Wii thread - part V
05-29-07 | 12:22 PM
#676
DVD Talk Legend
When I think slow performance I think of all the PS3 games with bad frame rates, not Wii games.
I have concerns about the appeal of the Wii to a hardcore audience, but they don't seem to need that audience. The DS and the Wii are flying off shelves and finding new gamers. Especially in Japan where they will not have to worry about a drop off anytime soon.
Over time I bet they draw in more of the hardcores to play Mario Galaxy and MP3 to go along with all the casuals. I really don't see a downside to a console that sells out 100% of every shipment 6 months after launch. They will hit 10 million consoles in no time and have major developer support.
I haven't loved my Wii, but stand in awe at the success and I have no doubt more of the games I want for it will arrive before year end.
I have concerns about the appeal of the Wii to a hardcore audience, but they don't seem to need that audience. The DS and the Wii are flying off shelves and finding new gamers. Especially in Japan where they will not have to worry about a drop off anytime soon.
Over time I bet they draw in more of the hardcores to play Mario Galaxy and MP3 to go along with all the casuals. I really don't see a downside to a console that sells out 100% of every shipment 6 months after launch. They will hit 10 million consoles in no time and have major developer support.
I haven't loved my Wii, but stand in awe at the success and I have no doubt more of the games I want for it will arrive before year end.
05-29-07 | 12:53 PM
#677
DVD Talk Godfather
Yep. The PS2 thrived because of library and price. Neither of which the PS3 or 360 have going for it. The 360 lineup is solid, but you can still go weeks on end without any releases. You never saw that on PS2. There was always something every week.
He already has. I believe he reached a settlement with Take Two so he isn't/can't go after them. Instead he is going after Nintendo for selling a murder simulator(Manhunt 2). Forgot where I read that though.
Originally Posted by Groucho
Just read the IGN write-up on Manhunt 2. I think Jack Thompson's head will explode once he gets wind of it. 
05-29-07 | 08:30 PM
#679
Retired
Ouch indeed.
No skin off my nose as I never liked the series, but sucks for fans. No 16x9 support is bullshit.
6.0 Presentation
Dozens of new mini-games and a handful of new modes. You can incorporate your Miis into some games, but not all. Interface works, but the visuals are dated.
5.0 Graphics
The only Nintendo-published Wii game that doesn't really run in 16:9 widescreen mode, it's clear that Mario Party 8 was originally a GCN effort. The graphics don't even impress as a GCN title.
5.0 Sound
Some of the boards have catchy MIDI music, but character sound effects repeat often.
5.0 Gameplay
The formula is wearing thin. Some of the new minis use the Wii remote in unique and fun ways. Most don't. The single-player game is like torture.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
If you can overlook its shortcomings, Mario Party 8 offers a robust list of minis and modes to keep you busy and everything is better with friends.
5.2 OVERALL
Mediocre
Dozens of new mini-games and a handful of new modes. You can incorporate your Miis into some games, but not all. Interface works, but the visuals are dated.
5.0 Graphics
The only Nintendo-published Wii game that doesn't really run in 16:9 widescreen mode, it's clear that Mario Party 8 was originally a GCN effort. The graphics don't even impress as a GCN title.
5.0 Sound
Some of the boards have catchy MIDI music, but character sound effects repeat often.
5.0 Gameplay
The formula is wearing thin. Some of the new minis use the Wii remote in unique and fun ways. Most don't. The single-player game is like torture.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
If you can overlook its shortcomings, Mario Party 8 offers a robust list of minis and modes to keep you busy and everything is better with friends.
5.2 OVERALL
Mediocre
05-29-07 | 08:47 PM
#680
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by StealthStratos
Ouch. Mario Party 8 gets a 5.2 from IGN.
05-29-07 | 08:52 PM
#681
Even with a 5.2, my kids will still play the heck out of it.
05-29-07 | 09:02 PM
#682
Retired
Originally Posted by darkside
IGN has a reputation for scoring high. I can't wait to see the score 1UP gives it. Oh well, more money for DS games.
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3159905
05-29-07 | 09:03 PM
#683
Retired
05-29-07 | 10:08 PM
#684
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Around The Corner
Originally Posted by Goldberg74
Even with a 5.2, my kids will still play the heck out of it.
05-29-07 | 10:38 PM
#685
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I was looking forward to MP8, but now I think I'll pass. I think IGN nailed it when they said the single player mode is torture. Whether playing alone or with friends, I just don't understand what is supposed to be fun about the board game mode. It just feels so tedious. For me, the strength of the series lies in being able to just pick up and play any of the mini-games, and I was hoping the wiimote would offer something fresh. After reading the review, I can't say I'm too excited. 
05-29-07 | 11:22 PM
#686
DVD Talk Legend
All Mario Parties get mixed reviews. Was anyone expecting much different?
Some of the good reviews though:
Gamepro = 4.5/5 (9/10)
Gametrailiers = 8.3/10
Yahoo = 8/10
Nintendo Power = 7.5/10
Games Radar = 7/10
So not all bad reviews... just very mixed reviews -- like just about every Mario Party game. IGN gave MP7 a 7/10, but 1UP gave it a 4/10.
Some of the good reviews though:
Gamepro = 4.5/5 (9/10)
Gametrailiers = 8.3/10
Yahoo = 8/10
Nintendo Power = 7.5/10
Games Radar = 7/10
So not all bad reviews... just very mixed reviews -- like just about every Mario Party game. IGN gave MP7 a 7/10, but 1UP gave it a 4/10.
05-30-07 | 12:32 AM
#687
Retired
Originally Posted by Shadow Ace
Agreed...I picked it up today at Wal-Mart and my kids played it for about 3 hours tonight. Not once did I hear them complain. It's Mario Party, what did they expect? The formula and mini-games have pretty much been the same as long as I can remember. No big surprise here.
So it gets nailed by the reviewers, but will sell a ton of copies giving Nintendo no incentive to really put much effort into improving the series.
05-30-07 | 12:34 AM
#688
Retired
Originally Posted by DodgingCars
All Mario Parties get mixed reviews. Was anyone expecting much different?
Some of the good reviews though:
Gamepro = 4.5/5 (9/10)
Gametrailiers = 8.3/10
Yahoo = 8/10
Nintendo Power = 7.5/10
Games Radar = 7/10
So not all bad reviews... just very mixed reviews -- like just about every Mario Party game. IGN gave MP7 a 7/10, but 1UP gave it a 4/10.
Some of the good reviews though:
Gamepro = 4.5/5 (9/10)
Gametrailiers = 8.3/10
Yahoo = 8/10
Nintendo Power = 7.5/10
Games Radar = 7/10
So not all bad reviews... just very mixed reviews -- like just about every Mario Party game. IGN gave MP7 a 7/10, but 1UP gave it a 4/10.
True. But the only review sources I pay much attention to are 1up/EGM (my most trusted source), Gamespot and IGN. All the stuff you listed tends to overate games, while the three I like tend to be pretty picky and harsh (just like myself
).
Last edited by Josh H; 05-30-07 at 10:08 AM.
05-30-07 | 06:19 AM
#689
DVD Talk Godfather
Not looking good. The lack of widescreen really hurts it, IMO. If I get my cheap TRU order to come through, I'm probably going to sell it and get the Darkness, Resident Evil or wait for Manhunt 2.
05-30-07 | 07:38 AM
#690
Moderator
Not surprised by the poor reviews. These games are meant to be played by kids and families in a party situation. Not by some fps fan in his early twenties playing by himself trying to make a review deadline.
05-30-07 | 10:13 AM
#691
Retired
Originally Posted by Groucho
Not surprised by the poor reviews. These games are meant to be played by kids and families in a party situation. Not by some fps fan in his early twenties playing by himself trying to make a review deadline.
Not to mention that the first couple of Mario Party games got better reviews from these sources (from a quick look at gamerankings.com).
The series just gets mediocre reviews now as it hasn't brought anything really new to the table in years, and this one in particular for being yet another Gamecube port that doesn't really take advantage of the Wii hardware aside from some added waggle. No 16x9 support is also going to deservedly hurt it in reviews.
05-30-07 | 11:11 AM
#692
If you don't like the game or don't plan on buying it, then don't sweat it Josh.
Those of us who do buy it, we will like it and we'll be the judge. Nintendo took a would be Cube title and ported it to the newer system. If they had kept it as a Cube title, no one would buy it. Is it going to be a huge $$$ maker? Probably not, but the die hards will get it and prolly love it.
People don't have to have an opinion about everything.
Sheesh. I don't see why folks get their panties in a twist when a company makes a game that they don't like. I'll never understand that about people.
Those of us who do buy it, we will like it and we'll be the judge. Nintendo took a would be Cube title and ported it to the newer system. If they had kept it as a Cube title, no one would buy it. Is it going to be a huge $$$ maker? Probably not, but the die hards will get it and prolly love it.
People don't have to have an opinion about everything.
Sheesh. I don't see why folks get their panties in a twist when a company makes a game that they don't like. I'll never understand that about people.
Last edited by Goldberg74; 05-30-07 at 11:14 AM.
05-30-07 | 11:55 AM
#693
Retired
Originally Posted by Goldberg74
Sheesh. I don't see why folks get their panties in a twist when a company makes a game that they don't like. I'll never understand that about people.
I was just addressing people bashing the reviews for being biased as it's not an FPS etc.
Different strokes for different folks. As you say judge it for yourself, no need for people to bash the reviewers who disagree with you.
There's plenty of high reviewed games I hate, and mediocre reviewed games I loved, but I'm not going to go after the reviewer in those cases (i.e.s see the apocalypto thread in DVD reviews were Supermallet is getting hammered over his review by people who didn't agree with it.
Again different folks for different folks. Again, I was defending the reviewers more than anything to do with the game.
05-30-07 | 12:02 PM
#694
Moderator
Who's bashing the reviewers? I'm just stating that when looking at the reviews you need to account for the fact that the reviewers are the complete polar opposite of the target audience for this game.
Show me a review that starts with "I put this game in front of four children, ages 8-12, and let them play for two hours. Afterwards they had this to say about the game..." and that's a review for Mario Party worth reading.
Show me a review that starts with "I put this game in front of four children, ages 8-12, and let them play for two hours. Afterwards they had this to say about the game..." and that's a review for Mario Party worth reading.
05-30-07 | 12:20 PM
#695
Retired
Originally Posted by Groucho
Show me a review that starts with "I put this game in front of four children, ages 8-12, and let them play for two hours. Afterwards they had this to say about the game..." and that's a review for Mario Party worth reading.
Every review of a kiddy game doesn't need to be tailored to kids. Magazines like Nintendo Power and Gamepro tailor to younger audiences (likely hence the higher scores there). Magazines like EGM and sites like 1up, ign and Gamespot target the mid teens and above demographic and focus their reviews on whether people in those age ranges will enjoy them.
Both types of reviews are needed, and I just though some of the comments dismissing the 1up, IGN and Gamespot reviews were off base as those reviews are very relevant to us 20-somethings NOT buying the games for our kids. While parents can look at Gamepro, Nintendo Power etc.
05-30-07 | 12:42 PM
#696
Guest
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=14124
Click on the link for the whole story. I predict MP8 will sell at least 1M copies during these summer months as the kids are out of school and looking for some drinking partying games to play.
Chris
May 29, 2007
Mario Parties To The Top Of GameFly Weekly Charts
This week's top rental charts from U.S. game rental company GameFly, representing the most requested games for the week ending May 25, highlight both to-be-released and already released games in a unique demand-specific chart.
It was Nintendo's upcoming multiplayer party game sequel Mario Party 8, shipping this week, that topped all other requests for the week. (more)
Nintendo Wii
1. Mario Party 8 (Nintendo), 2. Resident Evil 4 (Capcom), 3. Super Paper Mario (Nintendo), 4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Disney Interactive), 5. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Nintendo)
Not surprisingly, the much anticipated Mario Party 8 ranked above all other Wii requests for the week, followed by the upcoming Wii port of Resident Evil 4. The popularity of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was felt on Nintendo's console as well, with the Wii version of the game ranking fourth for the week.
Mario Parties To The Top Of GameFly Weekly Charts
This week's top rental charts from U.S. game rental company GameFly, representing the most requested games for the week ending May 25, highlight both to-be-released and already released games in a unique demand-specific chart.
It was Nintendo's upcoming multiplayer party game sequel Mario Party 8, shipping this week, that topped all other requests for the week. (more)
Nintendo Wii
1. Mario Party 8 (Nintendo), 2. Resident Evil 4 (Capcom), 3. Super Paper Mario (Nintendo), 4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Disney Interactive), 5. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Nintendo)
Not surprisingly, the much anticipated Mario Party 8 ranked above all other Wii requests for the week, followed by the upcoming Wii port of Resident Evil 4. The popularity of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was felt on Nintendo's console as well, with the Wii version of the game ranking fourth for the week.
Chris
05-30-07 | 01:13 PM
#697
Moderator
Despite all the grousing about "bad reviews", Mario Party 8 is actually scoring on par with the earlier Gamecube games. From Metacritic.
Mario Party 4: 70%
Mario Party 5: 69%
Mario Party 6: 71%
Mario Party 7: 64%
Mario Party 8: 66%
Based on all the complaints about the aspect ratio, I'm sure that if it were 16:9 it would be up 5-10 points at least.
Mario Party 4: 70%
Mario Party 5: 69%
Mario Party 6: 71%
Mario Party 7: 64%
Mario Party 8: 66%
Based on all the complaints about the aspect ratio, I'm sure that if it were 16:9 it would be up 5-10 points at least.
05-30-07 | 01:16 PM
#698
Guest
As I think we've all said before, a fun game with great replayability is what makes a good game.
Great graphics and 16:9 are just an added plus, but it's the game that makes the game.
Chris
Great graphics and 16:9 are just an added plus, but it's the game that makes the game.
Chris
05-30-07 | 01:17 PM
#699
Guest
Originally Posted by Groucho
Despite all the grousing about "bad reviews", Mario Party 8 is actually scoring on par with the earlier Gamecube games. From Metacritic.
Mario Party 4: 70%
Mario Party 5: 69%
Mario Party 6: 71%
Mario Party 7: 64%
Mario Party 8: 66%
Based on all the complaints about the aspect ratio, I'm sure that if it were 16:9 it would be up 5-10 points at least.
Mario Party 4: 70%
Mario Party 5: 69%
Mario Party 6: 71%
Mario Party 7: 64%
Mario Party 8: 66%
Based on all the complaints about the aspect ratio, I'm sure that if it were 16:9 it would be up 5-10 points at least.
Chris
05-30-07 | 01:20 PM
#700
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Groucho
Despite all the grousing about "bad reviews", Mario Party 8 is actually scoring on par with the earlier Gamecube games. From Metacritic.
Mario Party 4: 70%
Mario Party 5: 69%
Mario Party 6: 71%
Mario Party 7: 64%
Mario Party 8: 66%
Based on all the complaints about the aspect ratio, I'm sure that if it were 16:9 it would be up 5-10 points at least.
Mario Party 4: 70%
Mario Party 5: 69%
Mario Party 6: 71%
Mario Party 7: 64%
Mario Party 8: 66%
Based on all the complaints about the aspect ratio, I'm sure that if it were 16:9 it would be up 5-10 points at least.