Your Thoughts: Nintendo

[LordLocke]

Tsk Tsk. Mostly Nintendo haters her at the Escapist as well. I honestly expected better.

What people dont seem to realize is that Nintendo is repeating history. I remember when my parents got me an NES. I just wanted to try it out, at first I played it casually. But the more I played it the more I enjoyed it. Even though I skipped the SNES, I was more than ready for the N64. When it came Christmas Morning, it blew my mind the next few years. This same thing is going to happen with the Wii. Nintendo made the smart move to actually bring in a new audience of casual people. Those people will eventually evolve into the hardcore that we are today. Of course most of us see the Wii demographic as ludicrious because we are hardcore gamers, we have been playing this shit for years. But Nintendo has been good to me, so I am not going to backstab it. They learn from there mistakes, so they know what they are doing.

You have to remember that while the Wii is targeting a casual audience with a general void of titles for the mainstream gamer, most of the people who go to the internet to talk about video games... probably are not going to be a casual audience. Quite the opposite, in fact.

It's not so much that I'm a Nintendo hater- I'm just not a Nintendo lover. Most of Nintendo's franchises are ones that, while I enjoy them, aren't system sellers for me anymore, and my problem with the Wii isn't the audience it's targeting- although that's of course not going to sell it to me anyways- it's that it's shaping to be another system where Nintendo provides the A-list and everyone else dumps on it cash-in shovelware- expanded by the gimmicky waggle controls and lack of system power so that it basically ensures almost nobody brings their A-game to the console. My other real problem with it is that the Wii so far has been a bunch of potentially awesome ideas executed with all the grace and ability of a punch-drunk boxer in the middle of a performance of the Nutcracker- see Nintendo's kneecapped online play and the should-have-been-a-system-seller Virtual Console. Right now the Wii's mostly living off price, casual appeal, and a very small selection of top-list titles.

Can this change? Yes, of course it can. It's finally got a game that genuinely interesting to me (Super Mario Galaxy) and with SSBB and Mario Kart hitting next year, if they're as good as previous titles in their series and with maybe a little more outside support I could become a late adopter. Right now, I just don't see a reason to grab it for myself, especially when the XB360 is turning into the the PS2 of this generation in terms of game selection and 3rd party support.

 

[Ydna]

Personally I don't have anything against Nintendo but I don't consider myself a fan of them by any means. It's simply because I haven't been presented with a reason to buy one of their consoles within the past 8-10 years. Back in the day, I absolutely LOVED my nes, snes, and n64...those things were full to the gills with games I thoroughly enjoyed. I still play my 64 and I would still play my snes if I still had it! But neither the Gamecube nor Wii have given me any reason to go their way. (Although I do like Metroid)

I've never been a fan of the casual game and it seems all of the big "reasons to buy a Wii" are centered around those, and their use of the motion control. I don't konw if it's just the principal of it but I realllllly hate the idea of playing video game tennis where you're all but actually playing tennis. If I wanted to play tennis then I'd get off my ass and do it. In retrospect, if it's something I can do in reality....then I hate the video game version. I like Halo because I can't go kill aliens in my spare time. But on the other hand when I want to play baseball then I get off my ass and do it, not stand there in the living room.

But I suppose that's just a preference issue and it's totally subjective from person to person. I'm fine with that, and that's why I say I'm not a Nintendo hater. If tha'ts your cup of tea then go nuts!

One thing I don't see mentioned is the debate about the Wii controlers being more intuitive. Do people really think traditional controllers aren't intuitive? I think they are. You have to move your fingers and thumbs but I haven't found adding wrist and arm movement to make it any "more" intuitive. If I can close my eyes and make my FPS character on screen turn 180º around and shoot somebody behind me, without even looking....well I think that's pretty damn intuitive (lol). To me it's a solution to a problem I didn't have.

The hardware....yeah it's not as good but frankly I could care less if the games drew me in. I enjoy spectacular graphics of the 360 and ps3 games but they don't make or break it to me.

 

[Lightbulb]

The first TRUE gaming company. As in popularity. Sega or Atari could not have been the most popular as they both no longer have consoles.

In the same way that the US is the first empire? *rolleyes*

 

[alexhayter86]

Nintendo for me is gaming of the past. I can enjoy Nintendo products in and of themselves, but I find that a large part of my fun comes from the retro, nostalgia value. As a brand, its really rooted in the past: fire up a Wii console and it feels so Nintendo... the simplistic sights and sounds that really appeal to the child in everybody.

That's not to say that playing games for nostalgia value isn't good: I love Mario Galaxy and New Super Mario Bros, just the same as I love all of the newest Zelda games. The only downside is how the narrative quality of Nintendo games has never really progressed since the SNES era. You're still saving Zelda in Hyrule (or a different location, but same idea), you're still saving Peach from Bowser in some kind of Mushroom kingdom. Sure, the games evolve. Its a tough one, and I'm not even sure if Mario would work in with an 'updated' narrative. I can't stand modern anime, for no reason other than that it annoys me, and I'd fear that that kind of style would be the only direction that Japanese developers would take it.

The NES was my first gaming system, Sega Genesis was my second - but I remember always going over to my friend's house to play the SNES instead. Upon first firing up the Wii this month, my first emotions were that of sweet nostalgia for my childhood.

I've kind of accepted that the Wii isn't going to have as many good games as the Xbox 360 does, at least for the near future. But that's cool, because I have a 360 as well.

 

[Duck Sandwich]

. I don't konw if it's just the principal of it but I realllllly hate the idea of playing video game tennis where you're all but actually playing tennis. If I wanted to play tennis then I'd get off my ass and do it. In retrospect, if it's something I can do in reality....then I hate the video game version. I like Halo because I can't go kill aliens in my spare time. But on the other hand when I want to play baseball then I get off my ass and do it, not stand there in the living room.

I think the reason why video game sports are fairly popular is because some people like baseball, but can't get a group of 20 or so people with which to play at any given time, or they don't live near a baseball diamond. It's a matter of convenience. I myself would choose the real thing over a video game any time.

Also, someone might like hockey, but not be good enough at it to join the NHL and win the Stanley Cup.

 

[TomBeraha]

Whats weird for me is that I kind of feel like in the console scene Nintendo is the only player still catering to me, Sega is gone, and I like the occasional game for a sony console, but normally I'd prefer a PC for a "serious" gaming center. That's not to say that Nintendo doesn't have those titles, It's that I generally look for something else from it.

The pacing, the feel, the atmosphere I find in most nintendo titles I find far superior to that of most other consoles. Jab away at Metroid / Mario / Zelda all you want, but I've never been happier than playing those games. The first time I played Metroid was for the Wii and it sold me on the series, I even went back to play older ones. It doesn't feel like they've abandoned me, more like.. they're the ones who know that I like games to be a game.

When I played Excite Truck I played for 3 hours straight the first time I picked it up. It totally destroyed my expectations. I tried out Burnout Revenge and then Forza 2?3? and it was utterly forgetable, and I'm a pretty big racing junkie. But where I play Excite Truck and it feels like playing arcade games in my youth, Forza feels like a cheap simulator that doesn't quite settle right. Burnout feels like the arcade game that I played once and decided wasn't worth the next quarter. Now If I want a racing game I play RACE or RACE 07, and if I want to have a fun racing game, in goes mario kart or excite truck.

Nintendo gets that good graphics to me means that everything flows together right, it's all the same feel, and the overall artistic direction is solid. Not that it has 200,000 polys per character.

My somewhat rambling post leads to this - When I think of Nintendo, It's like when I think of Apple. I don't think of Macs as faster, I think of them as of a higher quality. When I look at a fast PC Rig it's the American Hot Rod compared to the European Road Car. Lots of power but no style. Nintendo has style, and I don't think that Sony or Microsoft do, and as a console manufacturer, and as a game producer, I think it's that Nintendo flare that keeps me coming. When I want raw power and the latest and greatest, it's always found on my PC, not my console.

 

[mcknifey]

A couple of quick sentences...

They've brought a new form of gaming, in a way that eye toy, singstar, guitar hero and buzz have already done, why make a gaming console with the sole purpose of doing that.
Im not knocking them for doing it but i miss the super nintendo and the N64, why not just modify them without making something brand new, i know its all shiny and new but is it really needed?

 

[Mage26]

I find a lot of people complaining about how Nintendo is doing the same thing over and over again. At least the Wii and DS offer the opportunity for innovation. Playing Wii sports for the first time is a revelation because it's an experience that has never before been offered outside of arcades. While Metroid, Zelda, Mario follow the same gameplay elements, they're elements that work because they're fun! Whereas random XBOX-FPS has the same gameplay as every other FPS out there, with a slight tweak. I believe the really innovative stuff hasn't come out yet for wii; it took the DS at least two years for developers to figure out how to fully grasp all its possibilities. By this time next year (or in February when Smash is released) I think we'll really see what is possible from the Wii.

 

[Fire Daemon]

I like nintendo as my first console was the N64 (I know I'm only fresh on the scene) and i had a lot of fun with it so whenever I think about nintendo I think about the fun times I've had with that.

 

[dl_wraith]

Hmm...a lot of anti-nintendo feeling here but there's more than a few of you admitting the odd use of nintendo hardware

I was always a Sega man myself. Couldn't stand the NES and it's pathetic portfolio of cloned platformers, silly top-down adventure games and side scrolling shooters. For me, console gaming changed forever when Sonic hit the scene. Colourful, fast, fun - loved it.

Nintendos hardware kept calling to me though and through the 16-bit era I started a love affair with Nintendo's partnership with Capcom. The N64 alienated me a bit though (for the ruination of Castlevania mainly) and I ended up on the Sony side of the fence.

As far as systems go I own a Master System, Mega Drive, SNES, Game Gear, N64, (three) Playstations, (two) PS2, a GameCube and a Wii. I regret none of them.

Nintendo as a software developer though? They are....niche. Unfortunately they focus too much on the young and the franchise titles and not enough on new thought provoking games. Other developers have suffered in similar fashion though (EA, I'm looking squarely at you!) as it's easy to regurgitate the old to make a quick buck than to encourage new ideas.

Nintendo have let two console platforms die through a criminal lack of support for their platforms but the games they do produce usually deliver on their promise and provide great entertainment. It was nice to see Sega get involved with Nintendo after many years of embittered console wars but so far the partnership has yet to provide many truly great titles (F Zero GX is one such example though).

Stick with Nintendo, there will always be some quality games you can't have on any other platform.....but always have your alternative console/games too.

 

[Copter400]

I think Nintendo's all right, just like every other gaming company. The reason why I didn't get a Wii is because it doesn't have many games that appeal to me and the graphics don't appear to have moved on at all since the Gamecube.

One thing I am annoyed with: ads for Nintendo games are the only ones on TV before 8:30. And they're on all the time. I have seen the bogons playing Wii Sports and I am not amused.

 

[mcknifey]

I find a lot of people complaining about how Nintendo is doing the same thing over and over again. At least the Wii and DS offer the opportunity for innovation. Playing Wii sports for the first time is a revelation because it's an experience that has never before been offered outside of arcades. While Metroid, Zelda, Mario follow the same gameplay elements, they're elements that work because they're fun! Whereas random XBOX-FPS has the same gameplay as every other FPS out there, with a slight tweak. I believe the really innovative stuff hasn't come out yet for wii; it took the DS at least two years for developers to figure out how to fully grasp all its possibilities. By this time next year (or in February when Smash is released) I think we'll really see what is possible from the Wii.

yeah but dont u just miss the days where gaming had so many flaws, it gave you something to comment the game on.
games used to be simple and fun, now its all about how good the graphics are and stuff, it become less about fun and more about pretty.

 

[WraithGadra]

A couple of quick sentences...

They've brought a new form of gaming, in a way that eye toy, singstar, guitar hero and buzz have already done, why make a gaming console with the sole purpose of doing that.
Im not knocking them for doing it but i miss the super nintendo and the N64, why not just modify them without making something brand new, i know its all shiny and new but is it really needed?

If Nintendo did remake SNES/N64, most people would be up in arms about the "lack of innovation". Obviously Nintendo is doing something right or the Wii wouldn't be selling like billyoh right now. Besides, with any new technology, it takes time to really hit a stride in terms of software for it. I've got a Wii and a 360, and my Wii takes up most of my playing time. Mostly because it has the Smash series, one of the greatest 2D fighting game on the market.

In short, Nintendo's been around for a good long time, and they're not going anywhere any time soon.

 

[KmndntKlink]

i recognize nintendo at least tries something new, the wii IS innovative. the problem is, they never come out with any innovative games. All they push are their mario, metroid, and zelda exclusives. I dont like them for this and their lack of online play and the fact that they design everything for n00bz. the wii takes no skill to play all you have to do is dance around like an idiot and you get rewarded with a uber-positive well done!

 

[Rent]

I really dislike Nintendo.

1. They are focusing on gamers in the ages 12-15, so (call me imature if you like) but there are no blood, no really bad ass sceans and it feels like the script is stolen from an old batman episode.

2. They never really do something new, they just follow the same storys all over again. Mario, Zelda and Metroid. Sure these games is alot of fun but its not really impresive if your one of the biggest game sellers in the world to just make remakes...

3. They made Wii... I hate Wii! Wii is a sutpid excuse too be a gamer and stil bee cool enough too call other people neards and feel good about it. Serious when i play is just want to sit in my cough and just chill. Gamers dont want to bounce around, lookling as a dancer from riverdance.

1. Manhunt 2, Scarface, Godfather: Blackhand Edition, Mortal Kombat: Armaggeddon, Resident Evil 4, and Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles should sate your thirst for blood. Yes, I know, only 1 game on that list is Wii exclusive, but that doesn't change the fact the Wii does have those games.

2. Lots of companies are guilty of this, not just nintendo. I mean, a lot of the heavily anticipated games coming out soon or that are already out are sequels. GTA 4, MGS 4, Halo 3, Final Fantasy (what is it, 13? With all these sequels and spinoffs, they're catching up to Mega Man.) Tekken 6, Virtua Fighter 5.

3 When I'm playing the Wii, I sit in my folding chair and just chill. I only need to make slight, precise movements with my right arm in order to blow zombies heads off in Umbrella Chronicles, and occasional slashing movements with the nunchuck to slash with the knife. You only need to stand up if you're playing something like Wii Sports or WarioWare.

While I don't care too much for Mario, Metroid, or Zelda, I do like me some Smash Bros., StarFox, and F-Zero, as well as games that mainly use the remote for aiming and shooting.

EDIT: I own a Sega Master System, Turbo Grafx 16, N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube, and Wii. I don't think I would have regretted getting a PS2 instead of a Cube (for some Shinobi and Devil May Cry), but then again, I don't regret getting a Cube (F-Zero GX, Smash Bros, Paper Mario).

I admit my defeat
I failed this thread to be honest. Wrote my post on 5 min break in school, reading it now just wants me to hide my face in shame. Im sorry for that and i hope you will continue respect my future posts.

Stil i dislike Nintendo in many ways, im just gona find i better why too express them then just rolling my face over the keyboarding and hope it will get good.

Peace out, Rent

 

[Rent]

Haha sorry for dubbel post but this post desirved a quote hahaha

 

[Swenglish]

I'd say that I lost a lot of respect for Nintendo after the N64, I'm not sure why. I guess you had this Nintendo-period between 6-12, and then moved up to the Xbox age. What I liked about the N64 was the games. I had Ocarine of Time, Majoras Mask, Super Mario 64, Donkey Kong 64, Banjo Kazooie to name a few... I mean those games had something you had never felt before; Freedom! Does anyone remember that tingeling sensation you got in your spine when you heard the soundtrack in Ocarine Time, or the great Rare-ish humor in Banjo Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64? I mean those were proper games, that were FUN!

After the N64-period, I bought the Xbox and found games like Halo and Ninja Gaiden. Sure, these were good, fun games, but they could never replace that sensation you got when you played the Zelda Games.

Nowadays, when I come over to my friends and play the Wii, I try time after time to restart this engine of mine that has been long on stand-by. Nintendo just is not the same as it was when I grew up, and it's a pity, because everyone deserves to play these pieces of art that Nintendo produced a long, long time ago.

 

[TheHound]

Nintendo Hardware: GC was fun, though all i ever played was super smash bros with my mates. The Wii, I dont own one but ive played one at a mates and yeah its fun but not good enough to be worth buying for me.

Nintendo Games: Yeah heres where it all falls down. Their games suffer from the same tired old plotlines, and are aimed at the under 16 market. Fair enough to them, they know their market and they stick to it but for someone like me whos looking for a more adult experience, and NO that doesnt mean lots of blood or naked girls. I mean adult issues and adult level of game play see, Bloodlines, Witcher, Baldurs Gates series etc. Games that dont involve bouncing on turtles.

To clarify im not saying Nintendo are crap or anything im just saying I really hate their games, and their console is kinda meh, but then again so are the others, I havent seen anything yet that made me say 'Ive got to get that'

 

[goodpoltergeist]

I only own Nintendo systems, with the exception of a Sega Genesis. SNES N64 GCN Wii Game Boy Color, GBA, and DS. I occasionally borrow my girlfriend's PS2, but the only games I enjoy playing on PS2 were the Metal Gear games, Guitar Hero, and Soul Calibur III. I might one day buy a PS3 for MGS4 and Resident Evil 5, but otherwise I'm quite happy with my relationship with Nintendo.

 

[Jagdedge]

Nintendo Hardware: GC was fun, though all i ever played was super smash bros with my mates. The Wii, I dont own one but ive played one at a mates and yeah its fun but not good enough to be worth buying for me.

Nintendo Games: Yeah heres where it all falls down. Their games suffer from the same tired old plotlines, and are aimed at the under 16 market. Fair enough to them, they know their market and they stick to it but for someone like me whos looking for a more adult experience, and NO that doesnt mean lots of blood or naked girls. I mean adult issues and adult level of game play see, Bloodlines, Witcher, Baldurs Gates series etc. Games that dont involve bouncing on turtles.

To clarify im not saying Nintendo are crap or anything im just saying I really hate their games, and their console is kinda meh, but then again so are the others, I havent seen anything yet that made me say 'Ive got to get that'

Right, because jumping on turtles is the only thing you do in any Nintendo game and swords and magic is the epitome of adult gameplay.