Mon, Dec 03, 2012 | 15:39 GMT

The dog track: Q1 and the next-gen countdown

The first quarter of a year is relatively dead for game releases, but Q1 2013 is teeming with top talent. VG247′s Dave Cook asks if this busy period signifies the countdown to next-gen.

It’s funny how big a difference a day makes. Most of us can’t wait to get through the expensive holiday season, share in fun with our friends, drink ourselves stupid and vow that next year we absolutely will go to the gym or stop smoking.

Then January 1 rolls around and it’s business as usual. We’re usually worse off financially, hung over, shattered and in desperate need of something fried to eat. The games industry used feel this hangover too, as it usually crawls out of bed about February and starts rolling along as if nothing happened, but 2013 will be different.

It’s about now that we in the gaming press let out a sigh of relief and look forward to a month or two of respite and rest, but looking forward to the first quarter – which is January to March by the way – the industry shows no signs of slowing down. At all.

There are many top-billing games out during that period, including DmC: Devil May Cry, BioShock Infinite, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Tomb Raider, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, Aliens: Colonial Marines, SimCity, Rayman Legends, Gears of War: Judgment and God of War: Ascension to name just a few.

What about after that?

The triple-A schedule is barren after March, the recently-launched Wii U aside. That’s not to say that nothing will release – it’s just that there are few games with a solid release date beyond that month. Dead Island: Riptide is the only sizeable console release I can see with a firm launch date in place.

Why do we know nothing about what’s to follow?

It’s because next-gen really is coming.

The wheels are firmly in motion now, and studios have shifted focus to new hardware and new possibilities. The signs are all around you: from the unveiling of Unreal Engine 4 and the Luminous Engine by Square Enix, the slowing string of console exclusives on Xbox 360 and the silence from big players like Bungie.

We also have it on good authority that PS4 is getting a reveal before E3 next year, and that the specs are looking powerful indeed. In fact, we published an entire piece on what we know so far, and it points to some rather interesting developments on the horizon. Add to that the lack of Sony-exclusive IP launch after March 2013 – there are no games currently dated – and it’s clear the big players are readying for change.

When you consider the eleventh hour of old formats – take PS2 for example – it’s not uncommon to see a final push of strong IP that fully takes advantage of what hardware has to offer. After all, developers have spent almost a decade trying to figure out Xbox 360, and comparing its launch slate to games coming out now almost looks like a generational leap in itself.

But Microsoft’s rig has reached its limit. Developers and publishers often state to the contrary, but when games on the format become too vast – just look at the increasing need for multi-disc Xbox 360 releases for one – then it becomes apparent that new media and hardware is in demand.

It seems that a month can’t go by without someone unearthing a dusty old patent for wearable hardware or a tantalising next-gen rumour that something big is in the works at Microsoft and Sony.

But you don’t need to theorise about Xbox 720 and PS4′s reveals. The signs are already around you that it isn’t far off, and if I were a betting man I’d say that – based on what we’re seeing in plain sight – that an E3 2013 reveal is likely, closely followed by a rumoured autumn launch.

By ‘plain sight’ I mean that Microsoft has been morphing its approach right under our noses in preparation for whatever comes next. Look at SmartGlass – a utility that lets users combine their tablet and their Xbox 360 to create an asynchronous (there’s that word again) experience. Stack that against leaked documents from earlier this year that suggest the next Xbox will feature a tablet controller and the move seems less coincidental. (Thanks to LiveSide for the document link)

Microsoft’s addition of cloud storage seems to fit with the approach taken by Sony in its $380 million acquisition of Dave Perry’s GaiKai technology, Steam’s cloud-based functionality, and a swelling base of cloud experiences on iOS and Android. It’s clear that the cloud will be a prominent feature moving forward, but the evidence doesn’t stop with storage.

Xbox Music launched last month to go up against the might of Spotify and iTunes, offering a cloud-streaming service with a vast library of tracks. if Microsoft feels the need to launch a service like this – although some critics suggest it’s pissing into the wind – then it must have a future road map for the tech or service going forward. The service can’t have been cheap after all.

The circle begins to close as you realise that Xbox Music is available across Microsoft’s suite of devices and software – across Windows 8-enabled PCs, phones and even Surface – a whole family of connected devices that talk to each other and feature a range of asynchronous (there’s that word again) functions.

Wii U is lambasted the world over by critics of its tablet controller, but let me ask you this: how often do you sit playing a game, get stuck and then reach to your phone or tablet to look up a strategy guide or its wiki page?

Now imagine a format where you can do this without having to reach for that secondary, third party device made by Apple or Samsung, or get up to sit at your PC to get the information you need.

Microsoft doesn’t want your attention to waver for a second. It doesn’t want you to use someone else’s hardware to get the most out of its console, it wants a captive audience, and spreading its experience over a whole range of devices is exactly what it’s doing right now.

The company is blasting all sectors of the market – from consoles, streaming services and PCs, even TV set-top boxes if rumours are to believed – and the only piece of this Windows 8 jigsaw left to fit into place is the Xbox 720.

It’s coming, you better believe it’s coming, because the market is ready for it. Just don’t be surprised to see a tablet controller bundled with it when it does arrive, because it makes sense given our almost symbiotic relationship with intuitive touch screen devices like our phone or tablet.

Consider this: consoles have evolved dramatically over the years – with new features, increased spec and technical clout – but there is one vital element that hasn’t changed very much during this time, and that is the controller.

It’s the last vital component of consoles that Microsoft or any manufacturer can change – without releasing some brand of mad holographic play, or AR function (that’s currently Valve’s department) – so it makes sense that Microsoft would consider a tablet option.

We’re about to enter that last, insane dash towards the future of gaming, and while it means more work for your friendly neighbourhood VG247 news team, it’s going to be a thoroughly exciting race to witness.

Credit to Saris0000 for the banner image.

105 comments

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#51

polygem
03/12/12, 4:57 pm

@Dragon: “Ideas don’t need hardware, they need great software”

i totally agree with you about that, in fact this is my dogma, my problem here is that you would be the first bashing a kirby game as a kids game while many of the kirby games are just that: great games, with great ideas on pretty weak hardware. nintendo is king in that department. thing is, that´s something you always criticized…now you are turning everything upside down just because in this case it fits better for you.

“As I said, what happened to all-mighty motion controls now? Still waiting for a great game which sells me on that.”

Metroid Prime
Zelda Skyward Sword
Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 coop

#52

Gadzooks!
03/12/12, 4:58 pm

#51

You tried to bluff, got caught out talking shit and are embarrased so you lash out by rage-typing.

When the red mist clears you will be able to appreciate the delicuous irony of your bile-spattered ranting.

#52

This is the crux of it. Every WiiU sold has a gamepad, and the screen and controller are one unit. Not a separate screen+controller.

This is the only way it can work, the only way it will be adopted wholesale by developers.

A screen on its own (smartglass) or as an optional extra (Vita) simply will not provide what WiiU provides, ever.

#53

Da Man
03/12/12, 4:59 pm

He’s 12 years old..

And if it was about Teh Cell and teh Phony he would be nagging on about hardware making software. Or something like that.

#54

polygem
03/12/12, 5:01 pm

@52: i agree. if they want it to work, they have to sell it as one package…

#55

DrDamn
03/12/12, 5:11 pm

@56
This is where I think the WiiU wins over the Wii. It was the same situation with the Wii – it needed to be packed in, but at the same time as providing something fresh and new it hampered some games. A lot of standard games just didn’t work as well with motion controls. With the gamepad the screen can add something to any game, even if it is just remote play or something basic. It’s never going to hamper a game though because it has all the regular features.

#56

Fin
03/12/12, 5:12 pm

Software is everything with a console. Sure, a first-party is always going to take full advantage of hardware, but success relies on third parties.

The big question in my mind is will the Wii U be supported by third parties (moreso than Wii was). Honestly, I can’t see it happening. Sure, they might be able to produce unique games on it, but publishers aren’t going to fund bespoke AAA games to fit Wii U when they can fund a single team that can make a sim-ship AAA game for PS4/720/PC – I’m not including Wii U (with Pro controller) in this as when the “proper” next-gen comes, the tech is going to be so superior to Wii U’s internals it’s going to result in an last-gen (PS3/360/WiiU) and next-gen (PS4/720) split in development.
Next-gen games (the next Call of Duty, Sleeping Dogs, whatever), will come out on PS4/720, the versions (ports?) released on 360/PS3/Wii U will be functionally and technically identical (to each other), and the Wii U will eventually get left behind when third parties move away from last-gen.

Ye can talk about how fun and different and new the Wii U is, but that doesn’t mean anything if the average core consumer sees the “best” (graphics & online system) version of CoD 14 or FIFA 2015 on a different console.

Sure, it might win out on the casual consumers (though I think this is equally unlikely, because of the shift to tablet and phone gaming), but it’s not going to hold the core’s interest (outside of first party) past 2014.

#57

blackdreamhunk
03/12/12, 5:34 pm

I am getting ready to upgrade my pc for next year!

#58

Len
03/12/12, 7:10 pm

BDH! Where have you been hiding?

I’m doing the same tbh.

#59

blackdreamhunk
03/12/12, 7:22 pm

I am still around I check p gaming news almost every day on vg247

#60

G1GAHURTZ
03/12/12, 7:24 pm

^ Wow! So the illuminati didn’t kidnap you, then?

#61

blackdreamhunk
03/12/12, 7:40 pm

nope they are besy trying to start up world war 3 and gobal Global Economic Collapse lol

The Day the World Ended – WW3 Simulation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJdgudIUHzs

Brzezinski Still Admits The Global Political Awakening Proving Very Difficult For The Elite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHknL5z8f6k

What’s eating the global economy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu-72WrXqng&feature=g-all

Albert Pike and Three World Wars Illuminati Agenda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIOpsf40Nko

#62

OlderGamer
03/12/12, 7:55 pm

“Sure, a first-party is always going to take full advantage of hardware, but success relies on third parties.”

I would disagree with you somewhat Fin. Nintendo has been working without much 3rd party support for a couple of gens now. The Wii being their biggest seller and the core trip A 3rd party guys didn’t have much of an impact of that sucsess. I also think that this gen JPN throws their weight behind the WiiU and not the PS4. I think it is easier to program for and cheaper(then PS4 will be). That is going to matter alot for devs/pubs that don’t sell the large western audiances like they once did. I think in JPN wins both handheld and console markets soundly.

That should translate to increased 3rd party support from JPN companies. Studios like Capcom, Namco, Sqrenx, tecmo, etc.

Would also like to point out that from games like ZombiU, AssCredIII, DSII, Madden/FIFA13, are all 3rd party. Infact, most of the software out for the system is 3rd party. Will 3rd party games stop once MS/Sony launch their new systems? Maybe. But prolly not too much. So long as their is a user base, EA will still their sports games. Infact most 3rd party games will prolly come out using current gen game engines(tweaked). But I would imagine that some games won’t target the WiiU. And if they don’t, I think Nintendo is still going to be fine. Again, they did just fine last gen.

#63

Len
03/12/12, 8:50 pm

@64 it’s good to have you and your linkage back!

You waiting for the Haswell’s next year or jumping sooner? I’m gonna try and hang on and in the meantime upgrade the gfx card again (4Gb 670 to a similar 680).

#64

blackdreamhunk
03/12/12, 8:57 pm

@66 len

I am waiting for the new nvidia graphics cards to come out next year. My gtx 470 nvidia is over heating when I play some of the new pc games for too long. Yea I might wait for the Haswells too.

#65

OlderGamer
03/12/12, 10:51 pm

I am so sad lol, I am hoping my wife buys me an off the shelf 60usd-80usd graphics card for xmass. I bought a second PC a bit back and it was so good I could run everything on it that I used to run on my old, but could run em w/o a dedicated card. Hoping to get a card so i can play a few of the Steam games I have built up.

You guys throw away tech I don’t even have yet.

#66

TheOutcastWolf
03/12/12, 11:40 pm

Sony said that they weren’t going to do a new table console this soon… Well better for me I guess…

#67

monkeygourmet
04/12/12, 12:15 am

@68

Yep, PC arms race…

I’m so out of the PC gaming set up. I’ve considered building a super rig, but I know it’ll be a folly.

I’ll spend half my time just trying to get games running to my desired specs (if I’m gaming on PC I liked everything maxed out if I’ve spent that much), then spend half my game time tweaking…

I swear people like Erth spend most of their time downloading and tweaking rather than actually playing the game… (never watched ‘Wizard’ in their lives), I know I did.

My girlfriend got an i7 gaming laptop recently, it’s not the best, but its highlighted how annoying I find PC gaming. It’s not changed since I used to have a rig about 10 years ago…

Loads of fucking about and in the end your playing the same game as PS3 / 360 owners…

Erth’s view on Far Cry 3 on another thread summed it up really. He didn’t like it…

I swear his crazy PC über mentality stops him enjoying games anymore, I used to feel the same when I had a good rig. Graphics power is a bottomless pit, you’re never satisfied.

#68

Erthazus
04/12/12, 12:47 am

“I swear people like Erth spend most of their time downloading and tweaking rather than actually playing the game…”

I can download a 20 GB Game (there are maybe 2-5 games that have 20+ GB memory) in 15-20 minutes and while it is downloading I’m playing other games with good control setup and nice visuals, sound and what tweaking? Changing graphical options? LOL?

“My girlfriend got an i7 gaming laptop recently,”

Buying laptops for gaming is the most retarded thing ever on this planet. It’s like buying a PS3 as a Blu Ray player only.

“Erth’s view on Far Cry 3 on another thread summed it up really. He didn’t like it…”

Because it is a mediocre game and I’m not the only one who said that in that thread.

“Loads of fucking about and in the end your playing the same game as PS3 / 360 owners…”

but with 60 frames per second, with V-sync, Full HD Resolution, without stupid controller with a touchscreen that offers nothing to the gameplay.

#69

polygem
04/12/12, 12:56 am

all i have to add: i have a sighthound called susi…no shit. if this would be miiverse i’d draw a picture of that bitch, highest setting 12XAA, full rez and all.

#70

monkeygourmet
04/12/12, 1:07 am

@Erth

20 gb file in 15 mins?

Enjoying the newsgroups much? You’ve already admitted you pirate the shit out of Wii games, why not admit you don’t pay for PC games either..?

About the laptop, I said to you before: she writes for various games websites and needs to edit video and do lots of multitasking on the move, gaming is a by product. Still enough to have a taster of the ambrosia you call steam and gaming nirvana.

Remember, I used to game on the PC, NOTHING has changed in the grand scheme of things.

Better graphics, same gameplay.

I’m glad your not enjoying Far Cry 3 with uber bells and whistles and V Sync and 10000080p…

Case in point, it’s the same game I’m playing on my £150 Xbox 360 rather than your £1000 rig lol!

#71

OlderGamer
04/12/12, 1:19 am

I pretty much just love games. PC games included. My fav games to play on PC are Civ V and PSOBB. And a host of Indie games. I am completly envious of folks like Erth. And I mean that. He has forgoten more about PCs then I know. And he has several valid points about PC gaming, it is awesome. But in the end I feel a lot like Poly and MonkeyG(and others) lots of know how and money and pretty much the same experience as found on a console. However, it has come a long ways in the past ten years. I now have my pc in my living room on a large screen TV(for example). And I can’t play games like Diablo III, Torchlight II, and Civ. Of all of the platforms PC is the only one that is fully BC and it has the most exclsuives!

I just feel like a smuck because I am excited about getting a video card that are so bad by comparasion.

#72

Erthazus
04/12/12, 1:27 am

“Enjoying the newsgroups much? You’ve already admitted you pirate the shit out of Wii games, why not admit you don’t pay for PC games either..?”

Show me a place where I can buy Wii Games on my PC for Dolphin emulator then we will talk. I pay for every game on the PC. There is no game on the market for the PC that I pirated with exception when I was a little kid. I buy all my games and I have Blizzard games collection at home for your info.

“she writes for various games websites and needs to edit video and do lots of multitasking on the move, gaming is a by product.”

Playing games on the Laptop is okay, but laptop as a main gaming platform is retarded.
She writes for various gaming websites aka surfing on the facebook and that is fine and it is the same thing If someone bought PS3 for games and he uses PS3 to watch movies sometimes on it. It’s logical.

” Still enough to have a taster of the ambrosia you call steam and gaming nirvana.”

that’s not enough for nirvana, that’s enough to make your laptop having issues with hardware. Unless you are buying laptops from Alienware, but that is also retarded because costs are jaw dropping.

“Better graphics, same gameplay.”

Not true at all. The difference between games like from 6th gen consoles and 7th is decent and that is because of more powerfull machines. Better machines, better scale, environment, gameplay in the end. Hardware is not just about graphics, it’s about everything else.

“20 gb file in 15 mins?”

yeah, easy. I use Fiber-optic communication for my internet. 20 GB for 15 or 35 minutes is not a big deal.

#73

blackdreamhunk
04/12/12, 3:46 am

reasons why it’s worth to be a pcgamer

http://adrianwerner.wordpress.com/2012-2/

I think the new gaming consoles are going to have as much sales numbers as this generation. I willing to bet next generation of consoles will have mmos must likely free to play.I want to see the new consoles but I can’t picture them being that great. Graphics are going to get minor enhancements and game play will be must likely the same.

#74

stretch215
04/12/12, 4:47 am

I really hope the sony/ms don’t go the route of the “tablet” controller. It doesn’t add any features that I’m interested in. I prefer all my info on one screen.

#75

Digital Bamboo
04/12/12, 5:19 am

It’s been over 4 years since I had a decent gaming PC, & while I sometimes miss the precise control that a mouse & keyboard offer (especially for FPS), & certain types of games that don’t translate well to consoles, I have to agree that the endless optimization, tweaking, and large amounts of fucking about that go along with running games on PC are a major pain in the ass. Unless you have a ton of spare time on your hands and/or a great deal of knowledge about computers, it’s not really worth it to game on PC.

Like monkey, I often felt half my game time was eroded by all the bullshit, & after a certain point, that became unacceptable. Had I the extra time, money & the skills to cut through all the shit, would I choose to play Far Cry 3 on PC, rather than PS3? Fucking right I would. But I’d play consoles too. Each have their own great exclusives, unique experiences, strengths, & weaknesses.

Do I want to see a tablet controller from MS & Sony? Not really. I think their controllers are well suited to their purposes. The Wii U pad may be innovative, but there’s true innovation & then there’s “innovation” just for the sake of keeping up, or doing something different. We all saw this already in the current generation with motion control. I hope MS & Sony cut their own paths, rather than try to play catch up with something that doesn’t fit their brands.

Personally, all I want out of a new generation is better games. I honestly don’t give a shit about any extraneous, online, this-system-can-do-everything features. Games–plain & simple.

I noticed the lack of solid release dates for PS3 after a certain point a while ago, and thought it may signal a shift towards next-gen, but Fall 2013? I’d be very surprised if PS4/720 came out before Winter. I’d even be surprised if they came out next year. Aren’t major consoles usually announced at least a year in advance?

#76

Dragon246
04/12/12, 5:21 am

This getting more hilarious the more I think about it. Ever played Fallout 3? PipBoy 3000 performs all the functions that a gamepad is supposed to do and with, voila! A SINGLE SCREEN!
Its frankly ridiculous to believe this “new way to play” thing. Game designers are hardly ever constraint by hardware, and if they do, its generally graphics. Its called video games for a reason. The biggest reason people are clamoring for new consoles is better graphics, not new ways to play. Anyone who visits a multitude of gaming sites will know this from comments.

In short, games like ZombieU add nothing new to experience except forcing you to look into 2 screens, a design that is a devolution of existing game mechanics that incorporate those things easily on a single screen , and that too years ago.

@DrDamn
Its true that wiiu, unlike wii has options to somewhat play a game traditionally. That is why it scores higher than wii in my books. But remove that pad and all you are left with is a ps3/360 clone that is 7 years late. Only people I see this grabbing are people waiting for next zelda/mario and other ninty exclusives.
2 screens definitely have the advantage in party games, but how many people buy a 350$ console just for party games.
I am guessing tvii will be a bigger selling point for wiiu than games for casual gamers. But its also something 360/ps3 have been doing for ages.

@Poly
See that 350+ comment page again to clear your doubts. I NEVER said x game is for kids. You are again making false assumptions. Others (you should know who)were saying that, not me.

@78
I am sure none of them will be released next year.Although the delay in announcements is understandable as 360 and ps3 continue to sell well, with ps3 having an uptick in black friday sales yoy. WiiU was announced early as by then, wii had lost steam.
As you said, innovation just for the sake of it is a gimmick, like motion gaming.
I also haven’t had a good gaming rig for 2 years now. But I would love to return to that after 7 months (buying a new rig then). I really love those progress bars (guilty pleasure I guess) and all those customization stuff. Only thing I hate about pc gaming is stupid always-on connection that some games ask.

@OG,
“I also think that this gen JPN throws their weight behind the WiiU and not the PS4. I think it is easier to program for and cheaper(then PS4 will be). That is going to matter alot for devs/pubs that don’t sell the large western audiances like they once did. I think in JPN wins both handheld and console markets soundly.”
Couldn’t be more wrong. Despite its lower price, wii sold 2-3 million more than ps3 and ps3 has the leadership position for 3 years now. All japanese console exclusives belong to ps3 like Tales, Yakuza and so on. Ninty just cant beat that.
Also ps3 will be easier to develop for as its based on pc hardware and most japanese game engines (crystal tools, platinum games engine etc.) are developed with sony console as the lead platform. SE is even expecting lower budgets for next gen as they have a more streamlined and efficient engine now. Did games on pc have higher dev costs because of better graphics? NO. Its just an excuse to increase prices and increasing prices is because of inflation (prices always rise, your income rises too) not graphics.

#77

Digital Bamboo
04/12/12, 5:46 am

@79 Yeah, not wanting to hurt their own sales does make sense.

But just to be clear, I wasn’t trying to suggest that motion gaming (or tablet pads) are a gimmick, only that MS & Sony shouldn’t feel they need to follow suit, because what (sometimes) works on a Nintendo system, doesn’t necessarily work on theirs. In other words, MS & Sony should innovate–if it means better games–in their own way. If they can deliver better games while keeping virtually the same controllers, then they should do that.

#78

Dragon246
04/12/12, 5:48 am

@80
Sorry, it felt from my comment that you were saying the gimmick thing. Thats my opinion.

#79

Erthazus
04/12/12, 5:54 am

” I have to agree that the endless optimization, tweaking, and large amounts of fucking about that go along with running games on PC ”

Sometimes I don’t understand humanity.

What tweaking? What do you do on the PC that is going to make you suffer for hours playing game like Far Cry 3?

#80

polygem
04/12/12, 6:19 am

@Dragon: no sir it adds a lot to the gameplay. i played nsmb u coop….i know. i also played nintendoland couch mp. havent played zombi u mp yet but this too looks as if it will add a lot to the game. how is it ridiculous to believe in `the new way to play` thing? it really is a new way. totally. nsmbu was the most fun in mp i had in a while. you just cannot compare this to the pipboy, i dont even know what you mean with this comparison. the pipboy is an ingame menue, nothing else, while in both games i described the tablet is used to expand the gameplay.
i think you are lying to yourself (again) because you do not have the system but somewhere in your gamer heart you just want to catch them all as if they were pokemons. thats ok and i respect every opinion but comparing the wiiu to the pipboy isnt a valid argument, it makes zero sense and someone should tell you.

#81

Dragon246
04/12/12, 6:56 am

@poly
real time map functionality
real time upgrades to characters
inventory management
and so on….
This is what the pad is supposed to do, and all these features can be easily accessed on single screen in a greatly designed game.
Feel free to tell about features that pad can do and have no existing solutions.After all you have more experience on wiiu than I have and I may have missed something during my playtime with it. I am all ears.

#82

Digital Bamboo
04/12/12, 7:38 am

@Erthazus I don’t know about Far Cry 3, but back when I had a PC that could play games (I wouldn’t call it a gaming PC actually) I remember spending hours on this stuff specifically: http://www.tweakguides.com/Farcry_1.html

If you have a beast of a system then you can likely crank everything and forget about it, but if you had a system like I had, then it was a constant struggle to keep games running smooth, stable & looking good.

#83

monkeygourmet
04/12/12, 10:07 am

@85

This.

Also having so many graphical options makes me deconstruct the game too much.

It feels like your missing out if you can’t crank shadows up to max or whatever. With a console, you just put up with it.

#84

monkeygourmet
04/12/12, 10:10 am

@Dragon

I think your one of those people that Nintendo aimed the adverts at. You clearly don’t get it.

It’s completely different having a second screen where you can tweak things ‘on the fly’ rather than pausing a game and bringing up a menu.

Zombie U is a great example as it mixes both up. By taking away the tablet you would miss the point of the game completely.

I can’t believe you played one for 2 hours and didn’t see this?!

#85

Gadzooks!
04/12/12, 10:26 am

#87

If he had actually played one, he’d get it.

He hasn’t, so he doesn’t, and even if he had he would play dumb because it isn’t a Sony product, and so he feels obliged to troll it.

#86

DrDamn
04/12/12, 10:32 am

@Erth
“yeah, easy. I use Fiber-optic communication for my internet. 20 GB for 15 or 35 minutes is not a big deal.”

Ummm 15 or 35? Quite a big jump, did you get the calculator out? What is your actual download speed then?

#87

Dragon246
04/12/12, 1:19 pm

@87
I really didn’t get what is innovative in zombieu, but clearly saw that nintyland is the best party game in a long time. As I didn’t try wiiu out with 5 friends besides me at that time, I couldn’t see its full potential but I could see the fun. Pad really does a good job at local multiplayer, but in terms of single player, it adds precious little, and I really feel its a devolution in game design.
Besides I am no one to dictate others. If you are enjoying it, fine. Just stating my opinions.

@88
Unlike you, I only comment on things I played. You on the other hand are the biggest sony hater here and completely incapable in discussing anything. Why not join DaMan to form the “Vg247 sony trolling brigade”? I was a fool to
repond to your comments.
I appreciate others were able to listen to contrasting opinions respectfully. After all, that is what a discussion is.

#88

DrDamn
04/12/12, 1:40 pm

@90
ZombiU – there is a big immersion difference between having elements like map, backpack, scanner and lock-picking on the controller as opposed to the main screen. It makes you physically look away *and* still be able to glance back whilst carrying out what ever you want to do. This alone makes a huge difference in a survival horror game.

#89

OlderGamer
04/12/12, 2:01 pm

Ok Dragon, I respect you, but again disagre with your opinion.

In JPN, Nintendo is king. Period. And it isn’t a console thing. Just take a look at the Handhelds in JPN. That is the real market there, I read a piece awhile back saying that Gameboys made up close to 65% of the marketshare. That is huge, because there are competing handhelds, and multi consoles.

I believe that while Wii sold well in JPN, many console games went to PS3 due to Wiis focus on unique/waggle controls. And even so of the 35% of the market share(after gameboy) that was in play, the Wii still outsold the PS3. This gen WiiU(with its traditional controls and second screen) mirriors and mimics a DS Gameboy. I think JPN will eat it up.

While duel screens is a newish concept to most of us console types, it is very important to remember that JPN has been very used to it with DS. I know after playing WiiU that having a second screen is awesome. Now when I play on my XB360, I miss it. I imagine how great it would be for Minecraft(played that last night). Once you use one, your going to want to have it in all of your games. The JPNes gamers have been using second screens for years because so many of them play on DS.

So a second screen via WiiU GamePad is the natural evolution for them when it comes to consoles. Also add into that the costs. Next gen(dev/hardware/software) costs are ‘possed to go up on PS4/xbnxt. But on WiiU the increase was minimal. I believe that will once again put Nintendo into a position where they can offer cheaper games on cheaper hardware.

I think (esp in JPN) gamers will flock to WiiU. A few key games from 3rd party franchises like DragonQuest and Monster Hunter, and the system will fly off of shelves.

Keep in mind when most of your nation plays on handhelds, raw console graphic power isn’t a defining feature for you. WiiU is in HD, it looks nice, and will feel like a big screen DS for the living room.

I suspect VERY strong JPNes support for the system. And if companies feel it is a choice or if Sony strugles(Vita says Hi) to move systems, I believe JPN Devs/Pubs choose WiiU over PS4.

Next up Dragon is the idea that if you played it, you would like it. I also fully believe that too. If Sony managed to do with its Vita and PS3 what Nintendo offers with its WiiU, I think you would be glowing about it(and the second screen). I had my resurvations too. I was on the fence, and strongly thinking about Ebaying my WiiU. But like Poly, once I got it in the house, the inner gamer couldn’t resist. So glad I didn’t sell it.

I know it is easy to sit there and shake your head and say second screen gaming is a fade or a gimmick. But you should keep in mind two things it has been rocking the Gameboy scene for a long time. And you haven’t put any quality time on the WiiU.

WiiU is a game changer. I hope a second screen of somesort is built into MS/Sony controlers next gen. I don’t think it would work as well if the systems used any old generic tablet/phone. It also has to be included at the time of the console purchase. And it needs to be intergrated into the systems dev thought process. If for nothing else, I want maps, radar, stats, and inventory on the second screen. When fools like me talk about Nintendo magic or Nintendo inovation, WiiU gamepad is a prime example. It adds so much. If I could have you over to my house for gaming man, I would. A couple of beers some pizzia and some time with WiiUs same room MP. You would see the thing differently, trust me.

#90

polygem
04/12/12, 2:05 pm

@Dragon: i already mentioned nsmbu…no maps, or inventory: the second player makes little blocks for mario and slows down enemies…simple but superfun. zombi u mp lets one player play the game with a pad in the ego perspective, the other player plays something like a strategy game on the pad, placing zombis…being the AI director or how that was called in Left4Dead. it already shows so much potential.

#91

Da Man
04/12/12, 2:31 pm

Sony256, I’ve spent more money on their shitty products which failed time after time than you and your parents combined. So obviously your inane enthusiasm and idiotic imaginary wars shouldn’t stop people from commenting on how shit Sony are.

Why not ask parents for some cash to spend on toys, you university student. You passionate young man, You Erzasonys.

#92

ManuOtaku
04/12/12, 2:32 pm

I will like to add that i think the third party support on WiiU will be better than Wii, because of two things, the unity deal and the scability option, one is strong for indies and the other for third party developers, the WiiU will run unreal engine four, and the next big engines, but in scalable form something the wii did not,therefore i believe it will do good on the porting side of things.

Now another thing it will be third party titles that are unique to the WiiU, that will be another different thing entirely, but i think due the examples of the wii, there will not be that many, unless Zombie U will sell a lot, and future games like it will sell good.

I dont really see the problem with sony and microsoft following nintendo strategy this gen, if the WiiU is a Success, because they did it with move and kinect, they will do it again, and there is nothing wrong with that IMHO, thats great for gamers all around, playing different things and ideas from all the manufactures.

#93

Da Man
04/12/12, 2:49 pm

Oooh I should’ve not responded to that miserable 12 years old villain.

I need to listen to some Metal Gear Solid soundtrack to calm myself now. I shouldn’t waste energy, I need to be strong to defend the white forces of Japan, Sony, Playstation, Hideo Kojima and hardcore gamers in blog comment sections.

#94

OlderGamer
04/12/12, 3:58 pm

Not trying to beat a dead horse but:

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-12-04-no-platinum-sellers-at-japans-playstation-awards

“Sony Japan’s PlayStation Awards, which recognises game sales in the country, has failed to crown any Platinum or Double Platinum award winners this year.

Titles have to hit 1 million games shipped for the Platinum award or 2 million for Double Platinum, but only Gold awards could be handed out this year, which recognise sales of over 500,000 units. ”

Like I said, I don’t think Sony wins JPN next gen. I am betting heavy JPN support for WiiU(and ofc continued support for 3DS).

Normaly JPN doesn’t impact western markets too much, those days are long gone. However if JPN support means even a small but steady stream of western releases of hit JPN RPGs and other games ranging from Capcom, Tecmo/Koei, SQENX, Namco, and more…that could be a very good thing for western WiiU gamers. Would make even more sense if some of these games had GameBoy to WiiU tie ins.

#95

Gadzooks!
04/12/12, 4:42 pm

#97

You’ll make Dragon0123456789 cry posting such things. Sony is all the poor little mongrel has in the world. Without them he will wither and perish.

You big meanie!

#96

Dragon246
04/12/12, 7:06 pm

@97
Look at wii sales or even game sales for last 4 years. Japan was the first major country where wii lost its lead, even before eu and us. Also read my comment on that page, except ninty 3ds games, no other to the best of my knowledge sold more than 1 million copies.
Also MH is not a console seller, its a handheld one.
Also, do you know sony owns stake in some major Japanese pubs? THAT is the reason I said sony platform wont ever be abandoned in japan.

Consult japanese sites to correct some of your facts. There are at least 5-6 games announced this week on vita.

#97

monkeygourmet
04/12/12, 7:52 pm

@99

You seem to forget Nintendo makes profit on consoles out of the gate.

It usually takes Sony 2 + years to catch up with them hence the long life cycle this gen.

It’s funny how the Wii managed to keep up so long, it was old tech too lol!

By the time PS4 comes out, Nintendo will probably be making 70% profit on Wii U, let alone 3DS profit.

Then Mario, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing (look at jap charts for 3DS version), Pokemon etc…

They didn’t make the gif, ‘it prints money’ for nothing…

The PS3 only started breaking even a while into its life, you seem to always ignore that. You assume Sony wanted a 10 year life cycle ‘for the fans’, to get the most out of PS3. It was only to make money back on it!

And thank god for there mighty 2 speed Bluray drive which kept the cost up for so long. What a wonderful contribution to gaming that was!

#98

polygem
04/12/12, 8:22 pm

“And thank god for there mighty 2 speed Bluray drive which kept the cost up for so long. What a wonderful contribution to gaming that was!”

LOL. spot on.

#99

monkeygourmet
04/12/12, 8:46 pm

@101

I wouldn’t be half as down on Sony if they stopped pushing their new media format on us through their consoles.

Maybe the PS4 will be better, unless Sony have a new format they wish to sell? 4K maybe?!

I just want my Wii U back!

#100