December 28, 2006
More Wii Love
A co-worker asked me today about my Wii, and of course I spewed all the sickening love I have for that clever little white box. They then preceeded to tell me they were thinking about buying one of the new consoles but weren't sure which one to get. I really don't understand this. There is a very blatent software deliniation in place. This is one of those situations where you really should believe the applicable sterotypes, and go for the one that piques your interest the most.
From a purely graphical perspective, you'll want a PS3. Also, if you are looking for the latest, greatest, with features that aren't even funtional yet, but might be utilized in the future... stick to the PS3. If you have a mass library of PS1, or PS3 games, or you have an existing library of BluRay discs (insert laughter), buy the PS3. If you want RPGs that kick ass to no end and have breathtaking graphical story boost sequences... by all means, there is only 1 system for you: PS3. If you want bragging rights... buy a PS3. If you want the most flexible system available, buy a PS3. If you have a TV capable of 1080p, but a PS3.
If you love first person shooters, pick up the 360. If you want a superior media experience... 360. If you have a Windows MCE computer, 360. If you intend on going to Halo the movie, pick up a 360. If you are still bitter about the death of the Dreamcast, buy the 360. If you are interested in the graphics and power, but more so on your wallet, buy the 360.
The Wii is a little bit of a different story. I would almost suggest it as a supplemental system if you can afford it as such. It's such a different experience, that it's difficult to pin a particular group that doesn't overlap into one of the other systems, so I will position it this way: If you are the type to pre-order a Mario, Zelda, Metroid, or Animal Crossing game... buy the Wii. If you are happy great, if you aren't, buy a PS3 with it. I think most people viewed it initially as a supplemental console but it is fully capable of standing on it's own. There are some games that really suffer from the "innovative new controller interface" but they are really few and far between at this point. It won't treat HDTV owners as well as the other consoles, but it is certainly a superior party console. It also has a fairly distinct software lineup. Basically if you are going to get a Wii you already know you want it, the question is do you really need another console. The Wii has great potential, but it's certianly not next generation in the graphics department.
Anyhow, returning to my story, I just smiled and listened to the fictitious turmoil this person was proposing and then kinda chuckled as they essentially spelled out that they wanted a 360 but were swayed by the Wii. My answer of course was: Microsoft is never the answer. That's because I'm a hateful Mac user. The reality of the situation is, skip the system, shop the software, make your decision based on that. You'll kick yourself if you pick up a Wii and what you really wanted was Halo 3.
Posted by Decemberice at 02:40 AM | Comments (0)
December 24, 2006
Love my Wii more everyday
Totally dig the new internet browser. It's not perfect, but it's not far off. So now my Wii browses the internet, does photos, gives me the weather forcast, lets me download classic games, and plays amazing new games. There is no better gadget in the world.
I still barely play any game other than the sports game that came free with it. It's just so addictive. Everday I wak up and play Tennis. I'm pretty much unbeatable at this point.
Posted by Decemberice at 02:24 AM | Comments (1)
December 10, 2006
Video Games are Fun Again
So, I've been playing with my Nintendo Wii almost non-stop since I got it. I have to confess that I wasn't really going to stick with video games into this next generation. I thought they looked great, but there were so few that I actually enjoyed to play, that it didn't seem worth the money.
Well, I was pretty swayed by the Nintendo DS, and I really liked the concept behind the Wii. In addition, I couldn't resist the idea of a new Animal Crossing, so I broke down and decided to get the Wii. The funny part is that I decided to get the Wii solely for Animal Crossing and Mario Galaxy, but I love almost every game I've played on it so far. Wii sports, which comes free with the system, is one of my favorite games of all time. I have a hard time breaking away from it to go to work in the morninings LOL.
Zelda is breathtaking, but there is a whole new element to it with the sword and the shield actually being in your hands, and sensitive to your movement.
I don't really like Marvel Ultimate Alliance on the Wii. Unfortunately, some games just don't lend themselves to the Wii's control interface and it is one. The game is awesome, but I'd recommend it on any other platform.
I also love the little extras you get with the Wii. For instance, Miis. The whole Mii concept is to design your own little characters, sort of like a Muggin on Windows Live or MSN Messenger. Then you can actually play as them in your game. It's brilliant. Plus others can send Miis that they've created to your console, and you can send yours to them. It's fun. You customize them down to the color of their eyes.
This is totally a family experience too. My mom, who hasn't gamed since the 80's, loves the Wii. I sat around with my neice and nephew and played it all afternoon, and they love it. Yet at the same time, it isn't so childish that it's pretty much only for children.
I am so glad I decided to get this thing, and so thankful that my old boss stood in line in the snow to score me one. I've really had a great time with it.
I've decided not to buy a PS3 for a while because I'm fully content with the Wii as my primary system. I really expect the Wii to be a superstar of the next generation consoles. Nintendo did their own thing and they did it well. It really shows that games arean't all about the graphics, and that you can have much more fun with a console that everybody feels comfortable playing, and enjoys. I would recommend one for every household.
Plus, you don't have to have a fancy HDTV, or pay $70 a game. In fact, if you bought the console just for the free game that comes with it, you'd probably be very content! Plus, if you are like me and have a GameCube already, you can play your gamecube games on the Wii without any adapters or anything special. Just plug your gamecube controller right into the top of the console. Plus you can download classic games basically for 5-10 bucks apeice.
Oh, and when you pick up your Wii, I'll have ot get your friend code so we can trade Miis!
Posted by Decemberice at 03:53 PM | Comments (2)
December 03, 2006
Behold the power of my Wii
I know, I know, but the word play comes so naturally.
These are the kinds of experiences you have when you bring the Nintendo Wii to the party. I have seen one of my friends go insane with this very game. LOL Poor Katy, the guy just wouldn't stay down.
At any rate, I thought this would help you better understand the epidemic of broken TVs thanks to the Wiimote.
Can you see how interactive the gameplay is with the Wii? I love this machine. It's literally changed the way I play games. Plus, it's significantly improved my workout LOL. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a Wii workout program rather soon.
Later.
Posted by Decemberice at 11:16 AM | Comments (1)
December 02, 2006
Underworld
Why is there no game based on the movie Underworld? What could be better than parading around as a vampire whooping on werewolves? Or vice versa? These are the things I ponder at 2am.
Posted by Decemberice at 02:26 AM | Comments (0)
November 19, 2006
People are Camping in Front of Best Buy
Now... that's my style of camping. I could take or leave the great out doors, but camping in front of an electronics store... that I can do.
I want a Nintendo Wii also, but I have to work before the store opens. Thus, there's no point in waiting all night, although I could get my geek card punched talking about the highs and lows of Zelda with a hundred or so dorks like myself. And here I'd thought that the Nintendo Wii would be easier to get in my area than the PS3. Hmm... Well it shouldn't be hard to produce more. Nintendo isn't waiting on any special laser, and they are using processors that have been on the market for years now. I'm sure I'll be able to score one for X-mas.
Of note, Nintendo is the only company not losing money on their new system. Crazy isn't it? Microsoft and Sony lose money with each Xbox 360 and PS3 sold. Nintendo actually profits (go figure) off of their consoles.
Of course, Sony and Microsoft's goal is to make it up and then some off of game and peripheral sales. Sony is losing over $200 on every PS3 sold. Can you imagine that? With the minimal profit margin on video games... they'll have to sell a freaking bazillion games to make that up. I assume they are going to try and earn it back off of whatever subscription service they throw at the market. Kind of like Microsoft does to some extent with live.
Sony has proven to be a bit worthless and designing software, so we'll see how their live competitor fares.
To the same affect, I've seen some screens of Nintendo's Wii interface for getting to their virtual console and so on... it's a bit minimilistic for my tastes. I think Microsoft's crazy bladed approach wins the day for now.
Posted by Decemberice at 04:55 AM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2006
Sony: As the Legend Falls, Part I (UPDATED)
Sony has become quite the prominent resident in the news these days. Unfortunately that is the result of pissing people off moreso than any other reason. After putting people's lives in danger, causing property damage, and instigating the largest recall in consumer electronics history with their faulty batteries... all Sony has to say is "Sorry for the inconvenience."
Furthermore, they've taken greater strides at pissing the gaming community off today by having the most popular video game importer on the web shut down. Lik-Sang today announced that they had to shut down due to lawsuits from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and it's parent Sony Computer Entertainment. Granted they were selling consoles designed for the asian market to Europe, which, though not illegal when they were doing so, was later deemed unlawful by a judge in London.
Sony, of course, combats this by saying "European customer's don't mind waiting for Sony products." What the hell does that mean? Does it mean that they enjoy watching every other market recieve their consoles and games before them?
Of course this is hot on the tail of the statement that Sony wants you to work overtime to be able to afford the PS3. Can somebody do me a favor and just shut each and every member of Sony's executive team up? They say the most insane things then wonder why the Sony brand is unable to compete with the likes of Apple. At least when Steven jobs is saying crazy shit, it's somewhat true!
So I have decided to dedicate this as the first blog to document the fall of Sony as a desirable brand name in the consumer electronics business. Their cell phones cease to amaze or sell, their console is being delayed from here till infinity, not to mention it's inhibitively priced for most youngsters. Their PSP is barely holding it's own against the less powerful and less graphically advanced DS. Their portable audio players are pretty much reknowned as years behind, they have no true competitor to the iPod, and their music download service continues to dwindle in patronage by the hour. Their once thriving digital camera business is being leapfrogged by Nikon and Canon.
They do have a few strong points left. They still make the world's best hi-def TVs. Unfortunately Samsung is right on their tail and underselling them. They make some of the most desireable laptops in the Windows-based PC market. Their PS2 continues to hold it's own against the Xbox and Xbox 360. Then they have their camcorders. That's about as good as it gets. I'm sure that their battery business is pretty much shot, or should I say it blew up in their face.
UPDATE:
So it comes out that Sony is now accusing Lik-Sang of blasting them on false grounds. Apparently Lik-Sang could not have incurred legal fees due to the fact that they did not contest the multiple lawsuits from Sony. However, Sony unintentionally unveils that several European execs purchased PSPs from Lik-Sang before they were available in Europe, which is the very sort of option that Lik-Sang opened up for early adopters in Europe, and was getting legally roasted by Sony for. Indeed, the plot thickens, how are you going to tell the masses not to do it, when your execs are busy doing it? Of course, Sony claims that this was "investigatory" not because the execs were impatient. Because, as we all know Eurpoeans don't mind that they are last on Sony's list. They'll gladly wait. Sony, you just keep digging yourself deeper. You need to get your head on straight and get rid of your new Prez.
Posted by Decemberice at 07:58 PM | Comments (5)