Project H.A.M.M.E.R. for Wii cancelled? And a rant about Nintendo.

[Tondog]

So says a source close to the developer, NST.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/796/796612p1.html

Nintendo apparently cancelled the game so that NST can work on "expanded audience" games (read Wii Sports 4, Mario Party 20, or Nintendogs: Poodle Edition). If this rumor is true. I will hate Nintendo, and start thinking about selling my Wii, because there just isn't a whole lot coming out for hardcore gamers. Red Steel, Zelda (to a certain extent), Godfather, Scarface, Manhunt, Metroid Prime 3, and No More Heroes are about all there is for hardcore gamers at this point on the Wii. This could be the first sign that Wii is turning into what I feared it would be: a minigame system for the masses. Isn't Wii supposed to be a system for EVERYONE? Aren't hardcore gamers part of that group? Why don't they have many games to look forward to?

Well, I personally think it's Nintendo of Japan's fault. They think that just because Nintendo DS Cookbook, Brain Age, or whatever is doing so well over in Japan, that it's what all gamers from all nations of the world want. Well, news flash Nintendo, it isn't. That's why you see games like Halo and GTA consistiently in the top sellers list. NOJ really need to give NOA some freedom to make games that traditional gamers over here would buy in droves.

Now, I don't mind those casual games, in fact I think they are critical to the success of a system. However, that doesn't mean that you should ditch the hardcore crowd as well, because if you neglect them, they won't buy your system. At least offer a very good mix, Nintendo.

However, that isn't the worst part of the article. Check this little snippit out...

Our sources were unable to provide a reason for the alleged termination. However, IGN Wii has heard separately that Nintendo is actively re-working some traditional games so that they are more accessible by casual players.

Oh, just freakin great Nintendo! First you cancel games that "real gamers" are looking forward to, and now you slap them in the face with retooling some of your classics to be more acceptable by casual players? Just beautiful. I hope everybody here is ready for Zelda Party, now with a Wii sword attachment! 

If all this is true, I think that Nintendo's traditional fanbase, the one that hyped the Wii ad nauseum for the year before launch, might end up jumping ship.

I know I will.

[Cobra]

Completely off topic, but cool avatar! Sam & Max rock!!

[Fuyukaze]

Just to clear something up, how do you define "hardcore gamers" and "real gamers"?

[Tondog]

By that I mean gamers who aren't really into the simpler games like Nintendogs and what have you. The hardcore/real gamer is more inclined to play something along the lines of Okami, Final Fantasy, Halo, Smash Bros and what have you. Casual gamers tend to gravitate towards Nintendogs, Brain Age, Clubhouse Games, various cell phone games, etc.

[The Metamorphosing Leon]

There is a clear definition. Nintendo seems to market to the party gamers, which is why we call them gimmicky, full of cheap tricks to make people laugh and be entertained by the pretty lights.

Elsewhere the rest of the gaming world - on PC, Playstation, and X-Box - is moving towards a more cinematic gaming experience. Games on these systems are getting epic, e.g MGS: 3 which was like a god damned interactive movie (to some people this sucked, I loved it).

[Tondog]

I completely agree with Leon, but big epic games are possible on Wii, it's just that the market most likely isn't there for them and the hardware isn't powerful enough to handle something huge like MGS4.

[OatBob]

One must remember Nintendo's roots.  They have a long history of making family products.  Their aim has always been fun and games and not ruling the world controlling all digital information like Microsoft, or manufacturing quality hardware and (more recently) and providing all forms of media content like Sony.

So long as families are around, there will always be a market for Nintendo.  We may be dissappointed because we grew up and they didn't.

I am dissappointed with this one because Nintendo had been pushing Project H.A.M.M.E.R. for a while, and I woulnd't mind another delay one bit, because this game actually looks cool and fun to play.