The Official "Console War" and Video Game Thread

[hemanrep]

I got RE4 Wii Edition tonight, OH MY GOD! I had the Cube version and this one knocks it on its butt, the controls are super tight, the widescreen support is a godsend and I am getting headshots left and right. I was able to get it for $14 (Its $29 regular) using a gamepro coupon I have and two reward zone certificates at Best Buy. It was almost sold out and I am reading on multiple boards thats its selling out fast, the Umbrella Chronicles trailer looks awesome as well.

Does it really play better with the Wii controls? I already have two copies of RE4 (an open copy, and an unopened CE), but I'm not sure if I want to get a third copy. My brother is going to get it...he is a RE fanatic.

I was at Best Buy yesterday looking at the Wii section...and I was very tempted to get Big Brain...but I only wanted it for the Wii keychain!!! I don't know, for some reason, I've been getting really picky with buying games recently even though I want Big Brain, Super Paper Mario, and Wii Play (for the controller). I can't justify paying $49.99 for Big Brain though...it's a tough sell for me. Ebay has it for 45.99 (shipping included)...I may go that route instead.

Wish there was a PS3 game worth $60...I really want to play a high-def game.

[Mystical Musician]

)...Wish there was a PS3 game worth $60

Thats where I'm at right now. Nothing out for the PS3 that I want. In fact, I don't have any PS3 games. Darkness looks cool, but of course it isn't out yet. The new Gran Turismo is almost a year away, and GH3 doesn't come out until this Christmas. However I keep on buying games for my Wii!

[markatisu]

Does it really play better with the Wii controls? I already have two copies of RE4 (an open copy, and an unopened CE), but I'm not sure if I want to get a third copy. My brother is going to get it...he is a RE fanatic.

imho it is vastly improved, its fluid and being able to switch from the knife to the gun (you use c to bring out the knife or just swing the wiimote for fast knife slashes), as well as reload is quicker. Shooting a bit odd at first because it acts sorta like an FPS but not, meaning you hold Z to draw the gun into firing mode and use the wiimote to aim (like an FPS) but if you want to look up and down or left and right you use the control stick on the nunchuck. I find that incredibly easy to use but I can see where some would find it disorienting or not the best method, I have grown accustomed to learning the controls of each Wii game so I go in knowing I have to probably get used to something different.

I applaud Capcom much the same way I applauded Midway earlier for their using of the wiimote and nunchuck for something other than waggle/shaking motions. I found that doing the action sequences in RE4 Wii is more involved too since you are not just hitting buttons (like when Leon is running away from the boulder in Chapter 1 you have to shake the wiimote, the faster you go the faster he runs and you really feel a sense of urgency when you have to switch and hit a and b on the wiimote to jump).

If you only had the Gamecube version I would definitly say its a must-own, if you had the PS2 version you might as well wait till it comes down to $15.99-19.99 regular (since its only $29 to start and I can email you a $5 coupon that expires on 6/23 if anyone needs it). The PS2 version had the added Ada Wong missions, extra costumes/gun, and the widescreen support already. If people own the Gamecube version though, this is the one to get.

So vs the PS2 version the only thing you are gaining is the much better control system and the fact that its a complete Gamecube revision, all the PS2 content was redone in the gamecube engine so nothing was shafted over.

I have not tried playing with the Gamecube or Classic Controller (which you can do btw, the Gamecube controller is not really mentioned but its usable, it reverts back to RE4 GC controls with the laser pointer instead of the reticle).

I think Capcom also underestimated the sales, in their sales forecast they said maybe it would sell around 300,000 but this thing has sold more in Day 1 (from what I read across the board and saw in my own stores yesterday) then SPM and MP8 which both easily broke 300,000 (still boggles my mind how MP8 sold almost half a million, that will just make more crap games acceptable ) Amazon and Best Buy online were both sending emails saying that they were backordered and would send newer orders out on 6/24.

Now if Capcom would only give us a look at RE5 for the 360/PS3 and release Umbrella Chronicles (which looks a lot better than I had thought) I will be a very happy RE fanboy!

I was at Best Buy yesterday looking at the Wii section...and I was very tempted to get Big Brain...but I only wanted it for the Wii keychain!!! I don't know, for some reason, I've been getting really picky with buying games recently even though I want Big Brain, Super Paper Mario, and Wii Play (for the controller). I can't justify paying $49.99 for Big Brain though...it's a tough sell for me. Ebay has it for 45.99 (shipping included)...I may go that route instead.

I am with you on that one, I almost bought it last weekend when I saw it for $39.99 (Circuit City and Nebraska Furniture Mart), but I could not pull the trigger (got the Pokemon DS games instead). I am telling you if they had just released it at the $29.99 price point it would be their next million seller easily. The Wii has been successful for its price just as much as the way its been received by casual gamers, and from what I have seen its the hardcore games that pay $55-65 for games, I mean that right there explains why the DS with most games being $24-29 sells so many. It probably sucks for developers and publishers but with gas prices being at a constant high and people having to make ends meet $55-65 per game is a bit steep. I myself have started renting more since I can rent a game for $7, return it the next day for $4 credit and then rent a new one for $3 so essentially I get to try out 2 games for $10. If you have Blockbuster online rentals you get a free coupon each month, and gamefly is almost as cheap for unlimited game rentals.

In other news...

PS3 and 360 have their first big sales in Japan (in some time) with

02. Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream (360) - 49,334
03. Ninja Gaiden Sigma (PS3) - 46,307

Now it will be interesting to see if that holds up for either, the PS3 in Japan has had good first weeks from Virtua Fighter 5 and Gundam M but then they dropped off the face fo the earth. 360, well any sales for it are a plus

[PJMania]

Now if Capcom would only give us a look at RE5 for the 360/PS3 and release Umbrella Chronicles (which looks a lot better than I had thought) I will be a very happy RE fanboy!

I've been waiting a few years for that. Umbrella Chronicles looks great and all, but RE5 is the one I'm waiting for. Can't wait to see what will probably then next, and possibly final, chapter of the fight between Chris and Wesker, and plus if the enemies are really really fast zombies like in the teaser trailer, we're in for a great game.

[markatisu]

I've been waiting a few years for that. Umbrella Chronicles looks great and all, but RE5 is the one I'm waiting for. Can't wait to see what will probably then next, and possibly final, chapter of the fight between Chris and Wesker, and plus if the enemies are really really fast zombies like in the teaser trailer, we're in for a great game.

Yeah the thing I look forward to most in Umbrella Chronicles is finding out the missing pieces between games like RE3, RE: CV and RE4 (since essentially RE4 was a side mission). Since the sole purpose of the game is to trace the downfall of Umbrella (and Weskers involvement in that), I expect it to be a logical prelude to RE5.

And you know sooner or later the Wii will get its own full fledged RE whether it be another side story like RE4 or a whole new game like RE0. The franchise is just as strong on Nintendo's platforms as it is on Sonys (could be just as strong on MS but we have never really had a chance to see). I would not mind if we could get a side story featuring Claire, I really liked her development in RE2 and Code Veronica. It seems that RE always revolves around Chris, Jill and Wesker, but Claire and Leon are just as important (as evidenced by RE4's success and interesting story).

[ChemicalChemical]

Sega and Bioware Collaborate on New Sonic Role Playing Game for the Nintendo DS

LONDON and SAN FRANCISCO (Thurs 21st June 2007) - SEGA Europe, Ltd., SEGA of America, Inc. and Canada-based developer studio BioWare Corp. today announced a partnership to create a new video game based on the classic SEGA flagship icon, Sonic The Hedgehog. The exact name of the game is undetermined, but this new title developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS will ship in 2008.

"BioWare is one of the hottest names in RPG development in the world," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "Everyone at SEGA has huge confidence that Sonic is in the safest of hands, and that BioWare can create the ultimate handheld RPG experience for gamers of all ages."

BioWare is the award-winning independent developer that has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire. BioWare is currently developing one of the most anticipated next-generation titles of 2007, Mass Effect.

"We're thrilled to be working with SEGA on Sonic, one of the industry's most enduring and compelling icons," said Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare. "As huge fans of Sonic ourselves, we're committed to delivering a truly amazing story-driven experience within the Sonic universe, focusing on capturing the character's broad appeal and placing him in a completely original adventure," added Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer of BioWare.

The relationship with BioWare reinforces SEGA's increased emphasis on Western content development for Western audiences. In the past few years SEGA has announced partnerships with developers Bizarre Creations, Gas Powered Games, Monolith Productions, Obsidian Entertainment, Planet Moon Studios, Pseudo Interactive and Silicon Knights. SEGA has also acquired development studios The Creative Assembly, Secret Level and Sports Interactive.

About SEGA of America, Inc.: SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at www.sega.com .

About SEGA Europe Limited: SEGA Europe Limited is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe's web site is located at www.sega-europe.com.

About BioWare Corp.: BioWare Corp. is an electronic entertainment company which develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, as well as the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Original BioWare-created IPs include the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire, with next-generation titles Mass Effect and Dragon Age currently in development. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is also hard at work on several unannounced projects including a new title for the Nintendo DS, as well as a massively multiplayer online game. Media Inquiries can be directed to Matt Atwood (matwood@bioware.com). For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com

Holy crap, a Sonic RPG by BioWare for the DS.

[PanMan]

The IGN Harry Potter review is up!

I haven't read it yet since it is so late, but I read the closing comments and his only gripes are that he feels the controls are a bit sluggish (we'll see about that), the framerate isn't good (I can deal), and there are a lot of puzzle and fetch quests rather than action (that would be my preference). However, he only gives it a 7.8 which I think might be a bit low.

Judging by his complaints, I think they are nothing to worry about and this will be a great game. I'll read the rest and watch the videos tomorrow. I can't wait for Monday

http://wii.ign.com/articles/798/798713p1.html

[markatisu]

However, he only gives it a 7.8 which I think might be a bit low.

A 7.8 means its really good, I have bought and played games they rated as lower and love them.

Sadly I expect we will only see 9's from Nintendo 1st party titles and the rare 3rd party exception (like standouts from EA and Capcom) because thats how Matt and Bozon are when it comes to rating.

I understand why they do it but it is kinda bad, they do it because they feel if Nintendo could push the limits that others can as well and are just lazy. That is arguement has its pros and cons.

[hemanrep]

A 7.8 means its really good, I have bought and played games they rated as lower and love them.

Sadly I expect we will only see 9's from Nintendo 1st party titles and the rare 3rd party exception (like standouts from EA and Capcom) because thats how Matt and Bozon are when it comes to rating.

I understand why they do it but it is kinda bad, they do it because they feel if Nintendo could push the limits that others can as well and are just lazy. That is arguement has its pros and cons.

I like that IGN and other media outlets are taking this approach especially since we've been getting cheap ports. If what they are saying about Zack and Wiki is true, then I don't think 1st party titles will be the only games that get 9.0 and above.

At the same time, if Mario Party and Wii Play are any indication, most of the Wii installed base don't really pay attention to reviews. Mario Party 8 got a VERY low score at IGN and other sites, yet it sold 300,000+ in two weeks (more or less). I guess that's what happens when the installed base is 7M+...which is a good thing and a bad thing.

[GP Legend]

I think PS2 owners should check this game out, just to see how much better the graphics are compared to the PS2 version. Plus, like you said, it is true widescreen support. That plus the awesome Gamecube graphics makes it rather appealing. I am still waiting to get paid from work. And when I do, I am definitely getting Resdent Evil 4 for Wii. I already have it on Gamecube, and I beat it and played it a lot after that. It was just so fun. For me, this is a must have just to check it out with the Wii controls.

Also, the Wii version of the Harry Potter game looks interesting. I will have to check it out. It looks like the main complaint the game received was about the framerate. I hope it is not too bad, though.

So vs the PS2 version the only thing you are gaining is the much better control system and the fact that its a complete Gamecube revision, all the PS2 content was redone in the gamecube engine so nothing was shafted over.

[GR81]

GR81 says:

Guys, can somebody clear some light for me on what this DVD is???

Legend of Zelda: Ganon's Evil Tower. It was released recently in Canada and was wondering what is it? What does it contain? New episodes ?

I already own the complete series and wondering if this DVD is loaded with new episodes or some from the original series?

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...cL._SS500_.jpg

Sorry if this doesnt post shouldnt be here, but i figured why start a thread if i know i will get my answer from you Nintendo genious

[markatisu]

GR81 says:

Guys, can somebody clear some light for me on what this DVD is???

Legend of Zelda: Ganon's Evil Tower. It was released recently in Canada and was wondering what is it? What does it contain? New episodes ?

I already own the complete series and wondering if this DVD is loaded with new episodes or some from the original series?

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...cL._SS500_.jpg

Sorry if this doesnt post shouldnt be here, but i figured why start a thread if i know i will get my answer from you Nintendo genious

As far as I know its just a single volume release of episodes already released in the boxed set. Mario Bros did the same thing.

[GR81]

GR81 says:

Thanks for the info dude.
I didnt know Pirates was 2 players????

[markatisu]

I like that IGN and other media outlets are taking this approach especially since we've been getting cheap ports. If what they are saying about Zack and Wiki is true, then I don't think 1st party titles will be the only games that get 9.0 and above.

I agree somewhat, but at the same time I just read the HP review and the 2 main complaints were that it at times feels sluggish due to the frame rate and that you have to do a lot of puzzles, and you can tell they were expecting action. So I have a feeling it took a hit more because it did not play as ign wanted, rather than the fact that the puzzle part was either too much or not where they would have taken the game. Doing reviews like that (where you mark down for what you think should have been in the game) I do not like at all. Its almost as banned as the universally panned Eurogamer review of RE4 Wii where they marked it down considerably saying they thought the game was awful because the controls "took too long to learn", even though you could still use the gamecube controller (and the classic controller) if you truly could not adapt to the new scheme.

At the same time, if Mario Party and Wii Play are any indication, most of the Wii installed base don't really pay attention to reviews. Mario Party 8 got a VERY low score at IGN and other sites, yet it sold 300,000+ in two weeks (more or less). I guess that's what happens when the installed base is 7M+...which is a good thing and a bad thing.

I am still appalled MP8 sold 300k (and it was only out 1 1/2 weeks at the time those numbers were recorded), either Wii owners buy anything that comes out the field of play is truly changing...and not for the better

[hemanrep]

I agree somewhat, but at the same time I just read the HP review and the 2 main complaints were that it at times feels sluggish due to the frame rate and that you have to do a lot of puzzles, and you can tell they were expecting action. So I have a feeling it took a hit more because it did not play as ign wanted, rather than the fact that the puzzle part was either too much or not where they would have taken the game. Doing reviews like that (where you mark down for what you think should have been in the game) I do not like at all. Its almost as banned as the universally panned Eurogamer review of RE4 Wii where they marked it down considerably saying they thought the game was awful because the controls "took too long to learn", even though you could still use the gamecube controller (and the classic controller) if you truly could not adapt to the new scheme.

That's an interesting perspective and one that I respect. I haven't read the HP review on IGN, but from reading previous Wii reviews on IGN, I feel that the reason why Matt is so strict on Wii is because of how different the playing field is compared to last generation. I mean, last gen...a game could come out on the PS2, GC, and XBOX...and the review would technically be the same for all platforms except that you could tell the GC port wasn't given as much time as the other two consoles. This time around, they can't do that and when they try, Matt is making them suffer.

Plus, what the Wii lacks in graphics, the developers need to make up with the controls and gameplay because without the free motion controls, we've got a last gen game and I think Matt has to take that into consideration. Last gen graphics with poor controls isn't going to sit well with Wii owners. I'm pretty sure Harry Potter will get similar reviews on the other consoles though. It is a licensed game after all...those rarely get high scores...so a 7+ is pretty good.

[markatisu]

This time around, they can't do that and when they try, Matt is making them suffer.

Plus, what the Wii lacks in graphics, the developers need to make up with the controls and gameplay because without the free motion controls, we've got a last gen game and I think Matt has to take that into consideration. Last gen graphics with poor controls isn't going to sit well with Wii owners. I'm pretty sure Harry Potter will get similar reviews on the other consoles though. It is a licensed game after all...those rarely get high scores...so a 7+ is pretty good.

I agree, Matt and Bozon both make reference to that in their last 2 podcasts because they said they want developers and publishers to take notice.

But sometimes I think the criticisms are a bit too harsh, HP is a special case though because it was developed by EA and they have been nothing if not exceptional in getting the ball rolling on the Wii, to have a sluggish framerate is just an oddity. I am betting like all the other licensed games its because it was rushed in some way (Spiderman 3 reportedly needed at least 6 more months to a year before it was rolled out to stores and it shows).

I saw someone post a comment to the review saying that based on other IGN reviews if it scores a 6.5 or higher its a good purchase

[PanMan]

Just reading through the reviews and it looks like markatisu was right in that they expected it to be a certain way and it was a bit different. But reading the reviews, the only stuff Matt complains about is the framerate, yet he praises everything else. And I would rather have a sluggish framerate with no loading than a good framerate with a lot of load screens. So it looks like this game is going to be really good, and apparently the Wii version is the best. I'm really happy it turned out good because they could have just as easily done a sloppy job.

[markatisu]

And I would rather have a sluggish framerate with no loading than a good framerate with a lot of load screens

I told my brother about the fact there is no loading through the game, and so he is excited about that. Matt referred to that a couple of times in the podcast so I am assuming its a big deal, I am really anticipating this game so I am glad there are no real negatives to be said.

My wife rented me FF2 Rise of the Silver Surfer for Wii (she said that she heard the reviews were not favorable so a rental was the way to go) so I will give my insight on that in a few days, comparing it with Marvel UA for those looking for some multiplayer fun.

[TheDeviot]

And I would rather have a sluggish framerate with no loading than a good framerate with a lot of load screens

Ugh. No way. Crappy framerate = UNPLAYABLE. I don't care if I'm fragging noobs, or slaying npc's. And if I had to choose between an unplayable game, and a playable game with hour long load screens, I would choose not to choose.

[markatisu]

Ugh. No way. Crappy framerate = UNPLAYABLE. I don't care if I'm fragging noobs, or slaying npc's. And if I had to choose between an unplayable game, and a playable game with hour long load screens, I would choose not to choose.

Well lets call a spade a spade, the framerate issue they are speaking off in HP is the fact it runs around 30fps instead of the 60fps the Wii is capable of. To "most" people that will not be an issue.

Now if the framerate were like 15 or 20fps instead of 30fps then I would agree that its unplayable because everything would stutter and chug along. And I also agree that I would not choose to recognize either.

However in this case they were referring to the "sluggish" in the vein of it not being as fast as we have become accustomed to (at least that is what their review and others with hands-on from last weekends Gamestop US Tour).

Its not the same thing as "unplayable", at least in terms of that specific review.

[IronAvatar]

Well lets call a spade a spade, the framerate issue they are speaking off in HP is the fact it runs around 30fps instead of the 60fps the Wii is capable of. To "most" people that will not be an issue.

Now if the framerate were like 15 or 20fps instead of 30fps then I would agree that its unplayable because everything would stutter and chug along. And I also agree that I would not choose to recognize either.

However in this case they were referring to the "sluggish" in the vein of it not being as fast as we have become accustomed to (at least that is what their review and others with hands-on from last weekends Gamestop US Tour).

Its not the same thing as "unplayable", at least in terms of that specific review.

Running at 30fps instead of 60fps isn't an issue, if that's what the game is running at ALL of the time. However, if it sometimes osccilates between the two, it can be very annoying to watch and really jarring to have the sensitivity changing, making the game very annoying to play.

The games I work on split the game/render update in two for several reasons, and one of them is that even if the game is running at 10-15fps it should still be as playable as it running on a high end PC at 120fps and upwards. But behind the scenes, our physics and input processing runs at a constant 100Hz which also gives us good numerical stability as well as a constant response time

I know people are going to jump on me for this, but the Wii just doesn't have the CPU and rendering power to pull off good looking visuals with lots going on at 60fps. And in fact, although the PS3 and 360 are even more powerful, thier multi-core/thread designs lead to massive synchornisation issues when trying to maintain an even 60fps.

I wonder if seperating the game logic/rendering updates is maybe the way to go across all three platforms, because you only need the update to be at a constant rate and your brain will fill in the rest of the info, even if the rendering is happening at only 20-24fps. If it's good enbough for movies, then it's good enough for video games.

We've been stuck in this "everything must run at 60fps" frame of mind when making console games. Even though the PS2 was the only console really capable of implementing that kind of framework, nobody really bother with trying it out. Hmm....maybe I should write an article about this for the next Game Programming Gems book. It's a shame I missed the submission deadline for book 7.

[TheDeviot]

Running at 30fps instead of 60fps isn't an issue, if that's what the game is running at ALL of the time. However, if it sometimes osccilates between the two, it can be very annoying to watch and really jarring to have the sensitivity changing, making the game very annoying to play.
.

EXACTLY. If I'm playing let's say Halo 3 when it comes out. And I'm chugging along at 60fps, then 8 guys gang up on me, firing 1000 of every projectile in the game, and it drops to 27fps it's noticeable. VERY noticeable.
In fact most of us shooter fans (Especially on the PC) always aim for 90fps or better, even if we have to tone down visuals. Because trust me when I say, even though you might not SEE a difference between 30fps, and 90fps, you can definetly FEEL the difference in your hand moving the mouse/wiimote/analog stick.

Some genres like adventure or RPG games only really require 60fps, but even those chug if developers try to do too much. Take a game like Oblivion. Great game, but the console versions do hiccup in the rare occurance, while most PC's won't break 60fps regularly, even if they've got a Geforce 8 in there.
It's a very demanding game.

But ACTION games DO demand a constant frame rate of 60fps (Preferably 90fps) or better. And RACING games it's prerequisite. In fact that's why F-Zero X (N64) Had few to no textures in the game, because the 75mhz processor (Hey it was out in the days of the Pentium 133 so it was powerful for it's time) couldn't handle those visuals PLUS textures PLUS going 90fps on average.

My point was if there are too many dramatic dips in framerate, my hands notice even if my eyes don't, and it becomes 1000 times less fun.

[lowbrass]

Well, I picked up RE4 for the Wii yesterday and started playing with a buddy last night. I have never seen or played the cube version so I was very impressed although the Wii controls take some getting used to (I kept wanting to look around using a bounding box as opposed to the way they have it). My friend has beaten the game on cube so was doing more watching than anything.

Also finally found and picked up a Nycko charge station. I charged the batteries but haven't used them yet. If the battery life lasts a while I will pick up a second for my two back up Wii Remotes. I'll also report back here with the battery life because it seems no web sites have anything about it yet.

[markatisu]

But ACTION games DO demand a constant frame rate of 60fps (Preferably 90fps) or better. And RACING games it's prerequisite. In fact that's why F-Zero X (N64) Had few to no textures in the game, because the 75mhz processor (Hey it was out in the days of the Pentium 133 so it was powerful for it's time) couldn't handle those visuals PLUS textures PLUS going 90fps on average.

90fps I dont think I have even played things that were more than 60fps You sir are much more technologically advanced then me with your games!

I was very impressed although the Wii controls take some getting used to (I kept wanting to look around using a bounding box as opposed to the way they have it)

I agree as I was the same way, it took a few mins but now its like 2nd nature. I still wonder why Capcom went that direction since the bounding box seemed to work fine in games like Call of Duty and Red Steel.

What do you think about using the knife? I think that has improved a great deal over the GCN edition. Reloading is a mixed bag for me, I tend to use the method of holding B and pushing down on the d-pad rather than using the motion....its probably more of a mental thing to me then anything else.

OK I played FF:ROTSS for Wii and here is what I think:

It was a hard game to rate because I don't think I have played anything like it before. Its a (up to) 4 player multiplayer game, all the characters are present on the screen. This is true even if there are 2 "real" players at the controls. In Marvel UA when you play multiplayer you only have as many characers as there are controllers. This is far different in everyone is present whether 1 controller is turned on, or all 4. We had 3 players going (my brother, my wife, and myself) and it was extremely fun because its similar in style and attacks to Marvel UA.

The Good:

Excellent use of the wiimote, not much "waggle" (Sue and Johnny have waggle special moves), it is VERY much like Marvel UA. The moves were responsive and easy to pull off (for instance things ground slam is A 3-4 times, then bring up the nunchuck/wiimote and slam down, Mr.Fantastics arm slam is mimicking his arm movements and then bring up the nunchuck/wiimote and slam down, etc), not hard at all and while you can do basic attacks with A and B, just like in Marvel UA you will have more fun using the motion based controls (again another fallacy with Wii games and Wii reviews is not wanting to learn the controls).

Graphically Human Torch looks great, though you cannot power him down like you can in Marvel UA. The game can handle a lot of characters on the screen, though they all look the same so thats probably not a great feat. I was pleased with the way the game looked, on par with most 1st gen Wii games (that look like PS2 portish gamecube games).

You cant really die, if one of you is using Ben you can pretty much beat the game without worry. The reason is when a character dies they go away and regenerate then come back, similar to how in Marvel UA they give you 10 seconds before you can jump back in the game. Ben is almost indestructible so as long as someone (non AI) is playing him he just needs to last long enough till you can return.

The downside though comes in several things

• FF4 Characters computer controlled AI is dumb as a brick

Meaning, if you have 1 FF character who the computer takes control of and it gets hurt, it will not go for the green energy powerups. So in essence you have to take control of that character to get it powered up and hope the computer does not kill the person you were playing in the processs.

• FF4 Characters can only do certain things

Lets say you come up on a force field protected computer, well you will need to play as Sue to use your power to blow up the power supply on the other side. If you are using all but Sue the computer wont take the AI and do it, so you have to control her. When you want to get across a bridge then you will have to use Mr.Fantastic to stretch and use his power to force the bridge to extend. There are special things only Johnny and Ben can do as well but you get the idea.

Overall Thoughts: If you have 4 friends and you like the FF4 license this is a really good game, not solid but not an extreme suckfest as most reviews claim. If you are just by yourself or you have a wife/girlfriend it is a recommended rental, getting used to controlling the remaining characters is something that takes a bit to get used to but it can be fun to be yelling at your partners to do things.

However, this is ONLY if you have beat Marvel UA and do not desire to go back to it. There is not one thing in this game that trumps playing Marvel UA with the FF4 characters as your group. Activision and its developers really set the standard high with Ultimate Alliance, everything in that game from the controls to the structure of the levels was top notch (the only thing that needed work was the graphics imho).

The story is adequate, I have not seen the movie yet and the game does nothing to lead you into it (no intro movie, no cutscenes, you are just plopped in fighting). Jessica Alba did not voice Sue, so the character comes across as whiney (she complains about the wedding throughout the 1st level) and it is just irritating.

It if was $19.99 I would buy it, it was a decently fun group beat up game, nothing special and nothing worth $35-55.

Also I read this today, first details about Metroid Prime 3 from Play magazine, remember last month at the Nintendo Gamers Day the magazine press were the only ones that got to play and look at Metrod Prime 3, a fact which has po'd many online game sites.

- First level - You are attacked on a spaceship while meeting with the ship’s captain…action packed

- Play feels motion controls work better than dual joystick

- Super sensitive pointer in “advanced” mode

- Beam stacking ala Super Metroid

- Visor switch: Hold minus and flick Wiimote in certain directions

- Boss fight with Ridley at the end of the first level. Excellent difficulty curve by the time you reach the boss.

- Back tracking in MP3:C makes more sense than in previous Primes

- Extra development time was to give the game more polish. Nintendo wanted “Twilight Princess” levels of polish. Game is focused on Metroid fans and hardcore gamers, but still accessible to newcomers due to controls.

- Second level - floating city focused on exploration

- Larger environments, bloom lighting, better textures than Prime 2

- Corruption Mode not available in demo

- Play says it could be the biggest revolution in FPS gaming since Halo.

Commentary from ign.com about the play article

They say that the controls are superior to dual analog. One of the comments is like "No need for auto aim here!" They even say that the nature of the controller allows for more immersion than kb/m. Another thing about the controls: stabbing with the Nunchuk has always been used to activate the grappling beam, but to yank shields off of enemies and such you would just pull back on the joystick, which didn't sound very intuitive. Now you actually yank the Nunchuk back.

Retro said that they took the extra development time for polish, balance, and feedback. Two of the biggest complaints (especially reserved for Echoes) were excessive backtracking and cheap difficulty. They balanced the difficulty out, trying to make the game more accessible without simply dumbing it down or just making it easier. The previewer was impressed by the difficulty level's balance. He fought three bosses and died once on each of them, and the second time around used his newfound knowledge to take them out.

The "hyper mode" element was taken out of the demo because the feature is prevalent throughout the game and builds upon itself (or something to that effect; I imagine it's used for different effects later in the game) and they didn't want to just plunk it down in the demo. Plus, they want a surprise.

My own comments: overall it looks as though the only new area revealed was the second planet (the one with the floating fortress). The screenshots did look really cool. Make no mistake: the game is still in 480p, but they still look better than screenshots of Echoes. Samus's suit design is one of the coolest yet. I'm not sure if it's her suit being "corrupted" or what, but it looks very colorful like the gravity suit from Super Metroid. The alien boss at the end of the federation ship looks different too -- a lot more colorful than in the video. It doesn't look better than the anomaly that's Super Mario Galaxy, but it's still a great looking game.

I was most excited about the planet with the floating city. The techno-industrial feel of the federation ship was a bit disconcerting (they even mention that it's a lot like Halo), but hopefully after that it's all alien environments and exploration. They described it as "moody and eerily beautiful" and "rich in mysteries and light in combat" which is all I need to hear. Some people are selling off the game because of the Hunters, whose role we don't really know yet, but this game looks too cool to pass up. Retro hasn't failed me yet, so I have high hopes for this game.

[TheDeviot]

90fps I dont think I have even played things that were more than 60fps You sir are much more technologically advanced then me with your games!

Here's a look at some recent video card performances running at a humongous 2048 x 1536 screen resolution with maxed settings. Keep in mind the highest ones are also running TWO video cards IN UNISON

Those bars would be insanely longer running at 1600x1200, 1280x1024, etc.
Which is what many do. Nevertheless, check out the Quake IV framerate
That game looks SICK maxed out despite using a three year old engine. But doing that on a single Geforce 6 nets you 30fps or less. Which is why I lower the details, so that it doesn't feel sluggish or look choppy, (And it still looks damned good. Just not 2048 x1536 good )

But my big game series has always been UT. Check out my FPS in UT2k4:


Of course that's after running the AMD Dual Core Optimizer, and remembering the game is 4 years old. Actually the truth is I'm really running at around 150-200fps, but the optimizer somehow interferes while it's helping, and sometimes you get a disproportionate figure. Spiffy glitch though.

That said, I'll be upgrading my video card by years end so I can handle UT3 at a respectable framerate: