The future of gaming is a Gears of War 8/10 rating (So buy a Wii)

[Zoglog]

http://www.infendo.com/2006/11/future-of-gaming-is-gears-of-war-810.html

The future of gaming is a Gears of War 8/10 rating

The collective piling on (one could use much more graphic, vulgar terminology) that the review community has done with Gears of War has gotten my cynical side thinking again, and by that I mean more than the usual 24 hours a day.

But instead of attacking GoW, I am going to use its popularity to show how the Wii is arriving at precisely the right time.

First off, GoW is a great game. It is an action game with FPS elements in a third person shooter environment, and is probably the best game to hit the "next gen" to date. But people are already calling this the cream of the crop; the "killer app" for the Xbox 360 and the game that will drive new sales of the system over the others (which is what killer app literally means). That said, I've seen more than one review now that gives good marks to a point, and then says there's "something missing." Is it really a '10' though? Because unless we're talking Spinal Tap, a 10 is as high as a game can possibly get.

Eurogamer and Aeropause didn't think so, and if one is being honest then there is no possible way GoW is a 10. A 10 would have offerred up new gameplay and better AI, in addition to killer visuals and sound. A true killer app would have had something truly new to offer, to entice gamers who dont have 360's to buy one.

"[O]n a purely gaming level Gears of War is not doing anything extraordinary or new on any level. A few novel camera and control tweaks aside, we're in pretty familiar territory with a broadly well-established load-out of weapons, fighting a familiar battle against enemies that for all their gloriously elaborate alien exterior might as well be humans for all the differences they represent in reality. These are AI routines we're well versed in, and familiar duck and cover tactics that we're used to from other games, and, yes, they work to good effect in Gears of War, but let's not pretend that we're wallowing in the future of entertainment. What we have here is an extremely competent action game that's as polished and refined as it could be, and is therefore very enjoyable. But if Epic had applied the same widescreen scope and ambition to the gameplay as it did to the engine we'd be much more excited than we are." - Eurogamer

Enter the Wii. There's going to be such a shift in gaming over the next year that by this time in 2008 we won't recognize it anymore. Why? Because GoW is the best of what the horsepower generation can offer, and it's already starting to fade. Sure things will get prettier, but they won't change. Do you see any indication from MS or Sony that there will be anything but more polished versions of GoW out in 2007? Eurogamer gave GoW an 8. It's the perfect score for a game that does what it's supposed to perfectly, but offers nothing new for the money being asked. HD gaming, in my opinion, is an 8.

"I've scanned through a collection of reviews online to see if anyone can explain what exactly is underwhelming about the title. Neither of us could really put our finger on it. It looks great, plays great and sounds great (although in split-screen, the audio frequently had trouble keeping up in heavy gunfights), why don't we love it so far?" -- Aeropause

That's an easy question to answer. It's because this is the same thing you were playing last year, with a new coat of paint. Oh, and a $10 next gen tax. And yet the reviewers are gushing over it. Honestly, if this is perfection, then count me out of the next gen race. Sure, you can slap on motion sensing to the 360 and the PS3 very easily, but their price points and development costs make that an unlikely success in the long run. Enter the Wii again.

In a nutshell, this is what companies like MS and Sony think the next gen should be. Pretty graphics, great sound, and solid gameplay that we've all seen before over the last 10 years. The next five years will be about playing it safe and brand new televisions and re-buying the DVDs you already have with Blu-Ray/HD DVD ones. The next gen is an 8 out of 10. Unfortunately, playing it safe means you never move forward, and that doesn't help anybody. Enter Wii.

wow... just wow....

now i'm thinking of dirty secret outings where he pays an xbox 360 to prostitute gears of war to him in secret so nobody will know! Then he'll buy some meth and throw it away ;)

[rodeojones903]

What a fucking idiot.

[VanillaGorilla]

Motion sensing controllers have never been done before either.

[Mattte]

People like him make me feel ashamed to be a Nintendo fan...

[jer7583]

Gears of War is seriously making me consider waiting on the Wii.. just cause I could play this for the next 6 months online.. i like it that much.

[neudog]

All I read was.... Blah Blah Blah I'm Nintendo's dirty Whore. I commend Nintendo on innovation, but lets face it it's too little too late. IMHO Nintendo doesn't have a chance at ever being #1 again; at least not in this generation. I've already payed off my Wii and am looking forward to the new gameplay, so I'm not bashing the company. I just feel Nintendo is always a step behind. We saw it with online and now HD. Get with the times Nintendo and maybe articles like the one in the OP might have some validity.

[coolz481]

When did it become so fashionable to dismiss high-quality graphics and sound as important elements of a game? Saying "graphics don't matter, it's the gameplay" has become a badge of honor for the self-important gamers out there - the equivalent of announcing you only eat organic fruits and vegetables or fur is murder.

I'm looking forward to playing games on the Wii, but the fact is that it's much easier to get absorbed in a game if it's nice to look at and (especially) if it supports 5.1 channel sound and has great effects. Some of these Nintendo fans need to get of their high horse as to what's 'really' important in games.

[cleaver]

Motion sensing controllers have never been done before either.
http://www.sublimeparadigm.com/blog/wp-images/powerglove.jpg

[Brak]

I don't like it when video game "journalists" write stuff for the sole reason to blow the cock of their own opinion.

[Z-Saber]

Welcome back from my ignore list, Zoglog. For all your trolling, this is actually something worth reading.

This guy is not at all a Nintendo fanboy. Seriously, did you read it? He mentions the Wii and Nintendo only a couple times, and never goes into ANY detail on it. He's saying that Gears of War is an awesome, well-polished, and terrific next-gen title, but nothing really new. Anyone who says otherwise is retarded. It's still a sci-fi shooter. First-person vs. third-person does not mean much. It could be the best third-person shooter ever made, but as long as it does nothing new, it's still the same thing we've had for years with a lot more quality.

That being said, when I get a 360, I'll enjoy the heck out of GoW because I'm sure I'll love it, but for now, my pocketbook is only allowing a Wii.

[BREVITY]

People like him make me feel ashamed to be a Nintendo fan...
Ditto

[KaneRobot]

GREAT! Another Wii commercial under the facade of an XBox 360 game review. And better yet, he insists the overwhelming opinion of other reviewers is wrong. Man, we're treading some new ground here, boy.

Because GoW is the best of what the horsepower generation can offer, and it's already starting to fade.
LMAO. It has been out 24 hours (and when was this review posted?) and it's "already starting to fade." What gives him the idea that this is the best of what this generation can offer? If anything, it's probably 2 years away from peaking. Part of what made GoW special is because some people think it's the FIRST real "next gen" game. So one game and we're done? How illiterate and short-sighted do you have to be to write for that guy's site?

Do you see any indication from MS or Sony that there will be anything but more polished versions of GoW out in 2007?
And just when I think this goof couldn't outdo himself again, he tops it with that gem.

This is the unfortunate side effect of Nintendo's weakness-turned-marketing advantage "graphics don't matter" approach. They're absolutely wrong, graphics do matter. Do they matter more than gameplay? It depends on the game, it could go either way. A terrible looking game can be saved if it is fun, and an underwhelming game can be saved if the graphics are amazing. What was once a healthy attitude of "graphics aren't everything" has been twisted and mutated by the more ignorant and rabid Nintendo fans into "graphics don't matter." Bullshit.

Enter the Wii. There's going to be such a shift in gaming over the next year that by this time in 2008 we won't recognize it anymore.
Yeah, because the Wii has sold so many consoles so far. Can these attention-craving internet dickheads at least wait for a console's release before declaring that gaming has changed for eternity?

No matter how well Nintendo does, I can guarantee you that gaming will be very similar to how it is now in 2008, and probably long after that. All that will change are the extra benefits/options like wacky remote controls, crappy downloadable TV shows and downloadable movies. Madden, Mario, Halo, and GTA will still be among the top sellers and we'll still be getting milked dry by downloadable games that PR heads insist that we love.

[Apossum]

http://www.sublimeparadigm.com/blog/wp-images/powerglove.jpg


that didn't sense motion...

but this did:

http://www.nesretro.com/hardware/UForce.jpg

[danked]

Do you see any indication from MS or Sony that there will be anything but more polished versions of GoW out in 2007?
aww yes .. I just saw some cool stuff on a new next gen gaming engine with sweet physics and AI


http://www.youtube.com/v/Ae3fgj2x1aI

http://download.lucasarts.com/e32006/indianajones_480.mov
This next generation Indiana Jones game debuts the revolutionary new euphoria technology from NaturalMotion, which delivers never-before-seen lifelike action and awareness to every character in real time -- so you'll never see the same thing twice. For the first time ever, euphoria enables interactive characters to move, act and even think like actual human beings, adapting their behavior on the fly and resulting in a different payoff every single time. This next-gen technology imbues Indy and his opponents with unparalleled environmental awareness and survival instincts. They'll stumble, then attempt to maintain their balance; brace themselves for falls, then get back up; and reach for nearby ledges when falling. Each action results in an authentic, varied performance every time.
Complementing euphoria will be Pixelux Entertainment's Digital Molecular Matter (DMM) technology, which brings a level of realism to next-gen games never seen before by making completely interactive environments that react as they would in real life. From crumbling walls to shattering glass and even swaying organic plant life, in-game objects have material properties that behave realistically all in real time.
The new Indy game also features completely interactive Hot Set environments, where every setting is open-ended and completely destructible in a way that only next-generation consoles can deliver. Use your wits and daring to make each spring-loaded environment a weapon as you dispense of foes in clever and unexpected ways. Also, embark upon thrilling chase sequences that remain true to the spirit established in scenes such as Indy's pursuit of the motorcade in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the mine-car scene in The Temple of Doom, and the free-for-all aboard the tank in The Last Crusade. Face Indy off against a devious longtime rival, reunite him with old friends, and meet more of his most trusted allies throughout the world.




http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-euphoria-technology
http://www.indianajones.com/videogames/news/news20060427.html

[mykevermin]

GREAT! Another Wii commercial under the facade of an XBox 360 game review. And better yet, he insists the overwhelming opinion of other reviewers is wrong. Man, we're treading some new ground here, boy.


LMAO. It has been out 24 hours (and when was this review posted?) and it's "already starting to fade." What gives him the idea that this is the best of what this generation can offer? If anything, it's probably 2 years away from peaking. Part of what made GoW special is because some people think it's the FIRST real "next gen" game. So one game and we're done? How illiterate and short-sighted do you have to be to write for that guy's site?


And just when I think this goof couldn't outdo himself again, he tops it with that gem.

This is the unfortunate side effect of Nintendo's weakness-turned-marketing advantage "graphics don't matter" approach. They're absolutely wrong, graphics do matter. Do they matter more than gameplay? It depends on the game, it could go either way. A terrible looking game can be saved if it is fun, and an underwhelming game can be saved if the graphics are amazing. What was once a healthy attitude of "graphics aren't everything" has been twisted and mutated by the more ignorant and rabid Nintendo fans into "graphics don't matter." Bullshit.


Yeah, because the Wii has sold so many consoles so far. Can these attention-craving internet "journalist" dickheads at least wait for a console's release before declaring that gaming has changed for eternity?

No matter how well Nintendo does, I can guarantee you that gaming will be very similar to how it is now in 2008, and probably long after that. All that will change are the extra benefits/options like wacky remote controls, crappy downloadable TV shows and downloadable movies. Madden, Mario, Halo, and GTA will still be among the top sellers and we'll still be getting milked dry by downloadable games that PR heads insist that we love.

I was trying to sleep last night, thinking of how much shit I have to do for a comp exam next Friday. I was thinking of what's called "social exchange theory" in relation to next-gen (this-gen as of next week?!? GC and XB are deadeadead, so why not just call it current-gen?) gaming.

I was thinking of an interview someone gave (Miyamoto? Itagaki? Fuckin' someone) who was discussing the Wii from an interface standpoint. In short, how this relates to social exchange is that gaming is simply an input/output exchange between person and game. The "reward" is the game properly played (or any facet you can derive thereof). Short story long, exchange theory is premised off of "rational choice theory" (people make decisions that give them the best profit/output for the least input); I couldn't help but wonder if the Wii is overstepping its bounds by, for lack of a better phrase, "increasing the cost to the user"; in other words, the same thing a Wiimote can do with a number of movements can be done on a standard controller.

Of course, it boils down to predicting just how much *perceived* input is there. If you replace a simple series of maneuvers and button presses with difficult movements and button presses on the Wii, or worse yet, poor machine response to those movements, then you could forsee the downfall of the Wii based on it "costing too much" in terms of effort to acheive the same result from standard controls.

I'm not trying to tear down the OP's cited article (though it does seem to be unpaid marketing for the Wii); it is something that I couldn't get out of my head last night.

Allow me to dress appropriately for the ensuing outrage of the Wii apologists refutations of my claims.

[mykevermin]

[power glove] didn't sense motion...

Yeah it did; if I hadn't sold mine a few months back, I'd post pictures of it's "sensor bar."

[elsnow77]

in a way i agree with him. I mean, GoW is a great game, but no way is it worth a 10. I mean for me, there are a couple of really big problems with it. For example when you get stuck on really hard parts, it is so god damb repetitive and you have to watch those stupid cutscenes over and over again. And also the multiplayer needs more modes/maps. But, besides that, this game is awesome, and one of the best i've played in a while, and IMHO probably better than both halo's

[Snake2715]

Welcome back from my ignore list, Zoglog. For all your trolling, this is actually something worth reading.

This guy is not at all a Nintendo fanboy. Seriously, did you read it? He mentions the Wii and Nintendo only a couple times, and never goes into ANY detail on it. He's saying that Gears of War is an awesome, well-polished, and terrific next-gen title, but nothing really new. Anyone who says otherwise is retarded. It's still a sci-fi shooter. First-person vs. third-person does not mean much. It could be the best third-person shooter ever made, but as long as it does nothing new, it's still the same thing we've had for years with a lot more quality.

That being said, when I get a 360, I'll enjoy the heck out of GoW because I'm sure I'll love it, but for now, my pocketbook is only allowing a Wii.

I am with you here almost all the way. The problem for me is that its been more than 10 years that the FPS games have been on my play list. We were online in what 1992 playing doom. Its old to me and therefore I have become jaded and uninterested to some degree.

Now don't get me wrong I already owned all the systems out to this point. I immediately bought halo 2 although getting into the halo game late. I am sure I will pick up GOW and enjoy it a great deal. Actually I am looking forward to it, its always nice to play a real polished game regardless of genre. But for those same reasons I don't have to have it right now.

I have always had a hard time seeing games get perfect scores. I would think that most games should only be able to score a 9/10 and the ultra elite should get the 10/10 non which i can think of right now truth be told.

[Bigsauce]

in a way i agree with him. I mean, GoW is a great game, but no way is it worth a 10. I mean for me, there are a couple of really big problems with it. For example when you get stuck on really hard parts, it is so god damb repetitive and you have to watch those stupid cutscenes over and over again. And also the multiplayer needs more modes/maps. But, besides that, this game is awesome, and one of the best i've played in a while, and IMHO probably better than both halo's

This is easily one of the worst posts I've ever seen on these forums.

Let me get this correct. Something can only garnish a 10 rating because it's new? Wow, just wow... By those guidelines nothing has been new since 1999.

[mykevermin]

My only legitimate gripe about GoW is that the dialog is pretty campy.

"Now I'm pissed!"

[Apossum]

Yeah it did; if I hadn't sold mine a few months back, I'd post pictures of it's "sensor bar."


no shit? I always thought it was powered by button triggers in the fingers.

The interview you mention was with Itagaki...saying it'll be challenge to create a significant output with Wii games.

With that in mind, I think cursor style games (like Trauma Center, or hell most touchpad DS games, or simple menu-driven games like the Sims or rpgs) will translate the best at first. Maybe red steel will pave the way for FPS games on the Wii..

[mykevermin]

no shit? I always thought it was powered by button triggers in the fingers.

The interview you mention was with Itagaki...saying it'll be challenge to create a significant output with Wii games.

With that in mind, I think cursor style games (like Trauma Center, or hell most touchpad DS games, or simple menu-driven games like the Sims or rpgs) will translate the best at first. Maybe red steel will pave the way for FPS games on the Wii..

Gotcha; I didn't think it was Miyamoto, since I have a faint recollection of it being a criticism (That's our Itagaki!) of the Wii.

I think it's ideal for many kinds of games, and that, for others, problems may arise. I'll gladly see how it turns out, but I will not be surprised to see Nintendo take last place again this gen. I realize that saying this will make many a person gasp and perhaps spittake on their monitor, but who's fooling who? I'm not claiming they will without a doubt, but they sure as hell have done it before.

[atane]

Nintendo fans are like the mac users of gaming. Pretentious for no damn reason.

[jkam]

As fanboyish as the article was it is only his opinion. So who cares? It's really horrible though that he had to shoe horn his opinion into a Gears of War review.

As for his comments...I doubt he is the first person on the planet to get bored of similar games and gameplay elements. Personally I don't agree but I can look outside the box a bit to understand his complaints.

The really funny thing in all of this is:

If Nintendo wasn't coming out with the Wii would people still be looking for a "NEW" way to play games? I'm getting a Wii because I like Nintendo's games and there implementation of the analog stick worked out pretty well for all of us so who knows? Maybe future gaming will use elements of these new controls but I don't believe the way we already play was broken.

[Greetard]

Nintendo fans Fanboys are like the mac users of gaming. Pretentious for no damn reason.

Ass.

[delirium266]

I think it's pretty clear that the guy who wrote this has not actually played the game. Instead, he uses the most negative parts of the lowest scored reviews (which were generally positive, otherwise) to back his ridiculous argument. Worthless article.

[Mookyjooky]

I dont really get all this wii dry-humping. Sure its a neat idea... but I've really yet to see it be used better than the standard controller. From all the videos I see, it seems like you're losing control, instead of gaining it. Twitching and flicking the Wiimote for simple basic functions like jumping... is like taking the stairs instead of the elevator for the "true building elevation experiance". Sure, they both get you to the top, but one of them is easy for a simple menial task, where the other is forcing physical exertion for no real reason.

Top all this off with the straight up fact that the first 3 weeks of the Wii's life span is completely lackluster. Without a Mario, Wario or Metroid in sight. Zelda is going to be a 10/10 awesome game, dont get me wrong. But its a Gamecube port game, that nintendo dragged ass on for 3 years. Being a gamer, I like to read reviews for even games I have no intrest in. It really helps you get a fix on the patterns of gaming, that never seem to change. Like most CG movie ports get somewhere around 4.0 to 6.0. As you can see the Wii line up has quite a few. These are my estimated reviews below. I'm no pro, just a long time gamer, but I just dont really see what all the fuss is about.

Barnyard Adventure
- Silly nickelodeon CG movie port. Cant imagine getting higher than other silly CG movie ports. I'm thinking : 4.0 - 6.0

Avatar: The Last Airbender Fantasy Action Adventure
- Nickelodeon TV show port. Cant imagine being that good, but could be. I'd wager about : 7.0-7.5

Cars Mission-based Driving
- I cant imagine that much was put into this. 5.0-7.0? (I'll copy and paste this for the others like it)

Rampage: Total Destruction Action
- I cant imagine that much effort was put into this. Most likely rushed for launch. Guessing - 5.0 - 7.0?

The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy Beat-'Em-Up
- I cant imagine that much effort was put into this. Most likely rushed for launch. Guessing - 5.0 - 7.0?

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz Party Game
- Suppocidly a really good party game. Looks like Wii Sports with monkeys for 1/2 of it. I'm thinking somewhere around 8.0 - 8.5?

Metal Slug Anthology Compilation
- No Metal Slug 6 (AFAIK), and the other 6 Metal Slugs that you've played countless times. I'll base this off of what the other slugs got on average... 7.5

Happy Feet Adventure
- I cant imagine that much effort was put into this. Most likely rushed for launch. Guessing - 5.0 - 7.0?

GT Pro Series GT / Street Racing
- Crappy racing game, we all know these do well. 5.0 - 7.0

Rapala Trophies Fishing
- Jesus, what is with this line up? 6.5 - 7.5

World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions Casino
- Just what we need, more poker. 5.5 - 7.5

Need for Speed Carbon GT / Street Racing
- Could be good, but all the other systems will probably have better online play, better graphics and more additions. 7.5 - 8.5

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam Skating
- Already getting ripped. 4.0 - 6.5

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Action RPG
- The only 9.0 - 10.0 game of the bunch, and its a gamecube port that Nintendo dragged their feet on.

Red Steel Action
- Great idea, heard it sucked. I'm sure it was worked on... but not enough. 7.5 - 8.5

Open Season 3D Platformer
- See Barnyard above. I'm thinking : 4.0 - 6.0

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Action Role-Playing
- Mixed reviews on this one. 7.5 - 8.5

Madden NFL 07 Football Sim
- Unique use of Wiimote. Will probably otherwise barebones. 8.0?

Rayman Raving Rabbids 3D Platformer
- Sounds like the reviews are kind so far.... 8.0 - 9.0

Call of Duty 3 Historic First-Person Shooter
- Has wiimote, proabably missing everything else except barebone shell of a game. Doubtful the difficulty was tweaked for control interface changes. Most likely will be way too easy. Still, 8.5 - 9.0

Excite Truck Racing
- Looks fun, one of the best. I'd say 8.5 - 9.0

Elebits 3D Platformer
- One trick pony game. It's like a dreamcast game... it looks awesome, it looks fun, it looks like it nothing more than an on rails shooter. 7.5 - 8.5

Wii Sports Sports
- Free pack-in. Looks like it'll be fun... but will lack the other basic fundimentals of the game. Like without 18 holes of golf, its just a putting range... without 4 bases and triple plays, its just a batting cage. These wont be what they say on the box... just simplistic versions that'll get old when the motion craze wears off in 5 hours of gameplay. 8.0 - 8.5?

Trauma Center: Second Opinion Simulation
- If like the last one, will be awesome until you're creating pentagrams to slow time to take out vicious vain-sharks. 7.5 - 8.0

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII WWII Flight Sim
- Port of a game, that the reviews were 7.5 - 8.5. Doubt much has changed.

Monster 4X4: World Circuit Rally / Offroad Racing
- More truck racing games! 7.5?

Far Cry Vengeance Modern First-Person Shooter
- Will do ok, Cant really remember a really good Far Cry game other than the first on the PC. Wiimote will be a horrid afterthought 7.0 - 8.0

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent Modern Action Adventure
- Will do well, Wiimote will be a horrid afterthought also 7.0 - 8.0

Rapala Tournament Fishing Fishing
- ANOTHER fishing game. 6.0 - 7.0?

World Series of Poker Casino
- ANOTHER poker game. 6.0 - 7.5?

The Ant Bully 3D Platformer
- See all other animated show/movie in CG ports. 4.0 - 6.0

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 3D Fighting
- A solid fighting title, with a very large following (still!) I would guess 9.0 - 9.5

-----------------------

So after a few fishing games, and a few poker games... we've got the rest, and the rest is looking like the Gamecube 2. And I really dont mean that in a good way. I mean that it looks as if Nintendo is going to have to hold up the system again like the last two systems. Everyone is comparing the possible success to the DS, saying that the DS boomed, so will the Wii. The DS is capable of 2D and ok 3D graphics... the big difference is cost. It's about a forth of the cost to make a good DS game, compared to a next gen game. Lets not forget that. If Madden doesnt sell, expect EA to drop like the Gamecube. Which usually means the beginning of the end. Honestly, I would love to see Nintendo come back on top, and I wish them the best... but I'm thinking this will be the last hurrah in the console business. They dont have the money to keep up anymore, and even though they're amazingly innovative, that doesnt mean they should have their own console.

[Mookyjooky]

let me state, that I am buying a Wii... for Zelda and the Virtual Console. But my little speech above isnt about bashing the wii, its about not really getting the "excitement".

[KaneRobot]

Another thing that bugs me - this whole "IT'S NOT A 10" argument. You guys are getting way too into this. I used to be the same way. I remember waaaaay back when EGM was still a fairly respectable gaming rag. In one issue, either in a lettercol or editorial, they said (despite giving Sonic and a few other games a 10 score in the year so prior) that the best a game could hope for right now is a 9, because it would take the perfect game to get a 10. They eventually did give the SNES version of SFII a 10, the first since that edict, and I remember being disappointed because despite SFII being great, it was not perfect.

Yeah. Then I grew up.

There is no perfect game that will last forever as the pinnacle of the game industry and there never will be, so it's pointless to have that 10 reserved exclusively for it. People put way too much stock in the numerical score someone gives a game, and it's disturbing how many people can get worked up over their game of choice getting an 8.4 instead of a 9.2. What are these people saying to themselves? "What the FUCK!!! That game is OBVIOUSLY 0.8 BETTER than what that IGNORANT PIECE OF REVIEWING SHIT gave it!!!! SOME PEOPLE ARE SO FUCKING STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I couldn't care less if Gears was averaging a 6.5 on Gamerankings or a 9.5. As long as the general feedback is positive - and it has been, overwhelmingly so - I can make a pretty confident purchase. Those little numbers they put next to the game's name should be seen as a footnote to the review, not an all-encompassing summary of it.

[Zoglog]

that didn't sense motion...

but this did:

http://www.nesretro.com/hardware/UForce.jpg

LOL! I remember that thing! man back when Macys carried video games they had that bad boy on display ;O)

http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/bimgdata/FC055352836X.JPG
they've moved onto video games :D

[Apossum]

Gotcha; I didn't think it was Miyamoto, since I have a faint recollection of it being a criticism (That's our Itagaki!) of the Wii.

I think it's ideal for many kinds of games, and that, for others, problems may arise. I'll gladly see how it turns out, but I will not be surprised to see Nintendo take last place again this gen. I realize that saying this will make many a person gasp and perhaps spittake on their monitor, but who's fooling who? I'm not claiming they will without a doubt, but they sure as hell have done it before.

It wasn't as much of a criticism of the Wii as it was of other developers...but I'd say it was more of a challenge than a criticism. And he's totally right, I think Nintendo is putting most of the weight on developers.

that's the whole Wii dilemma--great for certain games, great for new types of gameplay that we haven't seen yet (which is where most, like 90%, of its potential lies) but also somewhat limited in scope when considered with the current gaming palette of genres.

it'll definitely be last or first...and I'm inclined to say last as well. but the good thing about competing with only 2 other top-notch companies is that last isn't necessarily a bad thing. they can still be successful and last. I just hope it isn't like the Cube where the game releases just STOP completely, with only 1 or 2 decent looking games in the distant future.

[Roufuss]

My only legitimate gripe about GoW is that the dialog is pretty campy.

"Now I'm pissed!"

If by campy you mean fucking awesome, then yea, totally campy ;)

BTW, this whole "graphics don't matter" fad is so fucking stupid... graphics DO matter on 3D games, espically. Try and play any early PC / PS1 / N64 3-D game and more often than not they look like shit and it does detract from the game, at least for me, when everything looks like horse shit.

IMO, 2-D is timeless, it's hard to make a bad looking 2-D game, but going back through and playing alot of early 3-D games is horrible, they look so bad.

If the future of gaming is like Gears of War, than this generation is going to blow my mind.

[VanillaGorilla]

Welcome back from my ignore list, Zoglog. For all your trolling, this is actually something worth reading.

This guy is not at all a Nintendo fanboy. Seriously, did you read it? He mentions the Wii and Nintendo only a couple times, and never goes into ANY detail on it. He's saying that Gears of War is an awesome, well-polished, and terrific next-gen title, but nothing really new. Anyone who says otherwise is retarded. It's still a sci-fi shooter. First-person vs. third-person does not mean much. It could be the best third-person shooter ever made, but as long as it does nothing new, it's still the same thing we've had for years with a lot more quality.

That being said, when I get a 360, I'll enjoy the heck out of GoW because I'm sure I'll love it, but for now, my pocketbook is only allowing a Wii.so basically, anyone with a different opinion than yours is on your Ignore List? Eh, why am I bothering, he can't read this, because I'm being ignored!

[Roufuss]

Metal Slug Anthology Compilation
- No Metal Slug 6 (AFAIK), and the other 6 Metal Slugs that you've played countless times. I'll base this off of what the other slugs got on average... 7.5
.

Metal Slug 6 was announced for this compliation a long time... it's one of the big draws of it.

[Zoglog]

so basically, anyone with a different opinion than yours is on your Ignore List? Eh, why am I bothering, he can't read this, because I'm being ignored!

it stimulates e-penis growth

[Mookyjooky]

IMO, 2-D is timeless, it's hard to make a bad looking 2-D game,

Someone didnt play "Cliffhanger" on the NES. =)

[Roufuss]

Someone didnt play "Cliffhanger" on the NES. =)

:rofl:

We'll say most respected 2-D games can stand the test of time ;)

[Blitz]

When did it become so fashionable to dismiss high-quality graphics and sound as important elements of a game? Saying "graphics don't matter, it's the gameplay" has become a badge of honor for the self-important gamers out there - the equivalent of announcing you only eat organic fruits and vegetables or fur is murder.

I'm looking forward to playing games on the Wii, but the fact is that it's much easier to get absorbed in a game if it's nice to look at and (especially) if it supports 5.1 channel sound and has great effects. Some of these Nintendo fans need to get of their high horse as to what's 'really' important in games.

Graphics are important but not THAT important. Unless you are a graphics whore, which 95% of Americans are.


If a game plays like shit it will play like shit no matter what it looks like. If a game plays great it will play great no matter what the graphics look like. If the graphics are good it's just icing on the cake.

[kittycatgirl2k]

Umm sure gaming is going to be completely changed thanks to our saviour Nintendo. We wont even recognize it anymore (according to the article).
When we are playing Super Smash Bros Melee (again)
Mario Party 8, 9, 10 (to infinity)
Metroid Prime 3 (more FPS!)
etc etc.

I fail to see how the face of gaming is going to completely change based off of this track record.

[benjamouth]

What I thought the article was trying to say is that at least Ninty are prepared to try something different.

But I do fail to see how this is connected with Gears of War, if you're looking for a 360 game to point at and say "Well this is just more of the same with better graphics" then I think there are much better examples than Gears to pick on.

I think graphics can help immerse you in a good game, but they don't make the game by themselves, it's the whole package.

[dastly75]

I think hes trying to make a point with absolutely the wrong evidence.
Still he wants to be on the extreme side of innovation and he thinks that's what Nintendo is promising him. Ultimately it depends on the developers for the innovation and games like GoW definitely innovated in ways that this guy hasn't figured out yet. This blogger tries to get attention with his flamebait. I guess giving GoW an 8/10 is lunacy. Even with flamebait, it's a shitty written blog.

Of course, why the fuck do we care about a fucking blogger?? me thinks the OP likes stirring up shit like this

[tiredfornow]

Not everyone gave it a 10, IGN gave it a 9.4 :/

and besides, different strokes for different folks, maybe the reviewer giving it a 10 hadnt played a shooter like that in a long time, I know I hadnt and it's been totally mind-fucking me as how FUN GoW is. and I think in this next gen thing, graphics DO play a big part...

[Maynard]

I agree it doesn't give anything really new to the table, but that doesn't detract from the fact that its a well polished and awesome game.


Why am I the only one that isn't enticed by the Wii. Hell I was always a Sony guy and I'm really not that enticed by that either. Is it just me or is the 360 doing everything and more of what we want out of a next generation system.

[Zoglog]

I think hes trying to make a point with absolutely the wrong evidence.


it's called reaching, and last I checked a forum is for discussion, not for giving you up to date news coverage on the 2006 midterm election.

[KaneRobot]

Graphics are important but not THAT important. Unless you are a graphics whore, which 95% of Americans are.
Uh huh. Can you link us to your scientific study? 27% of us here would like to see it.



On a related topic - once again, just like how "graphics aren't everything" has been distorted by today's gamers into "graphics don't matter," now anyone who wants good graphics is a graphics whore.

If a game plays like shit it will play like shit no matter what it looks like. If a game plays great it will play great no matter what the graphics look like. If the graphics are good it's just icing on the cake.

A game is not truly great unless it brings all elements together. Graphics are just as important anything when it comes to the elite and/or trendsetting/genre-defining games. They don't have to be amazing, GoW-quality graphics; it can be a unique style or approach. Think about the first time you saw Jet Grind Radio. It had passable (not great) control, but the insanely fresh look and sound of it pushed it way over the top. That game is fondly remembered because of the graphics, concept, and audio, not the gameplay.

And like the above poster, I am also annoyed that someone chose GoW, of all games, to spark this discussion. Please. GoW is arguably the best game out this year. If you're going to try to make a point about "graphics not being important if the gameplay is bad" or whatever, pick on a game looks good but actually sucks. Trying to pick on GoW with this issue is barking up the wrong tree. Not even in the right forest.

[CaseyRyback]

I won't be shocked if right before launch we learn that the Wii can solve world hunger.

[willardhaven]

Is anybody else here not yet sick of their current gen systems?

Making a new system doesn't inspire great game design... a great developer could do amazing things with the current generation hardware.

I am interested in Nintendo because I love their first party games, a PS3 because it will most likely have some of the better adventure/platform/rpg games on it... but frankly, I would rather just get some cool 2-dvd games on my ps2 or GC.

[Z-Saber]

so basically, anyone with a different opinion than yours is on your Ignore List? Eh, why am I bothering, he can't read this, because I'm being ignored!I can read it, though you've been coming close to getting on there.

And when did I say I ignored him because of a difference in opinion? If that were true, nearly the whole internet would be blocked away from me. Everyone has their opinions, and most of them are different. I ignore people who have nothing meaningful to say, say blatantly stupid/wrong/hurtful junk, or troll. Zoglog was ignored because he trolls. I read the article previous to logging in, saw that I couldn't reread it because he was blocked, and unblocked him.

However, I just now noticed this in the 360 forum (where else would could it be?) and under those circumstances, I would say this is trolling. Next time he makes a topic/post like this, he's gone again.

And he should he and you care? No, not really, but I'm explaining it anyway because I felt like typing several paragraphs and responding. So... there.

I won't be shocked if right before launch we learn that the Wii can solve world hunger.Actually, Reggie said there weren't any last-minute surprises left. Sorry, starving children!

[dastly75]

it's called reaching, and last I checked a forum is for discussion, not for giving you up to date news coverage on the 2006 midterm election.

You know it's idiotic, we all know it's idiotic. Yet you still posted it. Let's discuss this idiot. Fan the flames.

I for one prefer CAG to embrace discussions that are actually interesting, not this flamebait garbage.

[PyroGamer]

Welcome back from my ignore list, Zoglog. For all your trolling, this is actually something worth reading.

This guy is not at all a Nintendo fanboy.
Yes he is. It's quite obvious he is. Seriously, did you read it?Seriously, do you have any common sense? I won't go into this any further, because your blindness is just rather depressing. He mentions the Wii and Nintendo only a couple times, and never goes into ANY detail on it.Because as we all know, fanboys don't say negative things about other consoles, they say positive things about their own.

Are you a complete idiot? He's writing on "Infendo - Nintendo Blog", he doesn't have to mention the Wii multiple times in the article, the Wii is the whole fucking subject of the damn article! Everything he says is in the aim of building the Wii up, and knocking down its competition with unbackable claims. He's saying that Gears of War is an awesome, well-polished, and terrific next-gen title, but nothing really new. Terrific is not 8/10. Anyone who says otherwise is retarded. He says otherwise, and I agree, he is retarted. So are you.It's still a sci-fi shooter. First-person vs. third-person does not mean much. It could be the best third-person shooter ever made, but as long as it does nothing new, it's still the same thing we've had for years with a lot more quality.What? You don't even have the smallest grasp of logic. You say this:

If best third-person shooter ever ---> then subpar to previous third person shooters.

Or do you mean "it is the same thing we've had for years, but with a lot more quality", in which case I will direct you to the Automobile industry. Same stuff, just higher quality. It's all just a car in the end, right? right? RIGHT. That's what I fucking bought. A fucking car!

That being said, when I get a 360, I'll enjoy the heck out of GoW because I'm sure I'll love it, but for now, my pocketbook is only allowing a Wii.
That shows just how objective your reaction is.

[dastly75]

maybe im wrong, this post has gone in a wonderful direction :)

[Z-Saber]

Yes he is. It's quite obvious he is. Seriously, do you have any common sense? I won't go into this any further, because your blindness is just rather depressing.Because as we all know, fanboys don't say negative things about other consoles, they say positive things about their own.

Are you a complete idiot? He's writing on "Infendo - Nintendo Blog", he doesn't have to mention the Wii multiple times in the article, the Wii is the whole fucking subject of the damn article! Everything he says is in the aim of building the Wii up, and knocking down its competition with unbackable claims.Terrific is not 8/10. He says otherwise, and I agree, he is retarted. So are you.What? You don't even have the smallest grasp of logic. You say this:

If best third-person shooter ever ---> then subpar to previous third person shooters.

Or do you mean "it is the same thing we've had for years, but with a lot more quality", in which case I will direct you to the Automobile industry. Same stuff, just higher quality. It's all just a car in the end, right? right? RIGHT. That's what I fucking bought. A fucking car!


That shows just how objective your reaction is.
I'm just going to quote it. I didn't read it, so the point is lost. I did, however, in the process of scrolling to the next post, notice the "best third-person shooter ever ---> then subpar to previous third person shooters" line, which is exactly what I said, word for word, so no need to argue that.

[cleaver]

You know, an 8/10 rating would be pretty damn above average for the Wii launch lineup

[Ultimate Matt X]

I didn't even read the review, but from the comments I do have some thoughts on the idea of games like Gears of War and whether it shows we need a change like the Wii.

Now I play Gears of War a lot online (many of you know this to be true) and think its pretty good, but it does show the lack of depth that many games suffer from lately and that maybe we don't demand enough for our $60. The single player seems to be too short and the multiplayer lacks features. Cliffy B himself has said in interviews he'd like to see games be shorter and more of a fast paced experience like this, but the problem is the price doesn't reflect it.

So I can see Gears of War getting an 8 or 9 rating it is that good even with the little things that might bring it down. But a part of me thinks its that good because its a good game among a lot of crud. Gears of War is probably the only game other than maybe Fight Night that I really felt the 360 was giving me something different than the Xbox was.

Though I'm not kissing the Wii's ass. It has the potential to really change gaming, but whether or not players or developers will embrace it is another story. So far a lot of ugly looking ports isn't doing that. Wii Sports is a step in the right direction. The Wii experience would definitely be better though if it could offer graphics close to Gears of War.

And I'm done, lost my thoughts during the post. :)

[Vinny]

About the only things wrong with Gears of War, that I found, were that it was too short (took me 8 hours) and that you can't always command your allies to do what they want. Yes, I know about the left bumper to bring up command prompts but they rarely listen.

Is it perfect? Hell no. But it's way better than an 8/10... it's more like a 9.5/10.

[thrustbucket]

I agree it doesn't give anything really new to the table, but that doesn't detract from the fact that its a well polished and awesome game.


Why am I the only one that isn't enticed by the Wii. Hell I was always a Sony guy and I'm really not that enticed by that either. Is it just me or is the 360 doing everything and more of what we want out of a next generation system.

/signed

I have no intention of buying a Wii. I'd feel completely ripped off knowing I was re-buying overclocked Gamecube hardware in order to force out a new control design.

The PS3? I won't even start, if any of you out there think it has any redeeming valuel, you might want to check your medication dosage.

I too was a huge Sony fanboy until about 6 months ago. Now I am more than happy with my 360, and can't see why I'd need another system in the next 5 years.

[psychobrawler]

Maybe Gears should have been made on the Wii with innovative gameplay on their awesome controller so it could have had a review like this instead:

http://www.gamespot.com/events/wiilaunch/story.html?sid=6162018&pid=932528&tag=topslot;action;1

[Zoglog]

Maybe Gears should have been made on the Wii with innovative gameplay on their awesome controller so it could have had a review like this instead:

http://www.gamespot.com/events/wiilaunch/story.html?sid=6162018&pid=932528&tag=topslot;action;1

red steel ftw ;). You knew it was all going downhill when the French Guy announced how you could "gangster" shoot

[RedvsBlue]

I agree it doesn't give anything really new to the table, but that doesn't detract from the fact that its a well polished and awesome game.


Why am I the only one that isn't enticed by the Wii. Hell I was always a Sony guy and I'm really not that enticed by that either. Is it just me or is the 360 doing everything and more of what we want out of a next generation system.

I agree, I used to hate Microsoft and when I heard about the original XBox I hated the idea, like a lot of people. Then I had to have one a year after launch because of splinter cell, mech assault, and halo.

When the 360 launched, I was absolutely psyched. I still haven't lost any interest in it because, quite simply, it does everything I want a video game console to do.


I'm actually kind of getting turned off of the Wii because of this rabid Nintendo-fanboyism that has only been getting worse since E3. Its turned into some kind of exclusive circle-jerk club that reminds me of what Apple was 10 years ago. "Oh you don't Nintendo's gaming strategy? You just don't know what innovative gaming is all about, you just don't get it." I mean its almost like we're made to feel guilty because we place a premium on awesome visuals and graphics.

[Roufuss]

I'm actually kind of getting turned off of the Wii because of this rabid Nintendo-fanboyism that has only been getting worse since E3. Its turned into some kind of exclusive circle-jerk club that reminds me of what Apple was 10 years ago. "Oh you don't Nintendo's gaming strategy? You just don't know what innovative gaming is all about, you just don't get it." I mean its almost like we're made to feel guilty because we place a premium on awesome visuals and graphics.

Sadly, I know exactly where you're coming from, and I agree.

My friend and I went to a local game store, he walked out with Gears of War (no big) and people were outside camping for the Wii and one of them made some smarmy comment like "Hope you enjoy your shooter... I can't wait to play a game with REAL innovation".

My friend who is passive didn't say anything until AFTER we already left... I would have told that fucker off.

But yea, nice analogy with the mac's, most of these rabid Nintendo fanpeople remind me of that smug Apple douche from those commercials.

[Brak]

Gushing, like this, almost turns me away from buying a Wii.

I find myself teetering between "buy" and "don't buy", like, 5,000 times a day, as a result of browsing the Internet and some various "too little, too late" choices, on the part of Nintendo.

The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess is really the only thing holding my interest, and I'd have to buy either a GameCube or Wii to play it, as I sold my GameCube a while back -- so I might as well buy the newer console, right?

I just wish this "THIS SI TEH FUTCHAR OF GAYMING" shit would stop -- because it's not the sole future of gaming. Period. It's something new (kind of), and people love to gush over something new. I remember being really impressed with the DS... and I don't own a single game for it, as they're all lack-luster and/or disposable.

Also, Wii's "mainstream sensibility" (not in terms of EA's, but in terms of dumbing down games for old people and moms) is really turning me off, too. I like my games challenging... not easy and completely forgettably, like Super Princess Peach.

[mykevermin]

I just wish this "THIS SI TEH FUTCHAR OF GAYMING" shit would stop -- because it's not the sole future of gaming. Period. It's something new (kind of), and people love to gush over something new. I remember being really impressed with the DS... and I don't own a single game for it, as they're all lack-luster and/or disposable.

Eh, we're 'hardcore gamers,' so we buy into the new launch gen as if it's really going to change our lives. It's no different watching frightful NFL fans from May through August, or baseball fans from February through April.

Is it frightening? Sure. Does it makes you wanna slap someone and remind them (1) they're being irrational fanatics and (2) ultimatly nothing will change? Oh yeah, that too. I don't think speculation about who is going to 'dominate' this time around, and how bad-ass their domination will be (only to be ultimately quite wrong) is something you'll be able to do away with.

[benjamouth]

I think Nintendo made a very clever decision in that if they'd just bought out a high-def sequel to the Gamecube it would have died against superior Sony/MS products, just like last gen.

They saw that they'd have to try something different, and I think their strategy is a good one, but gushing over the thing just because the controller is a bit different is crazy.

Ninty have carved a niche for themselves where they can co-exist with the big 2, which is a wise move IMO.

[thrustbucket]

I look at the Wii like this:

Obviously whoever at Nintendo designed the power glove was given the lead design position of the next console.
It totally seems to me that his whole reasoning was based on something like: "The powerglove was the coolest and most under rated game controller in history, and by damn, if I only design an entire console around something like that, then games have to be made for it and people have to buy it and will love it!"

[dserafin1986]

I agree in a lot of ways with what this guy is saying...He's right, GOW is the pinnacle of a game that has been done before...But to say that the WII is the end all be all is a dangerous assumption...I can remember when the Dreamcast hit, and I had thought that it was going to take over...The mix of arcade games, sports, and original action/adventure games was unlike anything ever before it...Coupled with the fantastic graphics and network capability at the time, it was amazing....However, it wasn't enough...PS2 crushed just because...There was really no rational gaming explanation for it...Sony just owned the market...You can't always simplify things in the gaming world....Shit happens and leaders emerge...To think that the Wii is going to emerge as the victor and the future of gaming is shallow thinking...Gaming is just too deep right now, with so many different factions...The market is big enough for 3 solid hardware manufacturers...

However, I feel that in the end, Nintendo will blaze a trail for the next generation to include some sort of motion sensing controller...But Nintendo will be out of the console biz by 2012/2013 and will finally become the most successful 3rd party game maker in the world...And will continue their dominance in the handheld realm