Regarding that video you posted on said post, don’t know if you noticed but it’s very very interesting how all the guys’ expressions change from “cheerful when talking about Modern Warfare 2 to “kinda worried” when talking about NSMB Wii. They really look worried, especially when discussing if the Nintendo title can be bigger (i.e. more successful in the long run) the Infinity Ward’s one. They KNOW there will be trouble down the road.
Interesting observation. After all, Mario Kart Wii is a bigger seller than Grand Theft Auto 4. You never hear any curiosity from these people. If I were in their shoes, I would want to know why Mario Kart: Wii is outselling Grand Theft Auto when the previous incarnation of Mario Kart was not. Isn’t that what “Game Journalists” or even “NPD people” are supposed to do? All I see are cheerleaders for the “Game Industry” ways and direction. Anything that goes against it, despite insane success, is bizarrely ignored.
I can’t even find any decent reviews on WiiWare from the big game sites. They review PSN and Xbox Live Arcade games, but not WiiWare! Not even cool WiiWare games like Contra Rebirth or Gradius Rebirth are reviewed! Clearly, this has to be intentional. They can’t hide under the “hardcore bias” schtick anymore.
I’m realizing more and more that it wasn’t so much gaming getting more complicated that pushed me away but it was the “Game Industry” itself. With the “Game Industry”, all I see is a bunch of soulless manufactured games with the people caring only for their bonus checks. The consumer is assaulted with advertising and, otherwise, ignored. And the “Game Journalists” are not acting as ‘consumer advocates’ in any way, shape, or form.
I think a little too much attention is being placed in a “horserace” between NSMB Wii and Modern Warfare 2. I think the real story is how NSMB Wii is re-awakening many gamers’ love of old school and attracting former old school gamers. And the real story of Modern Warfare 2 is how Infinity Ward is pissing on their customs from dedicated servers to the DLC to the ‘prestige pack’ that costs a fortune.
But your observation raises a great question: Why fear old school Mario? Are they going to call Platform Mario as a “casual game” that is out to destroy gaming? They could get away with saying that about Wii Fit and Wii Sports, but not Platform Mario. No one is going to believe that NSMB Wii is going to ‘destroy gaming’.
So why fear it?
Nintendo is truly acting as a spoiler for the “Game Industry”. It is so funny to watch.
Game Industry: “PS3 (or, perhaps Xbox 360) will run away with this generation.”
Wii Sold Out For Three Years
Game Industry: “Fad will die. Wait until the price cuts come to Xbox 360 and PS3.”
Price cuts do no good. Wii still on top.
Game Industry: “Oh My God! (orgasms) Grand Theft Auto 4 will seal victory for the HD Twins!”
Mario Kart Wii outsells Grand Theft Auto 4
Game Industry: “Wait until Microsoft and Sony come out with BETTER motion controls!”
Motion Plus released before competitors. No excitement for Sony Wand or Natal either.
Game Industry: “Nintendo has no new ideas.”
Wii Fit is released and remains a best seller.
Game Industry: “Modern Warfare 2!!! OMG!! (orgasms)
New Super Mario Brothers Wii is released around the same time.
This generation reads like a comedy with Nintendo being the constant spoiler. I just laugh at all this. Why on earth would anyone be scared about oldschool Mario? I cannot think of anything with more innocence.
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