wiispeak animal crossing bundle - 69.99, any takers? [Mobile/Archive]

buttle

09-10-2008, 08:06 PM

http://kotaku.com/5047451/animal-crossing-getting-wiispeak-bundle#c7682872

so who's interested in this? obviously, before putting any money down, most of us will want to hear some "hands on reports" on both animal crossing and wiispeak.

but even if it works well, does this sound like something worth buying?

i've got to admit, i'll probably buy this. with the hope that i'll be able to talk some friends into buying it as well. but also so i can talk with cags and other people online.

and i'm also hoping that other online games use wiispeak as well. but nintendo does have a reputation with their peripherals.

Hyrules007

09-11-2008, 06:15 AM

They better make this deal! $29.99 for Wii Speak is crazy. At least this way it would come out to $19.99. What's creepy is if Michael Jackson gets his hands on this. :lol:

blueshinra

09-11-2008, 09:26 AM

I'm not sure if I want WiiSpeak yet, but I'm definitely getting Animal Crossing. I hope the game will still be available without WiiSpeak, so that I'm not forced to get it.

Pricing in bells was not provided.
Har har har.

buttle

10-03-2008, 04:48 PM

http://www.nintendowiifanboy.com/2008/10/03/animal-crossing-wiispeak-bundle-cheaper-than-we-thought/
alright, our hero Cammie Dunaway has made it official. the bundle will cost 59.99. and she does call it limited. am i the only sucker who's going to buy this?

i think this will be fun walking around town and talking to other losers.

ArthurDigbySellers

10-03-2008, 05:20 PM

Interstella 5555

10-03-2008, 05:29 PM

I'll probably buy it with the WiiSpeak add-on because it makes WiiSpeak only $10 and what's 10 more dollars?

ditto

blueshinra

10-03-2008, 05:38 PM

A $10 price drop, eh? That's enough to make me reconsider. I might not get any use out of WiiSpeak, but you never know :razz:

007

10-03-2008, 06:28 PM

I'm in.

It's not as if I'm going to go without buying Animal Crossing, and the extra $10 isn't going to kill me. I mean, it's the same price I've gladly paid for new games on other systems anyway.

The Crotch

10-03-2008, 06:42 PM

Interest in Animal Crossing + 40%.

BlueLobstah

10-03-2008, 06:44 PM

Not sure if I'm going to pick this up yet. I'm interested in WiiSpeak, and slightly interested in Animal Crossing, but I've never played an Animal Crossing game before.

blackbird3216

10-03-2008, 08:04 PM

eh, would this be valid during the B2G1 free? In that case, i could just buy AC, and sell the game to get a cheap Wiispeak.

Cao Cao

10-03-2008, 10:21 PM

At first I wasn't too interested (I much prefer using a USB keyboard far more than voice chat), but at $10 more, the WiiSpeak isn't such a bad deal, at least, just to try out.

Dr Mario Kart

10-03-2008, 10:25 PM

but nintendo does have a reputation with their peripherals.
Nintendo has a reputation for lots of FREE peripherals with game purchase.

This is a horrible play on the part of Nintendo. Its almost Microsoft like.

Kaijufan

10-03-2008, 10:56 PM

botticus

10-03-2008, 11:17 PM

Are we going to set up a trading thread for those who want Animal Crossing but not WiiSpeak and vice versa? Figure $40 for AC, $20 for WiiSpeak, everyone saves a ten spot.

blackbird3216

10-04-2008, 12:35 AM

Are we going to set up a trading thread for those who want Animal Crossing but not WiiSpeak and vice versa? Figure $40 for AC, $20 for WiiSpeak, everyone saves a ten spot.
sounds like a great idea. I would do it.

buttle

10-04-2008, 12:52 AM

I tried the DS version of Animal Crossing and I just didn't like it, so I wont be picking up this bundle. Now if we got a similar bundle with The Conduit, I just might be willing to pay a little extra to get a Wiispeak.

yeah, part of the reason i'm interested in wiispeak is the hope that games like the conduit will use it as well. i hope nintendo makes this easy and developers just jump on board.

Dead of Knight

10-04-2008, 12:57 AM

I'm surprised they aren't charging more. Not a bad deal for people who actually still like Animal Crossing.

G33

10-04-2008, 05:10 PM

This is a game I'm on the fence about. I loved Animal Crossing for the GC, and put a ton of hours into it. Animal Crossing DS, maybe one hour, if that. I can grind it out in the most repetitive of games and nearly identical rehashes of games, but I just couldn't get into AC:WW.

CosmosTheMouse

10-04-2008, 05:26 PM

I heard it was $70 with the mic.

bmulligan

10-04-2008, 10:07 PM

Does it start off with a train ride and a half hour of scrolling through meaningless dialogue ?

Miranda

10-04-2008, 11:15 PM

Does it start off with a train ride and a half hour of scrolling through meaningless dialogue ?

No... I think it starts off on a bus this time.:lol:

Cambot

10-04-2008, 11:46 PM

Does it start off with a train ride and a half hour of scrolling through meaningless dialogue ?

Meaningless? MEANINGLESS???

Okay, meaningless.

It takes that long for the game to know what sex you are and what color houses you like.

buttle

10-05-2008, 12:19 PM

I heard it was $70 with the mic.

use to be, but cammie announced it's now 60.

This is a game I'm on the fence about. I loved Animal Crossing for the GC, and put a ton of hours into it. Animal Crossing DS, maybe one hour, if that. I can grind it out in the most repetitive of games and nearly identical rehashes of games, but I just couldn't get into AC:WW.

for me, i've spent about 80% of my animal crossing hours just fishing and catching bugs. i never get tired of it.

yukine

10-06-2008, 04:45 AM

Absolutely, I was addicted to the DS game for about a year straight.

Nice it's coming out in November, various family get together and a lot of my family loves Animal Crossing.

ogbaka

10-06-2008, 05:17 AM

the site said it would be $70 not $60

evergoo

10-06-2008, 05:20 AM

$60 is a pretty good deal, assuming WiiSpeak is good.

I'm hesitant on picking up AC again b/c things get dull after awhile. At the same time, I would actually love to chat with some Nintendo CAGs, especially my fellow Smashers.

Decisions, decisions. :-k

Strell

10-06-2008, 05:34 AM

leveskikesko

10-06-2008, 07:57 AM

I don't like using my voice when gaming unless it's with friends...who would not be playing this game. A keyboard attachment would be nice for me though, but it would have to be 10 dollars cheap.

I'm a little concerned that this game is going to be a bit deja vu with a few gimmicky perks. Y'know like how the last ACs were, though online barely made the purchase worth it in that case. So I'm definitely holding off until I know. Then again...I do love Animal Crossing....so I may have to BITE.

It would be kinda cool if ACWW could connect with the Wii version in some way. Better AI would be cool too.

lilboo

10-06-2008, 08:01 AM

I just find this whole thing a bit silly.
I love Animal Crossing, and going online with it is pretty awesome...however..Animal Crossing just isn't one of those games that you really have to talk to anyone about.

Wii Speak should have came with Smash Bros..if not Mario Kart!
HELL, it should have came out around Super Mario Strikers!

Strell

10-06-2008, 08:05 AM

That's preposterous. You know you want to hear me talk about how big the peaches on your tree are, lilboo.

leveskikesko

10-06-2008, 08:12 AM

Woah, you guys are up at the weirdest hours....

Really? I can see voice or keyboard option being useful in this game. Without it it's like your friend is a computer, and of course you can't somehow magically know what they're thinking.

With SSBB I wouldn't want voice chat. I hate hearing people call me cheap every time they lose. In fact when I play Ps3 games, I turn the VO off. It's a total piss fest. I love the fact that this peaceful game is the one with the VO this time around.

Strell

10-06-2008, 08:18 AM

I think some kind of chat should be enabled for all games. Keyboards still aren't completely useful in the console arena since you have to switch back and forth. The little snap-on thumbpads are a little easier to use, but still a little annoying.

Voice Chat isn't required for EVERY game, but it should always be an option.

Also I'm awake because I can't sleep. Still trying to get over being sick, and that's screwing up my throat, and the coughing is keeping me awake.

So I figure I'll zombie myself over at CAG. I don't know what Lilboo's excuse is. :]

ArthurDigbySellers

10-06-2008, 10:57 AM

I honestly don't really care about WiiSpeak in AC or the WiiSpeak Channel, but if it is truly $60 for the bundle, I figure it is worth getting the mic for $10. Plus if games like The Conduit are already integrating WiiSpeak, it might actually be a useful peripheral in the future.

Oh, and this AC is going to bascially be a remix of the GC version and the DS version. There isn't going to be a whole lot new going on. I'm looking forward to it because my wife is really wanting to play AC again, she was really addicted to the GC version and it was fun playing with her.

yukine

10-06-2008, 12:25 PM

I swear lilboo and Strell are the same person, they always post right after each other and at the same time. :-k

I think Wii Speak is a great addition. Think about it, we can talk about our problems over fishing... although I will personally be running around screaming while chopping trees. :lol:

blueshinra

10-06-2008, 12:37 PM

I think Wii Speak is a great addition. Think about it, we can talk about our problems over fishing...
"GODDAMN SEA BASS! Where are all the good fish?!"

...Oh wait, you mean discussing problems while fishing, not about fishing :razz:

BlueLobstah

10-06-2008, 12:43 PM

Are we going to set up a trading thread for those who want Animal Crossing but not WiiSpeak and vice versa? Figure $40 for AC, $20 for WiiSpeak, everyone saves a ten spot.

I think this may be my route. If I decide I don't like Animal Crossing, I can sell/trade it and just end up getting WiiSpeak for $10 less. Otherwise no big loss if I do like Animal Crossing.

I think some kind of chat should be enabled for all games. Keyboards still aren't completely useful in the console arena since you have to switch back and forth. The little snap-on thumbpads are a little easier to use, but still a little annoying.

Voice Chat isn't required for EVERY game, but it should always be an option.

Sometimes, I'm not so sure. I'm sure there's several times I've wanted to scream various obscenities at Marc and JoeB in Brawl. ;)

yukine

10-06-2008, 03:32 PM

For those who want to import their Animal Crossing: Wild World character, you can. You can also bring over the items that you have collected in the DS game and transfer them to your catalogue on the Wii. However, you won't be getting the items for free, and your bells don't transfer over, but you'll be able to bring over some of your favorite items.

Just read that on GameSpot, I don't know how I feel about it. Yeah it'll be awesome to carry my items over... but I nearly have a complete catalog of all the items in Wild World. So hopefully there is a lot of new furniture and other misc things rather than relying on recycled stuff or else I'm probably going to get bored of this one a lot faster than I did the DS game.

And you still can't play multiplayer on the same system, ugh... I figured they would finally put that in.

Filler2001

10-06-2008, 11:31 PM

Figure $40 for AC

No big 1st party games are gonna be less than 50...at least I think so.

Edit: http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72071 toldja ;)

The Crotch

10-06-2008, 11:38 PM

No big 1st party games are gonna be less than 50...at least I think so.

Edit: http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72071 toldja ;)
He meant between us CAGs.
Does it start off with a train ride and a half hour of scrolling through meaningless dialogue ?
No, that's Half-Life.

Strell

10-06-2008, 11:48 PM

I swear lilboo and Strell are the same person, they always post right after each other and at the same time. :-k

I think this is the third person I've been accused of also being on these boards.

Those three people have to have happy with that pedigree.

The Crotch

10-06-2008, 11:52 PM

Those three people have to have happy with that pedigree.No ninja edit for you!

Rocko

10-06-2008, 11:53 PM

Pass. Not really worth it for anything but free.

I will, however, grab the game on day one.

Strell

10-07-2008, 12:09 AM

No ninja edit for you!

I was in a rush to get back to my Boston Legal.

Tsukento

10-07-2008, 05:04 PM

$60 for a game and a microphone that SHOULD be a headset and not a microphone that will likely pick up every single bit of noise in a room? To hell with that. I'll just get the game and set up a Skype chat with the friends I'd be playing with.

rainking187

10-07-2008, 11:07 PM

Has anyone seen any places taking preorders for the bundle yet?

buttle

10-08-2008, 03:44 AM

Has anyone seen any places taking preorders for the bundle yet?

not that i've seen. i assume amazon will put up something in not too long.

blueshinra

11-07-2008, 06:38 PM

Has anyone seen any places taking preorders for the bundle yet?
A bit late, but Amazon's taking preorders: http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Crossing-Bundle-Wii-Speak-Nintendo/dp/B001HZNR7K/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1226097186&sr=8-2

The price they have listed is $69.99 though :???:

Strell

11-07-2008, 08:05 PM

A press release revealed today said the official bundle price is 69.99. (http://gonintendo.com/?p=62195#comments)

Again, as I said in the other AC thread - Cammie Dunaway is the new Kaplan. Doesn't know a thing and spouts out incorrect information left and right.

This is just all kinds of stupid.

lilboo

11-07-2008, 08:23 PM

Yeah, I'm kinda fine without Wii Speak, IMO

greyzieoriental

11-07-2008, 08:23 PM

unless the wii speak will be compatible with Smash Bros and Mario Kart, I dont see no point in owning the bundle, me and my buddy use the 360 to chat while we play Smash anyways

Strell

11-07-2008, 08:33 PM

unless the wii speak will be compatible with Smash Bros and Mario Kart

It's not.

yukine

11-07-2008, 09:37 PM

Wow, pass on the bundle for me.

Unless the Nintendo nerd outrage is so strong that they price it down to $60.00.

BlueLobstah

11-08-2008, 01:11 AM

Friend of Sonic

11-08-2008, 05:06 AM

lilboo

11-08-2008, 11:43 AM

That was Mario Party 7, 8-) I know that because that's what I got my BF for Christmas one year.
But it really doesn't matter.

I'm pissed about the $70 price. Like....I get it that it's CHEAPER than buying them both separate, but come on.
To make this worth it, every online game from here on out needs to be Wii Speak compatible.
In fact, they technically should be able to make updates for for games like Brawl & Mario Kart to be able to use it.

blueshinra

11-08-2008, 11:48 AM

Pass. Not for 70 dollars, Nintendo is out of their mind.
Remember when they were desperate to sell Gamecubes for the holiday season, so they packed in an extra Gamecube controller, and Mario Party 6 with mic with a Gamecube for 99.99? We need to see more of that, you assholes.
Considering that Ninty is obviously not that desperate this console generation, don't see it happening.

Going to pass on this bundle as well, but AC:CF's still a day one purchase for me.

Strell

11-08-2008, 11:49 AM

In fact, they technically should be able to make updates for for games like Brawl & Mario Kart to be able to use it.

I don't know where you got that idea. Nintendo is notoriously anti-patching. They'll throw in an update here and there, but those almost always add to what exists, and doesn't change it. There's no evidence that they've done this in the past, nor anything to indicate them doing it in the future (especially not while optical/physical media is still in play).

Now, Mario Kart has the MK Channel, and I could see them adding the functionality there since that channel is essentially an OS extension. It is most possible there.

Brawl's online infrastructure is already so broken that I don't need anything exacerbating it. And since that game doesn't have a channel associated with it, I'm almost 100% sure there's no way to get chat functionality in.

This is Nintendo we're talking about, people. They don't think like Microsoft or Sony. I get that these things are annoying and they piss me off too, but I don't suddenly act like I didn't expect this sort of thing out of them. We all know it would use Friend Codes, we all know it's this odd choice to be a standalone room-wide speaker instead of a headset, we all know it can't be backwards (or, really, retroactive) compatible, etc etc.

I don't know why suddenly everyone gets their hopes up that Nintendo is going to change their minds about these things - the Wii is more or less set in its ways. It's been out two years and we've still got storage problems, no rumble in the VC, an assortment of online issues, and so on.

You don't have to like these things and you SHOULD be complaining, but let's keep it in the realm of reality here and there.

lilboo

11-08-2008, 11:54 AM

:rofl: I said they COULD make it happen, not WOULD!
And that's a shame. It really is!

Mario Kart Online is already awesome, and this would make it more awesome.

I don't understand all of this, though. Strikers Online was decent, but that was a game that I think we all knew wasn't going to be a HUGE hit. Brawl came out, and that SHOULD have been THE online game..yet, its glitchy and kinda broken. Mario Kart IS awesome online, but I think it shouldn't be better than Brawl. Brawl should have had it's own channel and should have been the game to debut Wii Speak.

Yet, a game like Animal Crossing, where online is NEAT but not required to get a full experience, debuts the Wii Speak.

This is all so ass backwards. : (

Strell

11-08-2008, 11:59 AM

I said they COULD make it happen, not WOULD!

And I'm saying they can't, not won't. Let's not play semantics with me.

Edit: Actually, I'm saying first that they won't, but secondly they can't. So it's a double-whammy situation.

Mario Kart IS awesome online, but I think it shouldn't be better than Brawl. Brawl should have had it's own channel and should have been the game to debut Wii Speak.

They had an extra month to tool around with MK. Plus it's essentially the MK Arcade build - so they definitely had a lot more time to add in stuff, which is probably where the channel idea came from. Not to mention that Brawl was about 100x the content of MK.

Yet, a game like Animal Crossing, where online is NEAT but not required to get a full experience, debuts the Wii Speak.

This is all so ass backwards. : (

Again, this is Nintendo. They don't think online is a big deal. They saw all the money MS lost getting their network set up and it scares them. I don't know how Sony's online fares, but it can't be much better. Point being is I can guaran-damn-tee you that they NEVER thought voice chatting was a big deal, and certainly never thought they'd be adding such functionality to the Wii.

To Nintendo, that X billion dollars upfront cancels out the fact that Microsoft is able to use their system to funnel out nickel-and-diming/media content for extra profit. It probably doesn't help that when you really look at it, I'm guessing less than 50% of all 360 owners are online all the time (though I could be very wrong on that so I'm not holding onto it too strongly).

Point being is that Nintendo doesn't think it's a big deal. It doesn't help that in Japan, online gaming isn't near the bullet point it is here in the states.

buttle

11-08-2008, 12:31 PM

Daisydog

11-08-2008, 02:08 PM

since the bundle is officially priced at 70,
i've bought just the game on amazon for 50 with the 10 dollars back pre-order bonus.

and i'll wait and see what people think of wii speak before i get it. though i do assume i'll get it. i'm hoping though that i can at least find it for 20 somewhere if i wait long enough.
That's what I'm doing too, except I'm buying it at Estarland. I figure I'll be able to get Wii Speak later on with a Black Friday deal or by using some of my Amazon gift cards.

I just hope it's not a complete pain to type using the wii remote.

Doomed

11-08-2008, 08:02 PM

That's what I'm doing too, except I'm buying it at Estarland. I figure I'll be able to get Wii Speak later on with a Black Friday deal or by using some of my Amazon gift cards.

I just hope it's not a complete pain to type using the wii remote.
IIRC USB keyboards work too. Wouldn't be too much of a chore to use one every now and then.

ZForce915

11-10-2008, 10:07 PM

If Wii Speak could be used in games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros then I would be all over it...but I don't think I'd ever use it in AC.

blueshinra

11-11-2008, 10:05 AM

A little story: Preordered the game at the Nintendo World Store yesterday (was there mainly for a Wii Fit, but I'm also planning on going to the AC:CF launch event). When they asked if I wanted the game with Wii Speak, I said "no bundle", and the clerks approved, saying something along the lines of "not buying into the gimmick".

Even the Ninty World staff knows what's up ;)

Dingleberry

11-11-2008, 10:14 AM

I just preordered mine on amazon with the strategy guide...mainly for my lady.

MorPhiend

11-13-2008, 09:17 PM

I don't understand what everyone has against Wii Speak... :S

VioletArrows

11-13-2008, 09:21 PM

Strell

11-13-2008, 09:40 PM

Everyone knows full well it will NEVER be implemented with any other game after this, plus they just released a statement that it will be tagged with a one use only code so once you activate it, you can't resell it if you don't like/want it.

A code for the chat channel.

Even when I had a 360, almost no one used the chat capabilities outside of games. And if you HAD to do it, everyone just went into Uno anyway.

Is it annoying and loads of nonsense? Yes. So Nintendo not be doing it? Yes. Do I hope they will change their mind in the future? Yes.

But let's not make it sound like it's going to melt your system or something.

yukine

11-13-2008, 09:57 PM

Strell

11-13-2008, 10:33 PM

vherub

11-13-2008, 10:50 PM

this unique news is... well, I don't know what to think. Is Nintendo shooting an arrow across the bow of used gaming?
I don't recall Nintendo taking a strong stand against used games, so perhaps this code has a "protect the children" intent.

yukine

11-13-2008, 10:52 PM

I could go buy it at Walmart and test it out. They got 'em both in there (game and mic).

'Course then I lose ten bucks for a social experiment for digital personalities on the interwebz.
I'm pretty tempted to go pick it up tonight, but on the other hand I'd rather get a deal online.

Huh?

Strell

11-13-2008, 10:56 PM

I.e.

You ungrateful jerks, why should I spend ten bucks to figure it out for you guys when I can wait until a slightly cheaper bundle is available? Go buy it yourselves and find out! Cheap jerks.

P.S. Jerks.

this unique news is... well, I don't know what to think. Is Nintendo shooting an arrow across the bow of used gaming?

Iwata has expressed in the past that he doesn't like the idea of gamers waiting for a game's price to drop. He followed this up with "thus we should try to sell them cheaper from the get go," but everyone latched onto the first sentence and waved it around like a trophy of the damned.

Point being is that I'm sure if we asked him about it further, he wouldn't be hot on used game sales, much like most developers aren't. Let's face it - it's lost sales to the developers, and there's no two ways about it. Combined with things like ramped up piracy due to faster net connections and so on, I'm guessing more and more bean counters at various devhouses are shitting themselves and screaming about how they need to stem the blood flow.

And since we're now entering into a more digital age where things can be monitored/remotely activated in a turn-key fashion (unmonitored, user-driven experiences for various products), I'm thinking we'll see more of this thing down the line. EA is already doing it, as are some others, ranging from DLC on disks already to in-game weapons to various extraneous (but useful) features in games, etc.

I didn't realize just how crazy it was until I saw people selling "gold weapon" codes for upwards of 20 bucks. Are you people that goddamn insecure? Holy shit.

lilboo

11-13-2008, 11:12 PM

So is anyone getting that shit? I would have for $60, but fuck that. I'll just get a keyboard and text ya'll!

DocRamon

11-13-2008, 11:38 PM

just posted in the main AC thread...

i picked up my copy at walmart this afternoon. they did not have any bundles or separate wii speaks. i asked about it and they had no idea what i was talking about.

that said... just how limited are the bundles gonna be?

MorPhiend

11-14-2008, 02:36 AM

Do we know anything about the channel yet?

Perhaps the Wii Speak can't be enabled/configured without the channel. There has to be some kind of restriction there, otherwise I would think we could use a USB microphone/headset? I don't know how these things work.

The Wii Speak Channel is not necessary, as far as I know. I think I read it is being delayed, but that you can still use the voice chat in game. I know what Nintendo's thick skulled history is. But I can't imagine that they would break down and give something like this to us and then not further support it or at the very least let other devs have the info to support it. Do you really think no one is interested in putting this to use? And why is it bad that it's not a headset? It follows the mentality of the Wii from the get go. It is a social device, not anti-social. With a head set, not everyone participates in what's going on. You become a bit alienated from those around you. It is the antithesis of the direction Nintendo has moved in the past few years.

Anyway, I think this will work great for AC and I think it will be getting future support as well. I know I don't want to go to the effort of moving my laptop in the living room and setting up a program to do voice chat with friends just to avoid an easy plug and play Nintendo peripheral. And I doubt anyone else I would play with would go to those lengths either. It is much easier to get this device and plug it in and be done with it. I guess I'm just still really confused why people are being such haters.

My problem isn't Wii Speak. My problem is that I played the heck out of the GCN version of AC, bought the DS version at release and have played a few minutes and never got excited about it. I really want to want this game, but I fear the same thing might be in store...

mogamer

11-14-2008, 09:41 AM

Anyway, I think this will work great for AC and I think it will be getting future support as well. I know I don't want to go to the effort of moving my laptop in the living room and setting up a program to do voice chat with friends just to avoid an easy plug and play Nintendo peripheral. And I doubt anyone else I would play with would go to those lengths either. It is much easier to get this device and plug it in and be done with it. I guess I'm just still really confused why people are being such haters.

I think one of the reasons for hate is that when you look back to the N64 and Gamecube, add-on devices weren't very well supported by anyone other than Nintendo. How many 3rd party games needed the N64 Expansion Pak? How many 3rd party games used the GBA-GCN connection? Hell, how many Nintendo games used them? The Wii is more popular than those two systems, so Wii Speak may be more popular.

Another reason for the hate is that the mic/channel is tied into one console. A troubling trend to say the least. I wouldn't support it for that fact alone. If it bombs, hopefully Nintendo won't attempt to try something like this again.

blueshinra

11-14-2008, 10:52 AM

I think one of the reasons for hate is that when you look back to the N64 and Gamecube, add-on devices weren't very well supported by anyone other than Nintendo. How many 3rd party games needed the N64 Expansion Pak? How many 3rd party games used the GBA-GCN connection? Hell, how many Nintendo games used them? The Wii is more popular than those two systems, so Wii Speak may be more popular.
This. I'm not much of a social gamer to begin with, but I'm also concerned about how well-supported the WiiSpeak will be, especially by third party titles. I would've been willing to give it a try for just $10 extra, but at any price, I don't know how much use I'd really get out of it.

yukine

11-14-2008, 11:38 AM

The Wii Speak Channel is not necessary, as far as I know. I think I read it is being delayed, but that you can still use the voice chat in game. I know what Nintendo's thick skulled history is. But I can't imagine that they would break down and give something like this to us and then not further support it or at the very least let other devs have the info to support it. Do you really think no one is interested in putting this to use? And why is it bad that it's not a headset? It follows the mentality of the Wii from the get go. It is a social device, not anti-social. With a head set, not everyone participates in what's going on. You become a bit alienated from those around you. It is the antithesis of the direction Nintendo has moved in the past few years.

Anyway, I think this will work great for AC and I think it will be getting future support as well. I know I don't want to go to the effort of moving my laptop in the living room and setting up a program to do voice chat with friends just to avoid an easy plug and play Nintendo peripheral. And I doubt anyone else I would play with would go to those lengths either. It is much easier to get this device and plug it in and be done with it. I guess I'm just still really confused why people are being such haters.

My problem isn't Wii Speak. My problem is that I played the heck out of the GCN version of AC, bought the DS version at release and have played a few minutes and never got excited about it. I really want to want this game, but I fear the same thing might be in store...

Whoa, you're putting a lot of words into my mouth. I didn't say any of that, I'm just pondering whether or not we can use headsets/mics that we already own without having to plunk down $20.00 on Wii Speak.

Sometimes a headset is more practical to some of us, I have my doubts that the Wii Speak's super Nintendo noise cancellation technology will work considering it will sit right above the television and I live in Arizona and have my fan on high all the time. If you guys don't mind a shit ton of static then cool, I'll use it.

theflicker

11-14-2008, 11:40 AM

And why is it bad that it's not a headset? It follows the mentality of the Wii from the get go. It is a social device, not anti-social. With a head set, not everyone participates in what's going on. You become a bit alienated from those around you. It is the antithesis of the direction Nintendo has moved in the past few years.

I agree with this completely.

Here's a crazy idea. I'm trying to look at this from Nintendo's sorta crazy point of view. I know we're all cheapasses and $20-30 is too much for a microphone to begin with and that we'd love o be able to at least pick it up for $10 used in the future. However, I wonder if what we're seeing as Nintendo effectively "killing" the used market for this device is actually their attempt to ensure a stronger user base? Every unit that's sold to GS or whatever is another user "offline".

The whole argument falls apart of course because Wii Speak can still be used within AC without requiring a special one-use code. Therefore, the device is still viable on the used market and is probably where I'll be picking it up in the future. I'm just surprised that they're not offering this channel free like PSN does (and that has video too!) Of course, I only have two friends with PS3 and about 20 with Wiis. Un heard of in these parts, I realize.

Strell

11-14-2008, 12:04 PM

Yukine doesn't want to pay 30 bucks to hear me make fun of his mom some more, especially when he can get that for free here.

yukine

11-14-2008, 12:51 PM

I hear enough prepubescent kids on the 360 thank you very much. [-(

No I want the bundle, I just have to make a decision on whether or not I want to keep Valkyria Chronicles or go for a super rehashed Animal Crossing. I just love this series so much that I think I might do it. :hot:

And come on, it's weak if we can't use existing mics or headsets. If this was Sony we would be talking all kinds of shit.

Strell

11-14-2008, 02:13 PM

I've been thinking about the Wiispeak and how everyone is complaining about it. The main complaint outside of the price has been "well Nintendo will use it two more times and abandon it, and no third parties are going to use it." And everyone cites things like the GBA-GC connection, e-Reader, Zapper, etc.

And for some reason this didn't make a lot of sense to me.

And I thought about it and I came to a conclusion. Whether or not anyone agrees with that conclusion is up in the air, but I felt I needed to clarify.

WiiSpeak really doesn't belong in all the other categories and lumped together with other peripherals for at least two reasons. The first is that WS is made to answer a challenge from MS/Sony, instead of being issued out from Nintendo itself. In other words, GC-GBA connectivity was something only Nintendo could do at the time (PSP doesn't count for this argument), and thus only Nintendo really had impetus to support it. Third parties COULD, but there was little reason for them to, not to mention that they had every reason to implement online multiplayer in their own games (an example is Splinter Cell). WS is different in that it's trying to get Nintendo play catch-up with the features offered by competitors instead of pointing out something "we can do that no one else can."

Secondly, WS is meant to enhance the online experience. While I have reservations on how well Nintendo is doing this, there is a feeling that they are slowly coming around to the idea of gamers wanting to do multiplayer. This stretches across games and more into the interface/mechanics of the system itself. The Balance Board only works for certain games - it's not meant to be part of every game.

I think WS represents a small consolation on Nintendo's part to try and come to terms with what the modern gamer wants and what modern gaming entails. Remember that they are entirely stubborn and always look at things from a Japanese point of view first and foremost, and as such, probably still aren't quite sold on online gaming even now.

Again, this is not meant to give WS a free pass - I'm merely pointing out it's a little more unique versus other add-ons.

Rant over.

buttle

11-14-2008, 04:14 PM

i've come across this article.
http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/11/12/wii-speak-channel-only-for-wii-speak-purchasers/

according to this MTV article, wii speak will come with a code that opens up the wii speak channel. and without this code, your wii speak is useless. so watch out if you're buying it used.

the article doesn't say that this is a one time code. but i've read a few other articles that link the MTV article as the original one. and many of them state that this is in fact a one time code. it's possible that people are just making that assumption, but i'm not sure. the article did mention that the code "cannot be replaced by Nintendo or your retailer if it is lost or stolen." i can't see why nintendo would do this, if it really only worked on the first wii. if the code only works on the one system, why wouldn't they just give you the code?

i suspect that this is more like pc games that require a code. and if you buy the game used, you'll have to have faith that the seller will include the code. but i could be way wrong.

edit -

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/no-access-to-wii-speak-channel-without-peripheral

from this article, gamesindustry.biz says that nintendo has confirmed that it's a one time code.

Strell

11-14-2008, 05:46 PM

and without this code, your wii speak is useless.

There are currently two AC threads right now, and it's difficult to tell them apart, but this has been discussed a bit.

The code DOES NOT enable the hardware. It's for downloading a "Wii Chat" channel. You can still buy it used and it will work fine during any game, but you won't be getting this chat channel.

And as I've said, I can't believe people are making a big deal about it - NO ONE just uses the chat channel on the 360, and if you ever needed to, we'd go into a game of Uno and sit in the lobby. It's like Mitch Hedberg's joke about escalators becoming stairs. Escalators don't go out of order - they just temporarily become stairs, and we apologize for the convenience. Need to desperately voice chat with someone? Start a game. Start up Skype. Call them on their cell phone. Quit acting like you need to be babysat by Nintendo, which you readily complain about being angry about anyway. Nintendo suddenly HAS to provide you with voice chat? On a system you haven't had it on for two years?

Give me a break. This is such an idiotic argument that's going on right now. People are such reactionary bastards these days. I'm not saying this at you, buttle, but if you go over to digg, there's a huge page full of fuck yous in every form and fashion. And basically all of them are just reading the title - "Wii Speak can't be bought used" - instead of actually, you know, RTFA.

READ, PEOPLE. GROW UP AND LEARN THINGS LIKE ADULTS. Criminy. On the one hand everyone swears it's already a wasted peripheral and how they won't buy it, and then on the other they go into a rampage about it not getting a cheesy channel no one cares about. For fuck's sake, make up your damn minds.

I think people just like being drama queens and complaining as loudly as they can possibly muster in hopes that they will get some shred of empathy that - clearly - is completely devoid in their lives.

buttle

11-14-2008, 08:14 PM

There are currently two AC threads right now, and it's difficult to tell them apart, but this has been discussed a bit.

The code DOES NOT enable the hardware. It's for downloading a "Wii Chat" channel. You can still buy it used and it will work fine during any game, but you won't be getting this chat channel.

And as I've said, I can't believe people are making a big deal about it - NO ONE just uses the chat channel on the 360, and if you ever needed to, we'd go into a game of Uno and sit in the lobby. It's like Mitch Hedberg's joke about escalators becoming stairs. Escalators don't go out of order - they just temporarily become stairs, and we apologize for the convenience. Need to desperately voice chat with someone? Start a game. Start up Skype. Call them on their cell phone. Quit acting like you need to be babysat by Nintendo, which you readily complain about being angry about anyway. Nintendo suddenly HAS to provide you with voice chat? On a system you haven't had it on for two years?

Give me a break. This is such an idiotic argument that's going on right now. People are such reactionary bastards these days. I'm not saying this at you, buttle, but if you go over to digg, there's a huge page full of fuck yous in every form and fashion. And basically all of them are just reading the title - "Wii Speak can't be bought used" - instead of actually, you know, RTFA.

READ, PEOPLE. GROW UP AND LEARN THINGS LIKE ADULTS. Criminy. On the one hand everyone swears it's already a wasted peripheral and how they won't buy it, and then on the other they go into a rampage about it not getting a cheesy channel no one cares about. For fuck's sake, make up your damn minds.

I think people just like being drama queens and complaining as loudly as they can possibly muster in hopes that they will get some shred of empathy that - clearly - is completely devoid in their lives.

thanks for the info. i did find this on digg. i think diggs two biggest flaws are the people, and the misleading titles. but i've come across enough interesting stuff on digg to keep me coming back. but you definitely have to read the articles to get the real information. and even then, you can still get into trouble.

but if all that is is the chat room, that's great news. i'd certainly like to pick this thing up for less then 30 dollars. and i hope i'll be able to have the option to pick it up used.

DocRamon

11-14-2008, 08:52 PM

just out of curiousity, anyone know how many games (first-party, third-party, whatever) supported the DS microphone for online chat?

Doomed

11-16-2008, 11:39 AM

just out of curiousity, anyone know how many games (first-party, third-party, whatever) supported the DS microphone for online chat?
Metroid Prime Hunters with registered friends only. Dunno of any others.

KingBroly

11-16-2008, 11:41 AM

Pokemon used it. Um...who's offering the Wii Speak Bundle, anyway?

lilboo

11-16-2008, 11:42 AM

Pokemons!

stefonzie

11-16-2008, 12:34 PM

The only place that was offering the bundle for me was Circuit City, and they ended up not having it, just the game.

I was mad! So I ended up getting nothing.

nbballard

11-16-2008, 12:45 PM

TRU not getting the bundle? That's stupid..

Doomed

11-16-2008, 01:15 PM

Just bought it game only and Best Buy had bundles.

fieldkillah

11-16-2008, 02:23 PM

I got it at best buy this morning.

buttle

11-16-2008, 04:33 PM

alright, since the game's out. what do you say we drop this thread? and start up a friend code thread? since we've got two AC threads going.

i can change the thread title to keep cags away. if that's something people wanted.

lilboo

11-16-2008, 04:43 PM

This can be a "LOL Wii Speak is WAAAAAAAY TOO MUCH MONEY" thread. :-k

Because it is.

n8rockerasu

11-16-2008, 06:33 PM

The local Gamestop manager tried to tell me this morning that the bundle did not exist. I told him that Amazon had it on their website, and he told me that Gamestop did not get any. What the hell kind of completely botched release is this??? Why did NinYENdo wait so long to let retailers know there was going to be a bundle? It seems like nobody was prepared for this damn thing.

nbballard

11-16-2008, 06:43 PM