Any Wii remorse out there?

[rhoelsch]

Before I get a Wii (or at least try to look for one), I wanted to ask those who own one if the novelty wears off after a few months... I can get one this month, or hold steady and look for a PS3 for the holidays (not an Xbox person)...my wife has expressed interest in a Wii, and typically shuns gaming alltogether... your experiences, please

[DaveMMR]

Nope, no Wiimorse (uggh - sorry about that) here.  The Wii has gotten plenty of play in our place.  Friends come over and the little machine doesn't get a rest.  I haven't gotten bored with it yet either.  I can download old games if I'm not into playing the new ones at the moment.  Plus the Wii is a very attractive machine to the non-gamers (especially wives and girlfriends). 

That being said, don't buy it for the "novelty" of it.  That will wear thin.  Buy it because it has some genuinely good games for it (Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid 3, LOZ: Twilight Princess, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, etc.) and for it's social possibilities (Wii Sports with the wife, Warioware with a group of friends, etc.).  If Nintendo first party games aren't your cup of tea (and you don't see yourself playing much with others) than maybe you can pass.

[PhiDeltCraiger]

I do have some Wiimorse. I bought it over a year ago and played it consistenly for about nine months. Then I bought the 360. Now the Wii is only played when friends or family are over. Bottom line is the Wii is best for multiplayer/party games. If you are going to be mainly playing solo get the 360 or PS3.

That being said: The 360 is much better than the PS3. The playstation may be more power full and slightly better graphics it fails in the bringing the full gaming experience. The xbox live service is much better than sony's. More games are out for the 360. However, the PS3 has bluray. Its really about personaly preference in the end.

Just my $.02

[knave]

I'm really happy that I bought a Wii last summer.  I play it all the time, though I also play a lot of Gamecube games that I missed out on.  If I were to go back, I'd buy it all over again.  I love playing tennis or bowling with the wife and kids.

I did find that after a while it wasn't the control style that kept me coming back but the fun and more active gameplay. (or the GC games)

[ChadTower]

I'm probably one of the only people that has a GC sitting next to the Wii.   

[havic626]

i like playing the wii, but my kids LOVE playing it.  Plus its also fun to watch family and friends wear themself out playing the boxing on the sports games it comes with.

[AtomSmasher]

No Wii remorse here, but I do agree that if you don't think you'll like the first party Nintendo games (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, etc.) then I would pass on it since theres currently only 3 or 4 really good third party games for it.

[somunny]

Bought one on launch day and played it for about six months.  Once the novelty wore off for me, I sold it.  I definitely don't regret buying one, though.  Especially since I was able to make a profit on a used system.

[patrickl]

I liked playing a few games on the Wii, but really only a few. I hardly ever play on it anymore. Personally I'd rather have a PS3 or Xbox 360.

My kid still uses the Wii though.

[pointdablame]

I've got some Wiimorse.  After playing the few games I was really interested in (Mario, Super Paper Mario, Metroid, Zelda) it's been relegated to 3rd tier gaming for sure.  I rarely have folks over and in the mood to play Wii games.  We'd all much rather play Rock Band or the like.

My 360 is by far my go-to gaming system.  There's a list in my head of games I want to play on the 360 (and a few on PS3 as well) but the Wii has been pretty much collecting dust for months now.  Smash Bros will change that, and Mario Kart likely will down the line as well, but other than that.......   

[shmokes]

I don't have Wiimorse, really, though I haven't turned my Wii on in over three months.  Mostly I just don't have any time.  I've never even played Mario Galaxy or Metroid Prime 3, so it's not like I've got nothing to do with my Wii.  All things being equal, including price, though, I'd buy a PS3 to be perfectly honest.  I've VERY disappointed in the motion control on the Wii.  And, of course, the CPU/GPU leave a great deal to be desired.  Still, though, I've had loads of fun with it, especially when I have groups of people over.  I'm glad to have one, and I won't get rid of it, but it's definitely not the gaming revolution it could have been, IMO.  I think in the end Sony will still come out on top this generation (if not in Hardware sales, definitely in software sales).

[DaveMMR]

(if not in Hardware sales, definitely in software sales).

Yup, PS2 titles. 

[RTSDaddy2]

No regrets here - we bought ours on launch day and it was dead by February; the replacement is still running strong though.  Wouldn't trade it for anything.

There are a couple of things I've been disappointed with lately though, the first being the lack of new channels.  I know WiiWare is coming soon, and that should be interesting, but I really had hopes that we'd  see quite a number of useful channels and they just aren't there.  I understand they are also used for VC games and the like, but one of the Wii's big selling points for me was the different channels.  By the time WiiWare comes out, it will be the first useful channel in about a year, I think (since shop channel).

The lack of games with a true understanding of the Wiimote is frustrating also.  I'm not technically minded enough to know if I truly agree with shmookes position on how good it is, but one thing's for sure....very few developers outside Nintendo are making good use of them.

That said, Super Mario Galaxy is a hell of a game, one where the motion controls are just as near perfect as you could ask...and from what I hear Super Smash Bros. is going to be the next big thing for it also.  For what few disappointments I do have, once again I would NOT give it up for anything.  If I had bought it for the novelty though, I would be severly disappointed....don't do that.

[pointdablame]

The internet capabilities of the Wii aren't just mediocre, they actually upset me.  Friend codes, diff codes for systems/games, almost complete lack of online play, no new channels.... its just a mess.  Nintendo has no clue what to do in the online space and it really is a shame.

I don't even do a lot of online gaming, but having Xbox Live and even the PS Store is really nice.  That's a major disappointment for me with the Wii.

[shmokes]

That said, Super Mario Galaxy is a hell of a game, one where the motion controls are just as near perfect as you could ask...

Like I say, I've never played Super Mario Galaxy.  For all I know, Nintendo finally figured out how to nail the control problems.  But my guess is that if it has "near perfect" control it is using the analog stick and the pointer, but not the motion sensors.  In my experience the motion sensors are useless except for large, crude gestures.  Hence, a golf swing works pretty well, but putting is a mess in Wii Sports Golf.  Bowling is great, but Boxing is crazy bad.  And in Twilight Princess, having to waggle the remote to swing the sword is an exercise in frustration, while using the pointer for things like the bow-and-arrow is brilliant with the controller.  So I suspect that if you love the use of the Wii Remote in Mario Galaxy it's because they made heavy use of the pointer, and little use of the motion sensors.

[DaveMMR]

SMG is about 90% "just pointing" with the Wiimote (and that's only to grab "Star Bits").   There are a few levels, though, that have you do different things with the Wiimote (e.g. one level has you maneuvering Mario on a ball ala Monkey Ball and you use the Wiimote like a joystick).  So yeah, there are practically no chances in that game for frustration with the controls.

I don't know if the sensors are all that unreliable (without saying they're reliable either).  I agree with you completely on boxing and golf on Wii Sports.  But there are some titles where they seemed to have gotten it working quite well (I was actually kind of impressed with Rayman: Raving Rabbids; It may have something to do with the game refusing to play until you to move closer to the TV).

EDIT: Clarity

[ChadTower]

I have no trouble getting Wii Sports Golf to work well.  I hit putts with good consistency.  It just takes practice - and there is no perfectly consistent way to do it because of so many variables.  That's no different than real putting, and in that manner, it's a lot more real than you're saying.

Boxing can be a little frustrating but only until you figure out the exact necessary movements.  They aren't quite what you would think.  Took me a bit of time but once I got it I went high pro in a weekend.  My 6 year old got it instantly - he went through Boxing like Little Mac on steroids and was 1300 before he lost a fight.  I think it's because he's so small and fast - very short quick thrusts, and it was when I emulated him rather than actually throwing adult sized punches that I started winning high level fights.

The game everyone gives credit for, bowling, it just way too easy.  My wife has trouble with it but I went pro in 10-11 games right out of the box.  The one that kills me is baseball - hitting actually feels really natural except the lack of feedback - but those damn sidearm pitchers at the pro level are almost unhittable in a three inning game.

[patrickl]

I'd say the only game where the motion sensors work is in WarioWare Smoothmoves. At least the girls enjoy playing that game and it's funny how you have to hold the controller differently for every little game.

It's nice that you can quickly switch from a gun game to a driving game without hooking up different controls, but the problem is that the driving is so incredibly inaccurate that it's hardly worth the effort.

I actually had quite some problems with the controller in one of the Raving Rabids challenges. The one where you have to switch the radio on per color and then knock out the rabbids with that color. Now and then it just will not hit the rabbids no matter how much I swing the thing around.

[ChadTower]

I finally beat Thousand Year Door last night - so now I can move on to Super Paper Mario.  It has only been sitting there since Xmas in the shrinkwrap.  I still have to finish off Mario 64 before I will open SMG.  I have this odd need to beat the prior games before going on to the new ones.

[DaveMMR]

I actually had quite some problems with the controller in one of the Raving Rabids challenges. The one where you have to switch the radio on per color and then knock out the rabbids with that color. Now and then it just will not hit the rabbids no matter how much I swing the thing around.

Funny, that one was one of the easiest for me since it requires non-specific waggling of the stick to hit things. 

The controls for Metroid Prime 3 take a little getting used to but once you do it's pretty spot-on.

[ChadTower]

The thing that bugs me most about the online service is that if you don't use WiiConnect24 half of the online stuff is disabled.  WTF is that crap.

[ClubNinja]

Interesting reading.  I camped out for a launch Wii, got it home, and we played it non-stop for about 2-3 months.  Ultimately, I found that I had no long-term interest in any of the games (I think Wii Sports held the record for only losing me after 2 months instead of 2 days).  By the end, I was renting games on a Friday night and either completing them or getting very bored of them by time they were due for return on Sunday. 

I was also very disappointed with the online play.  You could argue that the Wii is designed more for in-person multiplayer, but rarely have gaming playing company at the house, so the whole party aspect is kind of useless.  As Chad noted, WiiConnect24 was very frustrating and we missed out on most of the functionality by keeping it disabled.  As far as downloadables went, I really didn't have any need to rebuy classic games, nor did I really care about Everybody Votes or Mii Parades. 

Finally, I remember picking up Need for Speed Carbon and driving around with the various control styles for about 30 minutes.  By the end, I was thinking how much more fun I would've been having with a standard controller that didn't rely on the fruity motion stuff.  That moment, teamed with lack of compelling games and lame online service, is what led me to ultimate Wiimorse.  I sold the Wii and games I had, and - as someone else noted - made a profit on the whole experience.  I used the cash to buy a PS3 and have been enjoying that paired with the 360 infinitely more than the Wii. 

Since then, I've played Mario Galaxy and mostly liked it, but not enough to justify the entire console.  I've also watched 3 vastly different friends buy a Wii, love it for a relatively short period of time, and move on to either PC or 360 gaming. 

[versapak]

Interesting reading.  I camped out for a launch Wii, got it home, and we played it non-stop for about 2-3 months.  Ultimately, I found that I had no long-term interest in any of the games (I think Wii Sports held the record for only losing me after 2 months instead of 2 days).  By the end, I was renting games on a Friday night and either completing them or getting very bored of them by time they were due for return on Sunday. 

I was also very disappointed with the online play.  You could argue that the Wii is designed more for in-person multiplayer, but rarely have gaming playing company at the house, so the whole party aspect is kind of useless.  As Chad noted, WiiConnect24 was very frustrating and we missed out on most of the functionality by keeping it disabled.  As far as downloadables went, I really didn't have any need to rebuy classic games, nor did I really care about Everybody Votes or Mii Parades. 

Finally, I remember picking up Need for Speed Carbon and driving around with the various control styles for about 30 minutes.  By the end, I was thinking how much more fun I would've been having with a standard controller that didn't rely on the fruity motion stuff.  That moment, teamed with lack of compelling games and lame online service, is what led me to ultimate Wiimorse.  I sold the Wii and games I had, and - as someone else noted - made a profit on the whole experience.  I used the cash to buy a PS3 and have been enjoying that paired with the 360 infinitely more than the Wii. 

Since then, I've played Mario Galaxy and mostly liked it, but not enough to justify the entire console.  I've also watched 3 vastly different friends buy a Wii, love it for a relatively short period of time, and move on to either PC or 360 gaming. 

Pretty much how I felt exactly.


The Wii was only great when there were was a party like environment in my house to make use of it.

When it came to solo play, there was just nothing to hold my interest. Especially when it was sitting next to my 360, which now with Rock Band, is the only thing that makes it out when there is a party environment goin on.

[ChadTower]

The Wii is working well for us because I have the kids - they're now old enough for useful multiplayer gaming.  I have been slowly rolling out games for it, though, so that we don't tire of the system too fast, given its low volume of good titles.  We're big marks for first party Nintendo content.

[shmokes]

Ya know, now that I think about it, this probably applies to me as well.  My Wii used to get used like crazy when I was in undergrad.  I always had groups of friends over, though.  Now I'm in law school and there's not nearly as much socializing going on (not to mention that I've only lived here for six months so I haven't made nearly as many friends as I left behind -- and my wife just works so she hasn't made any friends to speak of).  My daughter is too young to have any interest in games.  I'm sure the lack of any party-atmosphere at my place plays into the fact that my Wii has not been turned on in over three months.

[hypernova]

but putting is a mess in Wii Sports Golf

Never had problems putting or doing anything else in golf.  None of my friends have problems putting either.  Just finished a round of -7 last week during a party.

Boxing is crazy bad

I finally figured out how to hook and uppercut consistently...

You just have to move so slow in the backswings that it leaves you exposed far too long, thus any CPU over 1000 and ANY human opponent will slaughter you.  So basically just pumping your hands in and out like an idiot as Chad suggested will get you far over pro level, and is essentially the way everyone plays.

And in Twilight Princess, having to waggle the remote to swing the sword is an exercise in frustration

What's so hard about flicking a remote?  How can anyone have any trouble with swordsmanship???

[shmokes]

Never had problems putting or doing anything else in golf.  None of my friends have problems putting either.  Just finished a round of -7 last week during a party.

That is simply not true.  I've played Wii sports with dozens of people on at least four different consoles.  Beyond that, I've read MANY reviews and impressions of the game.  I simply do not believe that your controller and/or copy of Wii Sports is different than anyone else's.  In the putting game the controller has a very difficult time registering that any movement has been made when you need to just tap the ball a foot or two to get into the hole.  If you swing hard enough for the controller to register any movement, it's often reads it as a long put.  I have my golden golf clubs.  And I've got a gold in every practice event.  I can out-golf most people in Wii Sports Golf.  I know this is a universal problem, especially for people who have not learned to compensate for the controller's shortcomings.

I also have pro-status in boxing, and I've figured out how to throw the various punches with some degree of consistency.  It seems to work best if you treat the controller like it's a spoon or shovel and you make quick, sharp digging motions, instead of motions that resemble actual punches.  But once again, the fact that I can compensate for the controller's shortcoming to some degree does not make those shortcomings disappear.  It makes for a really poor game of boxing.

Lastly, in Twilight Princess, for the most part the fact that I have to waggle in order to accomplish something that that could be done with a button press (and, indeed, was done with a button press as recently as the E3 prior to the games final release) is merely obnoxious, but there are parts of the game when timing is crucial when it has a significant impact on gameplay, (the final battle with Ganon being the most conspicuous example -- very frustrating).

The motion sensors just aren't what they should be.  If Nintendo was going to foresake any and all technological advancement in lieu of focusing exclusively on a new control scheme, they should have nailed it.  They didn't.  The pointer is perfectly acceptable, but not great, and the motion sensing is poor.  Imagine having a button on a controller that only registered some, or even most of the time when you pressed it, even when you pressed it perfectly.  THAT is what the motion control amounts to on the Wii's controller.  It is completely unacceptable.  The system can be loads of fun, and certain types of games can make fun use of the crude motion sensing that the system is capable of, like Wario Ware.  But it's crap, really.  Any game that needs even a modicum of input accuracy uses either the pointer or the nunchuck, or it's crap. 

Look at the reviews of Tiger Woods Golf for PS3/360 compared to Wii (there are at least two out, maybe three).  It is an damned-to-hell-and-eternally-burn-in-a-lake-of-fire SIN that Tiger Woods is better on PS3/360 than on the Wii.  Think about it.  How can that even be possible unless there is something fundamentally wrong with the Wii controller?

[dweebs0r]

Anyone with Wii-morse can contact me if they are interested in selling their Wii.  I am looking for an older (ie: moddable) Wii.

-D

[Moose13]

Santa got the Wii for my kids (4 & 6) for Christmas. They can't get enough of it. As for me, I like the fact that anyone, even if they never played video games before, can pick up wii sports and play at any time. Yeah, the controls aren't the best but it's a blast when your 4 year old can be competitive in sports games (OK, he plays much much more than me). I have to say that if I didn't have kids, I'd have a 360 (most likely due to easy modding) or PS3.
One thing saddens me though. My 4 Y.O. told me just last night "We don't like the arcade anymore Daddy, only the Wii".   
Of course my arcade machine is my pride, but I guess 80's nostalgia doesn't sit too well with someone born in 2003.

As far as the older Wii's that can be modded; they ALL can be modded. I have a D2C mod, it plays everything flawlessly.

[ChadTower]

As far as the older Wii's that can be modded; they ALL can be modded. I have a D2C mod, it plays everything flawlessly.

Sure, but the newer ones cost a lot more to have done.  Very few of us are going to want to do that super fine soldering.  I'm a pretty good solderer and I won't go near that one.

[Moose13]

Yeah, I modded a PS2 in my day, and I opened the Wii and though maybe I'd venture into it. I got the thing open and the drive out but when I catually saw the points to soldered, I brought it to a place to get done. There is no way I could have done it myself. I agree, the points are way too fine.

[shmokes]

I sound harsh.  But I don't have Wii Remorse.  I'm glad I own one, and I've had loads of fun with it.  And I'll have loads more fun with it in the future.  I just think that all-things-considered, I'd prefer a PS3.  I think the PS3 is a better system.  It is, of course, objectively a vastly superior system in every way besides control (and price, I suppose).  I think we can all agree on that.  For this reason, I think the Wii was a big let down and I think it explains why people so often love the hell out of the Wii at first, and then it starts gathering dust.  It's not a worthless piece of ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- or anything.  It's just not what it should have been.

[knave]

You guys are bumming me out.  I like the Wii, My Kids Love the Wii.  It is fun. 

But it's not a PS3 or Xbox 360.  It's just not the same.  Some days I want a 360 to try out some of the xbox live titles(N+), and perhaps rockband.  But when it comes down to it I know that I made the right decision.  There are tons of really fun games I want to play, some are Wii games and some are GC games. I don't have time for them all.  I wouldn't have time for the other systems either.  And my Kids wouldn't have most of the content that they like.  I also have a fondness for genisis games.  So if my old girl ever gives up the ghost I know that I'll be able to get most of my favorites off of the VC. (not to mention NES games and Neo Geo titles)

Is the Wii perfect...Heck no.  I really want some better online options and I wish oh do I wish that they would at least enable the Wiimote power button when I'm playing a GC game.  I'm spoiled by the Wii's total wireless nature.  But despite it's flaws it's my first current console since the sega and I am using the heck out of it. 

I'm having a good time...I hope I'm not a minority.

[Sir Auros]

I have Wiimorse. Waited in line at launch and have had it since then, but once I finished Twilight Princess, I didn't really play it again until Metroid Prime 3, and then it was inactive until Super Mario Galaxy (which I still haven't played enough to complete). It was a hit at parties until we had a second guitar for Guitar Hero and now the Rock Band set, so it doesn't even get used then.

It's still only compelling as a Nintendo game playing device to me, but my 360 gets playtime every day.

[TOK]

Definitely think its over-rated. The things that make it accessible for kids and non-gamers are the very things that make it boring for gamers. Way underpowered, and the controller is a gimmick in about 80% of the games.

Wife bought ours for our daughter and we played some bowling and stuff on it, but it doesn't even get played an hour per week.

[dweebs0r]

Very few of us are going to want to do that super fine soldering.  I'm a pretty good solderer and I won't go near that one.

Yep.  Me too.  I have modded several consoles.  I dont want to mess with the Wii and I dont know anyone I trust enough to send them a new Wii to mod given the difficulty of the mod.

-D

[hypernova]

In the putting game the controller has a very difficult time registering that any movement has been made when you need to just tap the ball a foot or two to get into the hole.  If you swing hard enough for the controller to register any movement, it's often reads it as a long put.

Now I'll admit that there are times here and there that it doesn't register my short putt, but never do I overpower a putt that is less than a foot, nor has my 40 year old boss who's played it well since he first had the chance.  He is nowhere close to being a gamer.  He doesn't own any systems.  The only thing he has going for him is he golfs for fun.  He putts as well as me in the game.  I'd say he's played a total of no more than 12 rounds combined when I've brought the system over.

Lastly, in Twilight Princess, for the most part the fact that I have to waggle in order to accomplish something that that could be done with a button press

That would defeat the purpose of the console, wouldn't it?

the final battle with Ganon being the most conspicuous example -- very frustrating

What's giving you trouble?  SPOILER:  Assuming you mean the sword fight in the field, the only trouble I have is one of his attacks is extremely quick, and hard to spot before it's too late.  Now the horseback before that can be annoying, but once again, you've got little time to react.

The motion sensors just aren't what they should be.

I would agree to an extent.  Boxing is a perfect example.  It cannot accurately register quick movements precisely when those movements can vary from left-right, up-down, etc.

This system is a start.  For a generation that will last five or so years, it'll suffice in its capabilities.  I would like to see a successor that is as perfectly accurate as is possible without getting pricey.

It was a hit at parties until we had a second guitar for Guitar Hero and now the Rock Band set, so it doesn't even get used then.

My group isn't into that kind of thing, and personally, I don't get the big deal with those.  Not my cup of tea.  Plus, my strumming hand cramped after two songs on GH2.

[Sir Auros]

It was a hit at parties until we had a second guitar for Guitar Hero and now the Rock Band set, so it doesn't even get used then.

My group isn't into that kind of thing, and personally, I don't get the big deal with those.  Not my cup of tea.  Plus, my strumming hand cramped after two songs on GH2.

And I just don't get the appeal of waving around a very imprecise controller to play largely mediocre or subpar games. 

[shmokes]

No . . . I'm talking about the game of pong that you play with Ganon's energy-projectile.  Sorry if that's a spoiler, but if it's a spoiler you haven't played a Legend of Zelda game since Legend of Zelda II on the NES.

On the putting game I never hit them long either, because I've got the thing figured out.  But it frequently takes me more than one try to get the thing to register my swing.  I just don't get frustrated and overcompensate. 

Also, I think you misunderstand my point about waggling where a button press would suffice.  The motion control in Wii Sports bowling is a net gain.  You could not accomplish with a single button press everything you do with a life-like motion that resembles an actually roll in bowling, complete with spin.  Same goes for baseball.  And with tennis, a great deal of data goes into your swing including backhand/forehand, speed of swing, etc.  You cannot accomplish with a button press the same thing that you do with motion controller in those games.   The same cannot be said about Twilight Princess.  The ONLY thing waggling adds is frustration.

[RTSDaddy2]

Also, I think you misunderstand my point about waggling where a button press would suffice.  The motion control in Wii Sports bowling is a net gain.  You could not accomplish with a single button press everything you do with a life-like motion that resembles an actually roll in bowling, complete with spin.  Same goes for baseball.  And with tennis, a great deal of data goes into your swing including backhand/forehand, speed of swing, etc.  You cannot accomplish with a button press the same thing that you do with motion controller in those games.   The same cannot be said about Twilight Princess.  The ONLY thing waggling adds is frustration.

With all due respect, NOW I understand your frustrations with the Wiimote.  It's not your lack of explanation, it was my lack of understanding.

Saw a demo of Super Smash Bros yesterday, still hoping to find a copy of it this morning.  I've never played this title before, but was amazed at how easy it was to get in to and figure out.  Maro Kart Racing also reviewed in latest Nintendo power, as well as glimpses of WiiWare titles.  Oh, and WiiFit is on it's way as well (yes, I AM interested in it, if not downright excited). Seems like a cure for my doldrums is just around the bend!

The one this I do wish - seriously - that would happen is that we'd see a few more third party titles do well.  Sure the Rayman thing was well received, as was Zack and Wikki (sp?) but it'd be fun to see third party titles generate near as much "splash" as these established titles are doing.

[hypernova]

And I just don't get the appeal of waving around a very imprecise controller to play largely mediocre or subpar games

And you don't even need to know the words of the songs in Rock Band, just the general pitch.

And by my account, PS3 doesn't have a decent exclusive game.  FFXIII (I assume) will be the first.  360 only has about three by my standards so far.

[shmokes]

What about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune?  Or some of these other ones..  In fact, when it comes to libraries, it's worth noting that according to Metacritic the PS3 has 45 games with an average review score of 8.0/10 or higher, while the Wii has 15.

[DaveMMR]

Well while everyone is counting scores over at Metacredit, it's important to know what types of games you want to play when making console buying decisions.   The reason I'm partial to the Wii (as well as many others) is because I've downgraded myself to "casual gamer".  I no longer have the time of patience for the complex games found on the Xbox 360 and PS3 (not to say they aren't enjoyable nor to say those systems don't have simple, fun games either).  I like the simplicity of Wii games (as well as many VC offerings) as many of them have quicker learning curves.  Many titles are "pick up and play".  Less is more with me.  If my description above represents the exact opposite of your interests, perhaps the Wii isn't for you. :-)

[ChadTower]

What about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune?  Or some of these other ones..  In fact, when it comes to libraries, it's worth noting that according to Metacritic the PS3 has 45 games with an average review score of 8.0/10 or higher, while the Wii has 15.

If that meant anything the PS3 would have 45 high quality games.  I'm not saying the Wii has depth to the library, but we can all pretty much agree, the PS3 doesn't have forty five great games.

[AtomSmasher]

What about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune?  Or some of these other ones..  In fact, when it comes to libraries, it's worth noting that according to Metacritic the PS3 has 45 games with an average review score of 8.0/10 or higher, while the Wii has 15.

If that meant anything the PS3 would have 45 high quality games.  I'm not saying the Wii has depth to the library, but we can all pretty much agree, the PS3 doesn't have forty five great games.

Metacritic included downloadable games, which is why it shows 45.  As for ps3 exclusives, the only one I personally care about is Rachet and Clank, they have a couple of other ones with good reviews, but none of them are games I really want to play.  EGM recently had a cover story article saying why the PS3 is going to have a great year, and their #1 reason was the upcoming exclusives, and pretty much none of the games on the list interested me (and is partly why I finally chose to buy a 360 over a ps3).

Their list of killer upcoming ps3 exclusives was Metal Gear Solid 4, Gran Turismo 5, Resistance 2, Final Fantasy XIII, SOCOM, and Infamous.    Infamous is the only one I might want to play, but I haven't heard much about it yet.

Anyways, I'm heading out now to buy Super Smash Bros. Brawl 

[TOK]

Well while everyone is counting scores over at Metacredit, it's important to know what types of games you want to play when making console buying decisions.   The reason I'm partial to the Wii (as well as many others) is because I've downgraded myself to "casual gamer".  I no longer have the time of patience for the complex games found on the Xbox 360 and PS3 (not to say they aren't enjoyable nor to say those systems don't have simple, fun games either).  I like the simplicity of Wii games (as well as many VC offerings) as many of them have quicker learning curves.  Many titles are "pick up and play".  Less is more with me.  If my description above represents the exact opposite of your interests, perhaps the Wii isn't for you. :-)

The lack of time is one of the most appealing aspects of MAME. Its nice to be able to play a couple games when I have a free half hour or something. The bad thing for the Wii is that the simple game niche is filled and I'm not really looking for that elsewhere.

[DaveMMR]

Well while everyone is counting scores over at Metacredit, it's important to know what types of games you want to play when making console buying decisions.   The reason I'm partial to the Wii (as well as many others) is because I've downgraded myself to "casual gamer".  I no longer have the time of patience for the complex games found on the Xbox 360 and PS3 (not to say they aren't enjoyable nor to say those systems don't have simple, fun games either).  I like the simplicity of Wii games (as well as many VC offerings) as many of them have quicker learning curves.  Many titles are "pick up and play".  Less is more with me.  If my description above represents the exact opposite of your interests, perhaps the Wii isn't for you. :-)

The lack of time is one of the most appealing aspects of MAME. Its nice to be able to play a couple games when I have a free half hour or something. The bad thing for the Wii is that the simple game niche is filled and I'm not really looking for that elsewhere.

By "simple" I'm referring more to the gameplay mechanics rather than length of playtime.  A lot of what I've played on the PS2, Xbox, etc. required numerous different action buttons, have longer learning curves, and wastes a lot of time on plot development rather than action.  (In fairness, I should note that my one complaint with Super Mario Galaxy is that there's a little too much story, especially when you first begin.)   There's nothing wrong with any of that, it's just not doing it for me anymore.   

By I do agree that MAME games do really fit the bill when you only have 15 to 20 minutes to kill.   But so do the VC games. 

[Daniel270]

I don't feel like it's remorse, so much as why can't I play this and a couple more simultaneously? lol..  Between the 360, Wii, the PC, MAME and the older consoles, I feel like I can't take the time to do more than a bit of each one.  My attention span doesn't work that way.  For a while, I'll play Warcraft on the PC, then I'll load up Zelda or Raving Rabbids on the Wii and go hawg wild for a bit.  That sort of thing....

But, I think, ultimately, I'm at the last leg of my console purchasing days.  I'll enjoy what I've got as I make time for it, but I'm willingly going to drop out of the race to have the next latest, "greatest" thing.  It's all luxury items that are getting past my ability to afford and justify.

[Kangum]

 i dont think i fully understood what the wii was all about when i got it. so its my fault i have wii remorse. as you know wii is all about motion control. not sometimes like a powerglove or novelty. but all the time. in every game.

the fact is im both lazy and i like violence. xbox 360 better serves my needs.

[genesim]

I like MK Armageddon on the Wii, the control is real nice.   A sin that they didn't include online play though.  What were they thinking?

The wii mote does the moves perfectly.   You just have to now how to use them.   PAUSE after the special move, and it works every time.   And no, it doesn't change a furious fight at all.   

[shmokes]

If that meant anything the PS3 would have 45 high quality games.  I'm not saying the Wii has depth to the library, but we can all pretty much agree, the PS3 doesn't have forty five great games.

Nor does the Wii have 15 great games.  It means something because even if the standard makes it appear that there are more great games than there are, the same standard is being applied to both systems.

I'm not even saying that one system has the better library than the other.  I've never even played a PS3.  I am just responding to what I strongly suspect is a myth that the PS3's library is a wasteland, while the Wii and 360 enjoy phenomenal libraries. 

[AtomSmasher]

I'm not even saying that one system has the better library than the other.  I've never even played a PS3.  I am just responding to what I strongly suspect is a myth that the PS3's library is a wasteland, while the Wii and 360 enjoy phenomenal libraries. 

The PS3's library is not a wasteland, its the PS3 exclusives library that is a wasteland.  They only have 2 or 3 good games that can't be played on other systems.

[AtomSmasher]

Nor does the Wii have 15 great games.  It means something because even if the standard makes it appear that there are more great games than there are, the same standard is being applied to both systems.

Just thought I'd add to this even though its something I already said.  Metacritic includes downloadable games, so even though the same standard is being applied to both systems, the Wii is only including full retail releases, while the PS3 is including small downloadable games.  I guess this will be evened out once WiiWare comes out and gets a full library of original downloadable games.

[DaveMMR]

I like MK Armageddon on the Wii, the control is real nice.   A sin that they didn't include online play though.  What were they thinking?

The wii mote does the moves perfectly.   You just have to now how to use them.   PAUSE after the special move, and it works every time.   And no, it doesn't change a furious fight at all.   

You know, ironically, I prefer regular controllers (e.g. GC or Classic Controller) for that game.  But therein lies the good example of considerately programmed Wii software.  It has motion controls for those that want to use the system's unique feature, but left the game controllable by more conventional methods for those that just want to play the game without an additional learning curve. 

[shmokes]

Metacritic includes downloadable games, so even though the same standard is being applied to both systems, the Wii is only including full retail releases, while the PS3 is including small downloadable games. 

I'm not going to say that's entirely irrelevant, but it's pretty close.  A #1, of the 45 games on the list only a VERY small percentage of them are downloadable games.  B #2, a downloadable game is, well, a game.  If it's new content, and it's loads of fun, I can't for the life of me see why it would be any less appropriate on Metacritic as a game that was delivered on a physical disc. 

The Wii doesn't have any downloadable games on MetaCritic because you can't get downloadable games for the Wii (new content, that is).  That doesn't mean that MetaCritic is unfairly favoring the Playstation 3; it simply means that the Playstation 3 has something cool that the Wii doesn't have.

[shmokes]

Also, I just counted, and of those 45 games, 14 (may be off by one or so) are exclusive to the PS3.  Of those, one or maybe two were downloadable games, and MotorStorm counted twice cos one is the Japanese import version which rates higher for some reason that I did not look into.  So, conservatively, you have at least 10 games on PS3 that are exclusive, full retail games that are not available on any other system.  edit: I'm only counting games with an 8/10 score or better here.

The Wii has 8.

Not to mention, isn't it a little bit funny when comparing the PS3 library to the Wii library for you to say you can't count games that are available on other systems?  I mean, in such a comparison, shouldn't a game count as effectively exclusive, so long as it's not available on the Wii?  For example, I own a Wii and do not own an Xbox 360.  If I get a PS3 it opens the door to play a whole bunch of games that I couldn't previously play, including games that I would be able to play on the 360, if I owned a 360.  You can't just entirely discount the importance of multiplatform games just because they're multiplatform.  You have to do one of two things: you either give PS3 credit for having the game, or Wii takes a hit for not having the game.  The net result is the same either way.

And it's a BluRay player to boot (the best BluRay player on the market, I might add).  PS3 seems like it'd be a pretty decent platform to own.

I'm just sayin . . .

[ChadTower]

You're arguing 14 vs 8 all this time after release?

Shouldn't your point be "all this time after release we only get 22 quality games combined"?

[shmokes]

Not when my argument is a direct reply to this:

And by my account, PS3 doesn't have a decent exclusive game. 

[AtomSmasher]

10 exclusive games of which there are only 2 that I would want to play, the Wii has 8 exclusives with 8 or better of which there are 7 I want to play (and already own).  Although I do have to admit that I did not think there were 10 exclusive games on the ps3 with a 8 or higher rating.

Also, I wasn't replying to the Wii vs PS3 debate, I was replying to you saying the PS3 has 45 good games and that it has a pretty good library.  If you look earlier you see their lack of exclusives that I want to play is the reason I bought a 360 last month.

I guess my very last post was directed toward the ps3 vs Wii, but as I said WiiWare will soon be coming out for the Wii, so soon the Wii will have downloadable games on there too.  Regardless, I would only consider full retail games when counting a systems library, not $5 casual games, but I can understand an argument why someone would.

[patrickl]

So because you own an Xbox 360, the PS3 has only 2 good games?

[AtomSmasher]

So because you own an Xbox 360, the PS3 has only 2 good games?

You've got that backwards, because the PS3 has only 2 good games, I own a 360.  Also, if you look back at my earlier post you'll see that I ultimately choose the 360 because the lineup of exclusive games for the PS3 coming out this year didn't appeal to me either.

[shmokes]

The 360 does have a better library than either of the other consoles right now.  But how long is that going to last? 

And regardless, games, for some strange reason, have an incredibly short shelf-life.  I've never been able to grok why the world works this way, but for some reason Dr. Zhivago and The Wizard of Oz remain viable titles in video retail.  Catch-22 and, hell, Don Quixote still sell like gangbusters.  Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon continues to outsell almost every album on Billboard's Top 100.  But once a videogame is six months old it's virtually forgotten.  This dynamic hurts Microsoft.  It makes what should be a trump-card virtually irrelevant.  Xbox 360 is preparing to have over 1000 games out by sometime this summer (presumably that includes downloadable games).  But, by and large, the controlling mantra in the videogame market place is, "But what have ya done for me lately?"

[AtomSmasher]

And regardless, games, for some strange reason, have an incredibly short shelf-life.

You can't actually be saying that with a straight face on a forum dedicated to building machines to play games from 20 years ago?   

I do agree that a large part of the game marketplace only wants to know whats new and exciting that coming out, and for me the upcoming exclusives on the 360 looks better then the upcoming exclusives on the ps3.  Anyways, it can't be completely true or else backwards compatibility would be irrelevant and I've heard quite a few complaints about Sony removing bc from some versions of the ps3.

Regardless, I don't plan on buying any brand new 360 games for a while as I'll be taking my time catching up on the 360's older games.

[shmokes]

And regardless, games, for some strange reason, have an incredibly short shelf-life.

You can't actually be saying that with a straight face on a forum dedicated to building machines to play games from 20 years ago?   

We're just crotchety.  We don't count.  And, seriously, we don't.  Gamers like us do not make up a sizable portion of the marketplace.  If we did, the marketplace wouldn't work the way I described -- and it very much does.

As for backwards compatibility, it's usually more fluff than substance.  Look at me.  I'm disappointed that by the time I get a PS3 (I'm thinking maybe Christmas 2009 is a reasonable target I can hope for), a PS3 with BC probably won't even exist on the shelves anymore.  I'm sad cos I never owned a PS2 and I want to get a little God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, Ico going on.  But that's seriously just about it.  Three or four games.  And who knows if I'll ever actually get around to them, what with all the PS3 games that I want to play but don't have the time for as it is (especially by the time the 2009 Holidays roll around and the library is WAY bigger).

Seriously, how often do you pop an Xbox game into your Xbox 360? 

[AtomSmasher]

Seriously, how often do you pop an Xbox game into your Xbox 360? 

Since I never owned an xbox and only owned the 360 for less then a month, I've never put an xbox game in the 360.  But if few gamers cared about bc, then I wouldn't be hearing so many people complaining about the ps3 losing it (I've heard lots of complaining here, on various blogs, from friends, and even the tv show xplay), but I do agree its not going to make or break a console, to me it feels like an added bonus since this is the first generation of consoles I've owned with bc.

Also, the Wii has had over 7.8 million sales on the virtual console (this was the reported number is Nov. 2007), so theres still a pretty large market of people playing older games.

[pointdablame]

because the PS3 has only 2 good games, I own a 360. 

TO YOU.  The PS3 only has 2 good games TO YOU.  How can you discount what shmokes is saying about metacritic or the rest of the thread based solely on the fact that YOU don't want to play the games.  I'm pretty sure shmokes is speaking in generalities here -- not directing it directly at you Atom.

It just seems kind of odd to continue this debate with the convenient tactic of excluding any data that hurts your argument.

[AtomSmasher]

TO YOU.  The PS3 only has 2 good games TO YOU. 

Exactly.  So to bring the thread full circle and answer the question do I have any Wii remorse or would I of been happier to get a PS3?  No I do not have Wii remorse, because I feel the PS3 has only 2 good games.

[patrickl]

TO YOU.  The PS3 only has 2 good games TO YOU. 

Exactly.  So to bring the thread full circle and answer the question do I have any Wii remorse or would I of been happier to get a PS3?  No I do not have Wii remorse, because I feel the PS3 has only 2 good games.

Yet you also felt the need to buy an Xbox 360.

I guess that's the point. "Are you so disappointed about your Wii that you feel that you'd rather have a PS3 or Xbox 360"

[AtomSmasher]

Yet you also felt the need to buy an Xbox 360.

I guess that's the point. "Are you so disappointed about your Wii that you feel that you'd rather have a PS3 or Xbox 360"

Yup I bought a 360, and the only game I have on the 360 is Rock Band.  Right now the Wii is my main gaming machine, the PC is a close second, and the 360 is coming in at a distant third.  I will most likely continue to buy Wii games the very day they are released released, but I won't be buying any more new releases for the 360 (with Rock Band being the only one and its not exactly new anymore) for a very long time, and will probably even wait until my birthday in June before I get any older titles for it.

[shmokes]

Rock Band and GTA IV.  Those are the games that it's killing me to be unable to play.  Of course, Rock Band is coming to the Wii, so that's nice.  On the other hand, buying Rock Band is practically as expensive as buying another Wii, so I don't know when I'll be able to afford it.

[ahofle]

By the time Rock Band makes it to the Wii I most likely won't care enough about it to spend $170.  I know at least 4 other people who would buy it in a second if it was out right now for Wii.  I doubt they will care either a year from now or whenever it's finally released for Wii.  They really screwed the pooch on that one.

[shmokes]

Yeah . . . it's hard to say.  I'm sure it'll sell well enough to merit its release on the platform.  But I doubt the Wii is the ideal system for it.  Probably a large percentage of the Wii owners who can afford to drop $170 on a single game already own a 360 or PS3.  In that case they neither want to wait for the Wii version, nor would they buy the Wii version, which is bound to be inferior, even if it had released simultaneously with the other two.

[ahofle]

Probably a large percentage of the Wii owners who can afford to drop $170 on a single game already own a 360 or PS3.  In that case they neither want to wait for the Wii version, nor would they buy the Wii version, which is bound to be inferior, even if it had released simultaneously with the other two.

Each of the 4 people I know ready to buy Rockband do not own any other console.