What Wii've All Been Waiting For
The Revolution, despite it's overall disadvantages in terms of technical strength, still holds it's own in the market, and won't be in the pits too far. We'll be looking at a good 512 mb RAM, and have expandable flash memory. That's not all, the Rev will also be the first attempt by Nintendo in utilizing USB ports, as the console will possess two of them. As of right now, that's all I can surmount to, as the system still sits in tight wraps.
The Secret Weapon: This could quite possibly be the leading reason I will buy a Revolution (not like I wasn't getting one anyways). Nintendo has finally embraced the concept of backwards compatibility, and what a way to do it. Yes the Game Boy Advance had all that, but this is on a totally different scale. The system will be able to play not only our storied Gamecube titles (bye bye Gamecube $$$) but for a price, gamers will be able to download games dating back to the NES times. Nintendo has only been able to confirm first party titles for the status quo (Nintendo develops the best titles anyways : D) but I'm sure third party developers will jump on board for this one. But once again I remind you, these are also the people who tried to sell us back those ancient artifacts such as Ice Climbers, Excitebike, and Metroid on Game Boy Advance for an outrageous price of 20 smackers, and with no graphical or gameplay improvements mind you. I am very excited about the improvement and Nintendo taking up a "Xbox Live Marketplace"-esque approach, but the prices could get extreme.
Games (Why Even Bother): Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 25 years, or are one of those grotesk fanboys obsessed with FPS', it's a simple fact of life that Nintendo develops the best games possible. I don't see anything different with the Revolution. It's uncomprehensable that Nintendo would die at their best art. There is really no need to go into a long spiel about this subject, we all know the answer. We'll see the consistant slew of classics such as our Zelda franchise, Mario (cmon with another adventure), Donkey Kong, the rising or shall I say risin Fire Emblem, Super Smash Bros., and all your all stars. With the innovation of the controller, we could see some interesting titles as well.
Finally Going Online (What took so long??!): Many may argue that online gaming is overrated and the single player campaign is the heart of the game, and is the basis of what should be judged, and that is a reasonable statement, considering the hard work that goes into it. In fact a share the same view, to an extent. My opinion in online gaming is simple, it's an added aspect that supplies an unlimited amount of replay value and lasting appeal into games. Don't tell me that maybe three times more people would be playing SSBM right now if the game had an online mode with scoreboards and chat. I know I would. It really is an outstanding thing to finally see Nintendo taking advantage of this growing trend, online console gaming is something to defiantly scoff at, when playing the right game. I love the Wi-Fi connection, and with the innovative minds at the big N, we could see a very interesting array of material. One thing I'm a bit confused on here, is the fact that the Rev will not have a standard Ethernet port, it's a bit of a question to me. In other words, you will have to have a Wireless router to play online, or buy a USB adapter, like we saw with the DS. It really isn't that big of a problem, but it also doesn't seem like it would be so hard to just add the thing???
The Controller: I'm not going to spend much time here, as we all know what the Revolution controller looks like and it's basic functionality. But I would like to inform you, that at a recent convention, Reggie Fils-Aime was heard depicting a shell for the Rev controller (looks like IGN had things pretty close), reminicant to the WaveBird's basic design. This really takes a load off our backs, as I just see it impossible to succeed at a football game like Madden with this intuitive yet questionable interface. Other's hint that Gamecube pads will be compatible as secondary controllers for more conventional games. Nevertheless, I don't think we will be disappointed. [For more information specific information on the controller, scroll down]
The Size: Folks, all you really have to know here is that we're looking at small, very small, i mean tiny. At first glance this is a total plus, what a wonderful aspect, but at second, well just think again. If this thing is to have any kind of fire power at all, we're going to see a lot of over heating, or a enormous power supply. We all know how big the "power brick" for the Xbox 360 was, just think how big this one will be, considering the Rev is about as big as that power brick. I'm just pointing out, this could be a big advantage, or a cause and effect off-setting deal.
The Disadvantages: Of course the positives most likely out way the negatives for the Revolution, but they will always be there, with everything. The negs are pretty straight forward with the platform. One of the biggest I see is the lack of an HD experience. After the glory of seeing the 360 on my flat screen HD monitor, it's hard viewing games without it. It won't be too bad though, we'll still have a solid 480p in front of most of us. Then we have the fire power yada yada whatever. Even though this won't affect me (I have 3 DVD players in the same room), it's kind of a question in my mind, why the Revolution will not support DVD playback without buying a sepeperate device. It's irrelevant for most but remains as being strange. Another lacking feature is the missing ethernet port. Don't ask me, I couldn't tell you, but it'll be a easy fix with the USB adapter, but for those unfortunate ones, you better hope that crazy $39.99 price tag drops on those, you might as well buy a wireless router for a price like that. After that however, I see the advantages topping the list. The Revolution will be pure fun, first and foremost, and something everyone, not just gamers, should get the time to experience.
My Technological Expressions: Taking the early lead in 2005 was Microsoft's gaming unit, the Xbox 360. The sequel to 2001's "Black Box" offers an experience not yet known to us gamers, yet that is. Microsoft's pearly concave powerhouse seems to be the prize gift for the holiday seasons if you were lucky enough to obtain one. Fortunantly I was among the lucky consumers that snagged up the limited first shipment and I must say, I am impressed. Due to the fact that I do indeed own an HD television, the most staggering improvement and most noticable, is the redefined, crisp and clear graphics the HD supplies you with. Yes, I support the theory of "gameplay over graphics" (I strongly encourage the DS over the PSP for this matter) but what I'm saying is that the graphics come first, then the gameplay. The 360 sports all the developers need to create games that can truly define the word next gen.
Games: Games are the most important, and this seems to be the topic of discussion (between the video game educated that is) when the 360 is brought up, does is have the games to sell the system. You'll hear is from everyone, and mostly the ones that don't know true gameplay, that Halo 3 will be the killer app for the 360, the game that defines the system. I'm sorry to those who support that statement, but Halo is probobly the most overrated game series ever. I mean come on, it's a first person shooter, how hard is to immate that. The only considerable FPS that could be considered great is GoldenEye or maybe Perfect Dark for the N64, those games created the genre. As for Halo, it's just another playoff of the GoldenEye engine, and just happened to sell good and become popular because it was the only half decent release title for the original Xbox, all of the other games were complete crap, total abominations. As for the 360, I'm looking at other games to take a stab at the throne. Noteably is BioWare's Mass Effect. In 2003, BioWare made it's jump into the gaming industry will pure style, when it released the soon to be Game of the Year with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, an incredible game. Not long after, the developers produced another RPG with Jade Empire. These games put you in the life of either a Jedi or an ancient Chinese warrior for the latter. One unique aspect that played a major role in the game, was the fact that the decisions you made, or the things you said, would either take an positive or negative approach on your character in the long run. This creative gameplay was soon borrowed by games like Fable, another Xbox classic, which took the approach to another level. All in all, I think Mass Effect, which is using the same life decision system, could be a sleeper that I am defiantly checking out. Even though the launch lineup included some pretty solid games, none seemed to stand out as incredible games like the Gamecube's Super Smash Bros. Melee, mostly just good games, but nothing worth the purchase of a 360 at this point. The closest you could get would probobly have to be Call of Duty 2, the game I ended up purchasing. Let me tell you right now, I despise most FPS games, but this one appeals to me because it isn't just some game where you just go in and blow the crap out of Nazi's that stand in front of you aimlessly, this game has a sense of strategy that I haven't really seen in any other FPS. The AI is also very intelligent, and won't let you get away with careless mistakes very often. For other titles to look forward to in the near future for the 360 are games like Fable 2, Final Fantasy XII Online (big time nerd fest but hey, it may be fun), Forza Motorsport 2, and for me, NCAA Football 2007. There are bound to be more as developers catch on to the growing popularity of the system.
HadJo's Opinions on PS3 coming soon! [Don't expect a nice opinion ; )]
The Nintendo Wii Specs and Controller
The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials
and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard dvd cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being
showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a
welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it’s displayed
vertically or horizontally.
Backward compatibility: The
new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube generation. But
there's more…
The secret weapon: The console also will
have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released
for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Easy expansion: A
bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.
Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a
single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical
discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will
have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies
and other dvd content.
The specs: The
system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two
USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players
can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Wii’s
technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named
"Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will
deliver game experiences not previously possible.
The stars:
Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the
world’s richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.
Wireless
freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development
that will employ Nintendo’s newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo
Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete
in a comfortable, inviting environment.
Freedom of
design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both
big-budget, high-profile game “masterpieces” as well as indie games conceived by
individual developers equipped with only a big idea.
"Our next console
proves small in size but big on ideas," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of
America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. "We’re throwing
open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core
gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless
opponents."
Nintendo's All-Access Gaming philosophy covers the spectrum.
The next console fits anywhere. It brings together new games and old. It gives
people worldwide access through wireless Wi-Fi connections. And it opens the
world of video games – to everyone. Software for the new console will even
attract people who don’t consider themselves players. Adults, kids, men and
women around the world will have access to the most popular video game characters, the best game franchises and
the most engaging experiences yet developed – only with Nintendo.
News 5/31/05 The Nintendo Revolution Revealed . . . .
I know nobody can wait for Nintendo's new next-gen system. As we all know the Nintendo Gamecube was, and still is a great system, but could have been a lot better, right? Well, from what I know now about the Revolution, this system could take over Microsoft's 360, the PS3 and all challengers, and possibly whipe Nintendo of it's annoying "Kid Game" reputation that so many fools give the company. Just take a look at the thing, its sleek, and very cool looking.
But the look of the system isn't about it all now is it. I'm not sure if Nintendo is going to go through with all of this, but if they so happen to do, we could be looking at the very video game system that will start a revolution in the gaming industry. So far, here is what Nintendo "says" the system will have:
So far Nintendo hasn't released a controller that I know of, and the final colors are still not definite, which I hope they are, since the smooth black kicks ass. Right now they say its due out sometime in '06, which I wish wouldn't be the case, and maybe a Christmas release date could take the place of that, and they are reassuring that this is just a prototype, but definatly one of the coolest and sleekest looking protos I've ever seen.
A couple months back, at the Tokyo Gaming Show, President of Nintendo, Mr. Iwata, finally annouced the
one thing us eager Nintendo fans have all been waiting for . . . A DVD
Remote!!! Yes, its very mundane, and the first thing is "What the hell! No way
Nintendo, you've finally crossed the line, I'm going with the Xbox," but when
you look at it with more perspective, there is indeed a catch to the
negativity. Motion sensor technology! Please read on as our very own Connor
from The Golden Triumph Fork explains to us the suggnicance this item poses, and
how you should never judge a book by it's cover, at least not yet.
Now, you may be thinking “a remote, that’s ridiculous, what next a mouse?” But there’s more to it then you think. Here is a list of the main features of this awesome device:
- It has motion sensors built in, so it detects up, down, left, right and even rolls
-It obviously has buttons, with one on the underside
-It has no wires so you don’t have to worry about tripping over them
-It obviously has rumble features in all controllers
.-It has an analogue stick that you connect to the bottom of
Nintendo will also do a classic double handed joy stick atachment (this is where IGN got the idea of that mockup (see ign.com if you havn't seen it)) but there is no information on it yet.
The Possibilities:
With the motion sensors
and an analogue stick the possibilities for the new games are endless. Zelda for
example, what I’m thinking of is one where you control Link with the analogue
stick and slash enemies with the controller, basically it’ll feel like you’re
Link. And with Metroid Prime you could aim the crosshair with the controller,
move with the analogue stick and fire with the button on the bottom. Like I
said, the possibilities are endless. I hope you enjoyed reading and may the way
of the hero lead you to the triforce.
Article by Zelda Knight Member Connor Ferguson
The new technology, as Connor stated, will indeed create a entire new way of playing games, but Nintendo, please for the love of god, make an alternate controller, like a gamecube controller or something, I cannot accept the change for some games!
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