Every now and then we here at GamesAreEvil like to get together and discuss a topic relating to some sort of issue in the gaming world; it makes us feel like we actually know something. Recently, with a plethora of ‘adult-only’ games hitting the console, we pondered whether it’s now time to start taking the Wii seriously as a ‘hardcore’ gaming machine.
Here is the first part of our discussion.
Allan
I’ve had a Wii twice. Once, when I had about ten games, and wanted a HDTV instead (sold it for more than I bought it for; Wiis were gold-dust in those times), and now with a smaller collection. I’m sure that every savvy gamer knows that Nintendo Wii titles either don’t drop in price, or drop very slowly. In the UK, I typically find them cheaper to begin with (£30 as opposed to the average PS3/360 release of £40), but when even the good games tank down in price after a year, I still find the Wii title at the same price; and it’s not even selling too well according to my local store. This is of course a generalisation, and there are always exceptions, but gamers want games at good prices, and the Wii hasn’t given that yet. A gamer is very different from a middle-class who wants to be ‘hip’ and buy a Wii so they can play ‘that tennis game with the kids’ or ‘Wii Bowling’. Gamers also tend to know that Nintendo likes to beat that horse long after it’s been buried. We see it in Mario Party/Kart, Zelda, and Metroid.
The quality or nature of the games really has become irrelevant to the Wii, in my opinion. The Wii has got that stigma of being a toy rather than a games console, and even though they’re shifting by the boatload, it’s quite obviously not to gamers. I personally will be getting House of the Dead: Overkill, MadWorld, and I will *try* Conduit. Using the Wii requires a different mindset than being a Joypad Junkie, at least in its current state. If Nintendo wanted gamers interested in the Wii, they would push the Gamecube compatibility, and improve the online features. I would love to see a Bundled Gamecube-esque Controller for the Wii (think something that actually taps into the Wii’s wireless control functions, rather than just as a GC dongle), with a ‘best of’ collection, with GC represses available. But what do they do? They redevelop GC games with Wii controls, and release them at full price.
As much as I can appreciate developers that work on hardcore titles for the Wii, I think they are more for those that already own a Wii and want less ‘kiddie’ games. I doubt it will make a difference to console preference among hardcore gamers, but without a doubt it will flesh out a now-ironic niche on the console.
Liz
I really enjoy first person shooters and the Bond movies/franchise. So I picked up a copy of Quantum of Solace for my Wii… and returned it 2 days later. I was so disappointed. One, as Allan is saying it was about $50 for something that was maybe worth $30, Second, and maybe I’m just too damn stuck in my ways, but I loathed the control style. I didn’t want to aim with the remote; I wanted some good old joystick crosshairs. Every once in a while the view switched to third person, as you’re about to sneak attack a guy. First, I have a gun I want to shoot the fool, not sneak up on him, second, this is a fps- let’s keep it that way.
I think the problem (so far) with the Wii is that its controls are so unique and new that it’s both a blessing and a curse. You’re able to sell to the casual gamers that are thinking wow; this is so new and cool. Then you have the long time gamers that really want to like it but can’t get into it possibly because it’s so different…? I think that a lot of developers are also having trouble on/with the Wii because they try to design a game that includes and uses the Wii controls to the best of their ability, other elements of a game get pushed aside. Story/plot, length, graphics (although I know that’s somewhat just the Wii’s capabilities), character development. I think this is why the Nintendo franchise games will always do so well on any system really, the story has already been told and we’ve known the characters for ages. I enjoyed Mario Galaxy immensely and when a Zelda comes out I WILL BE THERE! I’d like to try more hardcore games on the Wii but I leave them to the 360- that’s why I got it.
Cory
I’d like to start off by saying that I love my Wii. But it doesn’t get as much love as it should, and while I want to be able to get into the gimmicky side of it, I just can’t. I need hardcore games to keep me going on the Wii, games like Mario Galaxy, Zelda, Metroid – keep the Nintendo originals coming! I also need more grown up games, like the ones we’re starting to see. So I think with the introduction of these new mature games, we might see a shift of the non-casual gamers jumping on board with the Wii. I agree with Allan though, I don’t see people jumping ship from their console of preference just because of a few games, but I DO see more people buying the Wii because of these games.
Times have changed; people don’t buy just ONE console anymore. Matter of fact it’s the 360 and PS3 that you see such a variation with, but most everyone who owns one of them owns a Wii as well. It’s Nintendo, you HAVE to buy the new Nintendo system, and I can’t remember one that I haven’t owned. Reason is, they always find a way to innovate with each and every generation of console, and so you always feel like you’re getting something on the cutting edge of technology. People laughed at the Wii because of its lack of graphical power, and the Wii laughed right back when it quickly became the #1 selling console and showed that gameplay is more important than visuals. And, getting back on topic, now that people are seeing they can enjoy hardcore titles in an innovative way, I don’t see any reason more of them wouldn’t pick up a Wii.
Bob
I had a Wii and then sold it. It sat there collecting dust, and I don’t feel the need to keep it around for “geek-cred” like every other gamer nerd seems to. Nintendo was propped up by blind fanboy-ism after a mediocre showing with the GameCube, and then turned around and betrayed that audience with the Wii. It worked for them, but why should I care? I didn’t give a damn about Wii sports after a few days and friend codes can go to hell.
The whole point of games for me is to keep in touch and virtually hang out with my friends and family that are too far away to see on a regular basis. That makes the Wii worthless.
Stay tuned for part 2 over the next couple of days.
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