Is the Wii really going to be what we expect?

[Joust Williams]

Well, I'd argue that graphics ARE the most important. They are called "video" games, after all.

[Diff-chan]

The thing that bothers me about the Wii is, in 2008 or 2009 the games on it will still be stuck in a ~2005 mindset - the graphics will be marginally better than Xbox but the physics, AI, multiplayer, etc. will still be stuck in a current-gen mode. And those are things that will DEFINITELY have a major affect on gameplay.

[sethsez]

I think it's a worthy trade-off between the cost, power of the console and the new control method. Honestly, would anyone here be willing to pay $400+ for a new Nintendo console after the performance of the Gamecube?

Well, I'd argue that graphics ARE the most important. They are called "video" games, after all.

I hate this argument because it's so incredibly lame. The name could have just as easily been "electronic games" or any other combination of words to indicate that the games are software.

In any case, I'd say the importance of graphics varies from genre to genre.

[Diff-chan]

Now that strategy games are starting to be blessed with better visuals I will say I think every genre can benefit massively from graphics. I looked at my shelf and saw AoE3, Civ 4, and SimCity 4, all games which really took advantage of the graphics boost.

And strategy games were ones that always eschewed graphics.

[kingoffighters]

But they are far from the most important thing. Visuals are nice but if we look back at the previos gens rarely is the most remembered games the games with the visuals. It's about the gameplay and how the updated hardware allowed for new things to be done. GTA3 is ugly as sin but the horsepower of the PS2 allowed the game to be what it is. that's the biggest problem have with the Wii I think. Not that the graphics will look bad( They won't if you enter with fair expectations) but becuase so much of the new stuff being done on the 360 and PS3 won't be possible on the Wii.

I never wrote that it is THE most important thing. So there is no argument there. But I expect improvements visually and incorporation of new features in all next generation consoles. I hope Wii's gimmick proves that new genre of games can be fun and lasting (hey, I am all for new ideas, I enjoyed Odama). I am just saying that Nintendo NOT focusing on improving the graphical/processing power of Wii significantly will hinder its success much sooner than expected.

I know it is early but so far, none of the Wii titles look like it cannot be done on the Xbox or GC. Why not just add a Wii-mote to GC and call it a day if that is the case? I am sure GC can handle the controller. But GC is dead so Nintendo must make a new console just to showcase this new gyro controller (which of course is nothing new to the PC world). My biggest worry is that the Wii-mote is inaccurate and most games that demand pinpoint accuracy (fighting games, driving games, etc) just won't work at all, thereby negating the only advantage Wii has over the other consoles.

And it is not like 360/PS3 can't come out with their own Wii-type controller. And XBLA can do VC, I bet Sony has something copied already.

[sethsez]

I am just saying that Nintendo NOT focusing on improving the graphical/processing power of Wii significantly will hinder its success much sooner than expected.

And were it released at $400, it would be dead before getting out of the gate. Once again, who would buy Nintendo hardware at $400 after the Gamecube?

Why not just add a Wii-mote to GC and call it a day if that is the case?

That was originally the intent. However, when was the last time an optional controller got widespread support from developers? Especially when it's for a system that's already dead.

And it is not like 360/PS3 can't come out with their own Wii-type controller.

As I said above, standard controllers get developer attention, optional ones do not.

And XBLA can do VC

Not without the permission of the hardware companies involved they don't, and the big ones are allied with Nintendo right now. Live Arcade is its own thing.

[kingoffighters]

And were it released at $400, it would be dead before getting out of the gate. Once again, who would buy Nintendo hardware at $400 after the Gamecube?

I wouldn't buy a $250 underpowered Nintendo console, period.

[sethsez]

I wouldn't buy a $250 underpowered Nintendo console, period.

There are plenty of people who wouldn't buy a Nintendo console no matter what. $200-250 is underpowered, $400 is overpriced, and Nintendo can't sell at a loss.

So, buy a PS3 or 360 and ignore Nintendo this gen. As much as I hate it when people say this, they're not going for you.

[Thief Silver]

Technically Wii =/= WII. GJ. The logo is with lower case Is, get it right.

I point that out because I kept thinking this thread was titled "Is WWII gonna be what we expected"

I agree with seth that Nintendo made a better choice going with a cheaper yet still intruiging way of selling their console.

I think the Wii could be awesome.

[kingoffighters]

There are plenty of people who wouldn't buy a Nintendo console no matter what. $200-250 is underpowered, $400 is overpriced, and Nintendo can't sell at a loss.

So, buy a PS3 or 360 and ignore Nintendo this gen. As much as I hate it when people say this, they're not going for you.

You are right, Nintendo is not going for the TNL crowd. They are going after the non-gaming crowd (at least that's how I read all their PR about bringing in new people into gaming, etc).

Give them credit, they succeeded in doing that with the DS (and I will be the first to admit that I originally thought the DS is a complete gimmick but there are some decent games that uses the touch screen and Brain Age games is kinda cool). Thus, I own a DS now but you know what? I find myself playing GBA games on it more than DS games (like Ninja Five-O, FFTA, Metroid Zero Mission, etc).

I wouldn't buy a $400+ system either, that's just too much for entertainment. The games on 360 so far is underwhelming (personally). Nothing on the PS3 front will make me want to pay $600 for it (not even MGS4).

I might get a Wii if it is $150 and has at least 10 exclusive games that I want to play (whether it uses the Wii remote or not is moot for me, as long as it is something I want to play and it is only on Wii).