The Conduit Catch-All
So the game comes out this week and it's seen more preview content than you can shake a stick at over at IGN, (they got the exclusive first reveal) and for the most part looks pretty good as a Wii FPS. The develpers have been pushing high levels of customization and tech that makes all but Metroid Prime 3 and Mario Galaxy look bad as selling points from the start. This game is being watched ever so closely across the industry as the proof that 'hardcore' games can sell on the Wii after the flops of SEGA's previous two publishing failures. Keep in mind, this game was also developed until it was mostly done before it was ever picked up by a publisher, all on the developers money.
features:
Sci-fi plot with aliens invading Washington DC
12-player online (only) multiplayer
Unique Wii-Speak integration that only transmits those that are nearby when chatting
On the fly control tweaking - all built on top of previous examples like Metroid Prime 3 and Medal of Honor 2: Heroes
Custom engine built for the Wii
I'll be picking it up this week when it comes out. Anyone else?
Stay tuned for impressions once I get it.
EDIT: IGN Review - read the article, ignore the score.
Ok, so I played for a little more than 3 hours last night, and I have to say, the controls, when you dial them in are nothing short of amazing. The motions (grenade and melee by default) worked every time, and sometimes when moving to get comfortable, I'd accidentally throw a grenade, so there's no miss on that. I did make a mistake of turning the sensativities way up before even starting the game, which made everything overly twitchy, but it's awesome that the options are there and you can, in fact, change the settings on the fly and watch how it effects your controls as you tweak. A very nice touch.As for the game, think back to Halo (1) and remember how there were some repeated rooms? Well they have that here, but they're not annoyingly boring gray concrete rooms. I enjoyed the enemies so far and even though there are spawn points, it's better than the CoD clown car spawn until you pass an imaginary line in that the spawns are things you can destroy. I think it works great in that regard.
The story goes too fast and had a twist so early that it just felt like nothing. I'll speak in vague words here, they just didn't build me up with any attachement and then my situation changed. There was definitely room for improvement.
Oh, and no 'now loading' screens are to be seen anywhere. Loading happens while either in the pre-level briefings, or while traversing some narrow corridors. Which doesn't bother me, but some have said it feels cheap. I was actually impressed when I hit the 'ok' button to start the campaign mode it jumped in to a cinematic the exact instant I hit the button. So yeah, presentation is great.
The weapons are overall pretty good. I've never been a fan of 3-round burst fire assualt rifles with limited scopes, but they love to give you that gun to start with. Alien and new tech (human in origin but not real life related) guns are real fun to play with, but give me that shotgun and I'm having a blast. There's a one shot kill hand gun (very low ammo capacity) and a gun that shoots electronic bolos that is fun to watch. Most alien guns are chargeable too. I've probably seen about 10 guns so far. Oh yeah, I've seen at least 3 grenade types so far. Standard frag, radiation, and flash bangs.
The little secret extras are fun to look for too, and for the most part they don't seem to place them where they expect you to keep moving and fighting a lot. Then again, I've missed some on every level so far.
So far I'm happy with the game, visuals are pretty good, but could use a bit more variety and they really could have drawn out the campaign a bit more even with something as simple as a bit more chasing even as early as the 2nd stage by adding another stage.
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
Where have I seen this before?
I've always like this idea. I think it could help make the game more team oriented.
I have batted around the idea of getting this. I'll see what everyone's impressions of it are first. It'll be a tough sell to get me to play a hardcore title on a system with poor graphics.
XBL: Lockjaw GWJ Steam: LockJaw GWJ
Jonman wrote:
The trailers I saw of it from last year looked really generic, but if the reviews are good I will pick it up.
Like the time that precedes words, there are colors but no rules
I'm wonder what the market penetration is for the Wii-Speak accessory is. Is Animal Crossing the only game that it shipped with? It's also sold separately, but I have to wonder just how many Conduit players will be using the peripheral.
I heard mixed impressions on the last IGN NVC podcast, where they said that the game was 'good' but that the campaign was finished in only 5.5 hours and it suffered from framerate issues. Still, online seems to be the main selling point, so I guess the game's reception will be anyone's guess.
I don't own a Wii, but I'm damn curious to see how this turns out.
I'll probably pick this up at some point, depending on how they've set up the control scheme. If it's the usual FPS scheme used on the Wii, I'm in. Nothing beats the feeling of lining up shots with the pointer.
Xbox Live: StaatsM
This one is in my rental queue. I'm curious to see how well it does.
However, it's frustrating to me to see this held up as some sort of litmus test for "hardcore" games on the Wii. It looks a bit generic, and I think that will keep buyers away as much as the system that it's on (and who picked the 80's box art?). But like MadWorld and House of the Dead: Overkill, if it doesn't sell well, speculation will revolve around the quality of the platform rather than the quality of the title itself. Can The Conduit fail and the Wii not?
trueheart78 wrote:
Amoebic wrote:
Seconded. Day one, for me.
I'm intrigued, but very very skeptical that this will be anything better than mediocre. I also fear that HD-gaming has more or less spoilt Wii games for me. If it's a game that's comparable to a 360 game, then I have no interest in playing the Wii version. The only time that Wii games work for me are for experiences that I can't get on a higher spec machine, which pretty much limits it to 1st party games, and the odd game that does a great job of using motion controls (e.g. Boom Blox).
XBL: Spiffing Wotwot
Amoebic wrote:
Well, it lets you set sensitivity levels (and shows the numbers so you know where you're at) and it allows you to change any button to another.
Look at about 1:40 on this video.
Loaded question alert!
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
Preordered from GameStop since they're getting an exclusive edition that includes an art book and an in-game item or two (apparently something that will help decode some of the backstory). Having a red ringed 360 has made me especially open-minded towards taking a risk on a different, currently operational console. I generally do not like first-person points of view, but I expect I will play this casually, alternating with Valkyria Chronicles.
And if it sucks, the Gamestop edition will probably hold trade value well.
If this reviews well at all, I'm going to have my in-laws get if for me for my birthday. I loved the shooting in Metroid Prime 3 (if not the rest of the game), and I would really like to play a quality shooter on the Wii.
Rubb Ed wrote:
It's in my GameFly Queue, interested to see how it turned out, but I'm fairly skeptical of it. They've been touting the technology behind this game for awhile now, that it will be the most 'next-gen' game on the Wii. I'm not sure I see the value in that though, why create something that is going to be a pale imitation of what is on the xbox and PS3? I'd like to see more games with a different art style, like what Ghostbusters did, or even what Red Steel 2 is doing. In any event, I hope the game does well, considering the industry seems to view it as an important test of 'hardcore' gaming on the Wii.
XBLA, Steam, PSN: Kosius
Twitter
I ordered it.
I guess we'll see what happens. Me like good Wii fps controls.
But I got the sense from the NVC podcast that IGN was mildly letdown by the game, but were putting on their best faces because they want 3rd party games like this to succeed on the Wii.
As I said, my concern is that this one game—that may or may not be any good; I haven't played it—is being used as a litmus test for the system as a whole. I've heard a lot of talk about how this game is some sort of bellwether for "hardcore" games on the Wii, and that's absurd. However The Conduit does is immaterial for the strength of the Wii as a platform for all kinds of games, but if The Conduit doesn't sell well, you can bet that there will be an avalanche of articles and comments lamenting the lack of quality, third-person, "hardcore" titles on the Wii. Judgements about the quality of The Conduit itself and how that might have affected its sales figures will be secondary.
trueheart78 wrote:
Amoebic wrote:
Yeah, I'm not a fan of the iron fist of judgement publishers are getting ready to slam down once they see the sales numbers for this game either.
One thing that does bug me about the game as a product is the lack of local multiplayer modes.
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
I'm definitely picking it up. I need something new to write about. Although Eduardo the Samurai Toaster is going to give The Conduit a good run for it's money.
Steam ID: Dominic Knight
I also plan on picking this up, but since I just grabbed Tiger Woods 10 (Wii) yesterday, I may put off the purchase until this weekend. I'll be sure to grab it in June, though, to help it get at least one point higher on the NPD list.
I'll be watching for your impressions, mrtomaytohead!
Steam: ilduce620 | PSN: ilduce620 | AIM: alinsenb17
“There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance.” – Hippocrates
I just picked up Legendary Starfy this weekend, and Grand Slam Tennis last weekend. So I might wait a few days for this... I do have it preordered, so no big deal there.
Steam ID: Dominic Knight
You all play way more (new) games than I. This will be my first new game I've actually bought since Left4Dead (50% off weekend in Feb). I did get Punch Out!! as a wedding present from a co-worker though. It doesn't help that I've been trying to save money as much as possible for all the expenses I have coming up.
Dominic, what's Starfy like? Is there a thread here about that one? I've barely seen anything about it.
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
How is Punch Out!! I've been meaning to pick it up.
I'll go make a thread about Starfy, and see if I'm the only one to pick it up or if there's interest in it.
Steam ID: Dominic Knight
Punch Out!! plays pretty much like the NES original, with really slick and smooth graphics and good voicework. There's only 3 belt levels then you get to defend you title against everyone again, and the defense fights are really tough. I haven't been able to do any of the defense fights without losing / practicing for an hour at least. I'm currently at Bald Bull, which is 3 from the end, except I hear there's one more fight after that. Also, in defense matches, each character fights totally differently.
Still, I can see myself playing this over and over like the NES original, which is also on my Wii as a VC download and my most played downloaded VC game.
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
Hmm... I'll definitely have to pick it up then. At some point when I have money. Hahaha. This summer is definitely going to drain my pockets. Not to mention the fall/holiday season.
Steam ID: Dominic Knight
adam.greenbrier: Can The Conduit fail and the Wii not?
Very pertinent, that is the question.
adam.greenbrier: Well, games like Galdiator AD and The Grinder will have a real hard time if this game doesn't turn out well.
I know, but don't crush my dreams, good Sir.
Wii friend code: 2499 7843 9382 3699
Beeporama: Having a red ringed 360 has made me especially open-minded towards taking a risk on a different, currently operational console.
HaHa.
Wii friend code: 2499 7843 9382 3699
Punch out, good game, but it's Punch Out . . . Listen to the podcast on it. I would say wait for the used price to drop to $35 or $40.
Wii friend code: 2499 7843 9382 3699
You did notice that "quote" link under every post, right?
Review at IGN is up. I actually reduced the size of the window and read the whole review before looking at the score. I suggest others do the same. There are some good points made in the body of the article that might help make some people's mind up wether or not to get the game.
Hint: if you play a lot of FPS's on other systems, the main thing this has going for it is the controls are way better here.
Or even the qoute button right above the text box, that if you highlight something on the page it will throw that in qoutes when you click the button.
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
From the IGN review:
Every console needs this. The ease of a mouse without the inhumanly high accuracy.
Xbox Live: StaatsM
I want to support these guys, I do... but I have so much on my plate and the story and art is so cheesy that I can't bring myself to pay full price for this now. Maybe a rental or used purchase down the road.
adam.greenbrier on MGS4 wrote:
XBL/Steam: Rexneron
Yeah, the Wii pointer controls actually pick up a players faults more, and I think some people moan about it not being accurate due to that. I definitely think if nothing else that this game will change the way some devs think about Wii controls. Even because of this:
Steam: mrtomaytohead
Wii Console code: 7415 7854 7235 1798
Backloggery
I'd certainly wait for other reviews. No to switch to total tinfoil hat mode here, but IGN seems rather close to the studio and also got to exclusively unveil their next projects ahead of E3. And whaddayaknow, they're also the first mag to publish a review along with Nintendo Power and the Official Nintendo Magazine UK according to Gamerankings. Ahem.