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Wii Warm Up: All about Mii
First we had Miis on tees, then Miis on buttons, and now we've seen Mii sculptures. Is it really all about Mii? Nearly every notable aspect of the Wii has become instantly iconic, from the rarely-glowing blue light to the controller to these cartoony representations of our gaming selves. So, since they're everywhere, we've got to ask -- how do you feel about the Miis? Do you yearn for a little more variety, or do you like the fact that there is some basic uniformity in design? Personally, this blogger would like to see a wider selection of hair colors, but that's really not a deal breaker and the Mii channel in this house still gets lots of air time. But how about you?
Wii Warm Up: Virtual Console replay
The recent release of Zelda: A Link to the Past exemplifies a dilemma facing many gamers. LttP is a brilliant game, no doubt. But with it being one of the best selling SNES games of all time, as well as having a rerelease on the GBA a few years back, many gamers are in possession of the game already.What is it worth to gamers to be able to play games they already own in a convenient fashion, in (perhaps) 480p, without having to hook up an out-dated console? Is it worth giving up the original control scheme? Have you yourselves purchased a game you already own? Let's hear it!
Wii Warm Up: Channels
There was some recent ruckus over the (lack of) functionality of the Weather Channel, but we haven't spent a great deal of time discussing the rest of the Wii channels. Does the browser get much play on your Wii? How about the photo channel? While it doesn't have too many features, a little living room photo manipulation can be fun in a group. How about your Mii Plaza? Is it packed to the max, or somewhat sparse?So today's question is: have you just dipped a toe, or have you gone all out, gathering on the sofa for YouTube videos and checking the weather in the morning? Can you think of any other channels you'd like to see added?
Wii Warm Up: At last, your love has come along?
So, it's the new official Wii day -- did you score one? We know a lot of readers have still been banging their heads against the wall in the search for a console, but with all the systems available today, we're hoping a few of you finally found your grail. Did you camp out? Was there a crowd? Or has your region seen a cooldown in the general rabid-for-Wii attitude? If you're like some in the U.S., maybe you got snowed or iced out of getting your hands on a console. Whatever, happened, we want to hear about it, so tell us!
Wii Warm Up: The Wii and online play
Apparently, the latest issue of EGM has some harsh words for the future of Nintendo's online play. Now, we understand some level of frustration with friend codes, as every Tuesday, we go through the pain of entering several at one time. What we don't get is damning something before it even sees the light of day. Regarding the coming WiFi support, they said, "the Wii's unified friend code system initially seemed like an upgrade to the DS's daft online plan, but it's actually just more of the same nonsense. Once again, each game requires its own separate friend code list...so get ready to input lots of 14-digit codes. Seriously, designing your entire online strategy around preventing child predators simply isn't a good idea."Sure, okay, there could be a better system for hooking up with your online pals. But unless you're at some sort of scheduled event -- like our Game Nights -- is this that much of an issue? How often do you need to enter more than one code at a time, unless it's one of those occasions? More often gamers simply go online for a random game; if you want to play with your friends, it's more likely that everyone congregates in someone's living room. Further still, it's safe to say that DS WiFi isn't dead -- in fact, what we more often see is people wanting more games to have online functionality! So "could be improved" is one thing, but doomed? We think that's a little melodramatic. What's your take?
Wii Warm Up: Still getting in the game?
So, are you still playing Wii Sports? We don't just mean with your family members or nongamer friends -- after all, now you have Wario Ware to throw into that mix. No, we mean just you, alone with a racket Wiimote, plugging away for that platinum medal in Target Practice. Personally, it's still a big favorite in this blogger's house, both for multi- and single player action. It seems an appropriate question of the day, so tell us -- are you still breaking out the Wii Sports once or twice a week (or even more)?
Wii Warm Up: Old-school flavor
As much as we want to believe that the Wiimote is the end-all-be-all for video games, we have to concede that there are several genres in which a traditional controller is a more appropriate choice. Nintendo has already noted that Super Smash Bros. Brawl will use a standard controller, but ... which is it? Though Gamecube controller support has yet to be officially confirmed, we have to assume a player may choose between the GC standard and their own classic controller, offered for twenty dollars.What's the problem? Well, the classic controller sucks. If you want four-player Smash (and my God you do), you'll need to spend an additional eighty dollars on peripherals that you might never use again. Furthermore, as it plugs into the expansion port, you have to deal with the awkward Wiimote just sitting in your lap. On the flip side, how many retailers have been carrying copious quantities of Wavebirds? They're still out there, of course, but Nintendo may have to conduct a Wavebird relaunch campaign for those of us who don't already have the gear. What are you hoping for, and how do you think Nintendo can pull it off?
Wii Warm Up: Conning and coaxing the one you love
A recent article in Women's Health apparently suggested that the ladies should join their fellas and pick up a controller, because that whole shared interests thing is really good for couples. We agree, though we think things tend to be easier if you're lucky enough to find a significant other who's already a gamer. Either way, the Wii offers a little something for almost any gamer, whether they're an old salty dog or total fresh meat, and that seems like it would be a great thing in enticing one's non-gaming significant other (of whatever gender) into trying something out, at least for a little while. Or if you're already coupled with a gamer who simply has different tastes, has the Wii helped you to find a happy medium? Valentine's Day is less than a month a way, so we want to start the romantic mood early with your lovelaced Wii stories.
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!
Wii Warm Up: Anything for a Wii?
We understand the intense desire that people suffer before the release of a console, or in the drought thereafter, when not a single unit can be found in the wasteland that is retail. But have people begun to go too far? When jokes are made about desperate measures on South Park, when a story (whether it's true or not) drifts through the internet about one mother's quest to get a Wii, and now, when someone seems to have died after a radio contest for a Wii ... have we maybe become a little too crazed? We'd love to hear what you think. Is it just a simple lack of consoles, or has demand become heated to the point that it's ridiculous? Are people blowing things out of proportion?
Wii Warm Up: Those old folks
We here at the Fanboy highly doubt that any of you have escaped the "Old People" phenomenon, by which Luddites of various ages, locked into their ways, miraculously pick up a Wiimote and slug it out in Wii Bowling. Many are so enthusiastic that they inquire as to the availability (answer: no) and price of this wonderous machine. But, in truth, how many are actually going to purchase one? Many with whom we've spoken have enjoyed the Wii, but still have difficulty fathoming a lifestyle in which the games are played so often as to warrant a 250 dollar purchase. What percent of Wii units sold will eventually go to this demographic, and is it large enough to push Nintendo to first place?
Wii Warm Up: What's driving the Wii's success?
It's safe to say that the Wii has been a rousing success despite rumblings about the graphics and system capabilities. But what's behind the crazy demand for our favorite new console? It can't just be the controller -- whether you think it's a little gimmicky or a real innovation, the Wiimote isn't the only reason behind the already high sales. So what effect are the other factors, like price and the inclusion of Wii Sports, having on demand? How much is the "DS effect" driving sales? Tell us what you think and what your experiences have been with other people who've joined in on the Wii craze.
Wii Warm Up: and now, sensationalism
Today's Warm Up topic is one of those things you just know is going to snowball (like the wrist straps) and be the next silly mainstream spaz session we'll be unlucky enough to see on Fox News. It seems that the outcry against the Wii as a gateway into the seedy world of internet pornography has begun.Here's the deal: a few adult-oriented sites have decided to optimize areas for the Wii browser, in the same way we saw Finetune offer Wii-friendly content. But there are some people who freak out any time adult content is made more accessible, because they invariably add the phrase "for children." And this week, it's a news station in Texas that's making a fuss about the potential damage to the children ... because, after all, video games are only for kids, right?Adults -- that's right, people over the age of 18 -- are an enormous slice of the gamer pie, and yet we are consistently ignored any time someone brings up game or console content. No one talks about the adults, who have every right to play whatever they want ... just like no one talks about measures like parental controls, or hey, good ol' fashioned supervision. We're gonna guess that you probably don't think of the Wii as a devil machine, or you wouldn't be here, but we are curious about your take on this whole situation.
Wii Warm Up: wrist straps
Welcome to the Wii Warm Up, a new feature here at Wii Fanboy that we've shamelessly stolen from our friends at WoW Insider. The Warm Up will be a daily feature here, a morning topic wherein we can gather and talk about, y'know, stuff. Specifically, Wii stuff. Yeah, Wii stuff at Wii Fanboy. We know that's a tough one to swallow. For our inaugural topic, we thought we'd ask you about those replacement wrist straps. Did you go in for them, or did you skip out? Tell us your opinion on the new straps, or let us know why you didn't change if that was your choice. Inquiring fanboys want to know.[Image from Aeropause, where they wasted no time upgrading.]
