Why Nintendo is going down the drain

[RadarScope1]

I agree with the OP.

I'm not going to hate on the Wii, though. I think the Wii is fantastic for what it is, I just know that it is not for me. I'm very interested in Mario, but I'm not paying $300 to play one game.

[metaleggman]

Honestly, the real problem with third party games nowadays for Wii is that none of them are ambitious. None of them want to do anything other than make a cop out, for the most part. For example, RE4 was an alright port, but honestly, it could have ended up being the ultimate version of the game, but instead all they did was add wiimote controls, which I ended up hating, so I might as well be playing the GCN version. They could have done so much to make that the true ultimate version of RE4, but they didn't. I understand they didn't set out for it to be the ultimate version of RE4, but it would've gotten me to buy it if they did and succeeded. Okami on the other hand is alright, considering I never understood why the game was released on PS2. Seemed like the idea of painting with a brush made much more sense with the Wii. From the very first moment I laid eyes on that game, I knew it was destined to be better on the Wii. It had to be. And, considering it's only the second port for the game, adding controls, 16:9, 480p, etc is really all I need.

I'm thinking three projects will eventually spur more developers to make better (looking) games: Super Mario Galaxy, the conduit, and whatever the hell factor 5 has up its sleeves. Factor five said their game would look as good as their PS3 game, and honestly, I don't doubt them for a second, albeit I doubt there'll be any AA.

Seriously, the one thing that ticks me off the most about Wii games is that 90% of them look like PS2 games. Freakin' PS2 games. I mean crap man, Luigi's mansion, a launch title for GCN, looks better than almost every Wii game. How is that supposed to make any sense?

[NebachadnezzaR]

They are turning our market into a uncool mess of casual crap.

Totally agree. Nowadays it seems that everytime a new Wii game is announced, it's always a casual/party game, and that sucks, plain and simple. That is one of the reasons why I haven't bought the Wii yet. Played it lots of times at a friend's house, and when the games make a good use of the wiimote they're really fun, but what am I going to buy one for? Super Mario Galaxy? Zelda? I need more than two games to convince me to buy a system (oh, and don't say Smash Brothers or the new Mario Kart, if I wanted to play those I would just grab a GC instead and pick the previous versions).

By the way, about the other players in the current gen war. I was a Sony fanboy with the PS2, but I really hate what Sony did with the PS3, so now I'm more of a Sony anti-fanboy. I'm still going to grab a PS3 to play MGS4, though...

About the 360, bought one 2 months after launch and I love it to this day. I lost count to the hours I spent with it, and some of the current gen games are already in my all-time favourite list (Oblivion in particular), so don't say that the current gen is the same crap with better graphics, because there's a lot of great games out there, you just need to know where to look.

[rscaramelo]

I tend to agree. My DS is a dust collector and the Wii is being used maybe once a week. Shovel-ware and Mario Picks His Nose gets old. Also, I like to sit at my desk while playing. I don't think waving my arms around helps most games.

I'll stick to my PS3, PSP and lots of retro goodies.

RC

[racketboy]

I'm so nonchalant regarding the current gen, I still intend on skipping it entirely. As long as there's is evolution and competition in the industry, I'm happy just sitting back and watching it roll. I've got 100's of games from the past I still need to get to. I say let Nintendo experiment all they want.

I'm pretty much the same way.
The only things that truly interest me are some of the downloadable games and a few Wii party games.

There are also only a few PS2 and original XBox games that make me consider getting one of them (the early Sega XBox titles and a few quirky PS2 games)

[Daniel Primed]

I can't help but share my thoughts that I am most disappointed to read this sort of commentary, particularly on this forum. Even though I do not hold a large presence on the boards, I read most of what is posted. I came here to avoid these sorts of unsubstantiated ramblings that you find at other forums. Appears as though I may have been slightly mistaken.

There are numerous points that have been raised which I understand but do not agree with.

Firstly, to echo metaleggman; the Gamecube was an incredible console on both the 1st and 3rd party front. Sure the Gamecube's library does not match the versatility of the Playstation 2, thats okay. What it does offer though is a pool of fresh, innovative ideas that left a considerable mark on the industry. Games like Metroid Prime, Zelda WW, Resident Evil 4, Killer 7, Ikaruga and Eternal Darkness are truly incredible titles and are just a brief selection of games which made the Gamecube essential playing. I cannot understand why someone would think that Nintendo dropped the ball here.

Onto the hate from 3rd parties. The fair majority (well at least a good number) of 3rd parties developers often cite Nintendo as their source of inspiration and/or reasoning for originally turning to game development. 3rd parties (especially smaller ones) have always struggled on Nintendo systems because they (and everybody else) knows Nintendo make the best games around and that people that own Nintendo consoles will more than likely be buying those games. This is an uphill challenge, always has been but I don't think that 3rd parties hate Nintendo for it.

Your comments on Wii mote and DS controls are generalizations. Take a look around, there are numerous games for both consoles which provide truely unique and captivating experiences. Games like Wii Sports, Elite Beat Agents, Zelda PH and Mario Galaxy are fantastic titles that you can only experience by using these control methods. Infact I absolutely have fallen in love with EBA, which really is just such a pwnage title, it scratches my gamer itch like anything.

Saving the best to last, I am frankly disgusted by your comments on casual gamers. I don't blame you for it though (some of the reasonings can be read near the later half of this article) This is something of an epidemic within our industry one which reveals the darker side of fan culture.

I want to ask you something(s); What gives you the right to discriminate and negatively typecast these types of players? Why must you and so many other gamers create this fowl hierarcical system where you reign supreme over all other players? If someone is new to video games or only plays games ocassionally why must you hate them for it? I bet you'd hate it if you were interested to some new artform which was foreign to you and some people, more knowledgable on the topic came along and s**tted all over your ideas?

You said that you have done some research, I think that you should go back and do some more. Seriously, there is a lot of fun to be had on the Wii and DS. Even if the thought of casual gaming bothers you why let it get in the way of some truly great games? And hey, after all these games ("casual games") are just games, nobody said that you couldn't enjoy them too.

All said and done I think that in a few instances Nintendo have dropped the ball with balancing their casual and core gamer divisions. Such as last E3's press conference. Still this idea that Nintendo are trying to alienate us is simply false. People try to back this up by stating that the majority of Nintendo's latest games are dedicatedly made for the casual audience which is clearly false (unless you think Wii Sports, Wii Play and Wii Fit make the majority of their line up ).

Seriously people, get a grip. We have been spoon fed for years, there are just as many great games for us enthusiests as there has always been.

If people really want this medium to evolve and be recognised as an artform then bloody hell accept the fact that maybe other people can like games to and stop being a bunch of pricks.

*My apologies, on any offence caused, please understand that I am talking to a specific group of people here.

[skate323k137]

I'm so nonchalant regarding the current gen, I still intend on skipping it entirely. As long as there's is evolution and competition in the industry, I'm happy just sitting back and watching it roll. I've got 100's of games from the past I still need to get to. I say let Nintendo experiment all they want.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[racketboy]

I can't help but share my thoughts that I am most disappointed to read this sort of commentary, particularly on this forum. Even though I do not hold a large presence on the boards, I read most of what is posted. I came here to avoid these sorts of unsubstantiated ramblings that you find at other forums. Appears as though I may have been slightly mistaken.

There are numerous points that have been raised which I understand but do not agree with.

Firstly, to echo metaleggman; the Gamecube was an incredible console on both the 1st and 3rd party front. Sure the Gamecube's library does not match the versatility of the Playstation 2, thats okay. What it does offer though is a pool of fresh, innovative ideas that left a considerable mark on the industry. Games like Metroid Prime, Zelda WW, Resident Evil 4, Killer 7, Ikaruga and Eternal Darkness are truly incredible titles and are just a brief selection of games which made the Gamecube essential playing. I cannot understand why someone would think that Nintendo dropped the ball here.

Onto the hate from 3rd parties. The fair majority (well at least a good number) of 3rd parties developers often cite Nintendo as their source of inspiration and/or reasoning for originally turning to game development. 3rd parties (especially smaller ones) have always struggled on Nintendo systems because they (and everybody else) knows Nintendo make the best games around and that people that own Nintendo consoles will more than likely be buying those games. This is an uphill challenge, always has been but I don't think that 3rd parties hate Nintendo for it.

Your comments on Wii mote and DS controls are generalizations. Take a look around, there are numerous games for both consoles which provide truely unique and captivating experiences. Games like Wii Sports, Elite Beat Agents, Zelda PH and Mario Galaxy are fantastic titles that you can only experience by using these control methods. Infact I absolutely have fallen in love with EBA, which really is just such a pwnage title, it scratches my gamer itch like anything.

Saving the best to last, I am frankly disgusted by your comments on casual gamers. I don't blame you for it though (some of the reasonings can be read near the later half of this article) This is something of an epidemic within our industry one which reveals the darker side of fan culture.

I want to ask you something(s); What gives you the right to discriminate and negatively typecast these types of players? Why must you and so many other gamers create this fowl hierarcical system where you reign supreme over all other players? If someone is new to video games or only plays games ocassionally why must you hate them for it? I bet you'd hate it if you were interested to some new artform which was foreign to you and some people, more knowledgable on the topic came along and s**tted all over your ideas?

You said that you have done some research, I think that you should go back and do some more. Seriously, there is a lot of fun to be had on the Wii and DS. Even if the thought of casual gaming bothers you why let it get in the way of some truly great games? And hey, after all these games ("casual games") are just games, nobody said that you couldn't enjoy them too.

All said and done I think that in a few instances Nintendo have dropped the ball with balancing their casual and core gamer divisions. Such as last E3's press conference. Still this idea that Nintendo are trying to alienate us is simply false. People try to back this up by stating that the majority of Nintendo's latest games are dedicatedly made for the casual audience which is clearly false (unless you think Wii Sports, Wii Play and Wii Fit make the majority of their line up ).

Seriously people, get a grip. We have been spoon fed for years, there are just as many great games for us enthusiests as there has always been.

If people really want this medium to evolve and be recognised as an artform then bloody hell accept the fact that maybe other people can like games to and stop being a bunch of pricks.

*My apologies, on any offence caused, please understand that I am talking to a specific group of people here.

I wouldn't get too worked up about it.
As for the casual aspect, I think the DS is more suitable for casual stuff than the Wii. If I (or the non-gamers I know) want to play casual games, having them in your hand and be able to take them on the go it much preferred over having them on your TV.

I also agree that the Gamcube was a great console. I just have a hard time convincing myself that I should upgrade to the Wii.
I think the Wii is interesting in concept, but I can't help but be disappointed by what I've been hearing from Wii owners after hearing all the hype from Nintendo.

[peace4myheart]

I think people's main complaint about the Wii is that there isn't a lot of variety and too many me too games. I think both casual and hardcore gamers alike will agree with that. First party do have many great games but that is about it. Like I said, it is just a year and a half in so give it some time. Let's just hope Nintendo didn't forget its hardcore gamers who supported them since the early 16-bits days as well as the days of N64 and Gamecube. Just because you found some new casual friends doesn't mean you should abandon your older more faithful ones, right Nintendo???

[wyatt]

Now I'm not trying to flame anyone, but this thread is so full of pooey I am blown away. Lemme see if I can recap highlights.

RyaNtheSlayA: The company that has two of the best selling consoles on the market simultaneously is going down the drain, and Nintendo hasn't made a good game since the GC launched. Friend, if you didn't join a forum to be flamed, making your first caps locked post that Nintendo is bullshit is a funny way of showing it. Let me be clear on the all the games you call mediocre.

Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime Echoes
Zelda: Wind Waker
Zelda: Four Swords
Zelda: Twilight Princess
Smash Bros Melee
Mario Sunshine
Pikmin
Pikmin 2
Paper Mario Thousand Year Door
Animal Crossing
Donkey Konga
Mario Strikers

Super Mario Galaxy
Smash Brothers Brawl
Metroid Pime 3
Super Paper Mario
Mario Strikers Charged

Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros
Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Metroid Prime Hunters
Tetris DS
Animal Crossing Wild World
Nintendogs
Pokemons
Brain Age 1 + 2
Mario v DK 2 March of Minis

That is just first party as you took aim at and I am not even getting into GBA games. Let me tell you what it means when you try to make opinionized generalizations about a console that don't hold up to the slightest scrutiny. It means you are fanboy_9800786347586 on the internet only spewing what you have read elsewhere. Maybe if you could discuss the genres of those games, tell us why they are garbage in their field, list other games of the times that did what those try to do but better...


peace4myheart: Nintendo is flooding the market with crappy games. Really, Nintendo is flooding the Wii with crappy games? I can't even make another list, you do it for me. List all the "crappy" first party games for Wii, then balance that number against the total games on the system. Here is a spoiler though, even if you find every single Nintendo created game to be crap like rYaNTHePLayAH (an opinion I would avoid as I can't imagine how you would reasonably back it up), it will not be a large enough number to flood anything. The billion games for Wii aren't made by Nintendo! Shocking. Same goes for DS. Seriously where do people get the idea that the company that makes the console also creates every game for it?

rscaramelo: I don't think waving my arms around helps most games. You're right it doesn't and good news you don't have to! I understand how the general public thinks the Wii is about spinning in circles to play a game as all you hear about from the news is retards putting the controller through the screen, and all you hear from Nintendo is "Our games waggle" because they know that will sell it to gramps. But if you even come to this site you should be educated enough to know that it is a myth. There is not a single Wii game that cannot be played, 100% effectivley, by sitting on your ass making occasional wrist flicks. Fat kids don't get exercise, neither will you. Now this isn''t you I am sure, but most people I hear making this comment are reserving GTA4 in GameStop and haven't played anything but Madden and Halo for the past 3 years and wouldn't touch a Wiimote for fear it would somehow expose their latent homosexuality in front of their frat mates.

peace4myheart: Let's just hope Nintendo didn't forget its hardcore gamers who supported them since the early 16-bits days as well as the days of N64 and Gamecube. This is something interesting that I do not quite understand, but I hear often so maybe you can help me. What games did Nintendo make for the SNES, N64, and GC that were more "hardcore" than what they make for DS and Wii? And what does hardcore even mean in relation to Nintendo? And what makes you think that consumers supported the N64 and Gamecube? Last I checked, a continuation of sales for the Wii by those two console's standards would have put Nintendo out of the console business entirely, so whatever they have done differently has kept them from being SEGA 2.0.