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Fishing with the Wii remote (and how to do it yourself)
var digg_url = 'http://wow.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/fishing-with-the-wii-remote-and-how-to-do-it-yourself/'; Blogger Chris Heald of antiarc.net has a Wii remote and likes to go fishing in WoW. So when he found out (I didn't know this) that the Wii remote is really just a bluetooth device, he figured he could work out some way to combine the two. First, he got Chrono Trigger (omg great game) working, and then, with the use of a GlovePIE script, he set up a way to actually fish in Azeroth, Wii-style. Pretty freakin' cool. But the best part is that he's actually posted the script online, so if you've got a Wii controller sitting around, you could very easily do this yourself. Just make sure your computer can receive bluetooth (adapters are cheap if you don't already have one), download and get GlovePIE running (it's free), input Chris' script, and you should be set.We've seen WoW on the Wii controller before, and our only concern was that the controller was pretty limited in actually playing the game. But fishing is the perfect venue for a motion controller like the Wii-- the controls are simple and don't require text input or complicated sequences. From the video, it looks like Chris' hack works perfectly. Great job, Chris, and very cool.
Microsoft: Wii controls don't 'kick ass'
Microsoft doesn't have immediate plans to introduce a motion-sensitive controller for the Xbox 360, but will wait and see how well the Wii's and PS3's attempts work out in the long run. Developer Group General Manager Chris Satchell told CVG today, "We're [sic] yet to see a really good game on Wii that really says 'OK that control kicked ass.'" So far, we have to agree.The winner of this generation of console wars could have a serious impact on the future of the industry, since each of the big three offers a unique control option: Xbox's tried-and-true gamepad, Wii's exciting but risky motion-sensitive wand, and PS3's "Eh, let's try everything and see what works" hodgepodge. Who shall triumph? Call us crazy, we're still hoping for a return of the U-Force.
Whopping Wii remote comic
We played the "What if?" game with our friends a lot during our younger years. Our school playground was a montessori arena for cartwheels and slow motion kicks as we acted out, "What if we were Power Rangers?" Tired from our recess shenanigans, we would brood over notes we passed in class, wondering, "What if it rained candy? Seriously, wouldn't that be rad?" We eventually put the childish pastime behind us, realizing that it wasn't appropriate to ask our best friends, "What if I was a guy who wanted to date your sister?"Buzz Beamer from Sports Illustrated Kids hasn't given up on the "What if?" game yet. In the magazine's latest comic, Buzz ruminates over the possibilities of an over-sized Wii remote. He comes up with some entertaining ideas like Virtual Log Riding and Tossing the Caber. Our favorite is the one where he has a "realistic" wrestling match with the giant remote. That's way cooler than the Hulk Hogan pillow we used to grapple with when we were kids!
Man attempts to steal Wiimote, assaults security
Remember how we used to say that our console was the better one because it didn't incite violence among its fanbase? That was fun while it lasted. Now all we have to go on is the price and selection of games.37-year-old Kazunari Tanaka is accused of trying to shoplift a Wiimote and a CD from a Bic Camera in Nagoya, Japan. When security guards accosted him, he (allegedly) started punching, leaving both guards injured.We won't blame the Wii for this crime, although we're sure someone will. People shoplift every day.The Wii doesn't inspire crimes against anything but televisions (against which it instills a murderous rage).[Via NeoGAF; thematically appropriate image taken from this post]
Wii Warm Up: Is the Wii remote gimmicky?
It's the question Nintendo fanboys often avoid: is the Wii controller just a gimmick? It comes up a lot, this idea that the Wii is an impulse buy (maybe once it's, y'know, around) and that we'll grow tired of random remote-flicking in favor of traditional gameplay. Some have even said the Wiimote lacks the versatility of the DS -- the system to which it is often compared. Having played a variety of games with different control schemes, we're not convinced about that, and can only imagine the Wii's true versatility will be further apparent as devs spend more and more quality time working with the controls. What we want to know, though, is what you think. Is the Wii remote a gimmick, or will it endure?
Guitar Hero rocks on Wii, maybe DS too
During yesterday's financial results conference call Activision president and CEO Mike Griffith made more specific confirmation of Guitar Hero on Wii. "[Activision] will aggressively target the Nintendo platforms consistent with our multi-platform strategy and Nintendo's expected growth. In fiscal 2008, we will double our offerings on the DS and the Wii, including Spider-Man, Shrek, Transformers, and Guitar Hero," Griffith told listeners. While this almost certainly indicates that Guitar Hero will arrive on Wii before March 2008, Griffith's somewhat vague statement still leaves open the possibility of a portable version on DS.You may recall that another Activision CEO, Robert Kotic, suggested as much last September when he stated that Guitar Hero would appear "on every significant new format." We assume that if Guitar Hero were to transition to DS, it would be a simple game of tap-the-dots, but on Wii there are some fresh possibilities for a guitar peripheral that might include attaching the Wii Remote for added motion and guitar position recognition. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Wii Power Gloves? Nope.
What's more useless: plastic shove-on attachments or boxing gloves with Wiimote pockets? We suppose those attachments are, but these 'un-official' Wii boxing gloves rank among the lamest of 3rd-party peripherals.Maybe if you have a tendency to fling your Wiimote the gloves are $22 well spent; then again, Wii Sports' boxing requires players to hold the Wiimote vertically. You won't be punching with these gloves on; you'll be knocking on doors. Awkward.A better Wii "Power Glove": Wii Remote Power Glove Hack[Via VideoGamesBlogger]
Wii-chargeable battery packs (almost) ready for release
"Where are the Wii-chargeable battery packs?" we asked last week. This week, we have the answer: "There they are!" That is, they can be reserved in Japan as of today, for eventual delivery before the end of February, and we have Japanese gizmo manufacturer Thanko to thank-o. Thanko's lithium-ion battery and USB charge cradle, which can draw power from one of the Wii's USB ports, are retailing in Japan at ¥3,480 (US$29) per set or at the slightly discounted rate of ¥6,480 (US$54) for two sets. A three-and-a-half hour charge will, according to Thanko's press release, keep a Wii Remote powered for 25 hours. Just think how many times you could complete Kororinpa in that time...
Wii to get original downloadable titles, 'Game Channel' possible
Remarks made by Hudson Entertainment director of marketing John Lee, during an interview with Game Informer, have sparked rumor that a 'Game Channel,' dealing in original downloadable titles, could be headed to Wii. Lee didn't make any specific implications, but did cleverly acknowledge that Nintendo had plans to distribute original downloadable games. When asked if Hudson had plans to do so, Lee claimed, "No," but added, "However, in the future, you should rephrase that question to: Are there any plans to launch original content on some downloadable service on the Wii, and you might get a different answer."CVG brought the issue up with Nintendo, which responded, "We cannot confirm at this time in what format the new content will be delivered, but in the future there will be original games available for download through the Wii Shop." While still unconfirmed, it's likely that Nintendo could launch a new Channel to further separate original games, once purchased from Wii Shop Channel, from Virtual Console fare. We also suspect that most of these new offerings will utilize the Wiimote (and Nunchuk) instead of the Classic Controller.
WiiBot cuts other Wiimote hacks down to size
While most folks can impress their friends simply by running a few lines of code that instantly turns their Wiimote into a make-believe light saber or drum machine, when you work for a place called US Mechatronics, you're pretty much required to raise the stakes a bit. Heeding that call, a pair of employees at the company decided to take the (relatively) harmless remote into dangerous new territory, putting in some extra time at the "office" to turn the humble Wiimote into a real-time interface for an over-sized robotic arm. After engaging in a quick game of tennis, the pair decided to up the arm's destructive power considerably and outfit it with a sword, which they thankfully caught on video (check it out after the break). Impressive stuff to be sure, although we have to admit that we're a little frightened to think of the possibilities once they finish the robot.[Via Hack a Day]
Rumor: Nintendo has a redesigned Wiimote in the works
By way of Japanese source Game Lab, German gaming site GameFront reports that a redesign for Nintendo's Wiimote is in the works. The rumored redesign is to feature a rechargeable battery, as well as gripping to keep those overzealous gamers from putting one through the TV. From the site (post Google translation):"Nintendo is to work allegedly on a better Wii remote maintenance, which is delivered at the latest in the summer in Japan. The Japanese Game Labo in its rumor column maintains. The revised remote maintenance is to be more easily, possess a better pavement grip and rechargeable its - Nintendo did not confirm the assumptions of the Game Labo."What do you guys think? Is this honestly going to happen?
Wii Warm Up: Bring on the 3rd party Wiimotes
The rumor about Mad Catz Wiimotes isn't exactly the most reliable bit of gossip we've heard all year, but it does raise an interesting topic. Would you buy a third party Wii remote? Certainly the lack of regular Wiimotes on store shelves is a problem, but does that balance against the general quality of most (not all) third party peripherals? Is the price a factor? Wiimote and nunchuk sets are somewhat expensive, but is it worth saving a few bucks to wave something like this around? We're trying not to make any many jokes about the wavy shape here, but they're lurking in the tall grass. So what's the verdict on this rumored remote? We want to hear what you think!
Craptacular attachments for Wiimote
We mused about the subject a few months back, and now PEGA's delivering with a set of cheap plastic Wiimote attachments. For ¥2,780 (about $23), suckers can preorder the set, which includes a mock golf club, baseball bat, and tennis racket (all measuring approximately 16 inches in length). At that length (and without much weight), the attachments won't add much to the sense of realism; though they will increase the risk of actually striking someone or something while playing Wii Sports. No thanks.See also: Wii-eel attachment looks rather un-wii-ldy
Wii puzzler drops GCN controller support
Mercury Meltdown Revolution, the only Wii title so far to hint at its former nickname, has dropped support for the GameCube controller as previously planned; however, using the classic controller is still just fine and dandy.Ed Bradley, studio manager for MMR developer Ignition Entertainment, told Eurogamer that "we've had to drop support for the GameCube controller as it's a very much 'at developers own risk' proposition and we're not masochists!" The context is not entirely clear, but our best guess is that, while a library of code for the classic controller may be provided by Nintendo, the burden of programming for GCN ports is on the developer and Bradley didn't feel like expending the resources.Here's our worry: remember when Smash Bros. Brawl producer Masahiro Sakurai revealed that GameCube controllers would be compatible, so as not to alienate those who prefer the traditional -- dare we say classic -- control scheme? What if Nintendo's beat-em-up only supports the classic controller attachment? The cynic in us fears Nintendo would nix GCN controller support in order to sell a few more attachments. Not that it's a bad attachment, mind you, but we already have so many GCN controllers lying around that we don't want them to go to waste.
Today's hottest game video: World of Wiimote
Today's most-watched YouTube game video shows more Wiimote-as-PC-input-device goodness; the simple hack drives World of Warcraft with the Bluetooth Wiimote-and-Nunchuk combination. Yes, by visiting wiili.org, you, too can become an uber-dork. (The controller hack is rooted in geekdom, but using it for WoW pushes it far into dork territory). Or try using the Wiimote to drive R.C. cars, Roombas, or a home entertainment system if that's more your style.See the video after the break.
RoombaWii: pretty flippin' awesome?
We'd take a Wii-controlled RC car over a similarly modded Roomba any day, but hey, we can respect those meticulously clean persons who would value a lively vacuuming sesh. Take one part Roomba control software (courtesy of Tod Kurt), and one part DarwinRemote, add a dash of Chris Hughes' new script, and voilà, you've just harnessed the power of a domestic robot vacuum. Pretty flippin' awesome dude! Totally.[Via Engadget]
Nintendo sez Wiimote strap lawsuit "without merit"
With the class action lawsuit over defective Wiimote wrist straps apparently going full steam ahead despite Nintendo already addressing the main demand to replace the straps, the big N seems to have deemed it necessary to issue an official statement on the matter. Not surprisingly, they're not buying it, saying that they believe the lawsuit to be "completely without merit," according to GamesIndustry.biz. We're guessing that's also about the only thing they're going to be saying about it (publicly, at least) until the whole thing's over and done with.[Via Reg Hardware]
Play R.C. Pro-Am with Wiimote, real-life style
Just another device hacked for Wii-control, yes, but this one's a radio-controlled car! An Austrian fellow claims to have modded his toy car to receive tilt inputs from a Wiimote, making for some novel R.C. Pro-Am throwback action. We're not convinced the setup is as "simple" as its creator claims, but the result could inspire some clever retail products.What's stopping Nintendo from releasing its own Wiimote-controlled car -- or R.O.B. 2.0? Why confine Wii to the telly?
Metareview - Zelda: Twilight Princess (GameCube)
For Wii-less GameCube owners it's a no-brainer; you pro'ly been had your copy of Twilight Princess. But for those few Wii owners who are considering the GameCube edition, still unable to take decisive action, here are several takes on how the two versions match up:
WoW + Wii = WiiCraft
Now this is interesting. Take your Nintendo Wii remote, hook it up to your mac via a free program called DarwiinRemote, and run World of Warcraft. If you're wishing for Warcraft on the Wii, you've... kind of... got it. He says you can also do this with a free Windows program (that should be Wiindows, actually), but as he shows, I still think it's more of a novelty than an actual control scheme-- he doesn't answer the question of how to actually talk to anyone, and I doubt that by moving the little remote to click all your spells that you can actually get anything done quickly, but for grinding it might be OK. But even as a novelty, it's a pretty nice, extremely easy little hack. Nice job, Wiicast guy.[ His name, we believe, is Pooch. Thanks, Pooch! ]
