Archive for January, 2009
Saturday, January 10th, 2009
There is much debate surrounding the evolution of the First-Person Shooter genre on video game consoles. Is the future of shooters in graphics or innovation? Gaming enthusiasts will often respond, "A mixture of both," which is a perfectly reasonable answer. However, many developers clearly put one element before the other.
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Nintendo, for example, favors innovation because they have been in the business for many years and believe that while gamers will always come to expect better and better graphics, but engaging gameplay will always last. Developers such as Epic, on the other hand, seem to believe that gameplay will continue to be presentable enough through better and better graphics. Perhaps, in a way, both insights are true. But should first-person shooter developers be concentrating solely on graphically powerful consoles like the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3? Whatever your thoughts, here are three reasons why the future of shooters is, in fact, the Nintendo Wii.
Reason number one: the Wii is advanced far ahead of the competition. The technology powering the Wii Remote takes gaming to a whole new level. Nothing this major has taken place in video game history for years, and the recently announced MotionSense attachment will make the controller even more accurate. The user experience is only going to improve over time.
MotionSense, also known as MotionSense Plus, will result in more realistic game play by enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of the Wii controller.
Reason two: the Wii is accessible. Its shooters are easier to pick up and play than on any other console, and its controls rival the aiming precision of the PC itself. A video game console has never been this close to surpassing the PC in this area.
Wouldn't you say the utilization of this technology is just logical?
Reason number three: the Wii is immersive. There is much more to the motion-sensing technology than is immediately apparent. Games with motion sensing are simply more realistic and enjoyable to play than those without. This is true because the motion sensing technology mimics real life, whether a first person shooter or other type of video game.
Making motions in real-life that directly correspond to the display on the TV is the most revolutionary and innovative step we have seen in the home gaming market for a long, long time. The motion sensing technology in the Wii increases the connection between gamer and game, resulting in a rich user experience that makes it very difficult to return to the "old" way of playing.
All of the above reasons point to this conclusion. For first-person shooter developers in these times of great change in the gaming industry, the Wii is going to be the place to be. Nintendo has such a head start that it will take the rival consoles literally years to catch up.
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009
So you finally got your own Nintendo Wii. Now what? What games should you purchase first? Here are five games you should should not hesitate to buy and enjoy right away.
#5: Medal of Honor Heroes 2
Medal of Honor Heroes 2 was one of the first shooters to properly implement pointer control on the Wii. The game features online multiplayer and two single-player modes: Arcade and Campaign, both boasting fast-paced and highly replayable WWII shooting action.
#4: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The newest Zelda is bigger and better than ever before. The new visual style harkens back to the N64 games, with realistic character models and environments, versus the cell-shaded ones in Legend of Zelda: Windwaker on the Gamecube. This and the large, immersive world, as well as the cinematic presentation of the story, make this an epic action-adventure well worth playing.
#3: Mario Kart Wii
Ever since it debuted on the SNES, the Mario Kart series has been no stranger to Nintendo's systems, and is renowned for its deep combat-racing gameplay, especially when it comes to the game's multiplayer. Although the Wii remote's motion controls are surprisingly well utilized for this game, Gamecube and Classic Controllers are also compatible. Another feature worth mentioning is the ability to transport Mii's onto the game and using them as racing characters.
#2: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Smash Bros. is commonly recognized as one of the best fighting game franchises ever, and Brawl is no exception. The vast, well-balanced character roster alone is impressive enough, but just wait til you get to the gameplay itself, often harked as one of the deepest fighting game combat systems out there. The game's multiplayer is for up to four players, all of which are dropped on a two-dimensional "stage", where the objective is to send all the other players flying off. The roster itself is all based on videogame characters. If Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog were to face off, who would win? Now we can find out.
#1: Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy is possibly the best Mario game, or even best platformer game yet. The graphics are some of the best the Wii has seen so far, and the gameplay puts to use many mechanics that are both new and innovative. The most prominent of these is the planet physics that take place as you leap between floating spheres and other objects in outer-space. This and the spectactular visuals showcased in each of the game's fabulous worlds make this a game you cannot afford to miss.
Now, do not waste any more time; go down to your favorite local store or navigate to a reputable online store and pick up these games. Each one will provide you with hours of enjoyable playing time either by yourself, with friends, or family members.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2009
It is understandable that newcomers to the Nintendo Wii console may be confused by the variety of controllers available. The reason for this happening was, in part, because the motion-sensing technology the console excels in is not so well suited for some games.
For example, the Wii's initial "Wii Remote"(or "WiiMote") may be excellent for first-person shooters and racing games, but does not handle so well with genres such as fighting, where the player is often forced to quickly pull off a series of complex actions in a short amount of time.
So, in total, there are four controller setups: WiiMote, WiiMote & Nunchuk, GameCube Controller, and Classic Controller.
The WiiMote was the original setup. Its a one-hand motion-sensing controller that is often used for puzzle and party games, as well as racing games and some sports. For each of these, the controller is held in a different position.
In racing games, the controller is held sideways with both hands and twisted back and forth to control the racing vehicle onscreen. In sports, the controller is held in various positions which mimic real life. For example, in bowling, the controller movement is very similar to the movement of one's hand and arm while bowling at the lanes. The tennis game requires holding the controller upright to serve the ball, and flicking the wrist to return the ball.
The Nunchuk is a control stick attachment that also features motion-sensing. An example of its features is in that of the common first-person shooter: you look, aim, and fire using the WiiMote in your right hand, while you steer with the Nunchuk in your left hand, and lift the Nunchuk slightly to reload your weapon. The Nunchuk is also used in boxing, manipulating the left hand punches while the WiiMote controller manipulates the right hand punches.
Some Wii games are compatible with the GameCube controller. Some examples include Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Mario Kart. These are traditional type games that do not lend themselves well to the new Wii controller. The GameCube controller is not wireless as are the WiiMote and Nunchuk.
Yet another option in a Wii controller is the "Classic Controller". The Classic does not feature motion-sensing, but does have dual control sticks (rather like that of the Playstation) as well as basically all the button configurations that the Gamecube controller features. As with the GameCube controller, the Classic is not wireless.
However, this is going to change very soon because the Nyko company will very soon be releasing their wireless version of the Classic Controller. Reviewers with preview models have generally praised this new edition to the Wii controller family.
The Nintendo's variety of controllers insure there are many ways to play and enjoy games on the Wii.
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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
The Nintendo Wii is a radical departure not only for Nintendo, but for video gaming across the board. Nintendo took a gamble but it obviously paid off, since it is now the number one selling video console.
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What makes the Wii different? We can highlight two areas: how the games are played and who the target market is.
Wii gameplay is nothing short of a gaming revolution. For over twenty-five years, gamers were forced to hold a small gamepad or joystick. Both types of the traditional controller were prone to create hand and fingers cramps. Certain kinds of controllers with fairly sharp corners, most notably the Nintendo NES, were proned to drill gouged-out areas on the inside of gamers' hands. Apparently the games were so intriguing that they ignored the pain and kept playing!
A common feature of the traditional controller is they require quick movement of the players' thumbs and in some cases, fingers. While the Wii controllers also contain a few buttons that are controlled by thumbs and fingers, the primary movements are enacted by hand movement. This is a much more natural type of play that is very satisfying to many people.
This new style of controller lends itself very well to certain types of gameplay, most notably sports such as baseball or tennis. Nintendo has constructed their system so the controller is held and operated in a fashion very similar to the method in which the actual sport is played. So when you are a batter in a baseball game, you must hold the controller in a position as you would a baseball bat. When hitting a tennis ball, you merely flick your wrist just like you would with a tennis racquet.
This leads to the next area which makes the Wii stand out. With this product, Nintendo is targetting people who have not traditionally played video games while at the same time, creating a system that current gamers can appreciate and enjoy. Not everyone can get the hang of grasping a controller with both hands, and for both those types of people, the Wii is a perfect choice.
Nintendo's newest console and it's Wii Remote technology remain unrivaled, and for the most part, unchallenged. The exceptions are that of Sony's PS3 "Sixaxis" controller, and that was a last-minute deal, just months before the PlayStation 3 was released and not long after the Wii's motion-sensing technology was announced. The Sixasis controller incorporates some of the motion-sensing aspects of the Wii but retains the old familiar controller style.
Also, Microsoft recently announced the development of an Xbox 360 "Remote" that is reported to showcase the same technology as the Wii remote. What this next Xbox "Remote" will deliver in terms of gaming experience remains to be seen.
Nintendo is not sitting on its heels and continues to blaze new trails. For example, a reported new technological enhancement will plug into the Wii remote and provide more accurate sensing. This will lead to a better gaming playfield for everyone as Sony and Microsoft try to catch up.
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Sunday, January 4th, 2009
Wii Sports is a game that initially shipped with the Nintendo Wii Console. Its popularity is partially due to realistic gameplay - not with the game graphics but due to how the games are played. They mimic real-world sports games.
For example, to hit the ball in the tennis game, one merely swings the controller to the left or right. One does not have to fiddle with a small controller pad to play the game. To hit a baseball, one holds the controller similar to how one would hold a baseball bat. This is the most realistic game play we have ever seen for sports video games.
The games included are tennis, baseball, boxing, bowling, and golf. The boxing game requires a separate "nunchuck" which plugs into the controller.
All games include training, standard play, several multiplayer choices, and the ability to create your own characters.
The training allows one to hone in on one of three different actions for each sport. Just as in real life, training or practice helps to improve your performance. In tennis, one can focus on returning the ball or placing the ball within a specific area. In baseball, one can practice pitching or batting. Boxing training is useful for learning how to duck and weave and throw your punches at just the right moment.
The standard gameplay involves one player playing against the computer. In some modes, defeating a computer opponent will often result in the gaining of "experience". With enough experience, your rank increases. One's rank is cause for bragging rights among his or her fellow gamers.
The multiplayer option allows two, three, or four players to compete against one another. This is Wii Sports at its most immersive and rewarding. Its one thing to pit your skill against a challenging computer player, another to play with living, breathing people whose real-life movements (as well as yours) directly correspond with onscreen gameplay. Of course, each player must have his or her own controller.
With Wii Sports, you can create your own characters and save them for later use. To create your own character, one simply starts with a character from the "Mii channel". The character can then be customized to one's own liking. Some of these characters can be used in games other than Wii Sports.
Many gamers enjoy saving their Wii Sports characters to the Wii remote controller, and will take them to a friend's house, and insert the character into the game at the friend's house. This adds greater personality to the gaming experience.
Game reviewers have given Wii Sports positive reviews overall, but are quick to point out a few flaws. The game has also won several awards.
The Nintendo Wii Sports game provides hours of fun for people of all ages.
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