Video Game Thread v. Wii4One

[The Walrus]

 

[Lonk]

One night, me and my bro spent an entire night trying to beat him. We did, celebrated and went to bed.

 

[Ben_Jamin]

  

[ariich]

What made FF7 such a legend? I never played anything from that franchise, but I see that particular game referenced all the time.

Everything Phoenix87x said verbatim, plus

It was the first time you felt like playing inside a movie or novel, with a pretty complex protagonist and an even more complex villain.

The maddening but electrifying lack of major railroading. It was wonderful to be stumped in the no internet era.

The music, dear God, the music.

All of these, plus for me it was the first game I ever played of such SCALE. After what felt like a significant whole game in itself, you realised what you'd played so far was just the first part, and now you were leaving Midgar to explore the whole rest of the world. That blew my mind at the time.

It's also a feeling that won't apply to the remake, as that's literally where the first game will end, and we'll have to wait for subsequent instalments.

[Cool Chris]

I played Metroid prime (GC version, I don't like Wii controls and it looks sharper because of the 4:3 aspect ratio) on the Wii using a component cable last year and it holds up really well.

Wind Waker, though charming, did not grab me, but I haven't given it a fair chance yet. Twilight Princess (Wii) I did play for longer but I found it to be boring and visually unappealing.

I played Prime 1 and 2 first on GC, then years later on WII along with 3. Too much time had passed to compare controls, but I thought they translated 1 and 2 to the Wii brilliantly.

I played through Wind Waker at a time in my life where I was in a lull. It was fun to play through that game casually (since you spend enough damn time sailing). I mostly enjoyed it, consider it a worthy addition to the franchise, but cannot imagine playing through it again now. I guess the HD remake speeds up the sailing and some other annoying issues.

[The Walrus]

The Swift Sail in WWHD makes the game exponentially more enjoyable. It doubles the speed of normal sailing and you never have to manually change the direction of the wind because the wind automatically shifts to always be at your back. It really does wonders for the enjoyment factor of the game.

Prime 1 is one of the best games I've ever played. 2 I never beat sadly, and I never played 3. I've been of the belief that Nintendo's been sitting on Metroid Prime Trilogy for a while as a plan to hype up Metroid Prime 4, and would've released it by now had they not rebooted development of MP4.

[Phoenix87x]

I've never had a chance to play any of the Prime games, despite loving Metroid 

That's why it pisses me off that the prime trilogy is still not on Switch yet

[Sacul]

You both should play the trilogy if you get the chance, even on an emulator with the wiimotes connected (you could go with quite hi-res that way).

[The Walrus]

I'll only ever play it if they re-release it for a console with a traditional controller; I sold my Wii shortly after Smash Brawl came out and Nintendo disappointed me so much with it that I dropped out of gaming almost entirely for the next 10 years. I really hope they give Skyward Sword an HD remake, too, but I just don't know how that game could possibly work without motion controls. It's unfortunate that my favorite thing about the Wii was... Wii Sports. Genuinely loved playing that.

[Cool Chris]

Guys, the Prime series works great with the Wii Controller. What are you all smoking?

Skyward Sword needs no remake. Wind Waker, by contrast, had a few specific things that could be improved upon to make an overall much more enjoyable gaming experience, in addition to the enhanced visuals. That can't be said for SS.

[The Walrus]

Oh, no, no, nonono. Skyward Sword more than any other Zelda game embodies the problems of post-Ocarina-pre-BOTW Zelda and BOTW emphasizes its weaknesses that much more. I'd be here all day laying into Skyward Sword if we really got into it, but I won't. 
Earlier I mentioned I sold my Wii after Brawl came out, which was in '08; years later on my sister got a Wii so I managed to squeeze in a couple extra games.

[Cool Chris]

Haven't played BotW, but that aside, SS's problems are too numerous and significant to be able to be resolved in a remake.  If you can spend a whole day laying in to a game, is there anything there to be worth a remake?

[Sacul]

It's unfortunate that my favorite thing about the Wii was... Wii Sports. Genuinely loved playing that.

Not even Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2? Okami? Xenoblade Chronicles?

[The Walrus]

Haven't played BotW, but that aside, SS's problems are too numerous and significant to be able to be resolved in a remake.  If you can spend a whole day laying in to a game, is there anything there to be worth a remake?

Oh, for sure. While I personally can't think of how they'd get around all the mechanics and situations specifically designed with motion controls in mind, I'm sure they could. SS has a laundry list of fundamental problems that contribute to my irritation with it, but at the very least if they could think of a way it could be played with a traditional controller, that alone would at least make me play through it once again despite hating the characters and story. The dungeon design is actually pretty fantastic imo.

It's unfortunate that my favorite thing about the Wii was... Wii Sports. Genuinely loved playing that.

Not even Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2? Okami? Xenoblade Chronicles?

I never got to play Okami on the Wii; wasn't that a PS2 game originally? I've meant to get it on Switch for ages now. Xenoblade Chronicles I never even knew existed at the time, but after sinking 300+ hours into XC2, I'm absolutely picking up the remake on Switch. And despite being a massive Mario nerd, I just do not like Galaxy, it is the only mainline Mario game I don't like (1/3rd attributed to the motion controls and Wiimote-nunchuk deisgn, 1/3rd attributed to the ceaseless planetoid schtick that got old very fast, 1/3rd attributed to a slew of other heady concepts about Nintendo's design philosophy). Never got to play 2.

[Cool Chris]

The controls of SS are the least of its problems. I found it too plodding, dull, repetitive, and linear to care to play through it again.

[The Walrus]

The controls of SS are the least of its problems. I found it too plodding, dull, repetitive, and linear to care to play through it again.

I disagree with the bold as I think it's one of the game's most glaring problems, but otherwise, yeah, 100% agree. I'm so happy they got rid of the ridiculously long and boring start of the game with BOTW.

[Phoenix87x]

BOTW was such a great course correction. I was very burned out on the series and I never thought that would happen.

I didn't even buy or play SS, yet I bought a switch specifically to play BOTW.

[Stadler]

As an on-again, off-again gamer, the FF and Zelda series' confound me.    I loved the Legend of Zelda and the Adventure Of Link on NES, but since I got away from the Nintendo platform, it's been hard to follow that series.   I loved the first Final Fantasy on NES, but again, it's been hard to follow.  I got a Wii and I remember renting a FF game (remember when you could do that? From the video store? ) and it seemed to be a purely combat game using the nunchuks, and it did nothing for me.  I'm more a RPG guy at heart. 

[The Walrus]

As an on-again, off-again gamer, the FF and Zelda series' confound me.    I loved the Legend of Zelda and the Adventure Of Link on NES, but since I got away from the Nintendo platform, it's been hard to follow that series.   I loved the first Final Fantasy on NES, but again, it's been hard to follow.  I got a Wii and I remember renting a FF game (remember when you could do that? From the video store? ) and it seemed to be a purely combat game using the nunchuks, and it did nothing for me.  I'm more a RPG guy at heart.

I implore you, I beg you, I'm pleading, play Final Fantasy 6 sometime. It was the last 'traditional' 2D Final Fantasy before 7 shifted the series into full 3D for the mainline (numbered) entries and is basically the culmination of everything you could want in a traditional FF/JRPG game. And the music is still in the pantheon of greatest game soundtracks.

[Stadler]

As an on-again, off-again gamer, the FF and Zelda series' confound me.    I loved the Legend of Zelda and the Adventure Of Link on NES, but since I got away from the Nintendo platform, it's been hard to follow that series.   I loved the first Final Fantasy on NES, but again, it's been hard to follow.  I got a Wii and I remember renting a FF game (remember when you could do that? From the video store? ) and it seemed to be a purely combat game using the nunchuks, and it did nothing for me.  I'm more a RPG guy at heart.

I implore you, I beg you, I'm pleading, play Final Fantasy 6 sometime. It was the last 'traditional' 2D Final Fantasy before 7 shifted the series into full 3D for the mainline (numbered) entries and is basically the culmination of everything you could want in a traditional FF/JRPG game. And the music is still in the pantheon of greatest game soundtracks.

I'll look into that; but that's an example of what I mean:  is it "VI" or "III"?? 

[The Walrus]

As an on-again, off-again gamer, the FF and Zelda series' confound me.    I loved the Legend of Zelda and the Adventure Of Link on NES, but since I got away from the Nintendo platform, it's been hard to follow that series.   I loved the first Final Fantasy on NES, but again, it's been hard to follow.  I got a Wii and I remember renting a FF game (remember when you could do that? From the video store? ) and it seemed to be a purely combat game using the nunchuks, and it did nothing for me.  I'm more a RPG guy at heart.

I implore you, I beg you, I'm pleading, play Final Fantasy 6 sometime. It was the last 'traditional' 2D Final Fantasy before 7 shifted the series into full 3D for the mainline (numbered) entries and is basically the culmination of everything you could want in a traditional FF/JRPG game. And the music is still in the pantheon of greatest game soundtracks.

I'll look into that; but that's an example of what I mean:  is it "VI" or "III"?? 

Technically, it's VI. II, III, and V were not released in North America at the time, so they thought it would be less confusing if they just renamed VI to III for North America.

Basically you want the one with mechs and Kefka and some chick named Terra.

[Phoenix87x]

Final Fantasy VI is by far my favorite right after VII. Probably would be my favorite if I didn't play VII first

And honestly I would LOVE to see them do a remake of VI after they finish with VII.

[The Walrus]

Final Fantasy VI is by far my favorite right after VII. Probably would be my favorite if I didn't play VII first

And honestly I would LOVE to see them do a remake of VI after they finish with VII.

Ever since they announced Octopath Traveler I've been dreaming of an 8PT-style remake of 6. We're getting the big wallop of a 3D remake with FF7, so why not scale it back a bit while still doing something impressive visually? I think since FF7R is a reality now, anything is possible.

[Lonk]

I played FFVI when the SNES Classic came out and I was surprised at how into it I was after not playing it for....15 years? or more.

BOTW was such a great course correction. I was very burned out on the series and I never thought that would happen.

I didn't even buy or play SS, yet I bought a switch specifically to play BOTW.

I Wouldn't say I was burned by the series, but BOTW is the game I didn't know I wanted from the Zelda franchise. It feels so different, yet familiar. It's the first Zelda game (that I remember) with a non-linear story, and it worked great. It's not perfect, there are things I feel could've been done better, but those things are overshadowed by the rest of the game.

[Phoenix87x]

I played FFVI when the SNES Classic came out and I was surprised at how into it I was after not playing it for....15 years? or more.

I think its a real testament to how well of a job the developers did with VI since I didn't even first play it till like 2003 and ate it up.

IV, V and VI were all released for PS1 and with IV and V, I toyed around with them, but didn't go very far in the game, but VI really got me engaged with everything it brought to the table, and I couldn't put it down.

[The Walrus]

V was the first FF I ever played. In hindsight it is a rather milquetoast, inoffensive entry into the series with one of the weaker plots, yet it's still one of my most favorite FFs. I re-purchased IX on the Switch. Love that game, I just hate that they didn't update the load times. Oh my god, the 10 second wait going into every single battle is absurd.

[v_clortho]

You guys are all describing Ultima VI for me.  I'm sure primitive by today's standards, but at the time?  I used to sit in my apartment for hours playing that.   More than once I'd look up and the sun was coming up.

Loved the Ultima games. Started with 2 and played 3 & 4 and 7 as well. Those games were great.

[Herrick]

As an on-again, off-again gamer, the FF and Zelda series' confound me.    I loved the Legend of Zelda and the Adventure Of Link on NES, but since I got away from the Nintendo platform, it's been hard to follow that series.   I loved the first Final Fantasy on NES, but again, it's been hard to follow.  I got a Wii and I remember renting a FF game (remember when you could do that? From the video store? ) and it seemed to be a purely combat game using the nunchuks, and it did nothing for me.  I'm more a RPG guy at heart.

I don't think Final Fantasy or Zelda really follow an overall story line. Or do they? I've played a handful of Zelda games over the years. Each game seems to be a reboot or something.

I never really extensively played any Final Fantasy games. I bought 7 many years ago and didn't get into it at all. I'm not a big fan of 3D games that use turnbased combat. Seems like a waste of the 3D game engine especially a nice modern engine.

I played the demo for FF XV and I enjoyed it. I might get it when it goes on sale.

[The Walrus]

Neither franchise follows an overall plot; Final Fantasy is a new world every time (unless it's explicitly a sequel ie X-2, XIII-2 etc.). Zelda mostly takes place within the same 'world' but almost each game is standalone and wholly separate from the other entities with only vague connective tissue between a few titles. Ever since the 'timeline' became a thing 20 years ago, they've tried to explain it and it all comes off very shoehorn-y but I eat it up.

Although Zelda is more connected than FF in that the basic premise stems from the eternal curse in which the Hero, the Princess, and the Evil King are reborn throughout the centuries and millennia.

[Herrick]

Neither franchise follows an overall plot; Final Fantasy is a new world every time (unless it's explicitly a sequel ie X-2, XIII-2 etc.). Zelda mostly takes place within the same 'world' but almost each game is standalone and wholly separate from the other entities with only vague connective tissue between a few titles. Ever since the 'timeline' became a thing 20 years ago, they've tried to explain it and it all comes off very shoehorn-y but I eat it up.

Although Zelda is more connected than FF in that the basic premise stems from the eternal curse in which the Hero, the Princess, and the Evil King are reborn throughout the centuries and millennia.

I kind of like how each game is its own thing for the most part. This makes me want to get into Final Fantasy but I don't know where to start...but then again it probably doesn't matter where I start. I also like the weird Final Fantasy world. It's unlike every other RPG I've played. I haven't played many (or any) JRPGs though. Perhaps that weirdness of the game world is a staple in JRPGs.

I've been looking at the remastered versions of Final Fantasy X & X2-2. Is this considered a good FF game?

[The Walrus]

Neither franchise follows an overall plot; Final Fantasy is a new world every time (unless it's explicitly a sequel ie X-2, XIII-2 etc.). Zelda mostly takes place within the same 'world' but almost each game is standalone and wholly separate from the other entities with only vague connective tissue between a few titles. Ever since the 'timeline' became a thing 20 years ago, they've tried to explain it and it all comes off very shoehorn-y but I eat it up.

Although Zelda is more connected than FF in that the basic premise stems from the eternal curse in which the Hero, the Princess, and the Evil King are reborn throughout the centuries and millennia.

I kind of like how each game is its own thing for the most part. This makes me want to get into Final Fantasy but I don't know where to start...but then again it probably doesn't matter where I start. I also like the weird Final Fantasy world. It's unlike every other RPG I've played. I haven't played many (or any) JRPGs though. Perhaps that weirdness of the game world is a staple in JRPGs.

I've been looking at the remastered versions of Final Fantasy X & X2-2. Is this considered a good FF game?

JRPGs are definitely a different beast in regards to the world designs. Much more 'out there' and in a different way than western RPGs.

Final Fantasy is weird in that pretty much every game is a different animal with a different magic/skill system and loads of other stuff, but there are a few constants: Gil (currency), airships, a dude named Cid who is an airship expert, and spells like Fira, Thundara, Blizzaga, Cura etc.

X is a fantastic FF game, but it's so much different from what came before. 1-9 are "traditional" FFs - developed by the 'old guard', most of whom split the company between 7 and 9 but mostly after 9 if I recall correctly. So it shares elements with older FFs, but does so much new stuff to reinvent the series and try telling the story in new, cinematic ways. I was playing the remaster until I got a PS4 over the holidays last year, and I was really enjoying the enhanced models and textures and reliving the story and that awesome battle system. Plus, the Sphere Grid system is (imo) the best level-up system Final Fantasy has ever had. X-2 is a different animal... I'm not a fan, but it has its audience. It's certainly no X, though. Picking up both, remastered, for a decent price is well worth it though. On the Switch, it only cost me 25 USD.

Oh and there's a character in X who is so ridiculously designed that he looks more like a Kingdom Hearts character 

[Herrick]

JRPGs are definitely a different beast in regards to the world designs. Much more 'out there' and in a different way than western RPGs.

Final Fantasy is weird in that pretty much every game is a different animal with a different magic/skill system and loads of other stuff, but there are a few constants: Gil (currency), airships, a dude named Cid who is an airship expert, and spells like Fira, Thundara, Blizzaga, Cura etc.

X is a fantastic FF game, but it's so much different from what came before. 1-9 are "traditional" FFs - developed by the 'old guard', most of whom split the company between 7 and 9 but mostly after 9 if I recall correctly. So it shares elements with older FFs, but does so much new stuff to reinvent the series and try telling the story in new, cinematic ways. I was playing the remaster until I got a PS4 over the holidays last year, and I was really enjoying the enhanced models and textures and reliving the story and that awesome battle system. Plus, the Sphere Grid system is (imo) the best level-up system Final Fantasy has ever had. X-2 is a different animal... I'm not a fan, but it has its audience. It's certainly no X, though. Picking up both, remastered, for a decent price is well worth it though. On the Switch, it only cost me 25 USD.

Thanks for the breakdown! I'll look more into it. Need something to play while I recover from The Plague

[Lonk]

FFX is great, probably my favorite FF followed by FFIX. X-2 it’s a hit or miss. Some people love it, others hate it.

Plus FFX has Blitzball!

[The Walrus]

Recover ASAP Herrick!! If you get it (or any FF) report back with your thoughts there's so many potential paths to take depending on what your first FF is and what you think of it.

And yeah, Blitzball! I couldn't play it well if my life depended on it, but people get obsessed with that game.

[Indiscipline]

A quick thought, while we're on the subject. I'm aware it gets a bad rep, but I've loved FFVIII, despite the hateful draw system.