Every once and a while, we get a complaint about using the word "waggle" to describe motion controls. Here's the thing, though: we like that word. Sure, it can have a negative connotation (and we've used it in that way before, too), but we don't think it has to. In fact, when we hear it in a non-negative setting, it often manages to invoke a feeling of affection from us toward our Wiis -- not to mention, it's much more fun than using the term "motion controls" over and over.
What about you, though? Do you think that "waggle" is a bad word despite the context it's used in?
As if responding to the concerns we raised yesterday, D3Publisher announced what changes and additions gamers can expect with the Wii port of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Shouldn't we have heard about these details at an earlier date, preferably before the game was shipped out?
Anyway, this new Wii version of the puzzle/RPG hybrid has rebalanced elements, a replay option for capturing monsters, and a two-player multiplayer mode. As we predicted, there are no online features, unlike the Xbox Live Arcade and PC releases. Developer Vicious Cycle Software did, however, make sure to integrate "waggle control options with the Wii Remote."
Were any of you actually hoping for motion-based controls? Or were you wishing, like we were, that the developer would focus its efforts on implementing the primary feature fans of the handheld versions were asking for? We'll probably pick up Puzzle Quest anyway; we just wish we could play against some of you online.
Aside from stuffing our faces with 7,000 calories worth of food on Thanksgiving, we Americans are supposed to reflect on what we're most thankful for. While things like LOLcatz and coffee definitely make the list (oh right, and our families and friends, we guess), we wanted to show a little appreciation for the Wii as well. The Nintendo Wii Fanboy staff was thus asked what about the Wii we are most thankful for. The following is what happens when you have a staff with the collective maturity level of 37% (calculated by science).
It seems like so many conversations about possible Wii games follow this pattern:
"Man, I would kick puppies* to see something like Game X on the Wii. It would be awesome. Not a port, but maybe a spin-off or a sequel. Okay, even a port." "Yeah, that's an awesome game. Just no waggle, please."
It seems like most Wii owners want everything -- but without the motion controls that pretty much make the system what it is. And it's cool, really -- we get it. Not everything needs motion, or full motion; a few gestures here and there are fitting, but we still have buttons, and we suspect they're there for a reason. But some games need to have motion controls ... or what's the point? So which ones?
*Dude, kicking puppies is totally mean. Don't do that.
Peripherals company Logitech has hit on a capital idea: combine motion-sensing and rumble in a single controller. At least, that's what Chris Spearing, UK and Ireland manager for Logitech, seemed to think. His company still has yet to formally announce the identity of their first Wii product, but the discussion seems to be turning towards a Wiimote substitute.
Speaking about the issue of rumble versus motion controls, Spearing said "Having the motion-sensing in the Sixaxis, that really works for some games. And for the Wii – you've seen people rush out and buy the Wii for that realism, if you're swinging a tennis racket, you know how to do it." He then went on to mention that "Hopefully we'll be at the forefront of pushing that further, combining some of the two."
We'd assume that Spearing was talking about a PS3 controller design if not for the title of the GamesIndustry.biz story: "Logitech to create Wiimote rival?" If he is indeed talking about the Wii, he should check it out sometime-- he may be impressed with the controller.
Once they get their technological issues straightened out (i.e. figure out what technology is in the controller), we'd love to see Logitech's take on the Wii controller. Their hardware is top-notch, and often outclasses standard controllers.
Posted Aug 15th 2007 3:45PM by JC Fletcher Filed under: News
Boogie producer Jean-Charles Gaudechon is not entirely pleased with the critical reception to his game. One review in particular upset him, and with good reason-- 1UP basically assassinated his game.
Gaudechon mostly defended the controls in his statement to MTV's Gamefile. "Difficultly should come from the game. It should be easy to dance. It should be tough to dance on a certain level of difficulty." He said that his team reexamined motion control schemes after SSX Blur's controls were panned as too complicated, and that Boogie's controls were focus-tested on a diverse age group.
Of course, none of that addresses the major issue found in the 1UP review, that "this game is fun for exactly 20 minutes, and only in a group of two or more." Of course, that's a little harder to respond to than specific complaints about the oversimplified, rhythm-insensitive controls.
What's more fun than playing Wii games? Speculating about how to play future Wii games, of course. Bully is an excellent candidate for such pie-in-the-sky dreaming, because, as a sandbox game, it is crammed full of varied tasks, many of which are just crying out for motion controls.
GamesRadar has come up with a list of five possibilities for Bullying gestures, with accompanying pictures. Some, like holding the Wiimote sideways to simulate driving a go-kart, don't seem terribly imaginative, but this article marks the first time we've been asked to think about the potential for virtual swirlies.
For such a popular console that tries to offer something for everyone, the Wii also manages to be somewhat controversial -- and we're not just talking about Manhunt 2 here. The motion-sensing controls have been a bone of contention when it comes to nearly every game, even those people seem to enjoy. Some gamers find them awesome, and others ... not so much. We've selected six games which cover a range of game types (and aren't all first-party, either) as a measuring stick of what you think is best when it comes to Wii controls. We encourage you to vote early (and often!), but feel free to talk about other choices in the comments, as well as the reasons behind your picks.
You might have noticed that Wii Sports isn't on this list (and neither are several other well-received games!). We considered including it, because not everyone agrees that it works quite well as a showcase of the Wii control capabilities, but decided at the last minutes to include only non-bundled games. Feel free to voice your support for Wii Sports in the comments, however!
The game looks okay, and despite reservations, we're open to the idea ... but the video preview of DK Jet at Jeux France makes us wince in anticipated wrist pain. There's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on there, and we're not sure that's really a good thing. Bongos, at least, were a little easier on the arms. However -- the good folks at Jeux France do make the point that maximum shaking motion is only necessary to gain max speed at the beginning of a race, and if you're stopped or slowed by obstacles during the race. Once you've achieved maximum speed, with no interference, you have only to concentrate on the rest.
The long preview offers a nice walkthrough of the menus and gameplay (albeit in French; where's My French Coach when we need it?), and the game itself looks good. We'll just have to give the controls a try for ourselves at some point to see just how intense they really are.
Also, we really need to steal that plush Donkey Kong featured in the video.
Even with a diminished E3, there's no controlling the wave of rumors that hit the Internet every year before the show. Why fight it? From now until E3 hits, we'll be posting one piece of wild speculation every day. Some may be patently ridiculous, and others just might turn out to be true. Even some of the ridiculous ones might turn out to be true! Rest assured, everything will be totally made-up and unfounded. Except, of course, when we speak about all the ass Reggie is going to kick. That part? Totally true.
Rumor: At least two third party developers (not Ubisoft) will announce their plan to re-release old games with new waggle.
Yesterday, we talked about some of the problems we've had with motion-sensing controls. But here's the thing: traditional control schemes often have problems as well. The best controls are those that just feel "right." You automatically hit the right buttons to shoot and jump, and in other games, sometimes it's a struggle to adapt.
So here's our question: is it really any different with the Wii's waggle? Is it just the same struggle as with any game, or is it made worse by less-than-optimal motion-sensing controls?
Sometimes, waggle makes everything better ... and sometimes, it makes us want to gouge out our eyes, or maybe a friend's eyes. Really, any eyes will do. We're not picky. The thing is, everyone has different opinions one what makes for a good waggle game. And what exactly counts as waggle, anyway? Excite Truck and Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam used limited motion-sensing controls, and that worked out pretty well. But a lot of people are uncertain about how a fast-paced game like Super Smash Bros. Brawl will work with the Wiimote and nunchuk control scheme. Will we like it? The good thing is, if we don't, we have option. But we're not always so lucky.
In the games released so far, where do you think the controls have worked, and where have they been less than good?
Posted Jun 23rd 2007 11:00AM by JC Fletcher Filed under: News
Aksys Games, publishers of Hoshigami Remix on the DS, have announced that they're localizing Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, the fifth revision of the third entry in Arc System Works' totally metal 2D fighting series. The new version includes 2 new characters, A.B.A. and Holy Order Sol. Aksys claims that A.B.A. has "never been seen outside of Japan," a claim that is only true if nobody bought Guilty Gear Isuka.
In addition, Siliconera found a post on Aksys's official forums stating that they'll be fixing the bugs that were prevalent in the Japanese PS2 release. We consider "not being broken" a significant gameplay feature.
Finally, in a decisive victory for Internet linguists everywhere, the official press release advertises, in addition to Gamecube controller and Classic Controller play, "Waggle controls exclusive to the Wii!" It's, like, an official term now.
Imagine, if you can, a game where you swing a tennis racket and an onscreen character swings a tennis racket. That's the bold new future Bill Gates wished for at the D5 conference. We love to see the prophetic mind of a business genius in action.
Oh, what? There's already something like that? No, the Wii doesn't count, because shut up it just doesn't: "No, that's not it. You can't pick up your tennis racket. And swing it." We guess motion controls are only cool when there's some kind of camera involved.
While these pictures are from scans and thus aren't the best quality, they come with a bonus bit of information: Guilty Gear XX Accent Core players will have a choice of two control schemes: Wiimote with full motion controls, or a more traditional control scheme. Just what we wanted!
This latest Guilty Gear is due out in Japan near the end of July.
Every once and a while, we get a complaint about using the word "waggle" to describe motion controls. Here's the thing, though: we like that word. Sure, it can have a negative connotation (and we've used it in that way before, too), but we don't think it has to. In fact, when we hear it in a non-negative setting, it often manages to invoke a feeling of affection from us toward our Wiis -- not to mention, it's much more fun than using the term "motion controls" over and over.
Aside from stuffing our faces with 
Aksys Games, publishers of Hoshigami Remix on the DS, have announced that they're localizing 
