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Half-Life coming to 360/PS3 but not Wii!!!
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Senior Member
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11. August 2006 @ 20:09 |
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While I agree that companies not putting high end titles on the system is a huge mistake, in many cases, it seems to be the case already, before the system can even launch, it is getting somewhat set back.
Before we go any further, let's analyze the confirmed, final hardware:
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-Nintendo Wii?s ?Broadway? CPU operates at 729MHZ with a maximum bandwith of 1.9gbyte/sec.
-Nintendo Wii?s ?HollyWood? GPU is clocked at 243MHZ, the internal memory of it includes 3mb of embedded graphics memory and 24megabytes of high speed main memory.
-64mb of GDDR3 (MEM2) as the external main memory. Just like the internal memory, it can be accessed from the CPU and GPU with a maximum bandwidth of 4gbytes/sec and can also store programs in the MEM2.
-The GPU of the Wii is identical to the GC?s but it is on average 1.5X faster.
-maxconsole.net, confirmed by ign.com
Memory allocation specualtions are now aside, they are known, and they are better by an entirely minimal perspective. To say that the GPU is 1.5x faster, means it's just a tiny bit (And by tiny, I mean 1/10th the thinkness of your fingernail) better than the original XBox. Note that the Hollywood processor is not a tradional, well known processor, by any means. The GC is nearing it's end, and most developers still don't have it optimized, it's that much different. What does this mean? It means that despite being a hairline better than the original XBox' GPU, it's cryptic instruction set hinders the optimization process to a bit of a harsh degree. In short, while technically slightly faster, it will be less useful due to language barriers in code.
As for choices in chipsets, etc; Nintendo always uses..... 'Different' equipment. In this case, the 'Hollywood' GPU. The same set that powered the Gamecube. Exact same chipset to be precise, just a faster capability than the GC. The problem is, it can't handle any of the new instrution sets. What does this mean? It means that Nintendo themselves has willinglly set themselves behind in another category, further distinguishing themselves as a completely different beast altogether. The problem that I'm seeing here is as follows:
The conception of Wii as a game system is fundamentally flawed.
Now, soak that in before you read my next line.
Just let it soak in some more before you get angry, remember, I'm buying one, I'm not insulting it here.
Now, why do I say this? Because I've actually paid attention to everything that Nintendo has been trying to tell the media, the masses, and you. The Wii is not meant to do what you're used to at all. The similarities between the Wii and 360 or PS3 should end at the statement 'It displays a visual game on my tv'. Because, truthfully, that is the end.
The 360 and the PS3 are waging a different war, one that may not be wageable in the near future. They are waging a graphics war; argue all you want. I don't care who you prefer, they are waging this war, and it is far from over. They still have to have their big pissing match for at LEAST another two years after Sony releases their new toy.
Nintendo realized that they had an opportunity to quietly create an entirely seperate market while $ony and Micro$oft weren't looking. They started with titles like Warioware, and then they expanded with a marvelous experiment that was the DS. And it became a wildly successful experiment at that. They have created a market for different and unique titles unavailable from any other manufacturer. And they are succeeding, thriving on this. It is serving them well.
It has been proven in recent months, that Nintendo is trying to reach a different community than one would think. They are attempting to reach the traditional non-gamer. The E3 show a few months ago, should only have stood as further proof of this.
Nintendo isn't leaving the current branch of gaming altogether, but it's certainly far from their focus. Because realistically, when has Nintendo's focus ever been that new bleeding edge superfast extreme title? Never.
Nintendo has done a few shooters, true, but let's be real and consider when they've ever gone for extreme, or 'next gen'. Metroid Prime is about the most they've ever tried. They've spent more of their time creating unique franchises like Pokemon, and Pikmin(Ironically similar titles, actually), not to mention Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. While all the racing series started going for better graphics, and faster feel; Nintendo was simply aiming to make Mario Kart stay the most fun racing experience to be had. And they succeed.
Nintendo isn't here for the mainstream masses. And I feel that has been forgotten. If you're looking for Ghost, Half Life 2, the next Metal Gear Solid, or Halo; Nintendo is not your platform. Nintendo is even less your platform than it previously was.
Nintendo is delivering a different experience altogether, proving that there is still a market for new, unique, different, and altogether engaging gameplay.
Games like:
-Elebits
-Spore
-Trauma Center
-Super Mario Galaxy
-Wii Sports
These aren't normal titles in any way, shape, or form. They are entirely new experiences. And they are fairly standard deliverances for the Wii; they are the norm. Not one of them meets standard gaming. They aren't net gen for graphics, they are next gen, in an entirely different way. They are next gen *gameplay*. And that is why one should buy a Wii.
I hope I didn't stomp anyone here, because I never do intend that, I simply like to move conversation along by dispelling rumors and specualtion(Even when it's my own), so that more information and new ideas can form.
Oh, and as for flash memory for ram or virtual memory; it wouldn't necessarily be any kind of jump in technology to use them this way. Not at all. The trouble is that a standard for very slow media and very slow readers has been set, with no reason to improve for so long, that even if M$ pushed with all their might it wouldn't take for a very long time. The trouble isn't that they *can't* do this, the trouble is that it would be like being the fastest runner in a million man marathon.... But going backwards. From a hardware perspective, there is not one single thing about that decision that will make sense for them. Sadly, though, I've heard rumor of this too. I honestly believe it's more so that they can say they do something new and different, than for actual practicality.
"Its not stupid, its advanced!" - The Almighty Tallest, Invader Zim This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 11. August 2006 @ 20:12
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oofRome
Senior Member
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12. August 2006 @ 02:52 |
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I'm going to dismiss the spec "leak" by maxconsole (which reeks of utter plagerism of the original GCN specs).
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The conception of Wii as a game system is fundamentally flawed.
I wholeheartedly disagree. The Wii, in it's simplest term, is exactly a game system. You said it yourself, the ps3 and 360 are fighting the graphics war. But the definition of a game doesn't include "graphics". Not even close.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/game
That's what a game is. The "system", in this case, is the technological machine that is geared to making this experience. That's it.
It isn't some High Definition wonder that is capable of 1080p playback in dolby digital, it is a system that is designed for the simple (or complicated) gaming experience. all nuts and bolts aside, the Wii is a true game system, as true as the NES was, as true as the Sega Genesis was.
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I simply like to move conversation along by dispelling rumors and specualtion(Even when it's my own), so that more information and new ideas can form.
Not do beat a dead horse, but why in the world would you include unconfirmed Wii hardware specs if dispelling rumors and speculation was your intention?
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 12. August 2006 @ 02:52
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Senior Member
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12. August 2006 @ 06:17 |
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While you may dismiss maxconsole all you like, let's not forget, that the same specs were more recently posted on ign.com, who got this information from Nintendo.
So, despairage that source all you like. But notice, they had the info first, and in the end, it was confirmed to be accurate information.
So, as for the dead horse, not noticing the same specs from ign, although mentioned, literally in the same line...?
On with the conversation. This is a confirmed bit of info, before anyone else comes decrying me; check ign and other sources who have received the same information straight from Nintendo's press department.
And yes, you make a good point as far as my 'fundamentally flawed' statement goes. Unfortunately, I left a huge statement entirely unfinished, I'm honestly embarassed, it's unlike me. My main issue is more accurately described as follows:
Many gamers are assuming that Nintendo has an interest in competing with PS3 and 360, by following the same playing field. THAT is where I believe the error occurs. They are, in some ways, trying to compete with the big two. However, they are not attempting by any means to outdo the hardware of $ony or Micro$oft. They aren't even interested in that, as is clear by their (confirmed, look it up.)hardware specs. Nintendo is competing with an entirely different experience. They don't even express an interest in what most would consider normal gaming, or what most would think of when it comes to next gen gaming.
The flaw that I referred to, would have been much more accurately described by saying that many gamers are expecting the Wii to be a cutting edge, hardware heavy, very budget-priced piece of extreme gaming hardware.
The Wii isn't setting out to startle anyone with great graphics. It isn't coming out, to make way for the next killzone. Games of this nature are not really in the plans for Nintendo. And my major beef is that it seems so many people are upset over this; and really, it's been apparent pretty much since Nintendo was first calling it 'Revolution'. For better or worse, it became apparent even before the system was truly unveiled, the Nintendo wasn't even going to attempt direct competition with the other two major players; the only way for them to win now, is to use non-direct competition, similar to the DS vs the PSP. Curiously, over time, the DS has taken a very interesting foothold over that market, in comparison to the PSP. It goes to show, that by competing in an indirect way, without releasing the 'same old titles' Nintendo can actually make a very strong comeback. And it seems that is what they are trying to do. I've been playing these games for too many years, and by the time the dust clears on this one, I will probably have all three again, like I did this time; but I really like what Nintendo is doing. I simply hope that gamers expecting the same Next Gen titles that they're already used to don't get all upset because 'title x' isn't on the system, byt rather notice 'title y' which is so much more fun and unique. This may be the only way the system can survive. Although, Nintendo is notorious for sloppy first years on their game systems. Low title counts, and not much to draw people in. It's usually right about the time that people start trading them in like mad, that the good games really start appearing again. Happened with the DS, the GC, and the N64. That's not to say it *will* happen again, because Nintendo is obviously going for a very different approach this time around, but we'll see. I want to know how this business of rom downloading actually benefits them.
"Its not stupid, its advanced!" - The Almighty Tallest, Invader Zim This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 12. August 2006 @ 06:33
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oofRome
Senior Member
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12. August 2006 @ 15:02 |
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Quote:
While you may dismiss maxconsole all you like, let's not forget, that the same specs were more recently posted on ign.com, who got this information from Nintendo.
The two articles:
http://wii.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8802
This information allegedly came from a developer.
ATI or Nintendo have not confirmed these numbers, as stated in both articles, but IGN assured us that the information was verified through nintendo documentation (provided by developer).
I'm not saying that I don't believe them. I'm 99% sure that these are the final wii numbers. Still, they have not been "officially confirmed".
My main concern is that Nintendo and ATI invested said amount of money merely to increase the clock speed and memory of Flipper.
But perhaps, the wii hardware is, as IGN put it, "A vehicle for the new freestyle controller". In which case, I still don't care.
Funny, though, that despite the nonimportance of these numbers we continue to chat about them. :-D
moving on, the rest of your post was right on target. I'd like to add a little more;
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Many gamers are assuming that Nintendo has an interest in competing with PS3 and 360, by following the same playing field. THAT is where I believe the error occurs.
This certainly was the case as soon as the "Revolution" was announced. Slowly, I think a lot of people are realizing that this isn't the case. The common misconception you illustrated has been slowly but surely corrected, both by nintendo themselves through marketing, and through the large media buzz surrounding the wii during and post e3. With a continued, focused marketing campaign, I think the Nintendo will introduce the Wii exactly how it should be introduced.
But you're absolutely right, the Wii is "indirectly" competing in the console market, as opposed to the direct competition with the ps3 and 360. I liked how you put that. The psp and DS are so different that they are "coexisting" as much as "competing", and I hope for the industry that the same situation applies to the Wii and ps3/360.
By now, though, I think it's safe to say that most gamers realize the Wii is different from the other "next-gen" consoles.
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Senior Member
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12. August 2006 @ 16:56 |
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I'm glad we agree on Nintendo's method of competition. It's nice to hear someone on the same page of that topic.
Sadly, I don't think the majority of gamers have realized it. I know, and clearly, you know it; but even just browsing the forums here, it becomes very apparent that a large majority of gamers don't. My concern is that a lot of people will buy the system at first, expecting a the same kind of experience as the 360 or the PS3; and then there will be some big backlash when everyone decides that Nintendo sucks, because they didn't get the same kind of games on the other two.
Like I said, I'm buying one; but I've done my homework, I know the stats(Confirmed or unconfirmed, however you want to put it, we know it's 729Mhz, there's no dodginess about that), and I know what their gameplan is for this console, and that's why I'm purchasing it. I simply worry about how the average, less informed consumer market will deal with it. I had the misfortune of working in a game store for the first four months 360 was out. And I was aggrivated to no end by a couple things; the number of people who stood in lines, bribed people, and paid exhorbent amounts; all for a system which they weren't willing to hook up to their broadband... And then they complained that it was missing a lot. Duh. Not to mention all the *stupid* rumors. To be clear, I'm not even talking about the disc read errors or the (supposedly) rampant doa systems; I'm talking about customers coming in with horribly ignorant, stupid rumors. I had to endure the following:
"I heard that if you don't unplug the 360, it catches fire overnight.... Yeah, it happened to my roommate's friend..."
-Sure.
"Yeah, you have to make sure you tape the drive bay shut... Microsoft really screwed something up, and if you don't, it'll actually like 'shoot' the disc at you or something, it was on the news, this little girl was totally hurt"
-I bet.
"I'm sure glad I didn't get one, my friend has one, and they're all scratching up discs all over the place"
-This is why you don't store discs on the floor, and fill your drive with dirt, dust, and debri.... Dingus.
Sorry about the venting; but I don't care which system you like, it's frustrating to actually work more than 40 hours a week, in one of the fastest moving stores in two districts, and to hear this garbage day in and day out, knowing full well that not one of the people saying these things has ever seen, or will ever bring in such a unit. All in all, our store saw a total of two systems come back in my time there. One was because someone had spilled some "unknown substance" (aka bongwater) into it, and it started sizzling, apparently this qualifies as a 'defective' system; the other was a mother who camped out the night before, and got her son the system for Christmas, but thought it was a waste of money to sign up for broadband internet, knowing that the basic download service for the 360 was free. Ack. I don't care what system you're dealing with, these things are horribly frustrating.
After experiencing that, I know just how depricating ill word of mouth can be, true or not. And I really hope this doesn't happen to the Wii like it did to the 360(Not that there were enough units on the shelves to truly 'hamper' sales anyways...), and I certainly wouldn't wish it on the PS3 either(Although Sony fan or not, we can all agree that Sony could just about poop in a box, and still make the first 5million sales without flinching, sheerly because of their following). I am hoping that the next two consoles don't have to deal with this garbage, because it's both sickening, and it's harmful in the longrun.
Hopefully N will make sure that consumers understand exactly what they're buying, because from the general public's response, it doesn't seem like they do. It seems more like everyone's fascinated by the idea of an extremely cheap game console that's going to play all the next games in their favorite hardcore action series.... And that's not the case.
"Its not stupid, its advanced!" - The Almighty Tallest, Invader Zim |
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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22. August 2006 @ 15:00 |
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the WII is a bit weak for them to make a "easy" port so they would ahve to dev for it and you know they hate working on stuff more than they have to...
Copyright infringement is nothing more than civil disobedience to a bad set of laws. Lets renegotiate them.
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