Starfox 64 for Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console!

Yeah yeah, I know that I strut REPriiSENT as being a blog with only original stuff on it that isn't everywhere else on the internet, but this is Special, and--hold on--there are original stories behind this!

Long ago, Starfox 64 was the first video game demo I ever played. I remember playing it in stores and being surprised by how the controller shook... it was the first time I experienced controller rumble. I was so excited when we had a copy of it in our home. Rumble wasn't built into controllers those days, so the game came packaged with a Rumble Pak! (there's no "c" in the word "pack", so cool.)

oh look! There's that KA for "Kids to Adults" rating I talked about in my last post.

The game also featured multiple ways to get through the game, many "routes." In the first level, which route you took depended on whether you could save Falco (one of the main character's friends), and if you did save him, he would show you a shortcut through a waterfall that would take you to fight a different boss than if you didn't go into it. Things like these determined if the next level you went to was on the hard, medium, or easy track, and you could go back and forth between them depending on scenarios within the game. This equaled (now equals) many possibilities.

Memories range from crashing into the mountains at the beginning and hearing Slippy (one of the main character's friends) say "Nooooooooo... !", to finding out the cool thing that happens when I was finally able to save Falco on the first level, and doing barrel rolls to make the laser bullets of enemies bounce off... and multiplayer was fun too... and... and...

In short, Starfox 64 was my first favorite video game. It featured rumble, a branching storyline, cool 3-D graphics... and it was definitely a challenge. This was one of the greatest games that anyone could play. I anticipate hearing how true this version is to the original, and I'd drop ten bucks to see how I could play it now.

WiiConnect24 Pros and Cons

The Wii is great for playing with friends and family in real life, but will it ever be good for playing across an internet connection? Will WiiConnect24 take off soon? I'm not talking about being able to check the weather, download a retro game or vote for your favorite Holiday, I'm talking about online multiplayer.

Even though there are not any online-multiplayer-capable games yet in the United States, the fact that the Wii has free online multiplayer sounds attractive. No other system has free online--alright, the Playstation 3 claims to have free online, but Six Hundred Dollars for the system?... I think you're paying for it.

There are some pros and cons about the Wii's friend code system. Gamers hope that Nintendo will ensure that all games are attached to the same friend code, for ease and to allow you to send cross-game invites. If the Wii will have the fluidity of Xbox's Gamertags with the natural consequences associated with friend codes, it would be a sure success.

What are these natural friend code consequences that I am speaking of? Let me put it this way, on the Xbox, any person with some money to spare can get online, find a game and be a jerk to all the people and then do it again and again. With the Friend Code system, you'd only be playing with people you want to play with, largely only with people you know in real life or maybe you saw their friend code on a gaming forum. If someone is mean... well, they won't have anyone to play with.

But what if there is rarely anyone to play with, even for non-jerks? The beauty of Xbox LIVE was that you could always eventually find a game through a service called "Optimatch" which matched you up with random players based on the criteria you select. Now, it's the time for finding people to play with somehow and entering long, unwieldly friend codes.

Of course, the Wii is largely popular, but I doubt that everyone who bought the Wii got it with the intention of playing online. I believe that because WiiConnect24 is free, if game manuals contain information on online play inside them (like tips on strategizing with your teammates), people would have to at least check it out.

What about GAMES? Well, a game I am getting excited about is Battalion Wars 2. I don't know a whole lot about it except for what it says on the Nintendo Wii page, including the fact that it says "Online Play" in the features. Below is a screenshot. (No, I do not have a copy of an unreleased game I found it on the Internet silly goose.)

Looks strategical.

Another game I would like to see have online multiplayer is Metriod Prime 3, but online multiplayer is not mentioned in the description of it. It was originally going to be launched with the Wii, and the release has been delayed. Because the Metroid game for the handheld Nintendo DS has online capability, we can hope that the delay is for online multiplayer capability!

I'm not sure if there are any sketchy things that would make me not want to get the game even for single player, but either way, the more online-capable games, the better! Eventually non-online games will have to compete with games that have online capability, which will hopefully lead to more online multiplayer games.

The social aspect of the Wii is what draws a lot of people into it, and hopefully there can be this same social aspect over online play.

SD's Three Nintendo Wii Games & Why

Just on the brink of having enough money, SDtektiv considers three games he wants and why.

First, there is a game that hasn't received a lot of attention, but is considered a solid launch title. I was put off a bit by Excite Truck, thinking that I'd prefer to try a more urban driving game such as Need For Speed Carbon, but after one has read reviews saying that the controlling on the new Need For Speed was sketchy, one may gravitate back to the first Wii game one ever played.

Excite Truck. This was the game I had played three times on Demo at a GameStop. I thought they might have selected this game instead of Wii Sports since you are less likely to throw your controller at the TV with "both hands on the wheel!" The driving of Excite Truck feels like driving. It's a launch title, it's a legit. It's fun and that's the point.

-SD


You will probably guess which one the second one is when I say that it is one that has recieved lots of attention and praise. Despite that, this was one that I would not have picked had you asked me a month ago. The game is Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. People who are not fans of the Wii even a wee bit sometimes finish their opinions on the Wii with "...except for Zelda. That looks awesome." A game like this might not be for everyone, as it contrasts the "Pick-up-and-party-games" that appeal to many people, as this one appears more to be a "Sit-in-a-dark-room-for-hours-for-weeks-till-you-emerge-from-the-depths-having-completed-the-game-or-in-need-of-a-strategy-guide!" I have never finished a Zelda game in my life. Of course, I haven't played that many Zelda games! (like three).

I started to like the new Legend of Zelda when I tried out a demo version of it. The controls were great, it felt free, the visuals were pretty cool, and my only concern about it was if it was eerie or if it had any edgy material in it later on. But, I read a review on Plugged In Online (this place that reviews mainly movies and says precisely what good and bad stuff is in it), and it sounds like for me like there is only a little bit of stuff that might offend my conscience, but not enough to keep me from this legendary adventure game. Plus an adventure sounds like fun.
- SD

The third game is another game that would be completely unlikely for me to want, until I heard of its interactive controls. The game is Madden NFL 07. I was dead-set against sports video games. "I should go outside and play the sport for real!" But, I heard from a friend about the actions of raising your Wiimote and Nunchuck to swat down a pass and other pantomines neccessary to control the action onscreen and I was sold.

That sounds like a much different experience than I've ever had playing a sports game. Plus, my dad and my brother would like playing this game with me. Maybe my mom?

- SD

SSX Blur

I'm so excited! My favorite X-treme sports game is coming to the Wii! This long-time Snowboarding game has a new look and very very cool controls that add the the Wii experience. You can watch a video of it Here .




I really can't wait for it!

Nintendo Wii Notions

It seems that every time I visit NexGen Wars, the Wii's sales climb by a million. It will be interesting to see if it will surpass the 360. I sent NexGen Wars a few questions in an email to their "press" email address, but I wonder if they have enough time to answer questions; they have to keep track and count sold consoles. You might be wondering just how they do it... me too!

On the bus ride home from school today, a friend of mine and me ended up talking about the Wii. He said that he hadn't heard that great things about it. He added, "I mean, it's probably a lot of fun and all..."

"...but isn't that the point?" I responded.

It is true that if you want excellent graphics and sound and the like, the 360 is a very good overpriced alternative. But what I see in Nintendo is that instead of lots of focus on improving the graphics to make it more realistic, they like to experiment and revolutionize gaming entirely in other aspects. It seems that the other gaming systems just take what is already good and push it as far as they can, and the revolutionizing stuff is not in actual gameplay but in add-ons. Xbox LIVE gets major props though. That was revolutionary.

From what I've heard, WiiConnect24 isn't at the level of Xbox LIVE yet, but it is free.

Related Post:
Fun Factor over Graphics

Wii Play

Although Wii play has been delayed here in the U.S. there are some videos from other countries showing some of the fun games in side Wii play. In case you didn’t know Wii play is a collection of mini games that take advantage of your Mii avatars. Here is a small preview.

Gaming is Different now.

Some people sit in front of their TV, passively intaking what they see and hear. We? We aren't those people, you and I. We are not better than anyone else, it's just that we see that glass screen as a tool for playing; gaming is different.

Depending on which video game, it can require problem-solving, having quick reactions, anticipating movement and knowing when to time things right. This is what I think draws people into it, and what makes it fun! We aren't sitting in a dark room with no lives, we're just like everybody else, except we have more interactive entertainment choices.

When people invite us to their houses or to events we go. We are social. Sometimes we take the games along with us to share and to have a little fun competition. And now with the Wii, we can move! (talk about immersion). This can help us share our love of gaming with others, and it puts a freshness and life back into gaming.

Plus, There's nothing good on TV anyway. If there was, we wouldn't notice... we're too busy having fun.

UPDATE at 8:37: I realized that this post makes it sound like video games are the only form of entertainment I entertain myself with! This isn't the case. I also listen to music, watch movies, and read... and on occaison, maybe I'll watch Rachael Ray.

Virtual Console Alternatives

You're itchin' to get a Wii Points card to buy retro games on Wii's Virtual Console, but hold on! You might save some money by considering a few ways that you can play the very same games offered on Virtual Console and possibly save some money.


Alternative Numero 1. Certain games may be available in a "collection" or "anniversary" game disc for the GameCube. Examples are Sonic: the Hedgehog Mega Collection and Megaman Anniversary Collection, which are essentially a bunch of retro titles in the series on one disc. GameCube Discs and Controllers and Memory Cards are compatible with the Wii.

Pros -Get a bunch of retro games on one disc instead of having to buy them individually
-May have games not yet offered on Virtual Console

Cons -May have to unlock other games on disc by completing the first games presented on the disc.

Et Cetera -Only really worth it if the disc costs less than what it would cost to buy the games that interest you on the disc on Virtual Console


Alternative Numero 2. Games may exist as GameBoy Advance (GBA) Titles. Nintendo released a few NES (original Nintendo) games in the GameBoy Advance cartridge format such as the original Mario, Metroid, and Zelda titles.

Pros -can take with you on-the-go on the GBA and DS (the latest Nintendo Hand-held gaming system)

Cons -you're limited to the GameBoy or DS's handheld screen unless Nintendo releases a device that allows one to play GameBoy games on the TV through the Wii--which they may do because it came out with such a device for the GameCube.

Et Cetera -Only worth it if the cost of the game in GameBoy Advance form is less than the price ($5 for an NES game) on Virtual Console, and you have a GameBoy Advance or DS of course!


Alternative Numero 3. Alright I feel a little guilty mentioning this one. Using an Online Console Emulator. An emulator is a program that allows you to download and play many illegally copied retro games on your computer.

Pros -Free

Cons
-"..it is illegal to download and play a Nintendo ROM from the Internet." -says Nintendo's Legal FAQ
-Have to sit at computer.
-From unofficial and even untrustworthy sources. Because you have to download programs from unofficial sources, could be dangerous (virus, spyware coming with the game, etc.)
-Downloading the game for free doesn't support the game publishers.

Et Cetera -It is illegal. Even if you already own a copy of the game! I personally do not advise this practice, but I included it in the list because people have been doing this for years including at times when the only way they could get the retro games was through this method. It is worth noting that Nintendo also says in their legal FAQ:

"...the current availability of a game in stores is irrelevant as to its copyright status. Copyrights do not enter the public domain just because they are no longer commercially exploited or widely available."

Also, they say that I can get into trouble if I make a link to an example of an Online Emulator, so here's a link to a Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) entry about Console Emulators.


Alternative Numero 4. On the original retro system console

Pros -if you got it and it works, nothing beats playing retro games as they were originally played, authentic feel

Cons -that's the thing about old systems... they're old, and they may not be in as pristine a condition as they were when they came off of the assembly line.

Et Cetera -If you are considering getting a title from Virtual Console and you have a retro gaming console, it is worth trying the game one more time in its original format before shelling out those Wii Points for a game you already have.

Lastly, commentary on the Virtual Console itself!
The beauty of it is being able to play games of old, not off of a game cartridge which may freeze mid-game or get dusty, but off of the memory of your Wii. This means that the hassle of maintaining an old system or game is eliminated, though you should probably take good care of any game system no matter how new it is.

The convenience of being able to sit down and enjoy a retro game without trying to find it at a store is a great feature, and a great option. Plus, games can't be sold out.

I encourage those who may already own the game in GBA, GameCube, or the original format to check to see if they already have the game they're considering, and to consider if their Wii Points, and money, would be better saved or spent on a game they haven't experienced yet.

Line Rider for Wii and DS

I just read an article on the Wiire. A fun game that runs on the flash program today, called Line Rider will have a game for the DS and the Wii! Why the exclamation point? Well, being curious as I am, I played it and it was pretty cool.

Line Rider

UPDATE: I went back for another session of Line Rider, it is fun!

Wii GameCube Capable

I do not own a GameCube, so when I got excited about a game, I was disappointed that it was for GameCube and not for the Wii. Then, it dawned on me. The relationship between the GameCube and the Wii is much different than the relationship between the XBOX and the 360.

The Wii has one-hundred percent backwards compatibility for GameCube games, even the GameCube controllers are compatible! This means I'll be looking for cheap deals on the Starfox, Metriod, and Super Smash Brothers Melee games, and for a few GameCube controllers to play the games as well.

Since my XBOX no longer works, I bet I could trade some games in, hopefully on a one-for-one basis since they're the same generation.

EDIT 11:09 AM: The Wii has two slots for GameCube Memory Cards as well, but it appears that you have to have a GameCube Memory card to save your place in a GameCube game when playing it on the Wii. Link: Crave: Must-have Nintendo Wii accessories. Maybe Sapa can confirm this for us!

Wii Virtual Console

By directly connecting the Nintendo Wii to the internet, there are a few features of it that open up to you. One is the ability for you to purchase and download retro games to the console by using "Wii points" that you get off a card you buy at a video game store.

Since I don't like doing a lot of mental math, I like how the "Wii Points" system seems to be close to American cents initially. Since 2000 Wii points costs $20, I suppose you could say that based on the Wii Point-values it's about $5 for a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game, $8 for an Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game, and $10 per N64 game. Sega Genesis, a gaming console that rivaled the SNES will also have some games available for $8, and I'll be honest, I know nothing about the system TurboGrafx-16 except that they cost 600 Wii points ($6) and like the NES games, they can be played on the Wii Remote, whereas most of the others require either a Wii "Classic" Controller and some, a Gamecube Controller will work.


I can imagine people being able to go through sequels of games which series' spans multiple consoles without having to find old systems and get them to work, and having an XBOX and having a friend who has an NES, I know that it will be a plus being able to play retro games without having to worry about if the system will "recognize" the game cartridge. It's been said that there have been many many renditions of some games like Zelda and Mario, and since it's compatible with GameCube games, I suppose fans could have fun trying to go through them one by one!

Personally, I'll probably not use this feature too much, but it sure is nice to have the option!

Here's a link to the Wikipedia (online Encyclopedia) entry on it that has a lot of information including charts and information on problems such as how some popular games might not be liscensed on Virtual Console due to the company that made it being bought by a rival of Nintendo.
Wikipedia: Virtual Console

Fun Factor over Graphics

The main purpose of video gaming has always been for fun. There's nothing like an XBOX LAN party, and I can't wait to see where the Nintendo goes with this. Will the Wii's wireless connectivity lead to people renting out Coffee Shops, Churches, and other places with wireless internet in order to have WiiConnect24 parties? Who knows? But that's for another post. This post is about the main selling point of any game system. The games.

It has been said that the Wii's graphics, when compared to the PS3's and the 360's, aren't up to par. I agree that there are more games for those systems with ultra-HD graphics, but am I really willing to fork over so much money when there's not many games that interest me on those systems?

Though there are games for the Nintendo Wii with really bad graphics, there are some with really good graphics, the new Zelda game for example. I believe that as more game developers take time to push the Wii's graphic capabilities with their games, there will be games with better and better graphics.

But graphics are only one part of a game, another is the fun factor. The games on the Nintendo Wii look fun to play. I've even had the chance to try out Excite Truck at a store, and that was a lot of fun to play, and I can't wait to try out the steering system with a game that interests me more, Need for Speed Carbon.

The premise of the games of the Nintendo Wii seem to have an emphasis on fun for everyone, including people my age (I'm in High School). On the other hand, the front of the line-up for the 360 is gory killfest games of carnage, and the games that aren't like that are geared for really young kids. Neither of those two categories really interest me, and I'm not even going to comment on the PS3 because (here it comes...) it is 600 dollars!

Microsoft can show me excellent graphics all day but what's it worth if there's only one game and a few mini-arcade games on it that interest me?

The main purpose for gaming has always been for fun, and the sheer quantity of games that appeal to me on the Wii greatly surpass the others. I say this based on just my reading articles of new games coming out for it, and my limited time trying out a demo at a game store. They aren't trying to price gouge me and it's a game system with lots of games. Sounds like a good equation to me.

Noteworthy Wii Titles

Some games that look cool to me
and why I'm interested...

Need For Speed Carbon
I liked how the Wii's steering worked in the Excite Truck demo at GameStop, I bet that the steering would be loads of fun in the arena of Street Racing in the City. Plus you can customize your ride.

WarioWare
Non-stop hilarity, task after task after task. Perhaps that could be a bad thing sometimes, but I think it would be awesome at parties.

Metroid Prime 3
Hey I like Halo 2 which is a Sci-Fi shooter, maybe I could give Metroid Prime 3 a chance and see how I like it!

Rayman Raving Rabbids
I'm not a huge fan of Rayman, but this game's premise is enough. From what I've seen this is what it seems to be: instead of the Gladiator you have Rayman, the fans are crazy bunnies, and instead of death battles, mini-games! This could be lots of fun with my friends!

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
There's not a lot of hype with this game, but then again there was not a lot of hype with the first Matrix movie when it came out. I wonder what the game designers will do with the potential of having the Wii's position-senses integrated with the controlling of the plane. I hope they find a cool control scheme.

SSX Blur (remember SSX Tricky, the snowboard game?)
The SSX snowboarding video games of the past were fun, and what's there not to like about doing crazy tricks down a steep mountain?

Elebits
Players manipulate and navigate every-day environments to find mini-creatures. A first-person shooter where there is gun shown onscreen, your Wiimote is the grav-gun!