NationStates Jolt Archive

Coinciding with other gaming threads, I'd like to know, now that all the next-gen consoles are out, what NS General's perception of the next generation of video gaming are.

Personally, I'm excited to the point of being giddy. I love my 360, it has wonderful games and Xbox Live is great, but the Wii...just...dude...Nintendo has proved that it is the king of gaming once again.

It's also had its rough starts, if the PS3 is any indication. Bad marketing strategy, and an underwhelming opening library is far from convincing me to throw down 600 bucks for the whole thing.

But that's me. Above ye you will find a poll. Push the buttons, for I know they make ye happy...do it...

video game crash 2

So, how, exactly, does the Wii prove that Nintendo is the king of gaming?

video game crash 2
I'm starting to agree with you. :(

The 360 seems to be a solid piece, not uniquely superb, but adequate for the needs of anyone who doesn't own a high-def television. It's reasonably priced for a new and expensive system, and the game selection is reasonable. As far as marketing is concerned, it's been fairly well done, and the early launch date didn't seem to hurt it at all.

The Wii seems to be daring and innovative, but uncertain. It's different from anything else that anyone has ever made, and I'll need more time and more games to really draw much of a conclusion, but it could be the most important console of this generation, if Nintendo does it right.

The PS3 is hurting, it's hurting a lot. Quality, price and supply problems head the list of curses that some hidden witch seems to have tossed upon it. Not to mention the poorly done advertising campaign, and terrible response to criticism from the increasingly aggressive gamer community. Not to mention that it's no better than the 360 if you're using a normal television. It might be good, but there are so many things hampering it that I really cannot say anything for certain.

Microsoft and Nintendo get 4 stars apiece, but Sony gets two.

So, how, exactly, does the Wii prove that Nintendo is the king of gaming?

YOU AGAIN! I'm gonna...ah forget it...

I'm just duly impressed by Nintendo. They seem endlessly innovative when it comes to their games, which tend to appeal to all ages, and, in particular with this Generation, new hardware which I have heard is not only seamless but fun to use. They seem to have a pulse on the gaming community that other companies do not.

Don't think me a fanboy however, I always try to look at things with a neutral viewpoint. I'm just...impressed...is all.

With ps3 as the long-term winner by virtue of its superlative graphics power, Sony, and its motion-capture controller, and with wii as best fun/value ratio, as well as its extraordinary potential due to motion-capture controls - all combined with broadband multilayer - this will be the best-age-yet in video games.

The Playstation 3 has unbelievable potential for epic games... Will we see any good ones? I hope so, but I have reservations about all of it. I mean, it's such an expensive system, and the developer kits are pretty lame (not to mention outrageously expensive).

The Wii has almost equal potential to the PS3... And I say "almost" because the graphics and sound aren't quite up to par. But, if developers can utilise the motion-sensing capabilities properly, they could make some truly outstanding (not to mention classic) games. On top of that, the system is relatively cheap, and the developer kits are great.

The XBox 360... Well, this one has the weakest potential of all. There's literally nothing special about it --- sure, it has a hard drive and expansion ports, but so what? No motion-sensing capabilities, buggy, un-finished games, and general system malfunctions put this one way below the rest. As for potential, it's decent. The system has graphics second only to the PS3, and the same goes for sound. However, Microsoft's choice to go with HDDVD over Blu-Ray really limited the size potential for the games, so that's another con.


For the moment, I'm putting the Wii on top, because Nintendo really pulled things together and released a whopper.

The Playstation 3 has unbelievable potential for epic games... Will we see any good ones? I hope so, but I have reservations about all of it. I mean, it's such an expensive system, and the developer kits are pretty lame (not to mention outrageously expensive).

The Wii has almost equal potential to the PS3... And I say "almost" because the graphics and sound aren't quite up to par. But, if developers can utilise the motion-sensing capabilities properly, they could make some truly outstanding (not to mention classic) games. On top of that, the system is relatively cheap, and the developer kits are great.

The XBox 360... Well, this one has the weakest potential of all. There's literally nothing special about it --- sure, it has a hard drive and expansion ports, but so what? No motion-sensing capabilities, buggy, un-finished games, and general system malfunctions put this one way below the rest. As for potential, it's decent. The system has graphics second only to the PS3, and the same goes for sound. However, Microsoft's choice to go with HDDVD over Blu-Ray really limited the size potential for the games, so that's another con.


For the moment, I'm putting the Wii on top, because Nintendo really pulled things together and released a whopper.

I agree completely.

Sony will eventually iron out the problems associated with their premature launch of the ps3, and eventually take advantage of all the power and potential in their machine. Prices will fall- both for the ps3 and HDTV, and it will be the gaming system of choice in years to come.

This is, after all, Sony. They did it with the ps and ps2, they'll do it again.

Until that time though, Wii is the best system. Xbox will always be second bananas to the old hands at video games.

I'm very excited about the Wii, it pleases me to see some change and innovation in the video game world. the new xbox and PS are the same old type of system, improved graphics but identical gameplay...

In my opinion all three launches were rushed, stupid really. Rushing all 3 consoles to compete with each others rushing of consoles.

but the Wii...just...dude...Nintendo has proved that it is the king of gaming once again.

How? By releasing yet another niche gaming system? It is fancy, but we will see where they gets them outside of proprietary titles.

I'm very excited about the Wii, it pleases me to see some change and innovation in the video game world. the new xbox and PS are the same old type of system, improved graphics but identical gameplay...

I wouldn't underestimate the massive gameplay possiblilties of the SIXAXIS, they could totally rip-off Kirby's Tilt n Tumble and Wario Ware Twisted! Gameplay is important to me because I don't really notice the graphics that much, unless they are really really terrible.

Wii Play is awesome fun, if any of you are getting wiis hold off on getting a fourth remote until you figure out whether you want to get it or not.

I'm not thrilled with any of the next gen consoles at the moment. However I am excited about the next, next gen consoles. Those are going to rock.

Wii Play is awesome fun, if any of you are getting wiis hold off on getting a fourth remote until you figure out whether you want to get it or not.

I'm getting a Wii specifically because of the interactive controller, but you can get a normal controller for it if you want.

I'm also a big fan of many nintendo games, Zelda, Smash Bros., Metroid, I love 'em all.

How? By releasing yet another niche gaming system? It is fancy, but we will see where they gets them outside of proprietary titles.

How is it niche, everywhere I look I see stories of parent and grandparents watching people play and wanting to play too? I know from experience that normal controllers can be difficult and confusing for non-gamers. I would love to hear your argument on how it is niche? (no sarcasm, I would)

I'm getting a Wii specifically because of the interactive controller, but you can get a normal controller for it if you want.

I'm also a big fan of many nintendo games, Zelda, Smash Bros., Metroid, I love 'em all.

Yes there is a classic controller, but unless games support it you only use it for Virtual Console games. Super Smash Bros Brawl is going to use it (and probably the gamecube pad too), because Smash Bros works better with it.

With ps3 as the long-term winner by virtue of its superlative graphics power, Sony, and its motion-capture controller, and with wii as best fun/value ratio, as well as its extraordinary potential due to motion-capture controls - all combined with broadband multilayer - this will be the best-age-yet in video games.

Ah, you mean the graphics chip which is effectively a downclocked G70 as opposed to the 360's ATi chip which was a match for the G70 design depite being put in a console that launched a YEAR earlier?

The Playstation name is powerful and the Cell, if properly utilized could well be a winning processor but the PS3 is a massive gamble and unless developers really push the envelope with it it can still fail horribly.

Don;t get me wrong, it's a machine that may well turn out to be ahead of it's time but unless they can get people to use their new technology right no-one's gonna notice and developers will go for the far more traditionalist Xbox360.

The same goes for the Wii. It's taken risks in a different direction but it will still need developers to be behind it all the way if it's not to go the way of the Gamecube.

I wouldn't underestimate the massive gameplay possiblilties of the SIXAXIS, they could totally rip-off Kirby's Tilt n Tumble and Wario Ware Twisted! Gameplay is important to me because I don't really notice the graphics that much, unless they are really really terrible.

SIXAXIS was like a sideshow in the PS3 circus. It has limited uses. Plus, it seems like a Nintendo ripoff to me. (Just like the trigger shaped buttons on the controller, strangely like the 360's controller)

Personally, I think of the 360 as the middle of the road simple service console which gets the job done. Not too expensive, pretty graphics, and servicable games. Overall quality and at least Microsoft fixed its problems. B+

The PS3 has limitless potential it cant seem to grasp. The processor is promising, Blu-ray might help with games, and . . . and. . . well, I cant think of anything else that positive. The graphics look almost equal with the 360, at least 5% of those great processors will fail according to IBM, the launch games are yawners, nothing to look forward to that's exclusive, the price, the laughable Live copycat attempt of "PS Network", the price, the HD cable troubles, the price. Did I mention the price? Maybe Sony can recover with omehow wonderful games. I hope. C+

The Wii is a class all its own. The controller is obviously out there. Graphics are meh, but it keeps the price down to almost family levels. Interesting use for games, but it may become more of an obstacle to great games. B-

*IMHO*

The same goes for the Wii. It's taken risks in a different direction but it will still need developers to be behind it all the way if it's not to go the way of the Gamecube.

The Gamecube made money last generation didn't it? That's more than Microsoft can say.

The Gamecube was the only console that made money last generation wasn't it? I know the Xbox lost heaps but I'm not sure about the PS2.

Indeed both Xbox and Playstation 2 were horrendous losses moneywise and may well be this time as well while the Wii is a profit from day one, as was the Gamecube.

Nintendo will remain profitable for decades to come unless they release a stinker on a par with the Sega Saturn, however in terms of market share they've been on a steady decline since the NES which is something they would dearly love to turn around (and, given good developer support will almost certainly do in this generation).

I think it'll be the same as always. New things will come out, better graphics, better gadgetry, and more innovative.

Indeed both Xbox and Playstation 2 were horrendous losses moneywise and may well be this time as well while the Wii is a profit from day one, as was the Gamecube.

Nintendo will remain profitable for decades to come unless they release a stinker on a par with the Sega Saturn, however in terms of market share they've been on a steady decline since the NES which is something they would dearly love to turn around (and, given good developer support will almost certainly do in this generation).

The problem I have with spending that much on "getting market share" is that market share is relatively easy to lose. You can spend billions become a household name but that doesn't mean those people are going to stick by you no matter what you do. As long as Nintendo's next console isn't the Virtual Boy 2, they'll be alright.

I have way too many posts in this thread :(

Yes there is a classic controller, but unless games support it you only use it for Virtual Console games. Super Smash Bros Brawl is going to use it (and probably the gamecube pad too), because Smash Bros works better with it.

I can understand that, getting a Wii with a regular controller is like getting a Porsche and filling it with regular.

The problem I have with spending that much on "getting market share" is that market share is relatively easy to lose. You can spend billions become a household name but that doesn't mean those people are going to stick by you no matter what you do.

This is true but it provides a certain safety net. Plus, these companies are judged in comparison to their competitors and Joe Public tends to care more about who sold more than who made most profit.

Also, Nintendo and Sony HATE each other and no way will either want to lose out to Microsoft so any measure of bragging rights will be gleefully used by each.

How? By releasing yet another niche gaming system? It is fancy, but we will see where they gets them outside of proprietary titles.

The tom clancy games, the call of duty games, and a lot of other violent games will be coming out for the wii.

They dont seem to be pursuing exclusively the same demographic that they did with the gamecube.

Also, the wii has generated a lot more 'buzz' than the ps3 or the 360. It is genuinely innovative in a way not seen since games switched from 2 to 3d.

I am unimpressed with the new consoles at the current time. Nothing on Xbox360 interests me, apart from "Dead Rising." The Wii looks like the novelty would wear off after about half an hour. The PS3 will look a lot better if blu-ray wins the format war, especially since the discount version will now have HDMI output. I'm also glad that they kept the original controller design and removed that silly vibration "feature."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ps3

The tom clancy games, the call of duty games, and a lot of other violent games will be coming out for the wii.

They dont seem to be pursuing exclusively the same demographic that they did with the gamecube.

Also, the wii has generated a lot more 'buzz' than the ps3 or the 360. It is genuinely innovative in a way not seen since games switched from 2 to 3d.

I don't see how. The wiimote is it's only real "innovation", and it's basically an update to Ye Olde Lightgun, made to work with screens that don't use a cathode ray tube. It's only true difference is that another axis of motion has been added.

The lightgun has been around since 1936. So... this is innovative in what way?

I don't see how. The wiimote is it's only real "innovation", and it's basically an update to Ye Olde Lightgun, made to work with screens that don't use a cathode ray tube. It's only true difference is that another axis of motion has been added.

The lightgun has been around since 1936. So... this is innovative in what way?

It is true motion-capture control for a video game, this hasnt been available in the home before. Again- the biggest innovation since 3d in games.

The Wii looks like the novelty would wear off after about half an hour.

Well considering that I have to wait another 9 days until launch my opinion isn't too valid, but from my own experiences after 2 1/2 hours it was still fun.

Again- the biggest innovation since 3d in games.

I disagree. To me it feels an awful lot like a gimmick.
As for what the real biggest innovation since 3D was, well, I'd say it's the Sin/Half-Life-era advent of immersive storytelling in games. Aside from that, and the fairly superficial technological advances, barely anything has changed since the early nineties.

I disagree. To me it feels an awful lot like a gimmick.
As for what the real biggest innovation since 3D was, well, I'd say it's the Sin/Half-Life-era advent of immersive storytelling in games. Aside from that, and the fairly superficial technological advances, barely anything has changed since the early nineties.

SiN and Half-Life came years after System Shock and Ultima Underworld. These games, especially System Shock, were the true advent of immersive FPS games.

And, frankly, games have taken a step backward, often sacrificing storytelling and gameplay for graphics.

I disagree. To me it feels an awful lot like a gimmick.
As for what the real biggest innovation since 3D was, well, I'd say it's the Sin/Half-Life-era advent of immersive storytelling in games. Aside from that, and the fairly superficial technological advances, barely anything has changed since the early nineties.

I disagree that it is the biggest thing since 3d, but I also have to disagree that it is a gimmick. It works and some games are using it to good effect. I also have to disagree with whoever said rumble was stupid.

SiN and Half-Life came years after System Shock and Ultima Underworld. These games, especially System Shock, were the true advent of immersive FPS games.


The games were immersive. The storytelling, however, wasn't. There's a significant distinction which needs to be made there.

Don't believe me? Compare the progression of the story in System Shock to System Shock 2.

3rd Gen systems - 300-600 dollars
3rd Gen games - 50-60 dollars


Dreamcast- 30 dollars
Dreamcast games - 1-13 dollars

I don't get it, for the price of these things you can buy older systems that are just as fun for a fraction of the price. Sure the graphics aren't as polished, but they're still pretty good and cheap cheap cheap!!

3rd Gen systems - 300-600 dollars
3rd Gen games - 50-60 dollars


Dreamcast- 30 dollars
Dreamcast games - 1-13 dollars

I don't get it, for the price of these things you can buy older systems that are just as fun for a fraction of the price. Sure the graphics aren't as polished, but they're still pretty good and cheap cheap cheap!!

:( I never did play Majora's Mask... but I'm probably just going to download that of the VC, it's only $15 I can deal with that. It's easier than going through the hassle of finding second hand and then setting up my 64 whenever I want to play it.

:( I never did play Majora's Mask... but I'm probably just going to download that of the VC, it's only $15 I can deal with that. It's easier than going through the hassle of finding second hand and then setting up my 64 whenever I want to play it.

Majora's Mask was the shit, much better than wind waker, IMO.


BTW, is it absolutely certain that the Wii is $250? Will there be a Wii shortage?

I'd just be happy if they'd realize that gaming is more than FPS and RPG. Both are fine in moderation, but together they made up at least 70% of the wall at Gamestop. (I was looking for PS2 and GC games people are trying to unload in order to afford the PS3 and Wii.)

I want to see more stuff like Monkey Ball, I've never played it but it just looks so hard and fun.

The market is getting a lot more commercialised (advertising placed in games, minor addons that you must pay for, and so on), which I think is a bad thing, since it'll eventually inhibit product quality, innovation and designer freedom. Fortunately PC users will have exclusive access to open source and independent titles, so that's less a concern for me.

The market is getting a lot more commercialised (advertising placed in games, minor addons that you must pay for, and so on), which I think is a bad thing, since it'll eventually inhibit product quality, innovation and designer freedom. Fortunately PC users will have exclusive access to open source and independent titles, so that's less a concern for me.

*stern glance at EA Games*

im getting sick of the next gen consoles. it seems once again Sony and Microsoft are willing to price their gaming consoles on par with decent laptops or desktops while Nintendo actually prices their system for normal people.

$60 a game? you have to be kidding me.

Here's to waiting another 4 years for these consoles to be obsolete dust magnets.

I'm only getting a Wii, so I don't really know how valid my opinion is on the generation as a whole. XBox has really never interested me and the PS3 is just... no.

That notwithstanding, my predictions for this Gen: Nintendo up, XBox about the same, Sony down, or way down depending on the success of the BluRay format (which I personally believe will fail miserably).

I look forward to whichever generation of gaming involves plugging the console into my brain.

I would like to revert back to dos-based grapihic adventure games, jeez i'm a grumpy traditionalist when it comes to games.:eek:

*stern glance at EA Games*

Indeed, but i'm also disappointed with Bethseda (Oblivion) for charging for very small additions that should have been included in the final product.

$60 a game? you have to be kidding me.

You guys have it lucky. New games by big companies here in Australia have retailed at $90 for as long as I can remember (it's what I had to scrounge up as a 10 year old for Warcraft 2.) They're even starting to creep over the $100 mark. Even factoring in exchange rates, that's much more than what US customers pay.

(Fortunately a lot of smaller developers release products for around $50; the retail stores used to charge full price for everything, so that's an improvement, I guess.)

I would like to revert back to dos-based grapihic adventure games, jeez i'm a grumpy traditionalist when it comes to games.:eek:

A lot of people are still making freeware ones.

I look forward to whichever generation of gaming involves plugging the console into my brain.

How do you play that with friends?

Coinciding with other gaming threads, I'd like to know, now that all the next-gen consoles are out, what NS General's perception of the next generation of video gaming are.

Personally, I'm excited to the point of being giddy. I love my 360, it has wonderful games and Xbox Live is great, but the Wii...just...dude...Nintendo has proved that it is the king of gaming once again.

It's also had its rough starts, if the PS3 is any indication. Bad marketing strategy, and an underwhelming opening library is far from convincing me to throw down 600 bucks for the whole thing.

But that's me. Above ye you will find a poll. Push the buttons, for I know they make ye happy...do it...

Good Points: Tech (especially for Wii), graphics, internal memory boost, cost (of Wii)

Bad Points: Marketing, COST OF PS3 (and the 360), opening library on PS3... (the Wii one is pretty good, with the obvious exception of Happy Feet... bad choice, IMO)

Overall: 4/5

A lot of people are still making freeware ones.

yeah, and emulators, if you have link or something telegram me it or PM me (if this thing have a PM, I forget).

Good Points: Tech (especially for Wii), graphics, internal memory boost, cost (of Wii)

Bad Points: Marketing, COST OF PS3 (and the 360), opening library on PS3... (the Wii one is pretty good, with the obvious exception of Happy Feet... bad choice, IMO)

Overall: 4/5

In my country the Wii launch line up sucks even more. We don't get Trauma Centre OR Excite Truck. But we do get Wii Play (which I'm getting for Christmas) which is a collection of 9 mini-games that comes with a free remote for $80. This is good because here the remotes cost $70 the nunchucks cost $30 and games cost $100 (well X360 cost $110+).

In my country the Wii launch line up sucks even more. We don't get Trauma Centre OR Excite Truck. But we do get Wii Play (which I'm getting for Christmas) which is a collection of 9 mini-games that comes with a free remote for $80. This is good because here the remotes cost $70 the nunchucks cost $30 and games cost $100 (well X360 cost $110+).

In teh US, teh gamez are $50 or so and the remotes are too (well, no nunchauk, but that's probably an extra $25 or so...)

I got a wii, a remote, a nunchauk, Wii Sports (similar to Wii Play?), and Zelda: Twilight Princess for $300 plus tax.

yeah, and emulators, if you have link or something telegram me it or PM me (if this thing have a PM, I forget).

Meh i'll post it here...

The Underdogs has a pretty comprehensive list. (http://www.the-underdogs.info/genre.php?offset=0&id=3&sort=year) The most modern ones are usually freeware and thus completely legal, but the older ones are abandonware. Use your own discretion. :p

I use dosbox (dosbox.sourceforge.net) to run old DOS programs. It runs pretty much everything with a bit of setup.

Coinciding with other gaming threads, I'd like to know, now that all the next-gen consoles are out, what NS General's perception of the next generation of video gaming are.

Personally, I'm excited to the point of being giddy. I love my 360, it has wonderful games and Xbox Live is great, but the Wii...just...dude...Nintendo has proved that it is the king of gaming once again.

It's also had its rough starts, if the PS3 is any indication. Bad marketing strategy, and an underwhelming opening library is far from convincing me to throw down 600 bucks for the whole thing.

But that's me. Above ye you will find a poll. Push the buttons, for I know they make ye happy...do it...

i'm excited (voted "good") because i also love my xbox360. i haven't enjoyed gaming this much in a long, long time (well, i've enjoyed the occasional game but not been enthused about gaming as a whole like this)

In teh US, teh gamez are $50 or so and the remotes are too (well, no nunchauk, but that's probably an extra $25 or so...)

I got a wii, a remote, a nunchauk, Wii Sports (similar to Wii Play?), and Zelda: Twilight Princess for $300 plus tax.

I'm talking in $AU by the way so in $US

Games - $78
Remote - $54
Nunchuck - $23
Wii Play Bundle - $62
Wii Console - $310 ($AU400)