ADM: Virtual Console Preview

lancubap · (05-10-2006, 09:46 PM)

Originally Posted by ADM:

Hands-On: We get some playtime with the twenty years of gaming, thanks to the Virtual Console.

One of the most highly anticipated releases for the Nintendo Wii when it launches later this year is not, after all, a single game, but thousands. Nintendo’s Virtual Console system, along with its download service, will allow gamers to enjoy some of the great history of the industry, from every Nintendo console as well as the Sega Genesis and Turbografx-16. Nintendo had a tech demo off the system on-hand today at its E3 pavilion. The current system is still a prototype, and only a simple menu and four games were shown, with no particular price point announced and a final interface for the Virtual Console still in the works.

That said, the menu system currently in place is simple and sleek. Showing a picture of the console the game is from in the background, each game entry features its title and a short description. Once gamers select that game, the system shows a screen describing the basic control layout for the title and then jumps immediately into play. Load times were nominal, averaging just a couple seconds. Gamers can quickly and easily leave a current game and return to the menu system by simply pressing the Wii remote’s “Home” button. It is important to point out that doing this will end your game in the same way turning off the emulated systems did; in other words, gamers should not expect the action to freeze in the background infinitely as they search for other games and should be sure to save their progress in games before exiting.

On display today were four titles, Super Mario Bros. for the NES, Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64, Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega Genesis and Bonk’s Adventure for the Turbografx-16. Super Mario Bros. was exceptionally clear on the system, which has upconverted these classic titles to 480P video. Sonic the Hedgehog played at a framerate possibly higher than the original Genesis offered; for example, when losing a significant amount of rings, the Wii did not drop its framerate like the Genesis often did. Super Mario 64 looked just fine on the system, once again showing an appreciable difference in picture clarity from the upconvert to 480P.

However, the hardware and software is only half of the story. The new games are controlled via the Wii’s “Classic Controller” peripheral. The peripheral- the Classic actually is connected to the standard Wii remote via the same extension socket that the nunchuck uses- is similar in shape to the Super Nintendo’s controller and features a button layout reminiscent of Sony’s DualShock design. I found the button setup to be friendly and familiar for the most part, with only two potential issues. First, the joysticks are a little too close for someone with relatively large thumbs. I found myself often bashing my knuckles together when using both at the same time. This will be a major issue, because the second joystick replaces the Nintendo 64’s C-buttons, thereby promising a lot of dual-joystick action with games from that platform. Secondly, the Z button has been moved to the same shoulder side as the R-button, similar to the layout of the Gamecube’s controller. This doesn’t matter with NES/SNES/Gensis/Turbografx titles, but may pose an issue with Nintendo 64 titles. While I adapted quickly to the new scheme for Mario 64, games like Ocarina of Time and Goldeneye would be best served with a remapped control scheme, as the Z-button is inconvenient for titles like those that use it often.

Overall, the Virtual Console system results in impressive versatility from the beginning of the gaming industry on to the present. The games all benefit from the extra progressive scan support, and also seem to actually see some minor improvements in areas where the original hardware was not powerful enough to sustain the software. This should remain on every gamer’s list of reasons to own a Wii, as its potential is seemingly unlimited.

Thanks to Advanced Media Network and Casey Ayers.

bluemax · (05-10-2006, 09:51 PM)

Glad to see some impressions on this.

VultureDude · (05-10-2006, 09:52 PM)

I like AMN, but I always get the idea (being such a young website) that they're scared to say anything too heavily opinionated unless it's praise, they leave that for reviews and generally keep it out of hands-on impressions.

but they do have enthusiasm, and a general strive to break news before the big sites, so it's good for the consumer.

brandonh83 · (05-10-2006, 09:55 PM)

Quote:

Sonic the Hedgehog played at a framerate possibly higher than the original Genesis offered; for example, when losing a significant amount of rings, the Wii did not drop its framerate like the Genesis often did.

Thank the god christ

CoolS · (05-10-2006, 09:56 PM)

Please Nintendo, redo the Classic Shell so we can enjoy N64 games.

fly high ~ayunite~ · (05-10-2006, 09:56 PM)

Oo upscaled!

fresquito · (05-10-2006, 09:57 PM)

Improvements confirmed. Too bad Mario 64 didn´t have serious slowdowns. I´m eager to know if N64 will be fixed at 60 fps or 30 fps at the very least.

jko · (05-10-2006, 09:57 PM)

Originally Posted by lancubap:

"with only two potential issues. First, the joysticks are a little too close for someone with relatively large thumbs. I found myself often bashing my knuckles together when using both at the same time. This will be a major issue, because the second joystick replaces the Nintendo 64’s C-buttons, thereby promising a lot of dual-joystick action with games from that platform. Secondly, the Z button has been moved to the same shoulder side as the R-button, similar to the layout of the Gamecube’s controller. This doesn’t matter with NES/SNES/Gensis/Turbografx titles, but may pose an issue with Nintendo 64 titles."

Thanks to Advanced Media Network and Casey Ayers.

Ummm...I thought we play N64 titles using the Cube's controller...so what's the problem??

Icanplaythat · (05-10-2006, 09:58 PM)

Originally Posted by CoolS:

Please Nintendo, redo the Classic Shell so we can enjoy N64 games.

Hell yes, I can't play Waverace with that snes looking thing.

borghe · (05-10-2006, 09:58 PM)

Genesis and TG-16 represented?

Clearly we all win here. nice!!

argon · 10:03 PM

I hope they provide accessable manuals (scanned?) for each game you purchase. Some old games pretty much rely on them.

Also, they should provide a universal adapter that lets you plug in your N64/SNES/NES controllers into the Wii remote. That would pretty much fix any lingering control doubts.

BocoDragon · (05-10-2006, 10:02 PM)

Even as a collector of Nintendo's legacy consoles and games, this offers me something..... playing the game in 480P?.... TurboGrafix and Genesis titles? (I'm totally downloading Bonk and Ecco the Dolphin ASAP!)

Fuzzy · (05-10-2006, 10:03 PM)

Originally Posted by jko:

Ummm...I thought we play N64 titles using the Cube's controller...so what's the problem??

I asked before and nobody could answer, are the GCN controller ports restricted to GCN games only or can they be used for Wii and VC games also?

BocoDragon · (05-10-2006, 10:04 PM)

Originally Posted by argon:

I hope they provide accessable manuals (scanned?) for each game you purchase. Some old games pretty much rely on them.

There's should be a virtual "dunk your StarTropics note in the water to reveal the secret radio frequency" option.

borghe · (05-10-2006, 10:04 PM)

don't know if anyone knows yet. guess it depends on how generous nintendo is to us.

Juice · (05-10-2006, 10:05 PM)

Originally Posted by VultureDude:

I like AMN, but I always get the idea (being such a young website) that they're scared to say anything too heavily opinionated unless it's praise, they leave that for reviews and generally keep it out of hands-on impressions.

but they do have enthusiasm, and a general strive to break news before the big sites, so it's good for the consumer.

I don't like AMN.

Icanplaythat · (05-10-2006, 10:06 PM)

Originally Posted by jko:

Ummm...I thought we play N64 titles using the Cube's controller...so what's the problem??

N64 controller is superior to GCN controller. I would really prefer playing 64 games with a 64 controller, never liked the cube controller.

norinrad21 · (05-10-2006, 10:07 PM)

Sounds awesome

jko · (05-10-2006, 10:08 PM)

Originally Posted by Icanplaythat:

N64 controller is superior to GC controller. I would really prefer playing 64 games with a 64 controller, never liked the cube controller.

I agree with you there, I loved the N64 controller. But I guess the GC one is the closest thing you get to it...

Suikoguy · (05-10-2006, 10:09 PM)

Originally Posted by Icanplaythat:

N64 controller is superior to GCN controller. I would really prefer playing 64 games with a 64 controller, never liked the cube controller.

Err.. what?!?

Wait.. i'm not going to start that debate, i'm really not

*ignores post and moves on*

Icanplaythat · (05-10-2006, 10:12 PM)

Originally Posted by Suikoguy:

Err.. what?!?

Wait.. i'm not going to start that debate, i'm really not

*ignores post and moves on*

Bulljive, there is no debate.

lancubap · (05-10-2006, 10:12 PM)

Originally Posted by Juice:

I don't like AMN.

Sorry, but I must consider all sources.

cvxfreak · (05-10-2006, 10:12 PM)

Really good impressions. Plan on downloading a few games at launch.

beermonkey@tehbias · (05-10-2006, 10:15 PM)

Article needs more detail. Upconvert to 480p isn't the same as rendering to 480p. Is Mario 64 rendered at 480p? Have textures been upgraded? Does SMB have an 'All Stars' mode?

Online scoreboards? Since you have to be online to get the game, some basic 'Xbox Live' functionality is logical.

Ford Prefect · (05-10-2006, 10:16 PM)

Originally Posted by jko:

Ummm...I thought we play N64 titles using the Cube's controller...so what's the problem??

It doesn't really matter anyway-- if you're playing a game that heavily uses the Z button, it'll just be mapped to L anyway (it should be, at least).

Koomaster · (05-10-2006, 10:17 PM)

Any plans yet of taking multiplayer classic games online?

I'm guessing since we don't even have a pricing structure yet, we don't really know much about how things are going to work. Just wondering if anyone had heard anything.

Son of Godzilla · (05-10-2006, 10:18 PM)

Quote:

First, the joysticks are a little too close for someone with relatively large thumbs

It's nice to see Nintendo at least partially embracing the hell that is the Dual Shock.

And VC is mostly pointless unless it allows online multiplayer.

Icanplaythat · (05-10-2006, 10:20 PM)

Originally Posted by Koomaster:

Any plans yet of taking multiplayer classic games online?

I'm guessing since we don't even have a pricing structure yet, we don't really know much about how things are going to work. Just wondering if anyone had heard anything.

Waverace 64 online would cause me to shit blood.

Rocked · (05-10-2006, 10:20 PM)

Donkey Kong Country's music's gonna sound great...

beermonkey@tehbias · (05-10-2006, 10:22 PM)

Originally Posted by Koomaster:

Any plans yet of taking multiplayer classic games online?

When have we heard anything of Wii online other than you can visit my Nookingtons while I'm out to dinner?

ant1532 · (05-10-2006, 10:25 PM)

sounds AWESOME.

DeathbyVolcano · (05-10-2006, 10:27 PM)

Originally Posted by Son of Godzilla:

It's nice to see Nintendo at least partially embracing the hell that is the Dual Shock.

And VC is mostly pointless unless it allows online multiplayer.

*Sigh* Oh please. Virtual console is useless? Yeah, a system is SO useless when you're able to download nearly every single Nintendo game ever made and play them all on one system.

iTunes is pretty useless too.

Aft Dread Pressure · (05-10-2006, 10:29 PM)

Originally Posted by Rocked:

Donkey Kong Country 2's music's gonna sound great...

Fixed. :)

JonathanEx · (05-10-2006, 10:31 PM)

Sounds cool, but we need pictureeeess.

Fuzzy · (05-10-2006, 10:32 PM)

I doubt VC games will be playable online. Why play Mario Kart Wii online when you can play SMK online for cheaper.

Rocked · (05-10-2006, 10:33 PM)

Does anyone else think it's annoying how the retro pad attaches to the Wiimote? Wont the Wiimote just be hanging there? The cable isn't *that* long. o_O

lancubap · (05-10-2006, 10:34 PM)

Originally Posted by Rocked:

Donkey Kong Country's music's gonna sound great...

You mean Donkey Kong Country II's music will sound GREAT !

Icanplaythat · (05-10-2006, 10:34 PM)

Originally Posted by Fuzzy:

I doubt VC games will be playable online. Why play Mario Kart Wii online when you can play SMK online for cheaper.

Why do you say things just to hurt me?

SuomiDude · (05-10-2006, 10:34 PM)

Originally Posted by Son of Godzilla:

And VC is mostly pointless unless it allows online multiplayer.

Bullshit. I'm interested in lots of older games that I'm going to download on virtual console, and not one of them is for multiplayer.

Fuzzy · (05-10-2006, 10:38 PM)

Originally Posted by Rocked:

Does anyone else think it's annoying how the retro pad attaches to the Wiimote? Wont the Wiimote just be hanging there? The cable isn't *that* long. o_O

Yeah it is annoying but it'll be long enough to just lay the Wiimote in your lap while you play.

On a completely unrelated note, will the classic shell or Wiimote have rumble in the N64 games? :P

beermonkey@tehbias · (05-10-2006, 10:42 PM)

You shove the Wiimote down your pants while you play with the classic controller. Rez is being ported as I type this.

Koomaster · (05-10-2006, 10:43 PM)

Originally Posted by beermonkey@tehbias:

When have we heard anything of Wii online other than you can visit my Nookingtons while I'm out to dinner?

I remembered someone asking one of Nintendo's company heads about it months ago and something was mentioned about looking into it. (of course I could be making this all up in my head as a lucid dream).

I was just curious about any info such as that.

PanopticBlue · (05-10-2006, 10:50 PM)

Sonic was 60fps on Genesis, just because some slowdown in the game seems reduced doesn't mean the game is running at a higher framerate. It just means that some slowdown has been reduced. Geez.

beermonkey@tehbias · (05-10-2006, 11:03 PM)

Originally Posted by Koomaster:

I remembered someone asking one of Nintendo's company heads about it months ago and something was mentioned about looking into it. (of course I could be making this all up in my head as a lucid dream).

I was just curious about any info such as that.

Yeah, I'm just frustrated. I thought this was going to be the E3 where everybody followed Microsoft's lead and attacked online aggressively. I'm delusional. I doubt even Sony approaches the level of integration and support that Live has until xmas 07 at the earliest. Dammit.

Firest0rm · (05-10-2006, 11:11 PM)

Pictures of the VC are available at engadget.com

http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/10/n...e3-booth-tour/

It also has a tour of the booth.

MadOdorMachine · 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by AMN:

However, the hardware and software is only half of the story. The new games are controlled via the Wii’s “Classic Controller” peripheral. The peripheral- the Classic actually is connected to the standard Wii remote via the same extension socket that the nunchuck uses- is similar in shape to the Super Nintendo’s controller and features a button layout reminiscent of Sony’s DualShock design. I found the button setup to be friendly and familiar for the most part, with only two potential issues. First, the joysticks are a little too close for someone with relatively large thumbs. I found myself often bashing my knuckles together when using both at the same time. This will be a major issue, because the second joystick replaces the Nintendo 64’s C-buttons, thereby promising a lot of dual-joystick action with games from that platform. Secondly, the Z button has been moved to the same shoulder side as the R-button, similar to the layout of the Gamecube’s controller. This doesn’t matter with NES/SNES/Gensis/Turbografx titles, but may pose an issue with Nintendo 64 titles. While I adapted quickly to the new scheme for Mario 64, games like Ocarina of Time and Goldeneye would be best served with a remapped control scheme, as the Z-button is inconvenient for titles like those that use it often.

:( I hope that isn't true. Does this mean the VC controller has to be attached to the Wiimote via a cable? What are you supposed to do, let the remote sit in your lap while a cable runs from it to the VC controller?

Edit - Just looked at the Engadget pics and it appears this is the case. This keeps getting worse and worse. All of these attachments are freaking rediculous. Reggie said the days of being tethered to a box that was tethered to your tv are over, yet Wii requires more attachments than any other system.

RumpledForeskin · (05-10-2006, 11:39 PM)

Originally Posted by jko:

Ummm...I thought we play N64 titles using the Cube's controller...so what's the problem??

Cause everybody that buys a wii has a gc, right?

Chittagong · (05-10-2006, 11:46 PM)

Haha, I'm in one of the pics playing Excite Truck.

civilstrife · (05-10-2006, 11:48 PM)

Rocked · (05-10-2006, 11:51 PM)

edit - beaten