The Wii U

BlueBMW · 09/25/2012, 11:50 AM

9.25% at checkout for me. Though my state has no income tax.

jlued686 · 09/25/2012, 01:31 PM

Just got to play New Super Mario Bros U at work. I can say without hesitation that it was insanely fun. We played five-player rush mode, where the person holding the pad gets to lay down platforms, stun enemies, and help or hinder the other players. After I got done, I realized how fun this is going to be, giving the pad to my 2 year-old son (who's an iPad junkie), and letting him cause chaos while the rest of my family tries to get through each level. Great stuff.

The pad itself feels really nice. It took me a moment to get used to how big it was; smaller than an iPad, bigger than a Kindle. But it's just another instance of how Nintendo knows controllers. Within moments it felt like the most natural thing in the world. I really liked it.

They were just booting up ZombieU as I left, but I had to get back to work, so I didn't stick around to check it out.

TheClash603 · 09/25/2012, 07:26 PM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 09/25/2012, 11:50 AM9.25% at checkout for me. Though my state has no income tax.

I lived in TN for a summer and it was like heaven. NY taxes are absurd.

I should've preordered my Wii U in a state with cheaper taxes...

TR0N · 09/26/2012, 02:36 AM

Quote from: TheClash603 on 09/25/2012, 07:48 AMThe reason they region lock these things is it is easier than ever now to import games from other regions. Some countries have a distinct price advantage, specifically the US. If a European gamer were to import all of its Wii U games from the US, due to currency exchange, the European gamer would save a fortune.

Not saying I defend it, but that's the logic behind region locks.

That's most likely nintendo bs excuse yet sony let the PSP,PS3 and vita be region free so i still think it's lame on nintendo part.

soop · 09/26/2012, 04:23 AM

I have to say, it does look damn nice. But teh games! Teh games!

I dare say we'll all be getting one when they release the 30th anniversary Zelda game.

TheClash603 · 09/26/2012, 07:13 PM

Quote from: TR0N on 09/26/2012, 02:36 AM
Quote from: TheClash603 on 09/25/2012, 07:48 AMThe reason they region lock these things is it is easier than ever now to import games from other regions. Some countries have a distinct price advantage, specifically the US. If a European gamer were to import all of its Wii U games from the US, due to currency exchange, the European gamer would save a fortune.

Not saying I defend it, but that's the logic behind region locks.
That's most likely nintendo bs excuse yet sony let the PSP,PS3 and vita be region free so i still think it's lame on nintendo part.

I agree with you from a gamer standpoint that it sucks. However, from a business perspective, Sony is the last place I would look if I was trying to find smart management.

Nando · 09/26/2012, 08:08 PM

One a slightly more positive note

http://kotaku.com/5946726/the-wonderful-surprise-hiding-in-the-wii-u-launch-line+up

"This fall, the Wii U is actually going to be a good console for... downloadable indie games.

This is weird, folks. We're in Nintendo-Does-What-Nintendon't territory."

glazball · 10/02/2012, 10:52 AM

@jlued686
Mind if I ask where you work? I'm jealous you're getting to play Mario U already! I preordered it along with my console, and I can't wait to see Mario in HD.

The thing about Wii U I'm most upset about is I'm reading that all of N's first party games will only run in 720p, not 1080p. (I don't know about 3rd party games.) But c'mon Nintendo! Rayman Origins runs at 1080p on my PS3 (and looks gorgeous I might add) and there's no reason a 2D platformer like Mario U shouldn't do the same.

jlued686 · 10/02/2012, 12:16 PM

Quote from: glazball on 10/02/2012, 10:52 AM@jlued686
Mind if I ask where you work? I'm jealous you're getting to play Mario U already! I preordered it along with my console, and I can't wait to see Mario in HD.

I work at the corporate HQ for a large retail chain.

glazball · 10/02/2012, 01:13 PM

Large retail chain that rhymes with Lameflop by chance? Can't imagine any other any other corp offices that are gonna let their people play games. Maybe Toys R Us ?

The reason I suspect Gamestop is they often will sell opened games as "new" which really pisses me off. I hear too many stories of employees that take new games home, etc.

Anyways, still very jealous! I have a suspicion that the Wii U will be like the Dreamcast at launch. Sure, we all know there's bigger, badder systems coming, but for now it will shine brightly and be a blast to play. A big part of me though realizes N isn't going to want to compete much longer hardware-wise with Sony and Microshit, and this may likely be their last console before switching only to software like Sega.

Nando · 10/02/2012, 01:17 PM

Quote from: glazball on 10/02/2012, 01:13 PMA big part of me though realizes N isn't going to want to compete much longer hardware-wise with Sony and Microshit, and this may likely be their last console before switching only to software like Sega.

Highly unlikely, they've said that's not their goal. Their franchises stand out not only because they have good game play and a hell of a lifespan, but because you can only get those experiences on Nintendo systems. The minute you "water them down" they are no longer "special."

They probably have the Wii U setup for a long shelf life though, think PS3. I'm still on the fence about the 3DS.

jlued686 · 10/02/2012, 01:18 PM

Quote from: glazball on 10/02/2012, 01:13 PMLarge retail chain that rhymes with Lameflop by chance?

Nope.

RegalSin · 10/02/2012, 01:31 PM

Seriously show me somethinng on Wii U that is worth it. A controller is not worth anything, We all said the same exact thing when the N64, Saturn, PSX, ro something simular. I want to know what is so the 411, aboutt he Wii U, what is so great? They could probably make the gamecube handheld right now if they wanted, so what is so magnificant about this game system? Show me, RegalSin wants to know, RegalSin has to know..bbbbbbzzzzzz

MotherGunner · 10/02/2012, 02:22 PM

While we're at it, let's say part of a bridge collapsed and there are two vehicles about to fall over into the water below: One is a truck-full of Wii U's and the other is you Regal. One will bring joy to many, one will not. Understanding that the needs of the many outway the needs of the one, what is the most logical salvage operation in this situation?

glazball · 10/02/2012, 03:10 PM

Quote from: Nando on 10/02/2012, 01:17 PMHighly unlikely, they've said that's not their goal. Their franchises stand out not only because they have good game play and a hell of a lifespan, but because you can only get those experiences on Nintendo systems. The minute you "water them down" they are no longer "special."

They probably have the Wii U setup for a long shelf life though, think PS3. I'm still on the fence about the 3DS.

I hope you are right Nando, I really do. But things do change, not always for the best, and I fear the worst. Doesnt matter what their stated goals are.
Admittedly, I REALLY hate motion controls, the main reason Wii was successful because really, it was just a gimmick for Twilight Princess that N made into an entire console. I hate to pander to Regalsin, but the Wii U really offers nothing new. I'm not too impressed with the GamePad and all the first party titles have already been done before (New SMB, Pikmin). If people shun the Wii U and it flounders kind of like 3DS did, N's hardware days could be numbered.

Re: 3DS - my 8 year old stepson has one (grandparents bought it for him at launch) but he always keeps the 3D effect off. I'm thinking "shit, I would have killed to have 3D games at 7 and 8!" Having played Mario 3D Land and others myself, you really have to center the screen in front of your face and keep it centered which isnt always easy. It looks great though But I dont want to digress into a 3D tech discussion lol...

Nando · 10/02/2012, 03:49 PM

I could speculate all day long

I do remember reading about the good 'ol N trying to setup some sort of internal social network thingie (*in the voice of Scott Pilgrim movie version)

You are right though, as "youngster" I never saw Sega changing their business plan and failing so miserably in the console dept.

I'm curious in seeing what Nintendo's long term plan is. I never fully bought into the Wii, but I am actually considering making the plunge into the new system, their franchises in HD being the only real incentive. Ditto on the 3D but the XL version and I can hold off to see if they make it a dual stick.

Still early though and I've got more than enough PCE games to keep me entertained, not to mentioned a shit to more I want to own.

Anyway, I don't see Nintendo going away any time soon or "watering down" their portfolio.

JoshTurboTrollX · 10/02/2012, 04:04 PM

I was also somewhat excited to see if the Wii U would be able to upscale Wii games like the Wii PC Emulators do. But heard that the Wii games will not look any different..... Boo again, Nintendo.

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/01/nintendo_reconfirms_wii_u_will_not_make_wii_games_sharper

Nando · 10/02/2012, 04:09 PM

Quote from: JoshTurboTrollX-16 on 10/02/2012, 04:04 PM..... Boo again, Nintendo.

lol, like the article stated, they'll probably offer HD remasters at some point in the near future. Classic Wii U HD package or some shit.

glazball · 10/02/2012, 05:10 PM

Does anyone know yet if the Wii U/Nintendo Network will support trophies/achievements like PSN and Xbox Live?

soop · 10/03/2012, 08:16 AM

Quote from: glazball on 10/02/2012, 05:10 PMDoes anyone know yet if the Wii U/Nintendo Network will support trophies/achievements like PSN and Xbox Live?

God I hope not.
I don't actually mind them sometimes, like in Burnout or Uncharted, but it's rare that games actually offer it up as anything more than proof you've actually played it.

Why the fuck would I want to be patted on the back for playing a game I just bought? The game should be the reward. But that may be a topic for another thread.

glazball · 10/03/2012, 10:37 AM

Well Soop, trophies/achievements can be ignored if you're not into them. I have some friends that feel that way and we often have this same debate. Personally I think they're fun, but some people get way too carried away with trophy hunting. They're pretty much standard now in the industry so I'll be let down if N doesn't jump on board.
The reason I like them is if you're friend says he TKO'd Mike Tyson in Punch-Out (to use a next-to-imposible example), you can confirm it if they have the trophy. And if not, you know your friend is full of shit.

jlued686 · 10/03/2012, 10:48 AM

The best achievements are the ones that make you play games differently or get better at the games. Geometry Wars is the best example I can think of. Lots of shmups (specifically the Cave-made ones) give achievements for 1-credit-clears, things like that. So I think they're valuable when they add life to the game and give you more incentive for playing.

RegalSin · 10/03/2012, 12:06 PM

How about just a place to record your score online, instead calling it achievements or trophies?

glazball · 10/03/2012, 12:43 PM

Quote from: guest on 10/03/2012, 10:48 AMThe best achievements are the ones that make you play games differently or get better at the games. Geometry Wars is the best example I can think of. Lots of shmups (specifically the Cave-made ones) give achievements for 1-credit-clears, things like that. So I think they're valuable when they add life to the game and give you more incentive for playing.

Agreed. I generally like to seek out every dusty corner of a game whether there are trophies or not, and trophies give a bit of incentive to do so. And they can often get you out of your comfort zone and try new things/techniques which is a good thing imo.

JoshTurboTrollX · 10/03/2012, 01:04 PM

Quote from: glazball on 10/02/2012, 05:10 PMDoes anyone know yet if the Wii U/Nintendo Network will support trophies/achievements like PSN and Xbox Live?

I'd be all for it if they actually mattered. Like if you get 1,000 trophy/N points on Metriod Prime 4, you unlock a special side scrolling marketing adventure JRPG or something.

2000 N points and you get to download Dr. Mario or something......

RegalSin · 10/03/2012, 01:05 PM

Oh you mean Easter Eggs, and cheats?

Well some games you have to collect everything to get X content, otherwise you would stop playing. It was like when I was playing RE4 and finally got Weskers for Waterworld. ( speaking of
which why hasn;t waterworld been made by Capcom yet?

ParanoiaDragon · 10/04/2012, 02:00 AM

I used to hate the trophies thing, but lately, since I have such a backlog, it does help me to kinda check off each game I've beaten for PS3. It might also help me sharpent my skills(or lack there of) by getting me to try to achieve the trophies that aren't beyond ridiculous, but are still chalenging. Like with Captain America, I was able to get a platinum on that....which is unheard of for me. But, I has a blast trying to beat the various challenges for the trophies.

soop · 10/04/2012, 06:48 AM

Quote from: glazball on 10/03/2012, 10:37 AMWell Soop, trophies/achievements can be ignored if you're not into them. I have some friends that feel that way and we often have this same debate. Personally I think they're fun, but some people get way too carried away with trophy hunting. They're pretty much standard now in the industry so I'll be let down if N doesn't jump on board.
The reason I like them is if you're friend says he TKO'd Mike Tyson in Punch-Out (to use a next-to-imposible example), you can confirm it if they have the trophy. And if not, you know your friend is full of shit.

I suppose they can be useful. But on XBLA, one of my friends used to brag about his high score and my low one. I pointed out that I only tend to buy games when they're excessively cheap, or old, which means that (for example) it's going to be very hard for me to complete the online challenges for Samurai Shodown II (and the fact that I find it difficult).

But yeah I would agree that for proof, or for extending the game they can be useful, and for extending the game, I like those trophies. But I find those in the minority.

Nando · 10/11/2012, 11:20 AM

The innards of this thing
http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/console/0/0

Arkhan Asylum · 10/11/2012, 03:18 PM

Yknow, I am kind of glad I preordered the thing after reading this, and after hearing there was a fire and there may be shortages.

but, I have been going back and playing my Wii games lately, including the new Kirby collection.

It took awhile for the Wii to get the library I gave a shit about, but it finally did happen.

So, I can keep playing those on the new thing, and see what newthings also come with it.

I have honestly been ignoring the library. I want to see how I feel about just walking in on Day 1 and looking at my options. Surprising myself!

Nando · 10/11/2012, 03:59 PM

Quote from: guest on 10/11/2012, 03:18 PMIt took awhile for the Wii to get the library I gave a shit about, but it finally did happen.

So, I can keep playing those on the new thing, and see what newthings also come with it.

I've been convincing my self the same way and I am sold on the Wii U now lol, plus I want to see Mario and Nintendo cast in HD!

and now this shit!

DAMN IT NINTENDO! why you gotta take my money?

glazball · 10/12/2012, 12:10 AM

In an earlier post I had lamented that the Wii U's first party titles were only going to run in 720p. Turns out Mario U (for one) will be in 1080p after all. Damn it's gonna look gorgeous! Can't wait!

http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/11/new-super-mario-bros-u-1080p-support-confirmed/

Tatsujin · 10/12/2012, 12:18 AM

I Wee on U.

glazball · 10/12/2012, 08:57 AM

Dear lord!! Now N has apparently amended their site to remove the 1080p statement to claim simply "HD". Nintendo, will you just release the damn thing? I don't want to have to freeze myself in snow for the next month.

http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/12/nintendo-u-turns-on-new-super-mario-bros-u-1080p-claims/

Arkhan Asylum · 10/12/2012, 10:52 AM

Quote from: Nando on 10/11/2012, 03:59 PM
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 10/11/2012, 03:18 PMIt took awhile for the Wii to get the library I gave a shit about, but it finally did happen.

So, I can keep playing those on the new thing, and see what newthings also come with it.
I've been convincing my self the same way and I am sold on the Wii U now lol, plus I want to see Mario and Nintendo cast in HD!

and now this shit!
DAMN IT NINTENDO! why you gotta take my money?

I absolutely hated the Wii for the first 3-4 years the thing was out.

Smash Bros is dumb, Mario Galaxy was depressing, NiGHTS was fucking retarded...

and then all the kirby/etc. games showed up and made the thing feel like a Nintendo again.

Nando · 10/12/2012, 11:01 AM

Quote from: guest on 10/12/2012, 10:52 AMMario Galaxy was depressing

Really? I haven't played it yet, but it looked pretty neat and the concept seemed cool. Is that just for #1 or for both?

Arkhan Asylum · 10/12/2012, 11:04 AM

Theyre both stupid. I don't like anything Nintendo did to Mario in 3D. They were all mental.

jlued686 · 10/12/2012, 11:38 AM

Arkhan, sometimes I think you're brilliant, and sometimes I think you belong in a mental institution. The Mario Galaxy games are fucking sublime. 3D platforming perfection.

Arkhan Asylum · 10/12/2012, 11:57 AM

3D platforming?

More like 3D ball-wandering.

Sounds like RegalSin's saturday night.

glazball · 10/12/2012, 12:00 PM

Why all the hate Arkhan? Mario Galaxy games are awesome. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but incredible level design and fun gameplay. I'm trying to finish Galaxy 2 before the Wii U comes out. It's been in my "pile of shame" for a while now, games I keep meaning to get back and finish.

Nando · 10/12/2012, 12:01 PM

Brilliantly CRAZY!!! ;)

jlued686 · 10/12/2012, 01:05 PM

Seriously, I think Galaxy 2 might be the best 3D platformer of all time. It really is brilliant.

TheClash603 · 10/12/2012, 01:42 PM

Loved Mario 64, REALLY LOVED Mario Sunshine, enjoyed the hell out of Mario 3D Land...

Didn't care for Mario Galaxy at all.

Arkhan Asylum · 10/12/2012, 02:01 PM

Best 3D Platformer of all time?

lolno

Have you ever played Scaler for PS2? Game is sooooo much better than any 3D mario.

Also, I much preferred Spyro back in the day. Kao the Kangaroo as well.

Don't forget Bug!

And, Brave Fencer Musashi, I suppose.

Does jumping flash count as a 3D platformer? It's SUPER 3D.

I'd take that game over Mario any frigging day of the week.

geise · 10/12/2012, 02:11 PM

lol ark! I love me some Jumping Flash, but holy shit! Way better than Mario Galaxy? I was on the Mario 3d hate bandwagon till I played Mario Galaxy. Seriously? Jumping Flash? You should've said Jumping Flash 2 then I might've been a little more forgiving.

jlued686 · 10/12/2012, 02:54 PM

Ark, we're gonna have to agree to disagree.

(Can we also agree that you're insane?)

Nando · 10/12/2012, 03:00 PM

Quote from: TheClash603 on 10/12/2012, 01:42 PMLoved Mario 64, REALLY LOVED Mario Sunshine, enjoyed the hell out of Mario 3D Land...

Didn't care for Mario Galaxy at all.

what was it about it? game design? level design? controls? game play?

TheClash603 · 10/12/2012, 07:49 PM

Quote from: Nando on 10/12/2012, 03:00 PM
Quote from: TheClash603 on 10/12/2012, 01:42 PMLoved Mario 64, REALLY LOVED Mario Sunshine, enjoyed the hell out of Mario 3D Land...

Didn't care for Mario Galaxy at all.
what was it about it? game design? level design? controls? game play?

I didn't like the jumping between planets and any time I had to point at anything with the Wiimote it felt cumbersome. Most of the worlds were smaller and less enjoyable than the N64 and GCN games. The whole upside down and gravity aspect of the game was not enjoyable to me at all. The backgrounds were saddening?

Basically the warmth and scope and vertical sprawl of Sunshine were nowhere to be found in Galaxy.

ParanoiaDragon · 10/12/2012, 08:51 PM

I still haven't bothered to pick up the Galaxy's, because I've just been completely unsure of them......& this thread has now solidified my unsuredness

BlueBMW · 10/13/2012, 08:43 AM

I loved Mario 64 and really loved Sunshine, but couldnt get into Galaxy as much. Havent preordered a Wii U yet... the lack of Gamecube compatibility turned me off