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Wii Warm Up: Waggle adjustments
Yesterday, we talked about some of the problems we've had with motion-sensing controls. But here's the thing: traditional control schemes often have problems as well. The best controls are those that just feel "right." You automatically hit the right buttons to shoot and jump, and in other games, sometimes it's a struggle to adapt.So here's our question: is it really any different with the Wii's waggle? Is it just the same struggle as with any game, or is it made worse by less-than-optimal motion-sensing controls?
Wii Warm Up: The no-waggle zone
Sometimes, waggle makes everything better ... and sometimes, it makes us want to gouge out our eyes, or maybe a friend's eyes. Really, any eyes will do. We're not picky. The thing is, everyone has different opinions one what makes for a good waggle game. And what exactly counts as waggle, anyway? Excite Truck and Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam used limited motion-sensing controls, and that worked out pretty well. But a lot of people are uncertain about how a fast-paced game like Super Smash Bros. Brawl will work with the Wiimote and nunchuk control scheme. Will we like it? The good thing is, if we don't, we have option. But we're not always so lucky.In the games released so far, where do you think the controls have worked, and where have they been less than good?
Now you're playing with ... no hands
Never one to shy away from innovative gaming setups, Nintendo experimented with dozens of unusual peripherals and controllers decades before the Wii remote debuted its motion sensing capabilities. The NES's Hands Free Controller, a 2.5-pound device that strapped over your chest and provided a chin-fitted joystick (or a foam-covered ball) as its directional pad, was definitely one of those unconventional setups. Using an articulation tube, physically-limited gamers with special needs could "sip and puff" with the HFC instead of pushing the A and B buttons on a traditional controller. Sipping and puffing with more force would translate into hitting Select and Start. The button modes and pressure settings were adjustable with several knobs and switches on the device's control panel. Because it was never sold in stores and was only available for purchase through Nintendo's customer service line, the HFC is one of the most rare NES accessories out there. An unused bundle that showed up on eBay recently commanded a Buy It Now price of $379.99! Head past the post break for some old magazine scans advertising Nintendo's Hands Free Controller.
DS Daily: Gaucher
Are you left-handed? Despite the fact that many people are, gaming isn't always friendly to the left-handed among us. If you are, we're curious about your experience on the DS. If you are a long-time gamer, it's probably old hat by now; you're accustomed to a world, in gaming, that is built for the rest of us. But the DS brought forth a lot of people who weren't gamers, and who weren't used to the controls that were built for a right-handed person. We would guess that everything is alright with stylus-based games, but since we're not left-handed, we didn't want to assume. That's why we're asking: is the DS left-hand friendly?
DS Daily: GHDS
In case you missed it, Guitar Hero, rhythm-game-turned-pop-icon, has been announced for the Nintendo DS. "Rock on!" we thought, excited to get our shred on during bowel movements bus rides. And as we picture it, we can ... wait ... what the hell are we picturing?We love Elite Beat Agents, but we really hope there's a unique flavor to the gameplay. If you were lead designer, how would you guys implement the controls? Would you retain the common five-fret board, or mix it up entirely? We've seen guitar applications on the DS before; will any of those be plagiarized? [Note: Image from VGSPlayer, a Guitar Hero training program.]
Resident Evil 4 Wii controls detailed, diagramed
IGN has done the heavy lifting, converting Capcom's Japanese Wii controller diagram for the recently announced Resident Evil 4 into the familiar runes of the English language. If you've been curious to see how Capcom's going to adapt their Gamecube classic for the Wii -- and hopeful they do so with as much success as Twilight Princess and The Godfather: Blackhand Edition -- then try studying up. Notable "enhancements" include: shake the Wiimote to reload (complete with auditory confirmation), Wiimote-enabled Quick Time Events (take that Shenmue!), and pointing to aim.[Via Wii Fanboy]
The Godfather: Blackhand Edition (or, a field day for Jack Thompson)
We're not particular fans of EA, generally lackluster licensed games, or the mafia. Still, seeing this trailer excites us a little, if for nothing else than to beat the crap out of everything that moves. The gesture-based control system includes such perks at beer bottle throwing, choking, slapping, and throwing people into walls. Yep, our buddy J.T. is gonna have a grand ol' time with this one, and to be honest, we're a little worried. If hyper-paranoid parents get a look at this stuff, Nintendo could land in some hot soup. For now, though, simply kick back and enjoy the abject violence.
G-Tech kicks out Bluetooth-enabled iPod backpack
Similar to another company we're familiar with, G-Tech has hit it big by slapping iPod-compatibility onto an otherwise drab offering, and now the company has upped the ante by tossing in Bluetooth. Unveiled at CES, the self-proclaimed Next-Generation Messenger Bags with Bluetooth feature the same Eleksen ElekTex smart fabric controls right on the strap, but these controls now control the track / volume functions of your dock-connecting iPod as well as the volume / mute of your phone. The Bluetooth functionality simply allows users to easily mute their iPod to take an incoming call, and the built-in speaker can also pump out the jams (rather meekly, we assume) with any audio device that connects via a 3.5-millimeter cable. There's no word on price or availability, but if you're really dead set on owning an iPod-controlling pack, might we suggest one that doesn't look like an early '90s experiment gone awry?[Via Textually]
360 Mouse and KB control available today
You may recall us telling you about TeamXtender's XFPS 360 last month. The XFPS 360 is an adapter that allows you to use mouse and keyboard controls on the Xbox 360. For those of you who've been longing to get one for yourself (or that special someone as a present) look no further. The XFPS is now available for purchase from Video Game Advantage -- TeamXtender's official reseller. The adapter allows you to use more than a mouse and keyboard, too. It's also compatible with pretty much all Playstation 2 controls. Sure, you could plug your DualShock 2 in there, but you could also use all those other PS2 peripherals you have lying around. Light guns, steering wheels, dance mats: if you've got it, it should work. At $79.99, the device isn't cheap, but we're sure the device will be worth it for dedicated FPS players and those with substantial PS2 peripheral collections. Quick, somebody buy one of these and see what happens when you play Gears of War with a guitar.[Via 360-HQ]
Mysterious Wii System Update
Late last night, shrieks of glee were coming from my living room. "Look!" cried Navi one of my roommates, urging me to the living room. "It's a system update!" Wonderful possibilities began running through our heads. Could it be an early activation of the news and/or forecast channels? Maybe they were adding new Mii features, or a proper .mp3 playing channel! Alas, such was not the case.In fact, the update seemed to do very little, with only the cryptic message "Parental Controls updated" left as a clue. Since we (and most readers of this site, most likely) don't bother with parental controls, does any loving parent out there know what was changed?Rumors also abound of the update fixing this little problem. HaX0rs?![Thanks to Brent, Sean, and all the other readers that sent this in!]
Need for Speed: Carbon controls revealed
Newsweek has got a bit of an exclusive look at the upcoming Need for Speed: Carbon for the Wii. Why them? Bah! But some interesting details were divulged nevertheless.As expected, the default control configuration for NFS: Carbon is the one of simplicity, found also in Excitetruck and a mini-game in Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. Turn the Wiimote on its side, and viola, instant steering wheel. But for you pros out there, there are three alternatives for your particular racing style. The first involves holding the Wiimote at a 45 degree angle, tilting forward to accelerate and back to brake; the nunchuk is tilted left and right for steering. The second and third have the Wiimote held at a 90 degree angle; acceleration is handled by tilting forward as before, but now braking is mapped to the Z button on the nunchuk. One of these two uses the motion sensing in the nunchuk for steering, the other merely uses the analog stick.Anyone else think these options are cool as hell, (partially) mimicking a stick shift configuration? [Thanks, Marc and Dave!]
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops
A few steps away from Sega's booth at DigitalLife was Konami's. I got a chance to talk to Matt Knoles, product manager for Konami, and play a few rounds of multiplayer from the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. Although Matt couldn't reveal anything new to you guys, the ability to go hands-on with the game was exciting. Four PSPs engaged in the battle, and I got into the control scheme very quickly. It was relatively simple to move around, lock on and start firing away. It was a great deal of fun, but I worry that the multiplayer may be a bit too shallow. The gameplay was fun, easy to pick up, and graphically very impressive, but at the same time, it felt unrefined. It wasn't hard to find yourself fighting with the camera, and entering first-person view seemed to give you a distinct disadvantage in the game.I previously questioned whether or not controlling the game using the PSP's analog nub would be effective. The answer is: yes. But, I think it will work much better in Portable Ops' crucial single player story mode, where the pace should be slower, and the game should be... well, stealthier. A slower pace will certainly make the controls much more forgiving. However, the production values of the multiplayer game are so amazing, that I believe that the game should be quite amazing when it comes out in December.The PSP met the Blue Screen of Death for this unfortunate player.
Twilight Princess -- new controls in action
With all the commotion regarding the Wii itself, we almost forgot about the games! This video does an excellent job of showing the new way the Wiimote will work with Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Say goodbye to boring button combinations and say hello to slashing the baddies yourself. Gameplay is smokin' and we can't wait to get our Zelda-hungry paws on it. As always, click the continue link to check out this Link-tastic video. [Via Go Nintendo]
FFIII, as far as the eye can see
The staff at Siliconera was kind enough to drop us an e-mail announcing that they survived the lines and were having a blast with their shiny new copy of Final Fantasy III. They've been churning out video footage in order to share their experience with the world ... and maybe to brag, just a little. They've got the opening movie, as well as the first moments of the game, which we've included above. This is particularly interesting, as not only do we see some of the controls here, but the remake deviates a bit from the original.Yes, that means spoilers. Skip this if you want to experience it for yourself! And check out the rest of their videos. [Thanks, Siliconera!]
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins video review
You may remember that the 1UP network wasn't too pleased with Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins' horrifying difficulty. Now, you can see their complaints in video form in the latest episode of The 1UP Show (available as a video podcast). There's a lot to go over, such as the dated controls, the randomly spawning enemies, and the unpleasant rings system, which can nullify all the hard work a hapless player may have endured through. Will this stop you from picking the game up, or is the masochist in you raging for a beating?
Excite Truck controls revealed
During our time with Excite Truck, which wasn't long at all, we managed to walk away with overall good impressions of the game, something that we did not possess going into the demo. Regardless, in case you were wondering exactly how the game controls, let the above diagram hit your ignorance over the head with a bat, knocking it to the ground violently, finally bashing it with reckless abandon as your ignorance becomes nothing more than a stain on the concrete. Wii Fanboy: Teaching through violent imagery since 2005.
Control your iPod with an umbrella
Apple may think that future of iPod control lies in a virtual, on-screen scroll wheel, but we know better. As it turns out, the best way to change tracks, adjust the volume, etc. is by attaching your DAP to an...umbrella? Well, it may not actually be the perfect input method (or even in the top 10), but the homemade iBrella (in white, of course) certainly takes Apple's suggestion to "think different" to a whole new level. The makers of this strange device crammed a two-axis accelerometer, Hall-effect sensors, and a gyroscope into the handle of a standard umbrella, and using a PIC microcontroller programmed with the so-called iPod Mini Protocol, were able to translate the sensors' motions into commands that the 'Pod can understand. So, opening and closing the iBrella will play / pause the current track, while rotating the handle could either tweak the volume or change songs, depending on what mode it's in (mode changes are achieved by stabbing the umbrella skyward). There are obviously a thousand reasons why this device is completely impractical -- especially if you happen to be using it in the rain -- but we prefer to concentrate on the innovative design rather than the lack of real-world applications; after all, it's the seemingly useless projects that often inspire folks to go out and build stuff that really will make a difference.[Via Make]
Moore: 360 controls a Wii bit complicated
Peter Moore, Microsoft cheerleader and spinmeister, recently sat down with Gamertag Radio and discussed today's complicated controls. While he did say that the novelty of the Wii may wear off after half an hour, he also admitted that today's control schemes are too complicated for some -- including his 14-year-old daughter. The big question is: does Microsoft have newer, simpler, friendlier, and gentler controls on the way? According to Peter: "We're doing a lot of stuff there. Nothing that we're ready to talk about, and we're not going to force anything that is not going to be intuitive and innovative." I think Moore is likely talking about 360's upcoming Vision camera, but the idea of an Xbox ThWiimote is intriguing. Anybody have a chance to listen to the whole interview? [Via openXBOX360]
