can't find one, and I work at a GameStop. I was hoping to buy it for my girlfriend for a graduation present, so I still have 4 days, I guess.

Another game I want to pick up at some point (besides Boom Blox - Jenga on steroids) is Bully. I missed the first one, and it looks like something worth playing.

Anyone find any hidden Wii gems recently?

[Penfold]

Well, there's an interesting way to bump a thread.

Anyone actually play Wii Fit? I can't find one, and I work at a GameStop. I was hoping to buy it for my girlfriend for a graduation present, so I still have 4 days, I guess.

Another game I want to pick up at some point (besides Boom Blox - Jenga on steroids) is Bully. I missed the first one, and it looks like something worth playing.

Anyone find any hidden Wii gems recently?

I got Wii Fit for my mom for her b-day a couple weekends ago, and I tried it out that weekend. I'm in very good physical condition and my impressions of it are you could get at least a somewhat good workout from it. I was overall impressed by a lot of what it did/how it worked, and it was fun to use/play. Clearly not everything works perfectly, as I didn't get 100 on things like running, which in real life I would have no problem with. There's also really only so much you can do with it in terms of strength excercises, and it obviously can't be used to work a number of muscle groups. I think I most enjoyed the balance games and the yoga.

All in all, it's fun and there's some good stuff here, but it can't replace a solid workout system. If someone wants to get started into workout, start into yoga but doesn't want to take a class, or just wants something to have for days they can't make it to the gym and also have some fun in the process, it's not a bad investment.

Anyway, not really any hidden gems, but I did get Toki Tori and No More Heroes last week and both are very good. The difficulty in Toki Tori varies greatly, from pretty easy to stupidly difficult. You can control using a point and click interface with the wiimote, or use a more "traditional" style wit hthe nunckuk (control the character directly with the analog stick). Wiimote alone felt a little passive but not bad IMO (actually reminded me a little of Zack and Wiki :P), and towards the end I switched over to nunckuk.

No More Heroes, as many already knew, is great. The controls are a lot of fun and work very well IMO, and the style of the game is just fantastic. As people have said before, the open world thing is not well done, and feels very forced. The backgrounds, etc are also very dated-looking, especially compared to the much nicer looking and better detailed characters. The frame rate does seem to chug when you fight several enemies at once, but more often than not it's quite smooth. As expected from the director of Killer 7, the violence and blood is pretty over-the-top. Actually, playing this makes me that much more excited for Mad World.

[Zup]

i cant stop playing my life as a king someone help me

[Cecilff2]

Hold on, I'll start up my copy of My Life as a French Revolutionist.

[atmuh]

why dont you guys just play smash bros there will never be a better wii game

[Zombie]

I keep forgetting about wiiware... i seriously need to do some investing into it. :nicework:

[Penfold]

why dont you guys just play smash bros there will never be a better wii game

These days I pretty much only play Smash Bros when people are over and wanna play. Shortly after beating Subspace Emissary, I didn't play any single player again since it kinda lost its appeal to me, and I'll only very seldom play online due to the random lag (and even this it's only with friends). For me, Smash Bros is not the be all/end all of gaming.

That said, I know while you have few to no other games you like on the system, there are and have been a lot of games that I've been enjoying on Wii. To each their own.

[Red Shadow]

Just downloaded the newest wiiware title, Gyrostarr, and it's pretty damned fun. It's basically multiplayer Tempest, in a sonic the hedgehog 2 bonus level. With powerups.

[Ray Falling]

IGN has some more info on Fragile and Tales of Symphonia 2. Both are looking very good, though Fragile is still abit of a mystery gameplay wise.

;_; I just really want Symphonia 2. The first was so good and the sequel sounds very promissing.

[Doulifée]

i cant stop playing my life as a king someone help me

i concur. i'm traped too.

[The Damned]

i concur. i'm traped too.
The game makes you walk around in a listless manner?

[Ray Falling]

Another RPG coming to Wii???

http://media.wii.ign.com/media/827/827196/imgs_1.html

It's something called 'Arc Rise Fantasia'. It looks pretty gorgeous and the battle screens remind me of Baten Kaitos, one of GameCube's most fantastic RPGs :)

Excitement all around n_n

[Bigfoot]

"In response to a question about whether or not a new Pikmin is in the works, Miyamoto says he'll announced the new game when he's ready. Apparently he's ready now. "We're making Pikmin," the translator says."

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/liveblog-from-nintendos-2008-e3-developer-roundtable/

[Soma]

So i'm selling my Wii. I was wondering if there's any sensitive data on it that I would need to delete? As far as I remember it doesn't remember your credit card info or anything. Anyone think of anything i should do before selling?

[atmuh]

i bet i could find your ssn on it

[megadave]

So i'm selling my Wii. I was wondering if there's any sensitive data on it that I would need to delete? As far as I remember it doesn't remember your credit card info or anything. Anyone think of anything i should do before selling?

Well, you're selling your Wii, which you will buy back for even more money down the road. Plus, you have such little understanding of the information technology that you think the Wii is storing your credit information.

Also, could you give us a reason as to why you're selling it? Do you have a good reason to do so. From this point I don't think you do. Nintendo sucked at E3. They sucked big fat donkey balls. Third parties, on the other hand, are ready to unleash the megaton. Sell your Wii so someone else can enjoy the games and so you can wish you still had the first party games that someone will still be playing two years from now.

[DarkeSword]

Well, you're selling your Wii, which you will buy back for even more money down the road. Plus, you have such little understanding of the information technology that you think the Wii is storing your credit information.

Also, could you give us a reason as to why you're selling it? Do you have a good reason to do so. From this point I don't think you do. Nintendo sucked at E3. They sucked big fat donkey balls. Third parties, on the other hand, are ready to unleash the megaton. Sell your Wii so someone else can enjoy the games and so you can wish you still had the first party games that someone will still be playing two years from now.
He doesn't need to give you a reason. Maybe he just needs cash. :whatevaa:

Don't get so defensive and contentious; just answer the question. :\

For the record, the only think you'll lose when you sell your Wii are any WiiWare and VC games. Wii doesn't store any personal information, though you might want to remove any network information from the setup so that your wifi network's key isn't still in there.

[Soma]

He doesn't need to give you a reason. Maybe he just needs cash. :whatevaa:

Don't get so defensive and contentious; just answer the question. :\

For the record, the only think you'll lose when you sell your Wii are any WiiWare and VC games. Wii doesn't store any personal information, though you might want to remove any network information from the setup so that your wifi network's key isn't still in there.

Thanks for the helpful response. I was just being safe rather than sorry. I haven't played my Wii in the longest time. I'm just selling it because I don't play it anymore and I desperately need the money. Only thing I was sorta looking forward to was Tales of Symphonia 2. I think if I wait any longer I'll want to keep it, so I should just sell it while my mind is set on it.

[Bleck]

is anyone else getting pissed at the virtual console

nothing good since like april

[The Damned]

There're only so many games they can put out, and they probably want to stretch the library out long enough to keep putting something out each week for as long as possible.

Also, they're saving the big titles for really slow months.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Except in the last 6 months, when the game sales were supposed to come to a trickle, there has been tons of 360 and PS3 games to fill the gap. Like Metal Gear Solid 4, Soul Calibur 4, all the torrent of download titles, Grand Theft Auto 4 (wow, lots of 4's). I honestly wonder what Nintendo's waiting for. Instead of worrying about new releases, maybe they should just release all the Japan-only VC games. Voila, new games (for Americans).

[Bleck]

I honestly wonder what Nintendo's waiting for. Instead of worrying about new releases, maybe they should just release all the Japan-only VC games. Voila, new games (for Americans).


or maybe all the english ones that they just haven't felt like releasing

I have Star Fox 64 now WHERE THE FUCK IS STAR FOX

[Dhsu]

And Star Fox 2.

[Wipomatic]

Ruh roh
http://wiihacks.blogspot.com/2008/07/gamecube-and-classic-controllers-banned.html

[Imagist]

If they have stopped being sold "as of July 23rd," why are we still selling them at Target, where I work?

I have a hard time believing this would actually blow over and not be huge news, at least at places like Penny Arcade. Unless I have been cluelessly not reading for the last two weeks?

[Penfold]

Ruh roh
http://wiihacks.blogspot.com/2008/07/gamecube-and-classic-controllers-banned.html

I find that very hard to believe.

[Effector]

Yeah, that newspost is jumping to conclusions, since most "real" news sources say Nintendo plans to appeal again to the Federal Supreme Court. It is true that he judge issued an injunction to keep the controllers in question off of the shelves, but I believe that's on hold while the appeal is sought. That is, of course, in addition (?) to the escrow account/costs awarded. See Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5027878/nintendos-patent-case-the-unanswered-questions) and Patent Arcade (http://www.patentarcade.com/2008/07/case-update-anascape-v-nintendo-final.html).

IANAL, but the documents here (http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-txedce/case_no-9:2006cv00158/case_id-97919/) seem like they could yield some interesting information.

EDIT: Those look like old docs, sorry. New ruling hosted on Dallas News here (PDF) (http://techblog.dallasnews.com/final%20judgement.pdf). Can't find the relevant docs on Justia's site, for some reason.

EDIT2: Yeah, it looks like it's all three, no decision involved, like reported at LiquidIce's site. It's the $21 mil (plus applicable prejudgment interest, something like $82,000), the formation of the escrow account - amount determined by "7% of the selling price for each GameCube, Wavebird Wireless and Wii Classic controller sold; and 5% of the selling price for each Wii Remote sold, up to a maximum number of Wii Remotes equal to twice the number of Wii Classics sold." - and the stop on the controller sales. I can't find any evidence to prove the holding until appeal thing, but it doesn't seem too far-fetched for a case with this much money being thrown around.

Also, lawl at Dallas Morning News for misspelling "judgment" in the file name.

[megadave]

I am so sick of these damn patent trolls. Those guys are suing Nintendo on the basis that Nintendo has kept them from clogging the market on those type of controllers. I'll be damned to the abyss if that company every produces any controllers for Nintendo. I know Ninty are jerks, but wow, you gotta draw the line somewhere.

[Bleck]

'hey your 8-way joystick copied our 6-way joystick'

'no it didn't'

'juuuuuudge'

'I don't understand this newfangled technology I FIND THE DEFENDANT GUILTY'

'what you're kidding right'

[Penfold]

I am so sick of these damn patent trolls. Those guys are suing Nintendo on the basis that Nintendo has kept them from clogging the market on those type of controllers. I'll be damned to the abyss if that company every produces any controllers for Nintendo. I know Ninty are jerks, but wow, you gotta draw the line somewhere.

It's unfortunately extremely common for small companies to sue the big companies for alleged patent infringements, though they're usually settled out of court due to the huge legal expense, long litigation time, etc. The downside of being the big guy - you become the target in more ways than one.

[samurai_of_plague]

:)
i still need to get a wii
i had a 360 but it broke
and i have no love for the ps3
fuck you, and fuck your cash
i can have fun with my wii while you touch yourself to mgs4
:)

[ZeroBass.Exe]

'hey your 8-way joystick copied our 6-way joystick'

'no it didn't'

'juuuuuudge'

'I don't understand this newfangled technology I FIND THE DEFENDANT GUILTY'

'what you're kidding right'


I'm thinking Phoenix Wright 3.

[JCvgluvr]

Okay, let me get this straight. Hackers have just found a way to get the Wii to play DVDs. Does that mean that the Wii could always play DVDs, but Nintendo didn't allow that feature up until now?

Is Nintendo planing to make a quick buck at our expense?

I thought the downloadable content fiasco was bad, but I had no idea that Nintendo would stoop so low!

[Effector]

I'm pretty sure the Wii has always been able to play DVDs. They were just, y'know. Games.

I kid. The Wii reads discs that are DVD-based, but not actually DVDs. I think it has something to do with wanting to avoid paying whoever it is that manages the DVD format? So I don't think it's much of a stretch to write an app that reads DVDs. But I'm not familiar with the architecture involved, so I could be dead wrong.

[Thalzon]

Yes, The Wii does not normally play DVDs because Nintendo wanted to avoid paying royalties for the feature.

[samurai_of_plague]

So i'm buying a wii
and the only games i really plan on buying (as of right now) is Metroid Prime 3, Super Smash Bros.:Brawl, and Star Wars: Force Unleashed

[Dhsu]

Sounds good.

[Tensei]

You forgot about Twilight Princess. And by that I mean wii homebrew stuff.

[DarkeSword]

So i'm buying a wii
and the only games i really plan on buying (as of right now) is Metroid Prime 3, Super Smash Bros.:Brawl, and Star Wars: Force Unleashed
There is absolutely no reason for you to make a NEW thread just to tell us you're buying a Wii.

[Penfold]

Super Mario RPG is pretty awesome. Got it yesterday on VC.

[Schwaltzvald]

Super Mario RPG is pretty awesome. Got it yesterday on VC.

Good memories, probably the ONLY game I've ever bought used though back then. Couldn't find it fresh.

also.. I'll leave this here...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvB-lIcHHPQ

[atmuh]

ha its been a while since i heard that one