And they weren't kidding about it being unusual. I had a very different idea of what this was going to be, but I think it could actually work out reasonably well. The base part doesn't look like the most ergonomically friendly thing in the world though...
Here's one write-up:
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651275p1.html
Others can be found pretty much everywhere else.
The Revolution controller, revealed at last
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Stormwatch
- Posts: 2327
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Okay, boys and girls, time for a little HISTORY LESSON!
There was a time when many people thought the lightpen would be everyone's computer pointing device of choice. It was so intuitive, just touch the monitor with it. Unlike the mouse - you had to move it on the desk and see the result of your action somewhere else.
Why then are lightpens forgotten, and mouses in every computer out there? Because, to use a lightpen, you have to rise your arm and hold it against the screen. Sounds easy, but after a while it gets really tiresome, makes your arm ache. A mouse does not have this problem, you just rest your arm on the desk.
From the pics, I'd bet this controller has the same issue. It WILL be tiresome to play for too long - say, over half an hour. As someone in another forum described: "yet another game controller for non-gamers."
Disappointing? More like a DISASTER. On par with the controllers for the Fairchild Channel F, the Philips CD-i, and the Intellivision.
Nintendo R.I.P.
There was a time when many people thought the lightpen would be everyone's computer pointing device of choice. It was so intuitive, just touch the monitor with it. Unlike the mouse - you had to move it on the desk and see the result of your action somewhere else.
Why then are lightpens forgotten, and mouses in every computer out there? Because, to use a lightpen, you have to rise your arm and hold it against the screen. Sounds easy, but after a while it gets really tiresome, makes your arm ache. A mouse does not have this problem, you just rest your arm on the desk.
From the pics, I'd bet this controller has the same issue. It WILL be tiresome to play for too long - say, over half an hour. As someone in another forum described: "yet another game controller for non-gamers."
Disappointing? More like a DISASTER. On par with the controllers for the Fairchild Channel F, the Philips CD-i, and the Intellivision.
Nintendo R.I.P.
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magnum opus
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dave4shmups
- Posts: 5630
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Well that's good news for those gamers, because I'm with Stormwatch; this controller IS a disaster! The buttons and the D-Pad are WAY too far apart from each other, and that's just the begining. Honestly, if any company should know about ergonomics and comfortability when it comes to controllers, it should be Nintendo.sethsez wrote:Nah. Remember, the Revolution also supports GC controllers.
Guess what most games will probably wind up using.
This hunk of scrapola just kills, once and for all, my enthusiasm for the Revolution.
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dave4shmups
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This is the add-on, I think:magnum opus wrote:two buttons. it only has two fucking buttons, you can't even play super nintendo games on the stupid thing. now they're gonna make us buy a new controller addon every time they make a new game, thats kinda fucked.
http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/ ... 73863.html
Umm....Yeah, playing a game with two seperate controllers, once in each hand, looks real comfortable-especially when said controllers look like they were designed by an orangutan on crack.
But how many shmups can you play with just two buttons?magnum opus wrote:two buttons. it only has two fucking buttons, you can't even play super nintendo games on the stupid thing.
Last edited by benstylus on Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
You're arguing for a universe with fewer waffles in it. I'm prepared to call that cowardice.
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GaijinPunch
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Why is the power button located right next to the d-pad? And why does the controller look like a medical device? They could've at least added contours to the controls but here, it looks as blocky as an NES controller.
To be honest these things look like they'll be great with the next Super Robot Wars game and would provide a better default device for lightgun shooters but I can't imagine even trying to play a fighting game on this system. It makes their classics emulation feature seem even more meaningless.
However, I respect the approach that Nintendo is taking. I'm predicting that the gaming industry as we know it with all the traditional genres will shift towards the PS3 and 360 while the Revolution is embraced by many younger gamers due to more innovative though perhaps gimmicky games. Nintendo is definitely making an effort to try and evolve gaming by taking it a step beyond. I don't agree with where this path is going but change is the only way we can find even more enjoyable experiences. This ambitious controller defines the determined solo route that Nintendo has decided to take and I wish them luck in pursuing a higher standard of gaming.
To be honest these things look like they'll be great with the next Super Robot Wars game and would provide a better default device for lightgun shooters but I can't imagine even trying to play a fighting game on this system. It makes their classics emulation feature seem even more meaningless.
However, I respect the approach that Nintendo is taking. I'm predicting that the gaming industry as we know it with all the traditional genres will shift towards the PS3 and 360 while the Revolution is embraced by many younger gamers due to more innovative though perhaps gimmicky games. Nintendo is definitely making an effort to try and evolve gaming by taking it a step beyond. I don't agree with where this path is going but change is the only way we can find even more enjoyable experiences. This ambitious controller defines the determined solo route that Nintendo has decided to take and I wish them luck in pursuing a higher standard of gaming.
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UnscathedFlyingObject
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You know, somebody at Sega should really grab Miyamoto and Iwata by the shirt, pull them into a closed meeting room, and tell them how NOT to run a videogame company.
Seriously, Miyamoto. WHAT THE FUDGE ARE YOU SMOKING!!!?? What happened to the diamond configuration and the shoulder buttons? Remember the Analog sticks?
We're tired of gimmicks. The touch screen. The Super Scope. The Zapper. The Menacer. The Power Pad. The Power Glove. The Activator. The VMU. The Pocketstation. Robby the Robot. Enough.
A laser pointer with a freaking cross pad. Yeah. Genius. Inflammated wrists, anyone?
This better be a joke or a tactic designed to throw Sony and MS off.
This won't sell Revolutions, Nintendo. We need analog and digital control. I'm pissed. This reminds me of the Philips CD-I all over again. Oh yeah.. try playing a fugging fighting game on that crap.
Nintendo is dead
Nintendo is dead.
Nintendo is dead.
Long live Nintendo.
Seriously, Miyamoto. WHAT THE FUDGE ARE YOU SMOKING!!!?? What happened to the diamond configuration and the shoulder buttons? Remember the Analog sticks?
We're tired of gimmicks. The touch screen. The Super Scope. The Zapper. The Menacer. The Power Pad. The Power Glove. The Activator. The VMU. The Pocketstation. Robby the Robot. Enough.
A laser pointer with a freaking cross pad. Yeah. Genius. Inflammated wrists, anyone?
This better be a joke or a tactic designed to throw Sony and MS off.
This won't sell Revolutions, Nintendo. We need analog and digital control. I'm pissed. This reminds me of the Philips CD-I all over again. Oh yeah.. try playing a fugging fighting game on that crap.
Nintendo is dead
Nintendo is dead.
Nintendo is dead.
Long live Nintendo.
Don't hold grudges. GET EVEN.
You know why I like it? Because it's different. Because it's something that hasn't been done to death a thousand times. Because I want to see creativity, not more clones.
Provided Nintendo can stick to their other promise of catering to smaller developers, we might see some real gems (and I don't mean from Nintendo) on the revolution that just wouldn't be possible on any other system.
I'm not just seeing the controller when I read that article - I'm envisioning the possibilities of what Sega or perhaps an independent developer might be able to achieve with such a controller at their command.
That's why I'm liking it. Because everyone thought the DS was a gimmicky piece of garbage and would never going to be utilized properly. Project Rub turned out to be a fun and innovative title that took full advantage of every single one of the DS's features EXCEPT the d-pad.
With the exception of the handhelds and the NES which had an "all purpose" controller, I feel that Nintendo has built their controllers around a single game. The Super NES pad was designed specifically for Super Mario World - and SMW remains (and rightfully so) one of the most popular games for the system.
The N64 pad was designed specifically for Mario 64, though additions were likely made to accomodate games like Killer Instinct where a digital pad would be preferable. Mario 64 is widely considered to be a masterpiece of video gaming. Though I highly disagree about Mario 64 forever improving video gaming, I will agree that the N64 controller was highly suited to play it.
The Gamecube's controller was designed for playing Luigi's Mansion. A fun game in its own right, though certainly a puzzling design choice for the controller. The oddly placed and shaped buttons were fine for Nintendo's first party efforts, but when it came to multiplatform releases, the control on the gamecube version generally was a bit funky compared to the other systems.
Do I think Nintendo can pull this controller off? I think they have a chance, though they'll need to do something as revolutionary as going from 2D to 3D. With the help of Sega and other creative developers, the Revolution could potentially be the most fun console of the next generation.
What's the catch? Getting other developers to hop on board. This thing needs console exclusives like fish need water. And they can't be exclusive due to Nintendo paying for exclusivity - they've got to be exclusive because they literally can not be done on any other console.
That's what I want to see - games that transcend what we currently know as gaming. Games that really make you smile. I'm not willing to simply accept better graphics as the sole reason to upgrade to a new system. I need to smile.
I don't care if no one else shares my enthusiasm. I have no plans to buy a revolution until the right game comes along, whether that's at launch or two years down the line. I don't have much faith that Nintendo will provide that "Feel the Magic" miracle game at launch.
I do have faith that the game WILL come, however. And when it does, I shall embrace it as though it were my soul mate.
Provided Nintendo can stick to their other promise of catering to smaller developers, we might see some real gems (and I don't mean from Nintendo) on the revolution that just wouldn't be possible on any other system.
I'm not just seeing the controller when I read that article - I'm envisioning the possibilities of what Sega or perhaps an independent developer might be able to achieve with such a controller at their command.
That's why I'm liking it. Because everyone thought the DS was a gimmicky piece of garbage and would never going to be utilized properly. Project Rub turned out to be a fun and innovative title that took full advantage of every single one of the DS's features EXCEPT the d-pad.
With the exception of the handhelds and the NES which had an "all purpose" controller, I feel that Nintendo has built their controllers around a single game. The Super NES pad was designed specifically for Super Mario World - and SMW remains (and rightfully so) one of the most popular games for the system.
The N64 pad was designed specifically for Mario 64, though additions were likely made to accomodate games like Killer Instinct where a digital pad would be preferable. Mario 64 is widely considered to be a masterpiece of video gaming. Though I highly disagree about Mario 64 forever improving video gaming, I will agree that the N64 controller was highly suited to play it.
The Gamecube's controller was designed for playing Luigi's Mansion. A fun game in its own right, though certainly a puzzling design choice for the controller. The oddly placed and shaped buttons were fine for Nintendo's first party efforts, but when it came to multiplatform releases, the control on the gamecube version generally was a bit funky compared to the other systems.
Do I think Nintendo can pull this controller off? I think they have a chance, though they'll need to do something as revolutionary as going from 2D to 3D. With the help of Sega and other creative developers, the Revolution could potentially be the most fun console of the next generation.
What's the catch? Getting other developers to hop on board. This thing needs console exclusives like fish need water. And they can't be exclusive due to Nintendo paying for exclusivity - they've got to be exclusive because they literally can not be done on any other console.
That's what I want to see - games that transcend what we currently know as gaming. Games that really make you smile. I'm not willing to simply accept better graphics as the sole reason to upgrade to a new system. I need to smile.
I don't care if no one else shares my enthusiasm. I have no plans to buy a revolution until the right game comes along, whether that's at launch or two years down the line. I don't have much faith that Nintendo will provide that "Feel the Magic" miracle game at launch.
I do have faith that the game WILL come, however. And when it does, I shall embrace it as though it were my soul mate.
You're arguing for a universe with fewer waffles in it. I'm prepared to call that cowardice.
Finally someone gets the point. This is not the system you'll buy for Street Fighter 4 or GTA5 or whatever. Nintendo consoles have always been about the killer app exclusives. If you just want to play 3rd party ports just buy a PS3 or X360, this is not the system for you.beatifik wrote:GUYS. NEW GENRES. NEW GAMES. NO MORE SEQUELS. I WANT TO KISS MIYAMOTO. THANKYOU FOR NEVER GIVING UP.
edit: Everyone complains that the industry is stagnant, and Nintendo comes up with someone completely new and different. This can only be a good thing.
I want to eat my words, but this will suffer the fate of the Dreamcast. Innovation, genius, dedication.. it's all there. But it won't be enough. Honestly, who wants to play a game in which you hold a little toy plane and tilt it and roll it?
And dont' get me started on hentai games...
As much as I respect Nintendo's innovation, gimmicks aren't going to win this war. And I still think the DS is nothing but a gimmick.
Good thing there's still the Saturn and the PS1 and the PS2 and the Cube.. that'll keep me happy until I buy a PS3 or an X-360. As much as I hate MS and the boomerang PS3 controller.
I kid you not when I say this: My heart feels heavy, right now. Just like when I had my first heartbreak or when my grandma passed away.
Damn.
And dont' get me started on hentai games...
As much as I respect Nintendo's innovation, gimmicks aren't going to win this war. And I still think the DS is nothing but a gimmick.
Good thing there's still the Saturn and the PS1 and the PS2 and the Cube.. that'll keep me happy until I buy a PS3 or an X-360. As much as I hate MS and the boomerang PS3 controller.
I kid you not when I say this: My heart feels heavy, right now. Just like when I had my first heartbreak or when my grandma passed away.
Damn.
Don't hold grudges. GET EVEN.
have you played a DS and some of the amazingly innovative games it offers? kirby? meteos? nintendogs?Specineff wrote:As much as I respect Nintendo's innovation, gimmicks aren't going to win this war. And I still think the DS is nothing but a gimmick.
i hated the DS and thought it was the most gimmicky piece of shit ever, until i bought one and realize that it's the only system i play on a daily basis.
the only system that gets as much play is my xbox, but that's only to play roms...
say, by the way...
and in the meantime, it's gone away....
and in the meantime, it's gone away....
Controllers really don't need a change. How about some original games? I don't think a controller/wand is necessary to make them. This is idiot-style different. They must've consulted Treasure.benstylus wrote:You know why I like it? Because it's different. Because it's something that hasn't been done to death a thousand times. Because I want to see creativity, not more clones.
What's wrong with Nintendo? What in hell are the thinking.
I would expect something super cool from Nintendo, that then would never actually be released.
I don't see them releasing this. Because it sucks. Japan will kill them for this. That's what I suspect.
Then again what about the ps3 controller, that's the ugliest thing ever.
They should just make a saturn controller with two Dreamcast triggers and two analog knobs somewhere, kinda like the 3d controller for saturn only a little bit fighting game friendly.
What's going on in japan Are they in a who-can-make-the-ugliest-controller contest or something.
how hard can it be?
And as for it being different, then they might as well stuff a turd in the box, because that is totally different.
And as for new genres new games, that all sounds good in theory, which new genres have been introduced on the DS? They will have a couple of really stupid gimmicky games that will benefit from that contoller.
"Nintendogs Revolution"
They are crazy, what are they up to, or...what do they think they are up to?
I would expect something super cool from Nintendo, that then would never actually be released.
I don't see them releasing this. Because it sucks. Japan will kill them for this. That's what I suspect.
Then again what about the ps3 controller, that's the ugliest thing ever.
They should just make a saturn controller with two Dreamcast triggers and two analog knobs somewhere, kinda like the 3d controller for saturn only a little bit fighting game friendly.
What's going on in japan Are they in a who-can-make-the-ugliest-controller contest or something.
how hard can it be?
The majority of shoot em ups require just two buttons.benstylus wrote:But how many shmups can you play with just two buttons?
And as for it being different, then they might as well stuff a turd in the box, because that is totally different.
And as for new genres new games, that all sounds good in theory, which new genres have been introduced on the DS? They will have a couple of really stupid gimmicky games that will benefit from that contoller.
"Nintendogs Revolution"
They are crazy, what are they up to, or...what do they think they are up to?
Last edited by D on Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
@ Beatifik:
Yes. I have it with Wario Ware Touched. Guess how long can it keep me interested? 10 minutes at the most. The touch screen is nothing but a flat analog pad.
I use the DS to play GBA games instead. Metroid Zero Mission has pure bitching gameplay that keeps me glued for hours. And doesn't need fancy gimmicks or tricks like that.
Don't get me wrong. I really want Nintendo to succeed because otherwise it's going to be GTA and Madden and Halo everywhere. But innovation doesn't equal success. The VMU was innovative. How many games made use of it to a point that extended or enhanced the gameplay experience? None. How many games used it for something that could be done on the regular screen? Ikaruga and Resident Evil CV are two examples.
The Activator was innovative.
The Power pad was innovative.
The menacer was innovative, and wireless, just like this.
Seaman and the mike were innovative.
The GB camera was innovative.
Robbie the Robot was innovative. But what got Nintendo on the map was Mario and Metroid, and all the bitching, pure liquid-sex gameplay from other games. Contra? Castlevania? Mega Man? Crystalis?
Sega didn't need more than a blue hedgehog blazing accross the screen on their 16-bit machine to dethrone the tyrant. But what did the Sega CD (not counting Lunar and Lunar EB) do for the Genny, if not turn it into an expensive FMV player? The 32X?
Sony had a ram-starved, 2D-impaired machine to teach the dinosaurs of gaming a lesson or two. And look at them. Some of the most successful franchises of all time were born or launched there. Soul Blade? Tony Hawk? Crash? Colony Wars? Wipeout? All playable without any gimmicks.
You have all the right to pelt me with tomatoes the time we first meet in person if ever. I want to be wrong. I want to swallow my words. I want to admit in front of you "I was wrong. I misjudged. I don't know what I talk about." if this is a success. I just feel heavily it won't be so. This controller is nothing but a wireless version of Kirby's Tumble and Tilt or Pokemon Pinball. And they didn't set the world on fire.
There are so many times you can re-invent the wheel.
Thanks for listening, y'all.
Yes. I have it with Wario Ware Touched. Guess how long can it keep me interested? 10 minutes at the most. The touch screen is nothing but a flat analog pad.
I use the DS to play GBA games instead. Metroid Zero Mission has pure bitching gameplay that keeps me glued for hours. And doesn't need fancy gimmicks or tricks like that.
Don't get me wrong. I really want Nintendo to succeed because otherwise it's going to be GTA and Madden and Halo everywhere. But innovation doesn't equal success. The VMU was innovative. How many games made use of it to a point that extended or enhanced the gameplay experience? None. How many games used it for something that could be done on the regular screen? Ikaruga and Resident Evil CV are two examples.
The Activator was innovative.
The Power pad was innovative.
The menacer was innovative, and wireless, just like this.
Seaman and the mike were innovative.
The GB camera was innovative.
Robbie the Robot was innovative. But what got Nintendo on the map was Mario and Metroid, and all the bitching, pure liquid-sex gameplay from other games. Contra? Castlevania? Mega Man? Crystalis?
Sega didn't need more than a blue hedgehog blazing accross the screen on their 16-bit machine to dethrone the tyrant. But what did the Sega CD (not counting Lunar and Lunar EB) do for the Genny, if not turn it into an expensive FMV player? The 32X?
Sony had a ram-starved, 2D-impaired machine to teach the dinosaurs of gaming a lesson or two. And look at them. Some of the most successful franchises of all time were born or launched there. Soul Blade? Tony Hawk? Crash? Colony Wars? Wipeout? All playable without any gimmicks.
You have all the right to pelt me with tomatoes the time we first meet in person if ever. I want to be wrong. I want to swallow my words. I want to admit in front of you "I was wrong. I misjudged. I don't know what I talk about." if this is a success. I just feel heavily it won't be so. This controller is nothing but a wireless version of Kirby's Tumble and Tilt or Pokemon Pinball. And they didn't set the world on fire.
There are so many times you can re-invent the wheel.
Thanks for listening, y'all.
Don't hold grudges. GET EVEN.
Stormwatch, I love you. You are the r0x0rz. If we were gay, I'd make you my partner. Provided that JP hadn't accepted my proposal on that other post.Stormwatch wrote:Okay, boys and girls, time for a little HISTORY LESSON!
There was a time when many people thought the lightpen would be everyone's computer pointing device of choice. It was so intuitive, just touch the monitor with it. Unlike the mouse - you had to move it on the desk and see the result of your action somewhere else.
Why then are lightpens forgotten, and mouses in every computer out there? Because, to use a lightpen, you have to rise your arm and hold it against the screen. Sounds easy, but after a while it gets really tiresome, makes your arm ache. A mouse does not have this problem, you just rest your arm on the desk.
From the pics, I'd bet this controller has the same issue. It WILL be tiresome to play for too long - say, over half an hour. As someone in another forum described: "yet another game controller for non-gamers."
Disappointing? More like a DISASTER. On par with the controllers for the Fairchild Channel F, the Philips CD-i, and the Intellivision.
Nintendo R.I.P.
Ok. Kidding on the above statement. But you still r0x0rz for speaking truth.
Don't hold grudges. GET EVEN.
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ThirdStrike
- Banned User
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chtimi-CLA
- Posts: 718
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Not quite- it isn't just tilt sensors. It detects motion in 3D. So, you could reach a virtual hand into the screen to pick something up and set it down someplace else. You could build a 3D sculpture, if you "painted" the object in 3D in front of you, and the game would draw it on screen.Specineff wrote: This controller is nothing but a wireless version of Kirby's Tumble and Tilt or Pokemon Pinball. And they didn't set the world on fire.
These kinds of 3D mechanics aren't possible (or would be awkward and complex) with other types of input - D-pads, analog sticks, and mice (which work strictly off a 2D plane).
I think the question isn't if there's potential, but if Nintendo is able to develop software that capitalizes on it, and encourages others to do the same.
Funny how most of those (stupid) comments above are based on looking at pics.
Has anyone of you"OMGZ!!1 tH3 contr0ll3r i5 th3 gh3y!!11!"-dudes even read the articel(do it!) or watched the video at IGN? I guess no.
the controller detects motion in full 3D which IS amazing and unique in consoles-world.
Watch the vid and think(just one time) of the possibilities this controller brings.
I am VERY excited and can't wait to get this baby in my hands.
thank you Nintendo; I love you
Ninty are the l33t-haXXX0r!!11!!eleven!!one!eins!!!uno!!11!
Has anyone of you"OMGZ!!1 tH3 contr0ll3r i5 th3 gh3y!!11!"-dudes even read the articel(do it!) or watched the video at IGN? I guess no.
the controller detects motion in full 3D which IS amazing and unique in consoles-world.
Watch the vid and think(just one time) of the possibilities this controller brings.
I am VERY excited and can't wait to get this baby in my hands.
thank you Nintendo; I love you
Ninty are the l33t-haXXX0r!!11!!eleven!!one!eins!!!uno!!11!
War is in my Heart -- Death is by my Side
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StealthNinjaScyther
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:39 am
I like it.
I don't think the light pen analogy is the same though. With a computer you're usually close with the monitor being elevated relative to the position of your arms. When I play games, I'm never that close to the television. I really don't see why I couldn't be sitting down resting my arm while aiming it at the screen.
I don't think the light pen analogy is the same though. With a computer you're usually close with the monitor being elevated relative to the position of your arms. When I play games, I'm never that close to the television. I really don't see why I couldn't be sitting down resting my arm while aiming it at the screen.
So that's why they made it so you can hold it with one hand.And dont' get me started on hentai games...