What we all knew was going to happen is finally coming to pass: the wow-factor of the Wii is kind of wearing off. At this point, we haven’t seen any good releases since launch other than Wario Ware: Smooth Moves, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is MIA from the Q1 release list. What’s a fan to do? Well, we just have to wait.
In a recent article on Computer and Video Games, Mike Jackson discusses just this problem. He sees a resolution in the release of Nintendo first-party titles and constant virtual console releases, but is it that simple? Though there’s plenty of talk about third-party support for Nintendo this time around, where are the actual innovative third-party games? So far, most of what we’ve seen has been ports of games with poorly executed Wii controls added in. That’s not what sells consoles. Original content that takes advantage of hardware is what sells consoles, but are we going to see enough of that to make a difference?
When asked about what’s coming out for the Wii that’s exciting, most everyone will talk about Metroid, Mario or Super Smash Bros., which are all great, but what about something new and interesting? Nintendo’s problem isn’t that they don’t have great IP, the GameCube has plenty of great Nintendo games, it’s that they don’t have anything else.
I know this piece sounds unnecessarily down on Nintendo, but we really need to stop the rose-colored glasses routine. Yes, the Wii is a cool console that has a very interesting gimmick, but for that gimmick to continue to work, other people need to learn how to use it properly. When we start seeing more than the occasional good third-party title, then I’ll happily admit that Nintendo is going to mop the floor with the competition and restore order to the galaxy, but until then, Wii Sports can only be charming for so long.
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