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Blame Nintendo for the Lack of Good Wii Titles, too!

November 23, 2008 in Blog comments 41

A few days ago, Reggie Fils-Aime spoke about his disappointment in third-party developers and how he believes they need to up their game and stop making crappy titles for the Wii. (It probably doesn't help that Nintendo themselves are the ones who approve what games go on their consoles).

In response to the interview, Victor Godinez of Dallas News says that it isn't fair for Reggie to blame third-party developers for not creating good games, and that some blame should be put on Nintendo as well ...

But those gritty third-party games on the Wii often are either rehashes of games that first appeared on other consoles (such as Resident Evil 4) or quick cash-ins by studios eager to profit from casual Wii owners who don't know to expect more.

Hard-core gamers know, though. And so, apparently, does Nintendo.

Speaking to Forbes magazine recently, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said that many third-party developers don't understand that many Wii owners would like to play the same sorts of visceral games that flourish on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Nintendo bears some responsibility here, as well.

Nintendo chose to go down this path of less-powerful, lost-cost hardware, and one side effect of that decision is that some games simply cannot be ported over.

Dead Rising on the Xbox 360, for example, was fun and amazing in part because there were often hundreds of zombies on the screen at one time, each shambling toward your brain.
The Wii version under development, though, is limited to a dozen or so monsters on the screen simultaneously, and the downgrade makes the game seem kind of pointless.

So as much as developers do need to step up their efforts, Nintendo hasn't done them any favors.
Miss Razz via dallasnews.com »
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  • 0
    Dark Arcanine Nov 24, 08
    I don't know, I feel there's been quite a few good releases and some more on the way. People are just getting on the hate Nintendo and Wii bandwagon, it's a bit old now.
    • 2
      Koloth Nov 24, 08
      It is not a matter of people bandwagoning. It really is a matter of gamers actually feeling ignored. Yes there are maybe a dozen or two good games on the Wii. But that isn't enough for the average gamer.

      I have personally have bought more than 30 games across all three systems in the last 2 years. Most on the PS3 because I ave had it longer. Never the less that is a lot of games. But hardly less than average for me. If I had only the Wii from what I can see looking at what I would actually buy on the system I would have maybe a dozen games total in the last 2 years. About a tird of what I have now and half of what I have on the PS3. Half of what I plan to buy for the 360.
      • 1
        Dark Arcanine Nov 24, 08
        Maybe, you just buy a lot of games? I can't imagine myself buying that many games on a personal level, everyone's different. If the Wii only does have around two dozen good games, which I feel is ok enough for me, I probably would never even get round to buying them all. It's down to personal taste too, I bet a lot of people would love a large amount of Wii games. I feel people forget why there are multiple consoles, complaining about what the Wii doesn't offer like PS3 or Xbox 360.
        • 0
          Kudzuka Nov 24, 08
          Thats how I feel, I just don't buy that many games.

          (I actually have more games for my Wii than my PS3.)
        • 2
          Koloth Nov 24, 08
          Name "a large amount" of games beyond the obvious first party titles that people would love to have.
  • 0
    Storm Nov 24, 08
    With exception to the SNES, I've barely bought many games for the Nintendo consoles. I must have had about 50 games for the SNES, but the rest...not nearly as much. But it's not about quantity, it's about quality. Games like Goldeneye, LoZ: OoT, Mario 64, and a few others that kept me going on the N64, GC there was the various Mario Party's, SSBM, the few WWE games, etc..

    When friends come over, we usually hit up the Nintendo console as we have the most fun with it. In this sense, the Wii is even more affordable, a more 'bang for your buck' bit, more replayability with games, 'party-like' games.

    With the Wii, Nintendo went with a unique gaming approach. They should understand that many gaming developers aren't used to it, this motion control and Wii-mote functions are new to them, and getting ideas and such just right to meet it's standards isn't a walk in the park.
    • 3
      Koloth Nov 24, 08
      Bah, that "Quality of Quantity" BS is what Nintendo started using during the N64 days when they were losing 3rd party devs.

      I would rather have a lot of good games to pick from rather than a handful of great games. But unfortunately on the Wii short of the first party titles it is hard to find the good games.
      • 0
        Storm Nov 24, 08
        Hm, personal preference then. While it is good to have a variety of decent games around, I don't have to look far nor do I have to spend more to get the 'great' ones.

        You do have a point though, Koloth...I'm kind of getting sick of Mario, heh. I mean, I <3 the Nintendo characters from my childhood days, but if my buds aren't around, my Wii collects dust...I need more games like No More Heroes for the Wii to keep that going.
      • 2
        Akira_EX Nov 24, 08
        Blast Works Build, Trade, Destroy
        Boom Blox
        Castle of Shikigami III
        de Blob
        Disaster: Day of Crisis
        Dokapon Kingdom
        Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon
        Ghost Squad
        House of the Dead 2 & 3 Returns
        MLB Power Pros
        MLB Power Pros 2008
        No More Heroes
        Opoona
        Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces
        Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
        Trauma Center: Second Opinion
        Trauma Center: New Blood
        Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure
        • 0
          black doom Nov 24, 08
          I would have listed a totally different set of games... How is that for variety?
        • 4
          Koloth Nov 24, 08
          Not interested in any of those except perhaps Tales of Symphonia.
        • 3
          Fatal Error Nov 25, 08
          Those are all "must have" games? Other than Symphonia I don't think I'd go anywhere near any of those games. (Symphonia is indeed awesome though).

          Seriously, anyone can just throw together a random list of games for each console.
        • 0
          Akira_EX Nov 25, 08
          In noway did I say must-have.
          quote Koloth
          I would rather have a lot of good games to pick from rather than a handful of great games. But unfortunately on the Wii short of the first party titles it is hard to find the good games.
          It is a response to this.
        • 3
          Koloth Nov 25, 08
          I beleive I said good games Akira. You only listed one "good" game. I have better things to spend my money on than most of what you listed.
        • 1
          Storm Nov 25, 08
          Are you referring only to Tales of Symphonia, Koloth? Because Boom Blox, No More Heroes, and House of the Dead are pretty damn good, too. Akira doesn't know your gaming genre preference or what appeals to you, so he went with a list.
        • 0
          Final Blade Nov 25, 08
          So Storm, out of 18 titles, only 4 are good(including ToS)? Yea that's pretty sad, especially since the other 3 are pretty much up for questioning then automatic.
        • 0
          Akira_EX Nov 25, 08
          By general opinion these are all good games. What about each of them that makes them not good?
        • 0
          Storm Nov 25, 08
          I'm not doubting the other games at all, Final, I just don't believe I should speak for games that I haven't played yet.
        • 3
          Koloth Nov 25, 08
          quote
          What about each of them that makes them not good?
          The fact that I wouldn't spend money on them even if I had nothing else to spend it on.

          They are considered "good" by who? People that only have a Wii? Doesn't mean much to me since I have all three. If you're limited then of course you're going to find very mediocre games fun for a while. Primarily because you're just looking for things to fill time between the next big game. I don't have to do that.
        • 0
          Akira_EX Nov 25, 08
          Who finds them good? Gamers.

          Also, that is an inherently flawed metric.
        • 3
          Koloth Nov 25, 08
          What gamers? I don't see anyone here agreeing with the majority of your list Akira. And we're all gamers.

          Flawed how? I buy what I like. Doesn't matter what console it is on. If I wouldn't every buy it then it isn't good enough for me. How about I do one better and look up the scores for your list.

          Blast Works Build, Trade, Destroy (strangely can't find it on Metacritic [0])
          Boom Blox [85]
          Castle of Shikigami III [67]
          de Blob [81]
          Disaster: Day of Crisis [70]
          Dokapon Kingdom ([71] but not exclusive since the PS2 version got [61])
          Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon [77]
          Ghost Squad [69]
          House of the Dead 2 & 3 Returns [66]
          MLB Power Pros ([80] but again not exclusive since it is on the PS2)
          MLB Power Pros 2008 ([79] same as above)
          No More Heroes [83]
          Opoona [65]
          Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces (no results [0])
          Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World ([68] color me shocked)
          Trauma Center: Second Opinion [80]
          Trauma Center: New Blood [75]
          Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure [87]

          Discarding the 0's that gives you and average of 75. You have quite a few rather low scoring games in there man. I question your opinion at all.
        • 1
          Storm Nov 25, 08
          And here I thought ratings didn't judge how fun a game is...so what if a few 'scored low,' does that automatically rule the game as bad? There's four games in the late 60s range, but people still praise some of them, such as Tales of Symphonia.

          Meh, reviews aren't the major deciding factor in me purchasing a game, it's my interest. Of course, if most of the games scores are average, I'd give the game a rent first, but I don't rule it out completely. You said you buy what you like, yet you're basing this off ratings, so it seems to me that you are buying what the reviewers like.

          But if we are going by reviews and scores, those don't look half bad overall. That list that Akira put up was to mention some 'good' games, not excellent titles but those worthy of looking into. But your mind's already made up, isn't it? Why have a Wii at all then?
        • 2
          Koloth Nov 26, 08
          I never buy based on reviewers scores actually. In fact I rarely if ever read reviews. However since he said that my not wanting any of them isn't good enough I figured I would look up what the critics thought. FYI the users were usually harsher on these games than the critics. Also there are 5 games in the late 60s range. Plus 3 of the titles aren't even exclusive. It comes down to 15 exclusive. 5 of which are rated rather low. 6 are rated about average and the remaing 4 are in the 70s or mediocre. Not a particularly convincing list even based on the numbers.

          And frankly Boom Blox and De Blob are two that I'm completely disinterested and they scored pretty high. On the other hand Resistance on the PS3 scored rather well and I hate that game. So no scores don't mean much to me personally.

          As for why I bought the Wii. Primarily for my son. He for whatever reason loves Mario. So things like Mario Party, Mario and Sonic at the Olympics, and SSBB excite him. In fact Mario and Sonic is his favorite game at the moment. Personally it annoys the hell out of me because it is just a bunch of mini games and some of them are just ridiculusly difficult for no reason. Like the challenges you have to throw a javalin between a certain distance. To far you lose to shart you lose. So I purposely have to gimp my throw and hope I don't gimp it to much.

          But if the kids happy I'm happy. But that doesn't mean I'm going to buy a bunch of games I don't have any interest in. And thankfully he has displayed no interest in either. Though I think I have to buy a Sponge Bob game for Christmas. Bleh. And yet my son had the good taste to tell me he is going to get me Saints Row 2 for Christmas. Where he will get $65 to buy it though is beyond me.
        • 0
          Storm Nov 26, 08
          I see. Maybe you should try Mario Kart, though it seems that you've had your fair share of Mario, heh.

          Highly recommend No More Heroes then, worth checking out.
        • 2
          Cloakblade5 Dec 17, 08
          quote
          quote
          What about each of them that makes them not good?
          The fact that I wouldn't spend money on them even if I had nothing else to spend it on.

          They are considered "good" by who? People that only have a Wii? Doesn't mean much to me since I have all three. If you're limited then of course you're going to find very mediocre games fun for a while. Primarily because you're just looking for things to fill time between the next big game. I don't have to do that.
          Actually, I only have a Wii and I only think two of the games he named are any good.
  • 2
    Akira_EX Nov 24, 08
    Having more power under the hood does not equate to better games.
    • 5
      Koloth Nov 24, 08
      True, however more power means more potential. My 98 ZX2 will never go 200 miles per hour. At best it can do 100. And frankly even if it could I might never actually go that fast. The new C6 Corvette ZO6 on the other hand could and if I had one I might take to to the track to try it.

      The same goes for consoles. The PS3 and 360 have the potential to do things the Wii frankly just can't. And if developers are willing to push it and take risks then they might pull off something incredible. Something that Wii devs just simply can't do and never will do.

      They could on the other hand try to be innovative with the Wii-mote. But they haven't bothered to do much of that either.
  • 2
    Killosity Nov 24, 08
    I think the Wii has many good titles under its belt. However different people regard their Wii differently. For many, including me, its that second console, the one to accompany their PS3 or 360, and it provides sufficient levels of enjoyment in a unique and refreshing way. From this, hardcore titles do not hold as much importance in my eyes from Nintendo compared to those who have the Wii as their sole console in the households.
  • 2
    Shadow net583x s Nov 24, 08
    Let's just blame everyone and get it over with:
    Nintendo: Get the lead out and make some good games!
    3rd Party Developers: Dig beneath the crappy shovelware to find some good ideas!
    Consumers: Stop buying the crappy games in the first place!
    My Cat Mittens: ....
    • 3
      Gillies2006 Nov 24, 08
      God dammit Mittens it's all your fault!
  • 0
    Final Blade Nov 24, 08
    I've been blaming Nintendo alot this generation, more so the Gamecube least gen. Nintendo's new direction wouldn't be bad if they actually made sure the games wasn't crap or devs produced alot of shovelware since they're in charge of what goes on their system.

    And lets see, nintendo antics of "forget about hardcore games that people likes, lets just advertise a shitty game 30 times and hope people don't see how horrible and gimmicky it is". And the whole NoA and Tecmo not knowing who's the publisher for Fatal Frame 4 has pissed me off to no end. I agree 100% with this article, the blame should be more on Nintendo then anything. I feel they barely have good games even within the masses of shovelware, where as on PS3 and 360 you can find alot of good games, and incredible games. Why? Cause devs are taking chances and actually putting forth effort to make quality games, where as Devs think like "Hey the Wii is a cheap console, easy to work, lets just slap on this and that, not spectacular, a mandatory Wii-remote functionality, and call it a day; While being $50 dollars!

    Sorry that doesn't cut it for me. Whether people agree or not with me, the point is personally I see this from Nintendo, and me being a long time nintendo fan, grew up on them with Street Fighter, they have pissed me off alot this generation.

    And for Christ sakes, nintendo, make new franchises, take a damn chance on something, instead of rehashing games like Mario Zelda and Metroid Prime 500 times.
    • 1
      Zaraze Nov 24, 08
      There are only 3 Metroid Prime games and Nintendo already confirmed they won't be making any more. If you meant Metroid in general it's one of Ninty's most popular franchises and has arguably the least games out of most of them. Plus new Metroid games were about 4 years apart (8 between SM and MP) so there's really no reason to drag Metroid into it =/ And seriously why fix what isn't broken? Yeah they do need some more franchises but they seriously need to keep making Zelda and Mario, as of yet they are some of the only 'harcore' games Ninty still has.
      • 0
        Final Blade Nov 24, 08
        I stated that cause its the most notable Nintendo series from the past. Mario has been milked far to much with horrible spin off's. Maybe not so much as the next 2, but it just seems Nintendo cares more about those titles then new franchises, and relying on the old. If they made like 2-3 mario's per gen, that would fine. But not these Mario party, mario kart...mario tennis, mario this and that. Its becoming ridiculous and feeding devs more reasons to not take anything to the next level or make something new. Nintendo as I said relies too much on old exclusives.

        Nintendo Wii current progression in games and the force mandatory Wii Remote is broken thus needs fixing, and why i'm pissed at them.
        • 0
          Capn Droid Dec 18, 08
          I prefer to think of Mario Kart as its own series, due to its epicosity. But, this is my absolutely personal opinion.

          Meanwhile, I find it a shame that they aren't going to be making any Metroids. Do they not realize what a great franchise it was? And does this mean no more Samus in Super Smash Bros. in the future? Pretty shit move, if you ask me.
  • 3
    BANDITO ATTACK Nov 24, 08
    of course nintendo is the only one making any decent games (for the most part), but they're also making bullshit like wiifit and wiimusic.

    the problem behind the Wii's 'shovelware' is that the wiimote motionsensor bullshit is the only incentive or reason to even be developing for the wii instead of the ps3 or xbox 360. the other two machines are more powerful, and are much better with online connectivity. so why would anyone even WANT to develop for the wii? just to use the wiimote. then they overuse it!
    • 0
      Slumpy monkey Nov 24, 08
      Probs because devs see.

      Casual game+wii= ka-ching.

      Then Nintendo produce a couple of good games(that have been dummed down for casuals) and say they cater to everyone.
  • 1
    Kanon_fan Nov 24, 08
    Ha, Your one to speak Reggie, denying Disaster, one of the better games in a while, release in America, while Wii Music is your big release at the time >_>

    And what was the last good first party game Ninty threw out? Mario Galaxy I'd say, last November.

    For the record I aint on the Ninty hatewagon, the Wii is the only current gen console I own
  • 0
    RabidChinaGirl Nov 25, 08
    This is kind of depressing (the comments more than the article). I currently have a Wii in my house because a relative went out of town but didn't want to leave his console behind (my uncle, to be exact, and he bought it for Wii Sports). I was considering looking for some fun games to try... (I normally play my 360 or PC).
  • 0
    Roy Nov 25, 08
    The Wii is not that bad. They just released Animal Crossing: City Folk 2 weeks ago and it's doing pretty well.
  • 0
    anacreon Nov 25, 08
    Yes i blame ninty for letting such shitty games get on the wii.

    as for wiifit and wiimusic those games are just there to show off potential witch hasn't been fully utilized by devs. not many devs have tried the balance board i have only seen 2 games other than wii fit that uses the balance board. also devs aren't forced to make it work with the wii-mote they could use gc or classic controller as well.
  • 0
    Capn Droid Nov 26, 08
    Wow... Nintendo just realized this. Or at least just made obvious they've realized this.

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