NPD April 2008 (Post #16)

[AlphaWolf]

The dilemma here is that if the wiimote-style controller is a separately available addon, then developers can't rely on its presence when they design a game and have to make it work without one.
But if you abandon the traditional "two analog sticks" stuff then you risk alienating the hardcore gamers...

Yep. I don't think I qualify as a hardcore gamer anymore, but my preferred gaming set up involves me leaning well back and relaxing in a recliner, not standing or waving my arms around. I'll never buy a console reliant on waggle.

 

[Zassk]

The dilemma here is that if the wiimote-style controller is a separately available addon, then developers can't rely on its presence when they design a game and have to make it work without one.
But if you abandon the traditional "two analog sticks" stuff then you risk alienating the hardcore gamers...

I foresee the next XBox/PS4 coming with both types of controller in the box, one of each. (There would be huge profits in convincing every customer to buy two 2nd controllers...) Some games might support both types of controller, while others would only use one of them.

 

[one]

Technically all Sony should do is bundling all PS3 with PS Eye since SixAxis already has a motion sensor and LEDs, but cost reduction of PS3 has to come first.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/US20080096654.html?query=PN/20080096654 OR 20080096654&stemming=on
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/US20080094353.html?query=PN/20080094353 OR 20080094353&stemming=on

 

[thatdude90210]

Have you played RE4 Wii ? As a big fan of the GC / PS2 versions, IMO (again), on Wii, the experience is radically different (for the better).

After playing RE4 Wii, I'm not sure how I'm going to play RE5 without that kind of aiming. For hordes & hordes or enemies, that type of quick aim & shoot is pretty much a necessity... unless Capcom cheat by having auto-aiming like COD2 (360) did. I remember using it a lot in that game.

 

[assen]

The Wii itself hadn't really abandoned the conventional controls. There are plenty of games that don't use pointer/waggle for control. Various split designs would work giving the best of both worlds.

Conventional controls without a second thumbstick suck. That's what I hate most about the Wiimote+nunchuk combo.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

But that could readily be addressed in a future console. Eg. Have a Dual Shock type design where the controller can be separated into two halves providing single-handed pointing devices like the Nunchuck.

 

[Laa-Yosh]

The Wii itself hadn't really abandoned the conventional controls.

Doesn't include a normal double analog stick controller though, and you can't have Halo4 or Killzone3 without it...

 

[one]

Doesn't include a normal double analog stick controller though, and you can't have Halo4 or Killzone3 without it...

Didn't they advertise the Wii remote + nunchuck as FPS-friendly?

 

[obonicus]

Didn't they advertise the Wii remote + nunchuck as FPS-friendly?

With the remote used as a pointing device.

 

[Zassk]

Playing Assassin's Creed, I really admired the controls (I know the game had other issues). While playing it, I could not imagine how you'd adapt that game to a remote+nunchuk without seriously compromising the enjoyment. I don't want to lose games like that to a Wii future.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Doesn't include a normal double analog stick controller though, and you can't have Halo4 or Killzone3 without it...

You can move one of the analogue inputs to analogue motion control/pointer. A thumbstick for aiming isn't the ideal control method! And a future console can have a thumbstick per hand-unit.

 

[fearsomepirate]

After playing RE4 Wii, I'm not sure how I'm going to play RE5 without that kind of aiming. For hordes & hordes or enemies, that type of quick aim & shoot is pretty much a necessity... unless Capcom cheat by having auto-aiming like COD2 (360) did. I remember using it a lot in that game.

You'll play it the same way everyone played RE4 the first and second time around. It's not like it was unplayable before.

Wii Sports is about a whole lot more than the remote. It's also about being accessible without being insulting. What can you really compare Wii Tennis to? I don't remember lots of games like Wii Fit and Brain Training taking up shelf space.

but even if you count those as innovations, does the world care?

Judging by sales, yes. In fact, judging by sales, the rest of the world cares as much about the games you and I aren't playing than the ones we are.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Judging by sales, yes. In fact, judging by sales, the rest of the world cares as much about the games you and I aren't playing than the ones we are.

EyeToy sold gangbusters, but capped out at however many million units, a small percentage of PS2 consoles. And that's one of the more successful peripherals. IF WiiFit sells to a substantial proportion of Wii owners and gets incorporated into third-party games, you'll have a point. Until then, it's unproven what interest is, and history shows up until now, every fancy peripheral has been very marginalized. If you don't take my quote out of context...

It would at best change the input from pressing a button to exerting a pressure, but even if you count those as innovations, does the world care?

...you are presented with the real argument - are games creators going to be doing backflips to accommodate this fabulous new gaming method? Or are they going to mostly ignore it, like they have all the other peripherals out there?