Editorial: Why The Wii Is Not Meeting My Expectations

**Triv1um** · June 11th, 2007, 16:49

Via Rotpod

Every gamer knows that the Wii is the most popular console of this generation thus far. It has been sold out since launch and is still relatively hard to come by. But what is driving this console’s success? Its simplicity, for one thing, is making it popular among the public, as is its cheap price point. But is this widely successful console really the best one?

The Wii is the only console of its kind, unless you count those “ALL-IN-ONE sports games” or those “GREAT-VIDEO GAMES FOR CHEAP,” that you will likely see at Wal-Mart. The Wii’s motion sensitivity is a unique factor that draws people to the console. The ability to easily pick up and play the console fares well with gamers from the elderly to the very young. And after they play it once, everyone says to themselves, “It’s cheap and easy, so why don’t I get one?”

This attitude has contributed to the console’s immense success in the industry, and has sparked waves of imitators, from the PS3’s motion sensing to the 3rd party Xbox 360 version. But the things that make the Wii great for casual players, such as simplicity and motion sensitivity, may not fare as well for hardcore gamers. This is exemplified when Nintendo puts out games like WarioWare, Raving Rabbits, Excite Truck, and Zelda for the Wii. These games were all very popular for the system and have had immense success, most notably Zelda.

Although Twilight Princess did get great reviews, it was a departure from the standard Action-Adventure games that die hard gamers have come to play and love. At first this game too felt awesome to play, but after a while the game lost most of its novelty, and I was looking for shortcuts just to finish it. For me, this is the case for many of the games that I have played on the Wii. The games really do seem fun at first, but eventually they become dull and repetitive.

With the exception of mini-game collections like Raving Rabbits and Wario Ware, the groove that Wii games have been falling into may not be a problem for developers now, but as the console grows in age, it may. People who really play alot of video games may begin to realize that there is not that much innovation that can be done on the console, and could stop investing money into its games. Another factor that might drive some gamers away are the sub-par graphics that are standard for Wii titles, and the lack of HD output.

The Wii features a ‘Broadway’ processor and an ATI graphics card; these are roughly equivalent to a spot in between the Gamecube and the first Xbox. To say the least, this is not stunning, and could make a gamer start to think. The hardware capabilities (or lack thereof) are revealed in many games, a main example being Tiger Woods PGA Tour: 2007. The graphics in this game are down-right horrible and rumor has it that for the PAL version, they get even worse. Graphics this bad are unheard of in this generation, but can still be seen on the Wii. The idea that this console could never even come close to matching the graphical power of the 360 or the PS3 really turned me off as a gamer.

These bad graphics are again emphasized by the lack of any resolution above 480p. High-Definition is slowly becoming a new standard for gaming, and HDTVs are quickly becoming common objects in many households. Therefore, the lack of the HD on the Wii becomes more of an issue because one is unable to unlock the full-potential of his or her TV, while the Wii looks worse on this HDTV than it would on a normal display.

So far the Wii is plagued by gimmicky games, bad graphics, and lack of HD output. The Wii is also brought down by its uniqueness because game ports from developers are much harder to make comparable to the other platforms. Game developers can no longer simply port their games over to the console because of the changed control scheme and hardware. This, in turn, causes the Wii to miss out on major multi-platform titles.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the Wii when it came out; I beat Twilight Princess, downloaded VC games, voted on the Everybody Votes Channel, and created countless Miis. But, after spending a lot of time with my 360, I realized that it would be hard for me to have quite as much fun with the Wii. Therefore, in my eyes, the Wii has not met my expectations.

PS- Where is online play?

This Article Expresses the Opinions of it’s Author, Which do not Necessarily Represent Those of Rotpod.net or It’s Contributors

**mcdougall57** · June 11th, 2007, 17:27

from what ive heard the wii has a better graphics processor than the first xbox i mean look at mario galaxy or metroid prime corruption and i think mario galaxy features online play and mario strikers is out for ur online play needs. though the console going through a games drought at the moment i think it will shine through.
killed the ps3
only 3 more million units to catch up with microsoft

**Balthasar00** · June 11th, 2007, 17:55

Not far from xbox v1 but under it. Wii dosen't match xbox graphics ; Halo 1/2, Ninja gaiden, DOA etc.. HDTV sets are becoming cheaper and XBOX360/PS3 will deliver way better games in the near future. Wii should follow the DS sucess story. Fun games, original and tons of RPGs.

**SSaxdude** · June 11th, 2007, 18:22

I think after we get the good Wii games (Mario Galaxy, Metroid, SSBB) the Wii will get the recognition it deserves. The graphics aren't as good as Xbox, but I didn't buy it for the graphics.

**silasrye** · June 11th, 2007, 20:04

The Wii is the only console I have, and the only one I've ever bought new. Last night I felt like playing a video game, but there were none that I really wanted to play.

The games I've really liked are Zelda, Trauma center, Godfather, and ssx blur, plus wii sports of course, I've got a rental pass, but just am not into anything else. I think the current line of games have had bad control schemes, lacked GOOD multiplayer, or not been easy enough to pickup that you can have fun playing with a friend who doesn't play regularly. When playing with friends, especially people new to the Wii, Wii sports is still the best game. As intuitive as its supposed to be, it takes some time to pickup. Even bowling takes 1 game to adjust to. I think that what I've said so far is becoming very evident, and we can expect better games to come, with better control. Full Tennis, Baseball, boxing (much improved controls), Pool, as well as a GOOD FPS multiplayer, and all online capable is when the fun is really going to kick in!

**ikarodemon** · June 11th, 2007, 20:38

The question is "WHY" when i play 360 games a see good graphics but i really prefer a PC game. But Nintendo games dont have mirrors in any other plataform. And yes Wii have better graphics then Xbox because the hardware is new and have more effects. See Smash Bros or Metroid 3.

**-Xandu-** · June 11th, 2007, 21:39

Well let me tell you something.

The Wii features a ‘Broadway’ processor and an ATI..

First of all, it's not all about graphics. You may get bored playing with an HD game, but have more fun playing on the Wii with some friends.

PS- Where is online play?

And where's online play for the PS3?...

But, after spending a lot of time with my 360..

You cannot judge a recently released console with one that's released over a year now. Every console must have sucked at first. Wait for the good games to be released. I remember when PS2, PSP games sucked at the launch date..

The games really do seem fun at first, but eventually they become dull and repetitive..

Everybody who owns Zelda loves it..

High-Definition is slowly becoming a new standard for gaming, and HDTVs are quickly becoming common objects in many households..

HDTV's won't be available widely in all homes until at least, 2 years later.

So far the Wii is plagued by gimmicky games, bad graphics, and lack of HD output.

The idea of gimmicking, you see, Nintendo comes up with new ideas, new games. Unlike other systems who have the same games, same old games but better graphics like all the EA Sports games and all the other FPS games. So what? I'd rather have fun with friends with a Wii other than playing a game on my own on PS3. What's more fun? Playing as if you're in the game? Or playing shiny graphics games? Let's say an FPS game, Red Steel. I've player Resistance : Fall of Man and other PS3 FPS games, and guess what? Red Steel is much more fun on the Wii. I agree, PS3 graphics are much more better but it's boring. Playing the same games all over again? No new ideas?

Game developers can no longer simply port their games over to the console because of the changed control scheme and hardware..

Which is better because if they do port it, the game will "suck" on the Wii, and will not differ much from all the other consoles.

Let me compare the "control schemes" for the games on the Wii, and the PS3.
Let's say, tennis. On Wii, you swing the controller as if it was the racket, on the other hand..,

Spoiler!

**pennas** · June 12th, 2007, 01:25

Originally Posted by -Xandu-

Everybody who owns Zelda loves it..

Sorry to contradict you, but not *quite* everybody

As you may have noticed, this is my first post. I've been lurking for a while, but this article really struck something of a chord with me!

I've had a Wii since launch. I got Zelda, Monkeyball and Wii Play with the console. I've still as of this day probably only played about 10 hours total on Zelda, it just never made me want to come back for more! (I've never played a Zelda game before, but got it because of all the hype I supppose!).

Monkeyball has been great as a party game, although i've never played more than an hour or 2 in Single player mode.

My two favourite Wii games so far have actually been Excite Truck and Rayman - both of these have kept me hooked in single player, as well as being fun in multiplayer. Excite just rocks as far as i'm concerned

Actually, number 3 probably goes to Super Mario World which i've spent so long rediscovering on VC! (Never had a SNES, but spent many hours playing at friends all those years ago

But to the point! for the first 2-3 months I played Wii every day, friends came over and it was great fun! But i've probably played on it 5 times in the last 2 months. I got frustrated with SSX and just couldn't get to grips with the control system, which is rather annoying since it actually looks incredibly sweet on Wii, and runs nicely!

I know it's been said before, but there is definately a lack of games out there. I'd buy Mario Galaxy, Trauma Centre, Smash Brothers, a "Proper" tennis game, a Wii Mario Kart!!, Mario/Sonic@Olympics, Paper Mario etc, etc right now if they were available!! (UK!!) But they are not. We've been seemingly flooded with movie tie-ins and ps2 ports. Another thing I would love - a cricket game, that would ROCK!

I reckon i've spent more time playing PES6 on PS2 than anything on Wii recently... I want some goods games for Wii!

**ICE** · June 12th, 2007, 01:57

you do realize the wii hasnt been out for very long right? if your already judging a system after 7 months then you might be a moron.

yeah bad graphics. LAZY DEVS. just everyone shut you mouths about the wii until the good games come out. i mean god you cant wait a few months until MP3 is out?