Wii Online

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0
and ... wtf did my comment have to do with PC gaming?

I'm saying look at how well online gaming works for PC. It's clear that people don't need that kind of stuff.

and people don't need a BMW or a mercedes benz but they still shell out the extra thousands in cash for them.

and where did I say people needed those features?

again why are you putting words in my mouth, use your damn head.

EDIT: and the "fee" structure must be working just fine for PC games as well. look at all the MMORPG's out there that have monthly fees. so I guess your PC online gaming for free isn't working out so sell anymore?

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: secretanchitman
isnt the ps3's online functions free...or is it just the basic features?

Online play is "supposed" to be free. The PS3 was supposed to support 1080p dual output and have a bunch of other stuff too. We'll have to see if what is produced matches what has been hyped.

Supposedly, the PS3 is going to have a lot of "micro-transactions" to make up for free online play.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I would rather pay $50/yr on a service fee that would incorporate global features as xbox live does than have an online model like the Nintendo DS has.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Xbox Live service, but I also have to wonder how much profit is involved in that service. You don't have the option of a dumbed down version of Xbox Live that will allow you to play online for free all the time without access to all of the extras. That is my main problem with XBL.

Now, this is assuming that I have not misread XBL silver....

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0
and ... wtf did my comment have to do with PC gaming?

I'm saying look at how well online gaming works for PC. It's clear that people don't need that kind of stuff.

and people don't need a BMW or a mercedes benz but they still shell out the extra thousands in cash for them.

and where did I say people needed those features?

again why are you putting words in my mouth, use your damn head.

EDIT: and the "fee" structure must be working just fine for PC games as well. look at all the MMORPG's out there that have monthly fees. so I guess your PC online gaming for free isn't working out so sell anymore?

This is exactly my point. Not everyone needs a BMW...MOST people just want to drive. I"m not putting words in your mouth, and MMORPG's are fees paid to the game supplier. There are XBOX 360 games that are also out for the PC that are FREE to play.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0
and ... wtf did my comment have to do with PC gaming?

I'm saying look at how well online gaming works for PC. It's clear that people don't need that kind of stuff.

Actually, PC gamers typically use various voice programs, IM programs, some games have stat tracking services, some games are pay-for-play (WoW), demo download via sites like Fileplanet (pay for instant download, wait in queue otherwise)... basically, they use the same stuff, but it's completely disjointed and relies on the use of non-related programs. A service like Live provides all those things in a single package and everything is tied together and has superior stat tracking that allows gamers to easily compare accomplishments across all games. Some people like that.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0
and ... wtf did my comment have to do with PC gaming?

I'm saying look at how well online gaming works for PC. It's clear that people don't need that kind of stuff.

Actually, PC gamers typically use various voice programs, IM programs, some games have stat tracking services, some games are pay-for-play (WoW), demo download via sites like Fileplanet (pay for instant download, wait in queue otherwise)... basically, they use the same stuff, but it's completely disjointed and relies on the use of non-related programs. A service like Live provides all those things in a single package and everything is tied together and has superior stat tracking that allows gamers to easily compare accomplishments across all games. Some people like that.

What about steam? I don't see valve charging for steam!?!??!

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

For the record, all that stuff is free on Live too. It's called Xbox Live Silver. But I'm sure it's partially funded by the people paying for the Gold service.

What about steam? I don't see valve charging for steam!?!??!

So? It's still disjointed from any other game company's online services. You are still missing the point. Live offers everything in one nice neat package.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: BlancoNino
Awesome! It used to be Nintendo lacking good online play...now it's going to be the others. Nintendo strikes back with affordable systems and better online play!

Don't jump the gun there too much sparky. The 360 online play has been solid with a couple of exceptions. We know nothing about how either the PS3 or Wii will perform online at this point.

Online play = online play. As long as it isn't laggy, and there is support, it's going to be good. If it's free, that makes it "better".

What has been one of the major complaints about the Nintendo DS online? Matchmaking, friend codes, and voice support. In this case, free != better. The Wii is supposed to be using the same online features as the DS.

There are tradeoffs.

I'm not saying the Wii is going to be a bad online experience. I'm just not going to call it better or worse vs the only 'next-gen' console currently out vs the other 'next-gen' console that isn't even out...especially when the Wii isn't out either.

 

[bigdog1218]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I would rather pay $50/yr on a service fee that would incorporate global features as xbox live does than have an online model like the Nintendo DS has.

PC's don't have that crap.

Edit: Neither does the DS. People want to play games, not have a bunch of added crap they will never use. Well, maybe casual trendy gamers will like the xbox live crap.

and ... wtf did my comment have to do with PC gaming?

EDIT: also you are saying a bunch of people dont want a global friends list, voice chat a must in every game, demos of future release game coming out, and preview videos of upcoming games?

Microsoft marketing is absolutly amazing. Demos? Video previews? Do you mean things that should be absolutly free? But instead you happily pay microsoft for them and then act like they're giving you a deal. Live is just as big of a ripoff as the 360.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

For the record, all that stuff is free on Live too. It's called Xbox Live Silver. But I'm sure it's partially funded by the people paying for the Gold service.

So they're charging people to play games online? Why shouldn't that be left up to the developer?

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

Trailers for 360 = free. Demos for 360 = free. Arcade downloads = free. Text and Voice messaging = free.

The $50 goes towards online play, leaderboards, etc.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: Queasy

What has been one of the major complaints about the Nintendo DS online? Matchmaking, friend codes, and voice support. In this case, free != better. The Wii is supposed to be using the same online features as the DS.

There are tradeoffs.

I'm not saying the Wii is going to be a bad online experience. I'm just not going to call it better or worse vs the only 'next-gen' console currently out vs the other 'next-gen' console that isn't even out...especially when the Wii isn't out either.

The DS is a handheld that uses cartridges. They don't hold much information.

It's possible to write free programs for the Wii to talk to other players online.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

Trailers for 360 = free. Demos for 360 = free. Arcade downloads = free. Text and Voice messaging = free.

The $50 goes towards online play, leaderboards, etc.

Really? HL2, CS:S, BF2 all have that stuff included in the game for free. Sounds like microsoft just wants a monopoly.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino
So they're charging people to play games online? Why shouldn't that be left up to the developer?

Because then things like stat tracking/accomplishments would be disjointed. Your ideal is the same plan Sony and Nintendo are apparently taking. No one is trying to force you to buy Live. If you don't like it, fine, but don't try to ignore the fact that there are advantages to MS' approach.

 

[Atheus]

I'd buy it if it didn't have such a damn stupid name.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

For the record, all that stuff is free on Live too. It's called Xbox Live Silver. But I'm sure it's partially funded by the people paying for the Gold service.

So they're charging people to play games online? Why shouldn't that be left up to the developer?

Because MS is going with a unified service and they provide the servers for that unified experience. The PS2 was mostly a mess online (my opinion) with different games having different logins...some supporting downloads...most not supporting downloads....some supporting voice...most not supporting voice...etc.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: BlancoNino
So they're charging people to play games online? Why shouldn't that be left up to the developer?

Because then things like stat tracking/accomplishments would be disjointed. Your ideal is the same plan Sony and Nintendo are apparently taking. No one is trying to force you to buy Live. If you don't like it, fine, but don't try to ignore the fact that there are advantages to MS' approach.

stat tracking/accomplishments are ALL included in the games I listed above...without a fee.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Attn: BlancoNino

Let's take a popular FPS title like, I don't know, Counter-Strike.

You think that would work nearly as well if you had to hunt down each server by "friend code" (IP address) that you wanted to play on, instead of hitting "Refresh master server list", checking "Ignore empty/full" and sorting by ping?

Oh, that's right. It would suck like a supercharged Hoover.

- M4H

 

[UpgradeFailure]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Attn: BlancoNino

Let's take a popular FPS title like, I don't know, Counter-Strike.

You think that would work nearly as well if you had to hunt down each server by "friend code" (IP address) that you wanted to play on, instead of hitting "Refresh master server list", checking "Ignore empty/full" and sorting by ping?

Oh, that's right. It would suck like a supercharged Hoover.

- M4H

Although Nintendo uses friendcodes, games like Mario Kart don't require them. You can just quick match or whatever and play with other people you don't know. So I don't see why Wii games can't do that too.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
how much is the console supposed to retail for and do they have a release date yet?

Under $250, possibly $229, and I believe it's supposed to launch in November.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: BlancoNino

Originally posted by: purbeast0

thats what you are paying for ... $50/yr to game online. if you dont pay the $50/yr fee you can still have access to all that other crap for free (demos, trailers, xbox live arcade, messages, friends list).

These are the things I have a hard time understanding why people pay for. Demos for PC = free. Trailers for PC = free. AIM, MSN, XFIRE, etc = Free. 90% of online games = free. All you pay for is the internet connection.

Trailers for 360 = free. Demos for 360 = free. Arcade downloads = free. Text and Voice messaging = free.

The $50 goes towards online play, leaderboards, etc.

Really? HL2, CS:S, BF2 all have that stuff included in the game for free. Sounds like microsoft just wants a monopoly.

But with Live you can easily compare accomplishments between games, you can see what games all your friends are playing, you have your gamer tag reserved for all games, setting up chats is super easy (no one has to be running a chat server nor do you have to know their IPs), and you can chat with friends playing different games. Some of that stuff can be accomplished on the PC, but not in nearly same sort of easy to use package.

 

[BlancoNino]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

But with Live you can easily compare accomplishments between games, you can see what games all your friends are playing, you have your gamer tag reserved for all games, setting up chats is super easy (no one has to be running a chat server nor do you have to know their IPs), and you can chat with friends playing different games. Some of that stuff can be accomplished on the PC, but not in nearly same sort of easy to use package.

Doesn't seem too easy. can I minimize a game and run AIM and chat with my friends?

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: UpgradeFailure

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Attn: BlancoNino

Let's take a popular FPS title like, I don't know, Counter-Strike.

You think that would work nearly as well if you had to hunt down each server by "friend code" (IP address) that you wanted to play on, instead of hitting "Refresh master server list", checking "Ignore empty/full" and sorting by ping?

Oh, that's right. It would suck like a supercharged Hoover.

- M4H

Although Nintendo uses friendcodes, games like Mario Kart don't require them. You can just quick match or whatever and play with other people you don't know. So I don't see why Wii games can't do that too.

You can do that on Live too. But it's so much nicer when you can easily play games with the people you want. Live also lets you see what games your friends are currently playing. It's just an all-around great service. And for like $50 a year it's very hard to beat... and I don't think it will be beat by any free service.

 

[FoBoT]

neat
i want to buy one