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Podcast Ahoy! .hectate 08/17/2006 - 18:33 EST Yes, it has been over a week since the last update. Life gets busy at time, so sue me. I'm rapidly learning the joys of publishing up-to-date information, or the lack thereof. Anyway, as for actual news is concerned, if you are interested, I am now part of a podcast. You can find it at the site if you are curious. The other member of the "Two Men and A Mic" show is my friend Ron. You'll get to know him too in time and a few additional episodes. Most of the gaming world has been quiet lately. Nintendo has affirmed that the online component of the Wii will be free. This and other information is available in this article at USA Today. That's a big deal for me, because if I have to pay for broadband, I don't want to pay to play at the same time. No doubt the Wii24connect will see a greater percentage of users than the 360's been enjoying. Also, you'll notice that in the interview, he stresses that Nintendo isn't trying to "win" the next-gen war. They don't want just the gamer's to play the Wii, they want everyone to play it. I believe that this emphasis on expanding the market is going to bring back innovative game design. Let's take, for example, the least likely person I can imagine to play a video game. My Mom. Now, my mom is very smart. She knows (and has taught for years) how to play the piano (very difficult, I've tried). She can also play the flute, guitar, clarinet, and nearly any other instrument with varying levels of proficiency. Not only is she musically talented, but she also taught myself and my four siblings almost completely through our primary education. Yes, I was a homeschooler and proud of it. So lets assume I give a PS3 or Xbox360 controller to my mom, teach her which buttons to press, and then let her play. How long do you think she will play? Assuming it's something she even wants to play, I'd give it about 5-10 minutes before she gives up. With the new Wiimote, the control is entirely natural. Point, Click, Wave your arm. On top of that, four people could play together, increasing the family value instead of getting the "Will you get off of that and spend some time with your family" lecture. Well, getting my mom to play games with me has never been possible in the past, but I'll be putting the Wii to the test when it's out. Until then, hopefully I'll have more time to update more frequently. Ciao. |