Klepek spoke with Scott Lewis, a programmer at Firaxis, and learned that the Wii version presented a challenge due to the need to create entirely new assets. What isn't addressed, however, is that the DS version likely required as much effort or care as the Wii version ... but as was revealed before, the Wii version was added late, and was releasing late, so it seems unsurprising that, when cuts had to be made, it was the one to go.
For now, it seems that multi-platform titles might offer a cheap and easy Wii solution, if there's already a PS2 or PSP version, but are cross-platform games really the answer for Wii owners? Are we that interested in them? Sometimes, Wii owners have no other real options, as they don't own another system, but we can't help but wonder how many people that really affects. While this move by Firaxis to nix the Wii version of Civilization Revolution (for now, at least) is disappointing, even this blogger -- a diehard Civ fan from way back in the way back -- finds herself more interested in new and innovative titles. More No More Heroes and less Need for
"I think the Wii would be perfect for a game like Civ, but we'd have to throw out all of our interface work (and some of our game design decisions) to make it feel like it truly fits on the platform," Lewis said. But will they do all of that? Even when there is an established name to trade on, we can only hope companies take the time to build something for the Wii rather than just throwing things together. Take your time, Firaxis, and build a Civilization for Wii owners. We'll be here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-05-2008 @ 1:07PM
Elijah the KING CHAOSDRAGON said...
Well put. I like the soup nazi reference also.
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2-05-2008 @ 2:28PM
Rocketboy said...
Do you?
2-05-2008 @ 1:14PM
Sisyphus said...
As backwards as it sounds, I'd rather a company decides to can a port than to make another crappy Wii version of a potentially good game. It means that they realize garbage will not be rewarded, but effort will.
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2-05-2008 @ 1:44PM
WIIBOY101UKGEZZA said...
the answer is wii built games for the wii oviously 3rd partys have no excuse the porting and tacking on wiiness as a after thought just shows the IN THE BOX mind set of 3rd partys talentless morons..............
wii havnt seen shit yet in full wiimote 3d motion greatness and true wii graphics etc from lazy 3rd party dev houses and publishers
there to blame for not wii preping insted ps3 preping then finding themselfs in a hardplace
start thinking in wii terms 3rd partys or get left behind
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2-05-2008 @ 2:18PM
Gonzo said...
I wouldn't complain, ports are the best selection for the value conscious wii gamer.
The best games (that take longer than a weekend to complete) are still the ports like RE4 and Godfather.
I was hoping that No More Heroes would be the advent of good new original games and it might have been if Grasshopper had bothered to finish making it before rushing it to shelves. The fact that they even tried to pass that off as a finished product is insulting.
Hopefully in another year or so the wii will start getting some good (whole) original titles but don't rush them. Not only will it lead to more NMH disasters but you also have to remember that the publishers didn't start working on wii software until about a year ago when it became apparent the wii was going to rock this generation. The good games will be a little while coming.
Until then, I'm looking forward to Bully. At least I know that game is fun.
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2-05-2008 @ 3:14PM
Tom said...
Awwww, 3rd party developers actually have to WORK...To get MONEY?! That's so criminal!!!
But seriously, I hate most 3rd parties now. They think they can pull off some half-assed piece a shit port and make loads of money like Nintendo can off of quality games they put time, effort, and money into. Then they complain cuz people would rather buy a quality game over their shitty title..... Makes PERFECT sense!
Hopefully developers will catch on (who knows, maybe even these idiots could) and make some good games for the Wii. Hopefully.
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2-05-2008 @ 3:56PM
Gonzo said...
I think we just need to wait a little while longer for the good 3rd party original support.
I'm also annoyed that we've been assaulted with loads of shovelware like No More Heroes and Carnival Games, but like I said: the 3rd party developers were thinking the Wii would bomb until a year ago. We just have to be patient and only buy quality nintendo titles and ports for the time being.
2-05-2008 @ 4:27PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
I'm trying to wrap my brain around NMH as shovelware, but we may just have to agree to disagree on that one. The problem with just buying Nintendo games or waiting, however, is that devs are already reportedly wary of trying to compete with Nintendo, so they may not put the effort out if they think we're not going to buy. Unfortunately, they're not giving us many chances to prove that we will! It's not the best situation.
2-05-2008 @ 3:48PM
James said...
Frankly, if a port can be *better* on the Wii (not *as good as*, better), I'd love to see it. C.F.: Okami, RE4, Twilight Princess.
Otherwise, I'll just get it for (probably) cheaper on PS2, or as something I can play on the road on DS or PSP, or that looks better/has online/has DLC on the 360 or PS3.
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2-05-2008 @ 4:24PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
Exactly. Better or as good as (but maybe a little prettier?), and I'm all over it. There are some great examples of ports. Unfortunately, there are many more examples of Wii versions with stripped-down features, crappy graphics, and slapdash controls.
2-05-2008 @ 5:02PM
Perverted said...
If a game came out for both 360 & Wii I'd pick up the Wii version.
My rule is no ports unless It's well executed, upgraded, updated, offers something new than just waggle & is pretty rare to find on the original.
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