Have Wii Been Had?

Matt Waldron of Cinemablend.com writes, "One year after the Wii's release, it can easily be described as an unquestionable success, selling at an astronomical rate that has outpaced both the 360 and the PS3. But now that a year has passed, looking back on the Wii, we might ask if it is really turning out to be all that its customers had hoped for? Despite promises to revolutionize the way people play games, now, one year later, the Wii is looking poised as ever to follow the same tired and typical Nintendo model. Succeeding largely on a series of one-shot first party "mascot games" whose IPs largely remain unchanged since the days of the NES. Ironically enough, perhaps it is the Wii's innovation that is ultimately to blame for its stagnation."

[Boink]

and so true. I don't think people will remember what a wii is by xmas '08

[gamesR4fun]

It not like it hasnt been done before...

[cooke15]

Ok.. You do realize they are pumping out 1.8 million units a month and selling through all of them right?

[Milkman541]

The Wii will countine to sell well for a while...I'd say a good couple of years but software sales will be a joke unless it's a first party title...

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Divine sarcasm, maybe.

[Bubble Buddy]

i do not have any respect for Nintendo unless they get good 3rd party games and new first party games, not the ones we've been playing for centuries. cept for brawl, i love that =D

[cooke15]

Well lets see.. Zack and Wiki AAA title, Medal of Honor AA everywhere, Geometry Wars AA everywhere, Trauma Center 2 AA everywhere, Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles AA at many sites

Tales of Symphonia 2 in 08
Fragile in 08
Fatal Frame 4 in 08
Monster Hunter 3
No More Heroes in 08
King Story in 08
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring Bearers
Final Fnatasy Crystal Chronicles: The Promised Land and the Young King
Nights
Ghost Squad just got 7.5 at IGN
Puzzle Quest
DBZ 3
Endless Ocean
Nitrobike (from excite bike devs)
Bully Scholarship Edition
Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars
Monster Lab
Star Wars Unleashed
Civ Revolution
Spore
Dragon Quest Swords
Opoona 32/40 at Famitsu (not released in NA yet)

need i go on?

[BloodySinner]

Once Nintendo fixes the "shortages" and everyone has one, they'll realize quick how much of a gimmick this console really is... Because I really don't see them keeping up this hype-train for long.

[BIoodmask]

The Wii was marketed on the premise of simplified gameplay. Nintendo has brought more innovation than both Sony and Microsoft. They totally changed the way that games are played with freehand motion controls.

It was also a bold move to go against the typical trend for hardware advancement. IMO the Wii is just an experiment to see if motion contols would be successful, and the next iteration of the Wii will deliver in the graphics department.

Nintendo has the right idea. Afterall when the graphics do end up becoming photo-realistic the innovation is going to have to come from another area other than visuals.

I give props to Nintendo for bringing gaming to a whole new generation of gamers who otherwise might have never tried it.

[BloodySinner]

I wouldn't say they changed the way games are played. More like, added a new perspective to the traditional controller.

[Padre]

Wii is a fad. Wii has the best rated game of all time folks, live with that. ;)

[Xi]

sorry but it keeps sliding, now at 97.6

[BlackCountryBob]

Mario Galaxy may be the best reviewed game ever but there are 2 issues, first is that a fair % of Wii owners don't buy games because they only wanted a Wii fo WiiSports. Second is that sadly mario Galaxy is old hat, there is nothing new bought to the table as being a new or unique feature of that game on the Wii, its just a minor evolution on previous 3D Mario games optimised for a new controller.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Wii is a great machine and I'll buy one when/if the games come but when it was announced they said it would lead to new and innovative games but of all the games on Wii so far I cannot think of any that could not have been played with a conventional thumbstick based controller except WiiSports, Wiiplay and Wario but TBH when told of new gaming ideas I expected better implementation than collections of mini games.

[unsunghero28]

"Second is that sadly mario Galaxy is old hat, there is nothing new bought to the table as being a new or unique feature of that game on the Wii, its just a minor evolution on previous 3D Mario games optimised for a new controller."

READ A F*CKING REVIEW

[inhale]

[exhale]

Sorry, maybe I wouldn't snap if I hadn't heard the same crap all week.

Also, 9.1, metacritic is still 9.8. Even if SMG's reviews are "sliding," even 9.7 would be the best of this generation and it's unlikely it'll hit that.

[BlackCountryBob]

@9.3 I have read lots of reviews and played the actual game and I do not dispute that Mario Galaxy is a great game and one of the best 3D platformers ever, my point is that it has in no way attempted anything that could be seen as a new idea or gameplay mechanic the game could have been very very easily played on a Gamecube pad, Wii was about originality but it is mainly now bad ports, mini games and games whose usage of the Wiimote are gimmicky at best, the only good games (Mario, Metroid, Zelda, Paper Mario, Resi 4) are only good because they recycle what made them good on the Gamecube with (admittedly very good) optimisation for the motion controls.

GOD DAMN IT, READ MY F#CKING COMMENTS

[inhale]

[exhale]

Sorry, I wouldn't snap if I didn't get the same moronic fanboy pis#ing and complaining every time I dare to criticise any aspect of their plastic console lifeblood. And yes, I have read plenty of reviews but I decide what games I like, I don't need some tubby American plebeian at IGN to tell me what I should and shouldn't like, I recommend to you that you try to form your own independent opinion in future.

[d3l33t]

"...innovation that is ultimately to blame for its stagnation." <- Thats a good one!!

anywho, i will just wait till these things are 60 bucks on e-bay and ill pick one up. Will happen before you know it.

[WoodyWood09]

It is a very unique system but like most fads people will get bored with the Wii and move on. Nintendo better enjoy all they are getting now because it will come crashing down if they do not get better 3rd party games!!! They will still make money because the system is cheap!

[DJ]

it's true that Xbox 360 and PS3 are much better candidates from a financial and development standpoint.

[Xi]

360 and ps3 games are a lot more expensive to make.

[d3l33t]

yeah because they know the install user base will BUY games. Wii users have a nasty habit of not spending any money on new games! ( i am talking general terms here people)

[DJ]

and the core technologies are similar enough such that titles can be put on both platforms without much difference in the basic game content (animation, models, sound, etc). Call of Duty is a great example of a multiplatform title that, while not pushing one of the three platforms very hard, does perform flawlesly across ALL platforms it is available on.

Once Wii is thrown into them mix, however, entirely new control schemes have be mocked up and implemented into the game, and since the system isn't even close to the capabilities of PS3 or 360, almost all content within the game has to be redone and/or downsampled in quality. Imagine trying to port Call of Duty 4 onto the Wii. The developer can either choose to try and recreate the game built for PS3, 360, and PC, or spend even more money creating an entirely new gameplay experience that's catered specifically to the hardware (and its controllers).

[thepill88]

Very well put together and thought out... Also very good points...

[KeiZka]

I see. There is no acknowledgement for Zack & Wiki at all. That is a good 3rd party game, is it not?

Controls, then. I distinguishingly remember an upcoming game, that is slated for Wii and PSP, and it was praised for its control scheme. Way to bash a console.

I question this writers thouroughness when it comes to reviewing his sources.

[INehalemEXI]

Honestly I feel Nintendo was half-stepping with the wii.

Why a new controll scheme with last gen specs....If you wanted to push gaming to a level with more in depth control why gimp your spec's ?( half-stepping )

It's all a clever way to make money while testing something that may be viable for ninty's real next gen system. wii is like inbetween gen's IMO.

@ XI DJ is right All 3rd party companys invest in new technologys (middleware, engines etc.) those engines are ps3/360/pc engines.... All the major projects that get the biggest budgets are ps3/360/pc games.

[KeiZka]

I'd rather call it sidestepping, since they didn't go into the arms race that is known as "superior technology race". But, if that is their cup of tea, and they can pull off games like SMG or aforementioned Zack & Wiki with the equipment available, I do not really give a damn.

[MK_Red]

Nice find and aritlce. Wii has potential for revolutionary games but sadly, customers buy crappy and dull ones like Wii Play instead of true next-gen Wii games like Zack & Wiki. Even Metroid Prime 3 didn't sell as much as it should have while it was a revolutionary console FPS with superb controls.

[KeiZka]

Agreed with you there. But, they are games too, those minigames, like it or not. I know my girlfriend does, and that is a big thing, that. I, I'll stick to whatever proper I find, namely Zack & Wiki and the upcoming MoH:H2 as soon it gets here... SMG is also quite lovely, but that is to be expected.

[MK_Red]

I'm not saying those mini-game collections are bad. Heck, I'm already dying to play Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 but what I meant is about next-gen part of Wii. Wii was supposed to revolutionize gaming and it's main next-gen feature is it's motion sensetive controls but everygame on Wii has gimicky uses for it except for a great few like Zack & Wiki, Metroid Prime 3 and Mario Galaxy and 2 of them are 1st party and the only 3rd party one (Z&W) is not selling much.

[TruthbeTold]

Funny, Sour grapes article by a disgruntled former Nintendo fanboy who jumped ship to Sony or Microsoft during one of the last two Gen's (when Nintendo was still trying to kiss his ass). Anyone ever stop to think that with as wide a consumer audience as Nintendo has, it might take longer than a year to completely please everyone? It's also funny that with all of the b!tching about no 3rd party developers for Nintendo, we're supposed to conveniently forget about the upcoming FF Crystal Chronicles, Spore, Monster Hunter 3, No more Heroes, Tales of Symphonia 2, etc. type games coming out next year. And speaking of b!tching... Microsoft and Sony supporters defend their consoles over even the perceived threat of an article that says something good about the HD-disc format that isn't their choice, and Nintendo fans can't speak up when haters try to rain on their parade just because? Please.

It's almost as if the suggestion is that Nintendo should stop making Mario games, or at least make them sh!tty enough so that 3rd party developers don't have to try as hard. Along with: "Who cares how many consoles they sell, or how much profit they are raking in every single month, it's just a matter of time before the whole thing caves in on them. (Since everyone on the planet is saving for an HD tv and HD-console so they can wipe their ass with their Wii)". Preposterous.

[BloodySinner]

"(Since everyone on the planet is saving for an HD tv and HD-console so they can wipe their ass with their Wii)". Preposterous." - ROFLMAO!

[Erchamion]

The Wii was fun when it first came out, but rapidly lost its appeal (for me). I really hope Nintendo will turn out like Sega and become a software company. I agree with the writer that Nintendo should develop games that don't revolve strictly around those ever famous characters, but, let's face it, there will always be a profit to be made on a new Zelda or Mario title. And while I agree the Wiimote and nunchuck set-up provides an innovative way for playing games, I don't see any reason why this technology can't work just as well on PS3 or 360; just make the controller and sensor that connects to either system—wala! This way the Nintendo can continue to make the games that match their gaming philosophy (which there is a serious market for) and they can shed any criticism of being quasi-next-gen. My first system was the NES and I've always liked Nintendo, but I think it would one of the best things for the games industry and for gamers if Nintendo stopped making consoles and began developing for M$ and $ony.

[Wii60PS3DSPSP]

No.

[ChickeyCantor]

" Nintendo the Next Sega "
"I really hope Nintendo will turn out like Sega "

yess lets hope that, i mean i cant wait for a multimedia device from sony or xbox ...that can play games...too..aww....what is that a PC?.....o.....

Nintendo is the only one that dares trying something so risky they might go bankrupt in an instance, while we all know that MS and Sony wouldn't dare doing something totaly different, they are sticking with old formulas, upgrade CPU RAM and GPU there ya go a new console.

keep doing the same thing and this market will collapse eventually.

[Chubear]

Their business module just won't permit it. Nintendo will be here 'till the gaming industry it's self implodes and is no more. No my friend, Ninty plays it safe and boring for a reason - gauranteed longvity.

As long as it's fanbase kept wanting Zelda, Mario, Brawl and ziki wiki type games, they will never change. Hell, why should they? they make a killing from bringing out cheap stuff and selling it for ridiculous prices. I mean how the hell the nintendo fanbase pays $50 for mini games that are on last gen medium (should be around $30 or less) and $5-10 for VC games that should essentially be 50cents or free, is totally beyond me.

As long as Ninty has it's unique fanbase (which I don't see changing anytime soon) it'll be continue to be here 'till the end of time it's self.

I for one would feel like such a fool to pay $250 for a last gen machine and $50 per pop for games... AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT VC THING?!! ARE YOU FRIKGEN KIDDING ME?!

[Erchamion]

I'm not saying Nintendo WILL follow Sega into software development, just that they should because it would be better for everyone.

[Rooftrellen]

"Their business module just won't permit it. Nintendo will be here 'till the gaming industry it's self implodes and is no more."

But, the gaming industry will not implode as long as Nintendo is around. They saved it once, and they're saving it again.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

BINGO!

...ok I lied. Maybe a few more words. So many people give Sony crap for the PS3, but I personally feel like the Wii is the biggest rip off out of all the systems out. Sure it doesn't cost much compared...but its still a $180 glorified game cube. I just feel there is nothing this console truly offers to gamers.

And before you go spouting off about it is bringing in casual gamers and an innovative control scheme let me remind you of a couple of things.

First off, motion control is not new. Its been around for a long time, and has just never truly caught on as a way to game. It has its moments of brilliance but they are few and far between. Most games are much better off with the standard control set up.

Secondly, you say the Wii is bringing in the casual gamer...I say Nintendo is ripping off the casual gamer with the promise of something grandiose when reality is far less than that. Report after report is showing that Wii owners don't buy games...and more importantly its starting to show that most Wii owners are using their consoles well below the avg. of the other consoles. So basically the casual buyer see's it and gets sucked into buying it on the premise, then realizes its not all that and the games aren't all that...and so it sits, unused for long durations.

Props to Nintendo though....they truly did pull the sheet over the heads of the hardcore and casual gaming community. They have sold a ton of consoles....too bad for the suckers that bought one.

[d3l33t]

suckers is a bit harsh. The only people who are suckers are the moms and dads who are conned into purchasing this system for a son or daughter who likes "hardcore" games. On the other hand, the Wii has provided some great experiences, fun old school games, and brought some fresh new casual gaming ideas to the table. But as stated above, the casual gaming market is large and also shallow pocketed. These are the people who don't sit down and play 20-30 hours a week of games, they are people who just enjoy getting away in a good game of Mario. Is the Wii "next gen"? We already know this answer. Is it fun? Undoubtedly.

I'm just sick of the Nintendo fanboys running their fat mouths about how many consoles they've pushed. You will see them at every garage sale this side of the Mississippi, mark my words.

[TruthbeTold]

Then you should be happy since the casual gamer is being conditioned for high prices if ever they choose to go Sony or Microsoft. I mean seriously... Is there no end to the bottom of this barrel Nintendo bashers scrape in order to try and feel better about their own choice of console?

[bootsielon]

I wish I could say the same of my RRODy 360, but I don't. At least it has many games to play. But the Wii, even though it's guaranteed to work, it's boring as hell. I don't want it. I hope it dies soon, otherwise it'll be a horrible gaming generation.

PlayStation HOME > Wiimote
XBL > Wiimote

Edit:

I'm comparing selling points and interfaces.

You (will) use HOME to navigate PS3's interface. You use XBL to navigate through all 360 has to offer. Wiimote is pretty much all of the innovation Nintendo has to offer with the Wii. There's no online service or features or anything worthy of online on the Wii.

Online gaming with achievements > motion controlled gaming

[ChickeyCantor]

you compare a human interface device ( the Wii mote) with software appz like XBL en HOME?

Sofware VS hardware? WHUT?
if you said HOME> Mii-channel then you made some sense but you didnt, thnk you for sharing you are a total moron.

=/ you are narrow minded.

" it's boring as hell. I don't want it."
exactly YOU don't like it, so why would this stop millions of Wii owners of having fun.

[ChickeyCantor]

"There's no online service or features or anything worthy of online on the Wii."

you know damn well there is an online service, and again ITS you who doesn't think its worthy, but you aren't the whole market.

[codeazrael]

Uno is such fun. Now you have chess and checkers, scene it, and you just know that they will eventually have all of the card games, as well as board games like monopoly we are all used to playing. THIS is casual gaming to me. And you know the best part about it? When I get tired of playing casual games, I can actually use the same system to play AAA next gen titles like Mass Effect and COD4. Hopefully the Wii will tank so bad that Nintendo is reduced to nothing more than a software company next gen and us Xbox 720 owners will be able to play Mario Galaxy and Twilight Princess on the next iteration of Xbox Live.

P.S. UNO after dark gets kinda freaky with the live cams.

[Chubear]

It's been sooooo long since we've read anything with substance in the gaming community and gaming media. That article was very well done and with great view points.

They are the same points I have been saying for a long time now and also lambased for on some forums so it's good to see at least someone sees what's happening with Nintendo.

Well done Mr. Waldron.

[wiizy]

you can tell he is losing stock on sony ps3... there are no shortages of haters.. when you're at the top

[Vizion26]

More of the same tired Nintendo bashing on this site mostly by a bunch of irrational teenage boys.

Nintendo dominates the console and handheld market mainly because they bring innovation to the market. The Wii controller is innovative but it's up to developers to be creative with it and implement right in their games. Games like Zack and Wiki, Wario Ware, and Metroid Prime 3 utilize the Wii controllers effectively and creatively. Those games couldn't be properly played on any other console.

It's going to take time for many 3rd party companies to find interesting ways to use the Wii Remote correctly, much like it took time for developers to use the DS touch screen interface correctly. The first year the DS came out many developers were like "Ok, what do we do with this?." Now there are games like Ninja Gaiden for the DS which is shown to be the most innovative games ever. So I think 2008 will be an even better year for Wii when it comes to third party software.

To those who say third party games don't sell well on the Wii. Resident Evil 4, Rayman Raving Rabbids, Red Steel, and Trauma Center were 1 million + sellers. So third party games can sell well on the Wii even if they are "hardcore" games. And contrary to what most people think, attachment rates on the Wii is on par with PS3.

As for people saying that the Wii will be forgotten by next year, you people must be really blinded by fanboyism or just not very smart (or both). People have been saying the Wii is fad and will die for over 12 months and it has been for most of the year outselling the 360 and PS3 COMBINED. Yes, read that again: THE WII HAS BEEN OUTSELLING THE PS3 and 360 COMBINED. Can you comprehend that? There is no kind of indication that the Wii will just fade away any time soon. To think otherwise makes you look stupid. Hey, I am willing to bet some of you prophesied almost a year ago the Wii will die before the end of the year. How silly do you look now. And yet still a year later even after the Wii has been outselling its competitors by a wide margin people continue to say the Wii is just a fad. Ridiculous.

Look, if you don't like the Wii then so be it, but there are many others who like it. No need to act like an elitist butt head and bash it. Some of you really need to grow up. And if you have a Wii and don't want it then I suggest you sell it. There are people out there willing to pay about twice the price of retail.

[TheExodus]

The Wii is the only console on the market at a console price, obviously it's also going to have console specs. MS had to out gun Sony with the 360 because they were trying to break Sony's grip on the console market, but Sony didn't have to return the favor. Had Sony brought a PS3 to market that was spec'd & priced somewhere between the 360 & Wii we would have had a year of neck & neck sales between the PS3 & Wii with 360 likely having been forgotten long ago. But alas, Sony couldn't temper their pride which allowed the 360 to casually stroll through it's RRoD scandal.

[d3l33t]

when you said "pride"; i think you meant "power"

[Shaka2K6]

Sounds about right, nintendo will die,
but Sega was always better and made alot more for the gaming industry.

Sega Dreamcast by far alot better then nintendo 64,game cube and wii combined.

[conorgill14]

i dont like any mario games and the wiimote kind of ruins games like madden or other regular games so i never really liked it

[wiizy]

just say you dont enjoy gaming... you just enjoy complaining... and feeling sorry that whatever system you like is in second place

[dalibor]

i think that everyone should play the wii & then decide if they like it or not. just dont go on about thinking this & that. the wii is really a diff console than from the ps3 + 360, i played all 3(i own a ps3) another thing any game could be implemented on the wii, the wii has a lot of diff controllers that can be used. games like madden or final fantasy could use the classic controller or even a gamecube controller because the wii is compatible w/these devices. the wii is suitable for any game if you ask me because it has so many diff controllers that it can use.