Anyone found any impressions from last night / tonight's Fusion tour dates?

[Oops! I did it again.]

Well yesterday and today marked the first two dates of the Nintendo Fusion Tour, so have you guys come across any sites with impressions from people who played the games?

Personally, as pumped as I am for the Wii, I don't know if even I could suffer through Hawthrone Heights and Relient K just to get some Wiitime in...so major props to the people who actually were able to do it.

Anyway, this might be a good thread to post any and all impressions found online, so we can get an even BETTER idea for how some of these titles hold up. :)

[Troz1820]

Here's one I found off another site: http://buttonbasher.wordpress.com/

[Oops! I did it again.]

Awesome, great first link to check out. Thanks. Glad to see yet another positive take of Excite Truck - I think that's going to be a launch sleeper; looks like a blast to play, even though some potential Wii buyers have been writing it off a bit pre-launch.

[slvrdrgn123]

I'm glad when we get the Wii's there won't be all those extra wires on the Wiimote.

[foltzie]

I went to the Indy Fusion tour stop. I'll do a quick recap now and if I get a chance I'll expand further.

There were 9 Wii stations and 8 DS lite stations. The DS lites were running a combination of newer and yet to be release games like Tony Hawk, Elite Beat Agents, and Final Fantasy 3.

The Wii stations were running 4 copies of Wii Sports, 2 copies of Excite Truck, Wii Play (which has not been announced for a US release), Wario Ware Smooth Moves, and Metroid Prime 3. No Zelda and no 3rd party Wii games on display.

I was able to play 3 of the Wii Sports variants Boxing, Tennis, and Bowling. The controls for each were impressive, but controls overall were shaky. Its probable that the cramped space and lack of tutorials led to those problems, but its a good thing its being bundled with the system or I wouldn’t pick one up on my own.

Wii Play was also setup running its shooting game (called Duck Hunt at E3) you can use the Wiimote like a light gun and a cursor appears on the screen. 5 rounds of objects appear on the screen and of course you have to shoot them. During those rounds ducks from Duck Hunt may fly through the screen and you can shoot them for massive points. The controls worked just fine on this game, just point and shoot using the B trigger. I was able to view the main menu for this game, and didnt see any games that arent announced already, but two ? options existed.

Excite Truck plays just like how it was demoed at E3, you hold the controller sideways like the old NES controller and steer. The 2 button is accelerate and the cross pad is boost. The controlls were touchy in this game and it was easy to over steer, I felt like I was skiping through the level rather than driving.

Finally Wario Ware had me coming back and offered the most varied styles of play. Before every microgame a graphic appeared telling you how to hold the controller. The goofy graphics and silly poses kept the line for this game laughing. The controls worked fine, but again since we were so close to the screen any game actively using the sensor was easy to fail because you could easily point the controller outside the range of the sensor bar. Still the most fun I had all night, my girlfriend loved this game and asked why Nintendo wasn’t bundling it with the system.

Metroid Prime 3 was on display, but the line for that was always an hour long. People seemed to love the game, of course, but some individuals had trouble getting used to the control setup others picked it up like it was second nature. The Ridley boss battle was an interesting take off the Gandalf/Balrog fight from LOTR. You tumble down a shaft towards the engine core of some station with a meter showing the distance remaining, kind of like the reverse of the early Metroid games.

I hate to sound like a old man, but the actual bands didnt get much of my attention, because they had the audio levels set to the point where it phsically hurt my ears to be inside the concert hall. I normally bring ear plugs to concerts, but alas in my haste I forgot to grap a pair. Interestingly most of the bands entered the stage to some Nitnendo music and started some of their songs with Nintendo riffs.

EDIT: My mistake there were two sets of 4 DS lite stations. Interestingly enough the Elite Beat Agents station had headphones since its a rythm based game.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Thanks iufolzie. Great summary.

Every time I see an Excite Truck video, it seems exactly as you describe it. It doesn't seem like you are driving through the stages as much as you are just turning and rotating a stationary object while the screen moves around you.

[Oops! I did it again.]

Yeah, thanks! A great recap.

http://www.wiixors.com

Check out their video podcast; 22 minutes. I'm only a few minutes in and it looks like they're giving good descriptions.

[guessed]

I am very pleased to know that Wii Play was featured, it makes it seem more likely that we will get it in the states. I wish they'd go ahead and announce it already, though.

[Plinko]

I still want Excite Truck.

[foltzie]

I am very pleased to know that Wii Play was featured, it makes it seem more likely that we will get it in the states. I wish they'd go ahead and announce it already, though.

That was my thought... Seemed odd to actively demo a title and not plan on releasing it here, which leads me to think there is still some debate about how it will be sold (with a Wiimote or not).

[ArthurDigbySellers]

That was my thought... Seemed odd to actively demo a title and not plan on releasing it here, which leads me to think there is still some debate about how it will be sold (with a Wiimote or not).

Selling it with a Wiimote would make me buy WiiPlay without a doubt. Since I am going to be spending $60 on an extra Wiimote + Nunchuck anyway, might as well get a game with it.

It might smooth over some of the complaints about not packing in a second Wiimote as well.

[alongx]

Selling it with a Wiimote would make me buy WiiPlay without a doubt. Since I am going to be spending $60 on an extra Wiimote + Nunchuck anyway, might as well get a game with it.

It might smooth over some of the complaints about not packing in a second Wiimote as well.

Yeah, if I'm going to be buying an extra remote for $40, I'd rather be getting a game with it for $50. I'd be all over this at launch, if only we were getting it.

We'll probably get this early in 2007, hopefully with remote pack in. If they released that at launch, I think they'd have already-skittish 3rd parties angry. As is, most 3rd parties see themselves as vying for the 2nd game purchase, since Wii Sports is included. Having Wii Play + remote would make that pretty much the no-brainer second game at launch, which might reduce interest in looking at 3rd party offerings.

[Oops! I did it again.]

I still want Excite Truck.

Same here. Most of the impressions from people who have played the game match up with what I thought the game would feel like upon seeing the gameplay videos. Still looks like fun to me - seems like something that might take some time to finely hone, but it'd be fun while you get to that point.

[schuerm26]

Still the most fun I had all night, my girlfriend loved this game and asked why Nintendo wasn’t bundling it with the system.



Because it will sell well on it's own.

[foltzie]

Still the most fun I had all night, my girlfriend loved this game and asked why Nintendo wasn’t bundling it with the system.

Because it will sell well on it's own.

This is of course in reference to Wario Ware and I guess I wasnt clear enough.

I of course understand that Wario Ware will sell on its own, I meant to point out that Wario Ware was a system seller for my particular girlfriend.

[Oops! I did it again.]

Is it kosher if I link to a post from NSider (LINK (http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=revolution&message.id=2010250&view=by_date_ascending&page=10))?

A dude there just posted a really solid recap, I'll snag it:
Ok, 10:15 PM, and I'm back. My end result? Enthralled with the Wii, but disappointed with the show itself, not due to lack of games or a weak showing, but due to being completely unorganized, overcrowded, and plagued with physical problems.

The trip there was without too much of a hitch, though I got caught in Detroit's wonderful rush hour traffic for about a half hour (no problem because I had left an hour and a half early just to make sure I got there on time). I ended up getting to the State Theatre an hour early, but it was a good thing I did. At first, I didn't think there were too many people there, as there seemed to be no line, and just a few people out front. I stood for about ten minutes before one of the security guards let us know that if we were there for the Fusion Tour, the line started "back there", and then pointed a half block down the street. I sat and went O.O for a minute or so then raced my butt over there.

By the time 6:30 rolled around, the line stretched at least one and a half city blocks (I don't know if it was longer due to being in the 'middle' of it; pictures of the line can be found on my picture page which I will display after I upload them). The line finally started to move. I went in, and did my best to get to the Wii kiosks as soon as I could, though I made the mistake of stopping for some pictures of the games and people playing them first. This would prove fatal to my ambition to play Metroid Prime 3.

I located the Metroid kiosk and soon found that it had it's own "little" line; it may not been as long as the enterance line, however it obviously wasn't going anywhere. This, sadly, is where I spent the majority of my trip. There were about 10 people infront of me and they all had ten minutes to play the Metroid demo; you can do the math. The guy infront of me had horrible BO, and people kept pushing through the line to get to the snack bar which was located directly to my right (they always seemed to choose the spot directly infront of me, even as the line progressed; nothing like a 300 lb African American "girl" shouting "EXCUSE ME!!!" as she derails you to get to the chili fries). I also met what I consider to be my first real-live crazed Nintendo fanboy. He was dressed in a *trenchcoat* of all things, and was the most loud, obnoxious, excited weirdo I've ever met. He was going on and on to anyone within earshot about how 15 years of finally culminated for him with the Wii, and was literally showing off all his Nintendo memorabilia to one of the booth babes; I sat and watched as he pulled out a GBA, a GBA SP, a DS fat and a DS lite with about 10 different games in each hand dating all the way back to the original Gameboy. I grit my teeth and bit my tongue, telling myself that in the end all the punishment would be well worth it. I was about to play Metroid Prime as I had always wanted to play it, experience the things I saw in the videos on gaming websites for myself.

While I was in line I observed what appeared to be some technical issues with the demo kiosk. At first I was a bit scared that it could be early manufacturing problems or design issues with the console, or a bad disk, however they fixed it back up and everything seemed to be going good. I got closer and closer to my destiny, so close I could almost touch it for myself. The crazed fanboy was in the midst of trying to organize an MKDS game with 8 people, and was calling out for new players. There were only 2 people left infront of me.. and then, I watched as the current player started running uncontrollably off a cliff, over and over. I watched the tech who had originally fixed the system open it up and turn it off.. then waved the people infront of me away. I looked at him, both forlorn and angry enough to snap his neck like a twig, and asked him what was going on. He explained that the controller was getting extreme interferance due to all the electronic devices running in the venue, and that they could no longer demo Metroid Prime 3. What he had done before was try to change channels on the Wii controller to fix the problem, and it worked for a time, however now it was messing up again.

I looked at the people playing Mario Kart, and it took nearly every ounce of self-control I had to keep from ripping the DS's out of their hands and shredding their faces with my teeth. Especially that moronic fanboy who had organized it. What had obviously happened was that the people in line who had their DS's out had caused major wireless disruption to everything else. There were about 30 people, all with DS in hand, either snaking along or drawing pictures of inappropriate things on Pictochat.

I cursed. I screamed. I tried to reason with the tech, but he said he couldn't be bothered with it anymore. Flaming mad, I entered the line for Excite Truck, ready to eat the brain of the next person who even looked at me funny.

This is where the more positive experience begins. The line for Excite Truck wasn't nearly as long, and I got in quickly enough to avoid having a psychotic episode. Grasping the Wii-mote for the first time wasn't nearly as symbolic as it would've been had I been at the Metroid demo, however it still felt pretty dang good, and I couldn't resist snapping a picture of it anyway.

The demo began, and I burst out onto the track. I was immediately taken aback from how incredible the control was. It felt like ... well... like driving! There is seriously no other word I can use to describe it. Every small and subtle move I made was mirrored on screen, in real time. There was no lag in the system whatsoever; holding the FreeMotion and steering was like really steering. I was blown away by how everything else in the crowded venue just disappeared; it was as if I was playing at home.

When it was over, I immediately got in line to play one of the other games. The game was a simple shooter-type, not sure what the exact title is going to be here, but it was a lot like Duck Hunt with the Wii-mote (I even remember seeing some ducks flying around, no annoying dog though). I started racking up points almost immediately. I couldn't believe how fun the game was. It wasn't like it was on the NES, with the Zapper, where you had to have the gun almost perfectly lined up to the screen to score a hit, rather, you could put your hand down by your hip, and use subtle movements to target. It felt totally natural and was incredibly fun.

After this demo, I decided I was through waiting in line, and didn't bother to enter the queue for Wii Sports. So, I snapped a few more pictures, took a gander at some of the new DS games that the show had to offer, and then I was on the way home.

My rating for the show? Poor. Words cannot describe how disappointed I am that I wasn't able to play Metroid. In essence, I spent the $30 for the ticket, the $20 for the parking and the $25 for the gas just to play that game. I feel that I was cheated due to security allowing those dumb kids to bring in their DS's, and the fact that there were only 6 demo kiosks available to cater to litterally *thousands* of people, and only one of which was Metroid. For the amount of money spent on getting a show in the theatre across from Tiger Stadium on a *game* day, I think NOA could've done much better.

My rating for the Wii, however, is much, much different. The Wii lives up to every bit of the hype, and I'll even go as far to agree with that stupid fanboy about it. Excite Truck was phenomonal, and this was a game that while I had interest in, wasn't considering getting on launch day, but now am completely sold on. Get this game. If even the thought of ripping through the wilderness in a three ton SUV with nitro charges on the back without the risk of injury sounds *remotely* fun to you, this game will be worth your money, because that's what it is. I cannot stress the fact enough that you are driving this thing, not controlling, *driving*. Even arcade games with steering wheels have yet to come close to the degree of control this game had. As for the graphics, while I didn't get to play Metroid, I did get to see it, and I will tell you right now that *no video out there* can do seeing it in action justice. The motion and scaling are completely fluid, and the textures are crisp and beautiful. The lighting effects leap out at you; as bombs explode you can see individual particles of matter spread through the air, and as you fire your weapons small vapor trails are left behind.

In short, believe it - believe it all. The Wii is the pinnacle of gaming for the coming generation. The FreeMotion Controller is an ingenius device, and it will revolutionize this industry as we know it. You may not believe it now, but when you pick it up, you'll agree. Reggie said it best: playing is believing. I have played, and I believe.

I will post a link to pictures taken from the show once I have them uploaded and ready.
Really a great recap...especially his thoughts regarding Excite Truck.

Check out that thread to see if he posts those photos any time soon, and give him some props while you're at it.

EDIT: Actually, he DID post the photos and a video HERE (http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=revolution&message.id=2010250&view=by_date_ascending&page=5).

Picture time! Here's a short play-by-play of my experience:

The begining of the line (http://everywherechat.com/wii/begining_of_line.jpg). As you can see, it starts at the traffic light.

The middle of the line (http://everywherechat.com/wii/middle_of_line.jpg) when I discovered it, but it wouldn't be the middle for long.

My position (http://everywherechat.com/wii/my_position_an_hour_early.jpg), arriving one hour in advance.

Five minutes later (http://everywherechat.com/wii/five_minutes_later.jpg) this is what was behind me.

Twenty minutes later (http://everywherechat.com/wii/20_minutes_later-the_ends_back_there_somewhere.jpg). The end's back there somewhere. At this point I'm really glad I got there early.

Finally there (http://everywherechat.com/wii/finally_here.jpg)!

My first look at Wii sports (http://everywherechat.com/wii/Wii_sports.jpg), up close and personal.

Bowling (http://everywherechat.com/wii/bowling.jpg). Very cool.

Excite Truck (http://everywherechat.com/wii/excite_truck.jpg). Some game journalists were there as well.

He's pretty good (http://everywherechat.com/wii/owned.jpg).

More Excite Truck (http://everywherechat.com/wii/more_excite_truck.jpg), and part of a booth babe's face.

Metroid (http://everywherechat.com/wii/metroid_fast_framerate.jpg) has such a fast framerate that it blurred with digital zoom engaged.

More Metroid (http://everywherechat.com/wii/so_cool.jpg). I want to play this game so badly it hurts.

Finally, a short video (http://everywherechat.com/wii/corruption-line.mpg) of the line for Metroid Prime Corruption (please excuse me calling it "Hunters" and correcting myself; I was *very* excited and my mind was in other places).

And that's all folks. As you can see from the lines for both the venue and the games, I cannot stress enough that if you plan to go to one of these tours, get in early and go straight to the game you want to play. Ta ta, Fusion Tour 06. Guess I'll have to wait until January to have that date with Samus after all http://forums.nintendo.com/i/smilies/16x16_smiley-sad.gif

Hope it's OK for me to snag those quotes...if not, say the word and they're history!

[Heyricochet]

I hate to sound like a old man, but the actual bands didnt get much of my attention, because they had the audio levels set to the point where it phsically hurt my ears to be inside the concert hall. I normally bring ear plugs to concerts, but alas in my haste I forgot to grap a pair. Interestingly most of the bands entered the stage to some Nitnendo music and started some of their songs with Nintendo riffs.

EDIT: My mistake there were two sets of 4 DS lite stations. Interestingly enough the Elite Beat Agents station had headphones since its a rythm based game.

If I forget earplugs, I just run into the bathroom and grab some toilet paper, works great and I have no ringing after shows. Plus it helps since I'm usually in very small venues where it gets really loud.

[Oops! I did it again.]

Wiixors.com has a narrated compilation of video from the various shots they took at their Fusion stop. Cool stuff.

[Rictor]

Eh, I am an old man...already getting gray hairs...that's why I skipped the show. I ended up going to Blue Man Group in Indy with my wife yesterday and even that was too loud for me. I'm definitely not a fan...but my wife's cousin couldn't make the show because she was sick and my wife refused to go alone so I got nominated to suffer through it. Tracy Bonham was the opening act...I liked her better.

Anyway, what was the makeup of the crowd like? I know Nintendo is aiming the show at children by their choice of bands, since they didn't pick a band that anyone over 13 would probably listen to.

[foltzie]

Anyway, what was the makeup of the crowd like? I know Nintendo is aiming the show at children by their choice of bands, since they didn't pick a band that anyone over 13 would probably listen to.

It was indeed younger, but I would put it at the Highschool to early college level rather than pre-teen. Decent business at the alcohol stand too.