It seems we staunch Nintendo fans weren't the only ones who were at times a bit concerned as we neared the Wii launch. Even Miyamoto wasn't sure that the system really could offer something for everyone. What worried him? The hardcore gaming element. That was even one reason behind the Wii Sports packin -- not only would the game tempt nongamers, but they hoped that hardcore gamers as well would pick up a Wiimote and enjoy the simplicity of Wii Sports. Great, so we've got the hardcore contingent. After Wii Sports and a few other titles, depending on personal preference, what do we have to offer? Part of that problem is that companies are still adjusting to the Wii. Miyamoto pointed out that the sensor bar and control scheme is perfect for a lot of "hardcore" fare (read: shooters), but where are these games? Languishing somewhere in development, most likely. While developers struggle to find those perfect new ideas for the revolutionary console, we have to deal with ports ... and sometimes, that's not all bad. But don't despair, for there is a light at the end of the tunnel -- Miyamoto said, "There are also other enhancements to the Wii interface and developments being planned that are going to really make games for hardcore players a lot more fun and interesting."
Let the speculation begin.
Depending on your point of view, either the best or worst part of this is that Miyamoto is very vague about this magical future hardcore-gamer-friendly thing. It could be an actual add-on, like a headset (maybe unlikely, but we'll get to that), a shift away from the DS's friend codes, or a change to the interface itself, like new channels or customization options. We figure the friend code change is most likely, but there were some telling remarks near the end of the interview. He says that Nintendo is definitely interested in online gaming, but not necessarily online gaming as we know it. Miyamoto mentioned possible new channels, and said, "I think that will give rise to more social-based communities including those created by users, which is going to be a very interesting and exciting area for us to explore."
Social communities? We've speculated on that before. That, coupled with the remarks above, could indicate not only a move to a more user-friendly code system, but hey, even a headset. Cooperation is easier with chat, and perhaps Nintendo gamers will not spew forth heretofore unknown levels of vitriol such as we've heard on Xbox Live. Of course, that's probably a pipe dream. And 'social community' can mean a lot of things. It may even mean we'll get some sort of ranking system, or even something similar to achievements.
Of course, some folks hear the words "hardcore gamer" and immediately thing of tech upgrades, graphics, and HD. And while any changes in that direction would certainly be a nod in the direction of the hardcore contingent, as they've been the noisiest concerning the Wii's graphics, it doesn't sound like that'll be the case from Miyamoto's remarks. He specifically mentioned online gaming, and we know it's high on the list for most gamers, so it's our assumption that the 'enhancements' will be of the networking variety.
In the end, all this chatter about what could be is certainly interesting, but what about the things we already know about? It could be said that what hardcore gamers want, more than anything, are games to play. Not just any games, either, but the big three: Metroid Prime 3, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Give us those -- or even firm dates for those -- and we won't be too fussed when it comes to waiting for the other developers to catch up, and we won't be as concerned about microphones and dongles.We definitely want to see a change to friend codes, though. Y'know, if we were idly wishing.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-03-2007 @ 10:16AM
Sonic_13 said...
Miyamoto, you always make my day!
I can't wait to hear what Nintendo has in store for us. I wonder how long we will have to wait to find out...
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4-03-2007 @ 10:20AM
acefondu said...
Will we see that ever so useless Wii Light Gun? Or Wii E-Card reader? Ugh to Nintendo enhancements. Fix your online problem, and give me a release date on Metroid! Ahem...but good job on the Classic Controller!
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4-03-2007 @ 10:21AM
Brandon said...
It may not be "Hardcore" but I'd really like someone with the ability to do so to grill Nintendo on why we haven't seen *ANY* (let alone many) DS Demo's delivered via the Wii. That was a feature that interested me from the start and is still something that I'm personally waiting on.
I'd like to see other Demo's as well, either VC or Wii related. I know with Xbox Live there has been many titles that I had no intention of purchasing that after having a chance to try the Demo I decided to go ahead and purchase. Surely there is a financial and marketing motivation to make this happen, so what gives?
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4-03-2007 @ 11:08AM
Ihar `Philips` Filipau said...
> [...] some folks hear the words "hardcore gamer" and immediately [...]
For me it would be nice if Nintendo introduced some gradation for games: hardcore v. (sorry) softcore.
I hate hardcore games. I'm adult and play games exclusively to break out of gray daily routine. I do not need your frigging challenges - I need something interesting and quickly involving. So that I can allow myself enjoy games for short time on my already filled up schedule. (Also, after some time, I'm getting pretty quickly sick of all the "cool" hardcore games with heroes speaking/behaving "cool": spitting, gestures, swearing, etc. It can be attractive only to kids - to most adults it is plain disgusting (or distracting at best).)
Most frustrating part yet is of course inability to save game at any time. Most console games stick to the stupid system with special places/special moments/etc - what makes playing sometimes totally wasted.
Similar to my Dungeon Siege 2 experience: on load you always appear in city/center of map. To proceed in quest you have to go again thru all the "random battles" which might take heck a lot of time. I have dropped the game in place where I needed straight 45 minutes to reach place where I have saved before. That's just stupid and insane.
It is very similar to DS's Metroid - you can save only on ship and if you haven't opened teleport yet, saving/loading becomes bore. If you do not have enough time to play game (or your batteries are empty - and Metroid drains batteries faster than anything I have on DS) one really has to find *long* (1+ hour) time to play close to wall socket. And that's *portable* game... How sillier can that get?
IOW, at moment "hardcore games" for me are no go. I wouldn't buy them unless I see review saying "it's too easy" - because that's the mark that it might be playable and enjoyable and has no mindrape features. Hardcore games may be made little be more palatable with instant save/load functionality comparable to PC games - but I do not see that coming since all are afraid to piss off old timers (and game reviewers are mostly "old timers" and "hardcore gamers").
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4-03-2007 @ 11:29AM
Joop said...
I hate picking on issues unrelated to the article, but even fake journalists should proofread. Simple comma splices or typos are one thing, but your first paragraph, even first sentence, is awful.
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4-03-2007 @ 11:29AM
hvnlysoldr said...
There should be a balance to a game. Take EBA. It's accessible since the gameplay is just poke the buttons to the timing. Yet it can be incredibly hardcore to perfect each song on each difficulty.
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4-03-2007 @ 11:52AM
Joel said...
I have to be honest, I love shooters; And I've been dying for one recently. I've sold my old Xbox in preperation for buying a 360 so I can play games like Hitman, Gears of War, and Crackdown. I love playing videos games to get out of every day blah whether it's running around the dark world saving a princess or getting a headshot on an alien at 200 meters.
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4-03-2007 @ 3:56PM
Joey said...
I've pretty much given up on any hope of seeing the Wii big 3 (Prime 3, Galaxy, and Brawl) anytime before holiday '07. I love the Wii, but the thing that I find so frustrating about it is that I don't feel like it is reaching its true potential. I have yet to see a real, full game that fully utilized the Wii remote that I really enjoyed. Zelda was amazing, but it was still a GCN port for the Wii.
And for the love of God, Nintendo, please get rid of friend codes. You just can't make an online system 100% "child safe."
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4-03-2007 @ 4:51PM
siege315 said...
ok ok ok I get it nintendo you were "trying" to appeal to a broader audeince but, you've accomplished that already. While apppealing to that stupid mundane audince
you lost track of the real gamers that liked nintendo when you could play perfect dark and enjoy shooting the crap out of people.
I as a "hardcore gamer" am sick and tired of playing F!!!ing zelda over and over again, I know nintendo has it in it to release games like the upincoming paper mario or all of the big 3 but get your third party to do what you cant Eg: Gears of War, God of War 1&2, Lost Planet, etc.
I would even be happy with guitar hero wtth a nunchuk strut board. For gods sake nintendo have some dignity and dont let sony win this war because of WarioWare!!!
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4-06-2007 @ 5:30PM
Brian said...
I'd classify myself as a hard core gamer, really. Been playing stuff since pong & now i'm 40...
What I'd like to see is more asynchronous multi player stuff. With more demands on time these days, it would be good to say play one hole of tiger woods & have the wii send my score over to a friend for him to play the same hole. Playing the round over the week say. Golf's just an example, but I'm sure you could do more with the more diverse games that are headed to the Wii.
(I save my PC for pwning n00bs in Quake ;))
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