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Pikmin, Zelda: Windwaker, Mario Sunshine.
The 3 main games from Nintendo since the Gamecube's launch.
What have they all got in common?
Well, they're beautifully intuitive to play. Even the weirdness of Pikmin is second nature within a couple of hours!
The graphics were sweet on each one, if never fully pushing the cube, but that's not important. Nintendo weren't going to make work on irrelevant details for the sake of it.
Infact, the game concepts, controls, playability, game engine design, everything about the foundations of the games were perfect.
So what about the levels built to set the game in?
Again, they all have it in common.
Pikmin - nice level design but, so little of it, it seemed like the game was over before it started.
Mario - Similar, and to fill in gameplay they filled in extra "shines" but putting in stupid blue coin challenges and redoing earlier puzzles. Not always a bad thing but way over and poorly done here.
It's as if the level designer got so far and then got bored and quickly filled in the gaps to finish the game.
Zelda - And again! :-)
It had it's moments, but the design was mostly "alright" and often tedious or annoying with lifespan tacked on rather than natural flow of game.
It's like every single one of these games started so beautifully, yet the develloper got bored and then just taped up the ends to get them finished quickly and then on to the next project...
It's like Shigsy was saying at the time.
He's loving being involved in all these projects and that he can't commit to anyone at a time. Unfortuntely, the other designers didn't seem to have the sense to try and finish it for him, but perhaps they weren't allowed.
Now it's gotten silly. Miyamoto feels so stretched, that he doesn't even look at half the games he's "over seeing", he just stamps the paperwork so he can move on and do what he wants.
So now he's back to concentrating on just one or two major games.
Perhaps now we'll go back to the days of the N64 when every one of Shigsy's projects were attentively cared for from start to finish, to every detail.
Perhaps now Nintendo's leading games will excel in EVERY way rather than just having blinding fundamentals and basics and no expansion on it.
Now perhaps we'll see some complete Nintendo games.
What says you? :-)
The 3 main games from Nintendo since the Gamecube's launch.
What have they all got in common?
Well, they're beautifully intuitive to play. Even the weirdness of Pikmin is second nature within a couple of hours!
The graphics were sweet on each one, if never fully pushing the cube, but that's not important. Nintendo weren't going to make work on irrelevant details for the sake of it.
Infact, the game concepts, controls, playability, game engine design, everything about the foundations of the games were perfect.
So what about the levels built to set the game in?
Again, they all have it in common.
Pikmin - nice level design but, so little of it, it seemed like the game was over before it started.
Mario - Similar, and to fill in gameplay they filled in extra "shines" but putting in stupid blue coin challenges and redoing earlier puzzles. Not always a bad thing but way over and poorly done here.
It's as if the level designer got so far and then got bored and quickly filled in the gaps to finish the game.
Zelda - And again! :-)
It had it's moments, but the design was mostly "alright" and often tedious or annoying with lifespan tacked on rather than natural flow of game.
It's like every single one of these games started so beautifully, yet the develloper got bored and then just taped up the ends to get them finished quickly and then on to the next project...
It's like Shigsy was saying at the time.
He's loving being involved in all these projects and that he can't commit to anyone at a time. Unfortuntely, the other designers didn't seem to have the sense to try and finish it for him, but perhaps they weren't allowed.
Now it's gotten silly. Miyamoto feels so stretched, that he doesn't even look at half the games he's "over seeing", he just stamps the paperwork so he can move on and do what he wants.
So now he's back to concentrating on just one or two major games.
Perhaps now we'll go back to the days of the N64 when every one of Shigsy's projects were attentively cared for from start to finish, to every detail.
Perhaps now Nintendo's leading games will excel in EVERY way rather than just having blinding fundamentals and basics and no expansion on it.
Now perhaps we'll see some complete Nintendo games.
What says you? :-)
Page:
I left out Mario Kart and Metroid because they were merely overseen by Shigsy rather than being his own brainchild.
Basically, instead of spreading him across EVERY game they make (including western ones he probably wouldn't appreciate like we would) he now concentrates on just his one or two main ones.
Personally, I was all for Cel Shaded Zelda.
I thought Fludd was fine, although I think Mario would be better of without it.
I wasn't so much for FPS Metroid because it was cutting stuff out more than adding new ideas. (I mean, a third person Metroid would've needed a FP view for aiming, you'd just see more of Samus in between!).
But for Sunshine, Pikmin and Zelda, I thought that the basics were perfect. I didn't care east of west or cel shaded or realistic, it's just there either wasn't enough level design, and what there was in Zelda and Mario seemed to just have extra obstacles tacked in to increase longevity (the sea and blue coins for example) rather than seamlessly integrating it into an adventure.
Basically, the games were rushed and released unfinished.
All the effort was put into the concept and ground basics leaving the level design as a mere after thought.
Personally, I hope that Shigsy isn't doing ANYTHING just to appease us, otherwise his heart just won't be in it.
All last year he was hinting that original, sleek game concepts were his main focus and we've all seen what's been the highlight of Nintendo's GC games so far.
He hasn't said anything about going epic, but the fact that he's insisted on just concentrating on his games instead of having to be spread over everyones... well, I think he's planning on putting a lot more into them this time round.
Basically, instead of spreading him across EVERY game they make (including western ones he probably wouldn't appreciate like we would) he now concentrates on just his one or two main ones.
Personally, I was all for Cel Shaded Zelda.
I thought Fludd was fine, although I think Mario would be better of without it.
I wasn't so much for FPS Metroid because it was cutting stuff out more than adding new ideas. (I mean, a third person Metroid would've needed a FP view for aiming, you'd just see more of Samus in between!).
But for Sunshine, Pikmin and Zelda, I thought that the basics were perfect. I didn't care east of west or cel shaded or realistic, it's just there either wasn't enough level design, and what there was in Zelda and Mario seemed to just have extra obstacles tacked in to increase longevity (the sea and blue coins for example) rather than seamlessly integrating it into an adventure.
Basically, the games were rushed and released unfinished.
All the effort was put into the concept and ground basics leaving the level design as a mere after thought.
Personally, I hope that Shigsy isn't doing ANYTHING just to appease us, otherwise his heart just won't be in it.
All last year he was hinting that original, sleek game concepts were his main focus and we've all seen what's been the highlight of Nintendo's GC games so far.
He hasn't said anything about going epic, but the fact that he's insisted on just concentrating on his games instead of having to be spread over everyones... well, I think he's planning on putting a lot more into them this time round.
Nintendo's first 2 years were where Nintendo were trying to re-invent the industry. They believed games should be short but sweet and the likes of Luigi's Mansion, Wario World and Pikmin tried this. Sadly their was a minor backlash for this.
Nintendo tried re-inventing their series', Metroid Prime and Mario Kart (2 games Strafio missed out from his 'main titles' list) succeeded, Metroid Prime brought a fresh spin on an ancient series and Mario KArt won numerous fan awards. Sunshine tried changing the iconography, the style and introduced a new jumping method. It did work but to varying popularity, I found it excellent but a collective few felt it was a slight let down. Wind Waker used a new graphical technique, and although utterly superb it caused a Zelda sales crash and disgusted response at Spaceworld.
Another thing they tried was connectivity. Again like the latter attempt was a nice idea, the connectivity games Pacman Vs., Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords are not just fun but damn sight superb. But again expensive and many couldn't be bothered.
Time for experimenting has come to an end.
Nintendo answered the fans called. We wanted a realistic Zelda (I didn't but hey), we wanted a new Metroid Prime, we wanted more western style games, we wanted epic, longer games and we wanted no connectivity.
Zelda was as many wanted it, Metroid Prime looked better than ever, connectivity vanished from the E3 show floor and a whole host of new, more epic titles were shown.
We still get originality, Paper mario 2 goes further than the original, The use of Konga drums on Jungle Beat and Odama is genius and nice touches.
But with Zelda, Resident Evil 4 and Baiten Kaitos screaming "EPIC", Geist, Advance Wars and Metroid Prime screaming "WESTERN", Mario Tennis, Jungle Beat and Paper mario screaming "FUN" and Nintendo screaming "WAR".... I suddenly feel the Gamecube is going out with one hell of a bang.
Nintendo tried re-inventing their series', Metroid Prime and Mario Kart (2 games Strafio missed out from his 'main titles' list) succeeded, Metroid Prime brought a fresh spin on an ancient series and Mario KArt won numerous fan awards. Sunshine tried changing the iconography, the style and introduced a new jumping method. It did work but to varying popularity, I found it excellent but a collective few felt it was a slight let down. Wind Waker used a new graphical technique, and although utterly superb it caused a Zelda sales crash and disgusted response at Spaceworld.
Another thing they tried was connectivity. Again like the latter attempt was a nice idea, the connectivity games Pacman Vs., Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords are not just fun but damn sight superb. But again expensive and many couldn't be bothered.
Time for experimenting has come to an end.
Nintendo answered the fans called. We wanted a realistic Zelda (I didn't but hey), we wanted a new Metroid Prime, we wanted more western style games, we wanted epic, longer games and we wanted no connectivity.
Zelda was as many wanted it, Metroid Prime looked better than ever, connectivity vanished from the E3 show floor and a whole host of new, more epic titles were shown.
We still get originality, Paper mario 2 goes further than the original, The use of Konga drums on Jungle Beat and Odama is genius and nice touches.
But with Zelda, Resident Evil 4 and Baiten Kaitos screaming "EPIC", Geist, Advance Wars and Metroid Prime screaming "WESTERN", Mario Tennis, Jungle Beat and Paper mario screaming "FUN" and Nintendo screaming "WAR".... I suddenly feel the Gamecube is going out with one hell of a bang.
I think Nintendo had a period where it seemed they had run out of ideas to introduce innovation to their titles, but then as the Gamecube launch was imminent we saw some real cases of brilliance, although when the games were finally released many of us were somewhat disappointed.
Aside from FLUDD in Mario Sunshine, there weren't many cases of true innovation like I believe there could have been had more time gone into the game. There was some interesting level design, and some nice new characters, but all in all it didn't really showcase anything we hadn't seen before in some form or other.
Pikmin seemed like a whole new type of game, but as you said pretty much as soon as it had begun it had finished. Very short, and although many would play it over again, it was hardly as exciting second time around.
Wind Waker was visually excellent and was original in this section, but it was much like previous Zelda titles on the N64, and didn't offer as much freedom as could have been asked for: not in comparison to Ocarina of Time anyway.
I think each of the titles was maybe rushed out due to pressure from gamers. Pikmin was just far too short and could have spent a longer time in development, but particularly in Japan it was eagerly awaited. Mario Sunshine not being at the launch of the Cube was bad enough, but Nintendo couldn't really delay it any further or their support would drastically drop - so I feel it was rushed out and some bits which could have been edited were left in. And Wind Waker also has a slightly rushed feel to it, because again they kind of needed to meet deadlines. They hadn't made Christmas as was first suggested, so it was completely necessary that the game be released as soon as possible afterwards. Metroid Prime follows this course as well, but then it doesn't get boring or repetitive, so it can be left out.
On the whole I see where you're coming from. Nintendo's games are showing cases of excellent innovation, but on the whole aren't delivering in the way that they should, mainly probably due to time restraints. I'd actually prefer it if Nintendo held back potential Gamecube releases for the N5 if it meant a stronger, more first-party based launch. Mario 128 and Wind Waker 2 would both propel the N5 to new heights, but the question is, can the Gamecube handle the setback of not having either of them during its lifetime?
Aside from FLUDD in Mario Sunshine, there weren't many cases of true innovation like I believe there could have been had more time gone into the game. There was some interesting level design, and some nice new characters, but all in all it didn't really showcase anything we hadn't seen before in some form or other.
Pikmin seemed like a whole new type of game, but as you said pretty much as soon as it had begun it had finished. Very short, and although many would play it over again, it was hardly as exciting second time around.
Wind Waker was visually excellent and was original in this section, but it was much like previous Zelda titles on the N64, and didn't offer as much freedom as could have been asked for: not in comparison to Ocarina of Time anyway.
I think each of the titles was maybe rushed out due to pressure from gamers. Pikmin was just far too short and could have spent a longer time in development, but particularly in Japan it was eagerly awaited. Mario Sunshine not being at the launch of the Cube was bad enough, but Nintendo couldn't really delay it any further or their support would drastically drop - so I feel it was rushed out and some bits which could have been edited were left in. And Wind Waker also has a slightly rushed feel to it, because again they kind of needed to meet deadlines. They hadn't made Christmas as was first suggested, so it was completely necessary that the game be released as soon as possible afterwards. Metroid Prime follows this course as well, but then it doesn't get boring or repetitive, so it can be left out.
On the whole I see where you're coming from. Nintendo's games are showing cases of excellent innovation, but on the whole aren't delivering in the way that they should, mainly probably due to time restraints. I'd actually prefer it if Nintendo held back potential Gamecube releases for the N5 if it meant a stronger, more first-party based launch. Mario 128 and Wind Waker 2 would both propel the N5 to new heights, but the question is, can the Gamecube handle the setback of not having either of them during its lifetime?
Pikmin, Zelda: Windwaker, Mario Sunshine.
The 3 main games from Nintendo since the Gamecube's launch.
What have they all got in common?
Well, they're beautifully intuitive to play. Even the weirdness of Pikmin is second nature within a couple of hours!
The graphics were sweet on each one, if never fully pushing the cube, but that's not important. Nintendo weren't going to make work on irrelevant details for the sake of it.
Infact, the game concepts, controls, playability, game engine design, everything about the foundations of the games were perfect.
So what about the levels built to set the game in?
Again, they all have it in common.
Pikmin - nice level design but, so little of it, it seemed like the game was over before it started.
Mario - Similar, and to fill in gameplay they filled in extra "shines" but putting in stupid blue coin challenges and redoing earlier puzzles. Not always a bad thing but way over and poorly done here.
It's as if the level designer got so far and then got bored and quickly filled in the gaps to finish the game.
Zelda - And again! :-)
It had it's moments, but the design was mostly "alright" and often tedious or annoying with lifespan tacked on rather than natural flow of game.
It's like every single one of these games started so beautifully, yet the develloper got bored and then just taped up the ends to get them finished quickly and then on to the next project...
It's like Shigsy was saying at the time.
He's loving being involved in all these projects and that he can't commit to anyone at a time. Unfortuntely, the other designers didn't seem to have the sense to try and finish it for him, but perhaps they weren't allowed.
Now it's gotten silly. Miyamoto feels so stretched, that he doesn't even look at half the games he's "over seeing", he just stamps the paperwork so he can move on and do what he wants.
So now he's back to concentrating on just one or two major games.
Perhaps now we'll go back to the days of the N64 when every one of Shigsy's projects were attentively cared for from start to finish, to every detail.
Perhaps now Nintendo's leading games will excel in EVERY way rather than just having blinding fundamentals and basics and no expansion on it.
Now perhaps we'll see some complete Nintendo games.
What says you? :-)
The 3 main games from Nintendo since the Gamecube's launch.
What have they all got in common?
Well, they're beautifully intuitive to play. Even the weirdness of Pikmin is second nature within a couple of hours!
The graphics were sweet on each one, if never fully pushing the cube, but that's not important. Nintendo weren't going to make work on irrelevant details for the sake of it.
Infact, the game concepts, controls, playability, game engine design, everything about the foundations of the games were perfect.
So what about the levels built to set the game in?
Again, they all have it in common.
Pikmin - nice level design but, so little of it, it seemed like the game was over before it started.
Mario - Similar, and to fill in gameplay they filled in extra "shines" but putting in stupid blue coin challenges and redoing earlier puzzles. Not always a bad thing but way over and poorly done here.
It's as if the level designer got so far and then got bored and quickly filled in the gaps to finish the game.
Zelda - And again! :-)
It had it's moments, but the design was mostly "alright" and often tedious or annoying with lifespan tacked on rather than natural flow of game.
It's like every single one of these games started so beautifully, yet the develloper got bored and then just taped up the ends to get them finished quickly and then on to the next project...
It's like Shigsy was saying at the time.
He's loving being involved in all these projects and that he can't commit to anyone at a time. Unfortuntely, the other designers didn't seem to have the sense to try and finish it for him, but perhaps they weren't allowed.
Now it's gotten silly. Miyamoto feels so stretched, that he doesn't even look at half the games he's "over seeing", he just stamps the paperwork so he can move on and do what he wants.
So now he's back to concentrating on just one or two major games.
Perhaps now we'll go back to the days of the N64 when every one of Shigsy's projects were attentively cared for from start to finish, to every detail.
Perhaps now Nintendo's leading games will excel in EVERY way rather than just having blinding fundamentals and basics and no expansion on it.
Now perhaps we'll see some complete Nintendo games.
What says you? :-)
Page: