So, since this is the first time, let me introduce myself in case you don't know me, my pseudonym on the internet is The S2 Guy and today, I'll be speculating on Mariokart 8, Project CARS & how they will affect the Wii U's future.
Mariokart 8
Well, some new footage has been released of Mariokart 8 and it looks like a demo, similar to the ones found inside the Wii U trucks that toured Canada prior to the launch (or actually right after it I guess, since I already had my Wii U) and the first thing that bugs me is that it shows only an option for well, single player & 2-player. Why no 4-player, or heck, why not 5-player? Take advantage of 5-player Nintendo! Also, what ever happened to online? The next thing I don't like is that after choosing your character there is no kart customization. That's what made MarioKart 7 so much fun and so endless! I seriously hope that both of these issues are solved in the full version, since as I stated earlier, I speculate that this is still an early beta build. Also, here's the link to the video that I'm referencing, should make it easier for you to follow along...
http://mynintendonews.com/2014/01/09/heres-mario-kart-8-footage-shot-at-60fps/
So next up is that the A button is gas. I know this is Mariokart and super cartoon-y (or, ahem KARToon-y) but any racing game works better using the triggers for the gas. Hopefully this is also just in the earlier versions, or there's an option to choose between A and the triggers. Since we're on the subject of controls, let's talk about the way this guy's playing, he's using the D-Pad, I'm hoping that's just this guy being silly because I really want to be able to play with the analog-stick, it also looks like motion control will still be an option judging by the little wii u gamepad with wave-y arrow things above it in the courner of the screen and the fact that he uses it. Now, I had speculated a bit in my 2014 Top 10 video about there being some damage modeling in this game, well, at this point there's not, but we can always hope right! The game still looks like a ton of fun, and gorgeous so it's still a great game for any Wii U owner, but coming after Mariokart 7, it sure has a lot to live up to.
Project CARS
Alright, so as you may know, I drive a race car in real life. What I really want is a small track racing sim, that's not what Project CARS is... it's the big time, but it looks awesome. From what little is out there of it so far, the graphics just blow anything on Wii U right now out of the water and the damage modeling actually looks fairly decent. I am very very picky about those details in racing games due to my experience, but it almost looks like they've got damage down pat. Now, since I actually haven't played it I don't know how well it handles, but apparently it's somewhat more arcade-y. Which, I don't mind. Although, since they've stated they're going for ultra-realism, I find that a little hard to believe. I mean Gran Turismo was almost ruined by how far the initial game took realism, it was harder than real life! But this game looks stunning, showing every blade of grass and having leaves and junk that blow around as you whizz by, it really looks like they built a forest and then plopped a race track into it. The areas are immensely detailed. Coming from the guys who made the NFS : Shift games (which once you looked past the fact that they weren't NFS games were great racing sims) I expect great-ness. I speculate that there'll be a story mode, probably with season, but for sure cups and different series. I also believe that car customization is going to be included because one screen shot shows a car exiting a garage. Maybe I'm setting my expectations too high for this game, but I really can't wait for it's release in Autumn of 2014!
They're affect on the Wii U
Honestly, Mariokart 8 shouldn't make too huge of an impact, it'll draw in the last few undecided Nintendo fans and maybe a few extra families and soft-core gamers. But Project CARS I think will make a huge splash. Probably not on the XBox One or PS4, since they already have their car sim. And unless you REALLY dig car sims, I don't see the point of buying both GT & Project CARS or Forza & Project CARS, but I suspect it'll draw in a whole new crowd to the Wii U. As well as open the eyes of developers and hopefully bring more 3rd party support the Wii U's way.
Alright! So that's it! I hope you enjoyed this! I speculate that you'll see me back here ina few days, and until then...
Goodbye
-TheS2Guy
Mariokart 8
Well, some new footage has been released of Mariokart 8 and it looks like a demo, similar to the ones found inside the Wii U trucks that toured Canada prior to the launch (or actually right after it I guess, since I already had my Wii U) and the first thing that bugs me is that it shows only an option for well, single player & 2-player. Why no 4-player, or heck, why not 5-player? Take advantage of 5-player Nintendo! Also, what ever happened to online? The next thing I don't like is that after choosing your character there is no kart customization. That's what made MarioKart 7 so much fun and so endless! I seriously hope that both of these issues are solved in the full version, since as I stated earlier, I speculate that this is still an early beta build. Also, here's the link to the video that I'm referencing, should make it easier for you to follow along...
http://mynintendonews.com/2014/01/09/heres-mario-kart-8-footage-shot-at-60fps/
So next up is that the A button is gas. I know this is Mariokart and super cartoon-y (or, ahem KARToon-y) but any racing game works better using the triggers for the gas. Hopefully this is also just in the earlier versions, or there's an option to choose between A and the triggers. Since we're on the subject of controls, let's talk about the way this guy's playing, he's using the D-Pad, I'm hoping that's just this guy being silly because I really want to be able to play with the analog-stick, it also looks like motion control will still be an option judging by the little wii u gamepad with wave-y arrow things above it in the courner of the screen and the fact that he uses it. Now, I had speculated a bit in my 2014 Top 10 video about there being some damage modeling in this game, well, at this point there's not, but we can always hope right! The game still looks like a ton of fun, and gorgeous so it's still a great game for any Wii U owner, but coming after Mariokart 7, it sure has a lot to live up to.
Project CARS
Alright, so as you may know, I drive a race car in real life. What I really want is a small track racing sim, that's not what Project CARS is... it's the big time, but it looks awesome. From what little is out there of it so far, the graphics just blow anything on Wii U right now out of the water and the damage modeling actually looks fairly decent. I am very very picky about those details in racing games due to my experience, but it almost looks like they've got damage down pat. Now, since I actually haven't played it I don't know how well it handles, but apparently it's somewhat more arcade-y. Which, I don't mind. Although, since they've stated they're going for ultra-realism, I find that a little hard to believe. I mean Gran Turismo was almost ruined by how far the initial game took realism, it was harder than real life! But this game looks stunning, showing every blade of grass and having leaves and junk that blow around as you whizz by, it really looks like they built a forest and then plopped a race track into it. The areas are immensely detailed. Coming from the guys who made the NFS : Shift games (which once you looked past the fact that they weren't NFS games were great racing sims) I expect great-ness. I speculate that there'll be a story mode, probably with season, but for sure cups and different series. I also believe that car customization is going to be included because one screen shot shows a car exiting a garage. Maybe I'm setting my expectations too high for this game, but I really can't wait for it's release in Autumn of 2014!
They're affect on the Wii U
Honestly, Mariokart 8 shouldn't make too huge of an impact, it'll draw in the last few undecided Nintendo fans and maybe a few extra families and soft-core gamers. But Project CARS I think will make a huge splash. Probably not on the XBox One or PS4, since they already have their car sim. And unless you REALLY dig car sims, I don't see the point of buying both GT & Project CARS or Forza & Project CARS, but I suspect it'll draw in a whole new crowd to the Wii U. As well as open the eyes of developers and hopefully bring more 3rd party support the Wii U's way.
Alright! So that's it! I hope you enjoyed this! I speculate that you'll see me back here ina few days, and until then...
Goodbye
-TheS2Guy