Wii Whining

[herojoe]

Hello folks. This game is absolutely amazing. The only problem I have with it is....it's not on the wii. I'm what you would call a cheap gamer. I only have a wii and a DS. I'm not biased towards nintendo, it's just what I can afford. I really want this game to come out for wii because I will buy it if it does!!! Guitar Hero III is on the wii. Why not Rock Band?

Alrighty then. Now you guys can make fun of me for having a wii.:p

[Royges]

I have a WII too :p

Don't Worry Rock Band its probably coming for WII in a near future

http://card.mygamercard.net/ES/gelsig/ROYGES.png (http://profile.mygamercard.net/ROYGES)

[MaineDrummer]

Hello folks. This game is absolutely amazing. The only problem I have with it is....it's not on the wii. I'm what you would call a cheap gamer. I only have a wii and a DS. I'm not biased towards nintendo, it's just what I can afford. I really want this game to come out for wii because I will buy it if it does!!! Guitar Hero III is on the wii. Why not Rock Band?

Alrighty then. Now you guys can make fun of me for having a wii.:p

OK... Ha ha ha..a WIIIIIII.. Are you 12? Oh wait..maybe your 85 and this is how you exercise now?

Just kidding! :p

Well the base audience played on a PS2 (GH series) and will be a challenge to get it in to the hands of PS2, PS3, and 360 customers as it is. I'm sure the Wii will see it at some point.

Why not get a PS2? pretty cheap now. Trade in the Wiiiiiiiiii. :D

[85_SWB]

this is the reason that rock band will not sell as many(right away) as GHIII
a lot of people have the wii and i think it would be a mistake for harmonix to not release it for the wii

[blackjack]

this is the reason that rock band will not sell as many(right away) as GHIII
a lot of people have the wii and i think it would be a mistake for harmonix to not release it for the wii

it has like 1 usb port I dont even know if it has one. thats why its not coming out right now. im sure it will come out when the wireless strat is released. Also if you look at ghIII it uses the wiimote so nintendo wont have anything to do with it unless it uses the wiimote. so HMX is going to need to redesign the guitar and make it wireless. Or they need to make a Wii adapter which would also take much time

[nicko68]

it has like 1 usb port I dont even know if it has one. thats why its not coming out right now.

Fail. The Wii has 2 USB ports.

[xxjoesusxx]

that doesnt make sense, because the ps3 has a wireless strat. All they need to do is make a strat that has a holster for the wiimote...make it a shell just like the ghIII controller. Not bringing rock band to wii was a bad move.

there would be NO redesigining the guitar, the ps3 one is ALREADY WIRELESS.

alot of people have the wii, i HALF own one, i got one for my girlfriend and she is a huge fan of guitar hero, but is looking forward to rock band way more, she might end up buying your competitors game just because your not offering it on her console. Seriously, just port the ps2 version, thats wat they did with gh3.


also during one interview, someone from harmonix said "absolutely" in response to bring rock band to wii.

[blackjack]

Fail. The Wii has 2 USB ports.

Thats why I said LIKE aka "I dont really know how many so this is my rough estimate *******" but my point remains valid. They may or may not need an adaptor and everything needs wiimotes. Nintendo wont allow other motion-sensing technology on the wii.

[blackjack]

that doesnt make sense, because the ps3 has a wireless strat. All they need to do is make a strat that has a holster for the wiimote...make it a shell just like the ghIII controller. Not bringing rock band to wii was a bad move.

there would be NO redesigining the guitar, the ps3 one is ALREADY WIRELESS.

alot of people have the wii, i HALF own one, i got one for my girlfriend and she is a huge fan of guitar hero, but is looking forward to rock band way more, she might end up buying your competitors game just because your not offering it on her console. Seriously, just port the ps2 version, thats wat they did with gh3.


also during one interview, someone from harmonix said "absolutely" in response to bring rock band to wii. I know this, but the problem is also nontendo wont let something that is Identical to the PS3 version on their system.

[angry_jonny]

also during one interview, someone from harmonix said "absolutely" in response to bring rock band to wii.

Well, Alex Rigopulos literally said there was "absolutely" a chance. He was also strangely non-specific in following up when he said "We will, at some time, bring Rock Band to every [important] platform."

So there's absolutely a chance (well, duh: they *could* port it to Super-NES if they really, really wanted to), but it depends (seemingly) on whether Alex thinks the Wii is an important platform.

I wish they would just say something definite, even if the timeline is vague. The Wii is clearly an important platform in the marketplace--I'd argue *the* important platform for a lighter, party-oriented, non-graphic game like this--so common sense, business sense, even the specs (two USB slots; if DLC songs are ~20mb, then a 2gb SD card should suffice in lieu of a real hard drive; online marketplace in place) all point to an eventual Wii port. But technically, it hasn't been confirmed.

[xxjoesusxx]

hey blackjack, seriously, did you hear ? gh3 is ON WII. your points dont make much sense. the GH3 shells for the wii use the wiimotes motion sensing for star power. Making a Wii version of the game will be simple, they just use the ps2 version that doesnt allow dlc and make new controllers for it.

[blackjack]

hey blackjack, seriously, did you hear ? gh3 is ON WII. your points dont make much sense. the GH3 shells for the wii use the wiimotes motion sensing for star power. Making a Wii version of the game will be simple, they just use the ps2 version that doesnt allow dlc and make new controllers for it.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! oh wait youre serious? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

[Jixzer]

This thread should have been titled "Wiining"

Jix out.

[Seroth]

I wouldn't say a Wii version is far off, considering that now there's a PS2 version. They just simply port the PS2 version and make some Wii peripherals.

The Wii has 2 USB ports, which is the same amount of USB ports my PS2 has. Not to mention it also has 4 Gamecube controller ports, which could also be utilized for the peripherals.

[Bakkster]

The peripherals are the hard part, and I can almost guarantee this is the primary reason (or secondary to porting issues) for not being on the Wii right now. Remember, HMX is not a peripherals company, so they're starting from scratch here.

[angry_jonny]

The peripherals are the hard part, and I can almost guarantee this is the primary reason (or secondary to porting issues) for not being on the Wii right now. Remember, HMX is not a peripherals company, so they're starting from scratch here.

Can't they just use the existing peripherals with a *Universal*SB hub? Sure, add wireless later, but why not use what you have? High School Musical: Sing It uses a USB mic, so I don't think it's Nintendo insisting everything use the Wiimote or a GC slot.

I've read several theories as to the "primary reason" for the lack of Wii support, but this one just doesn't make sense to me. But I freely admit I'm ignorant about the particulars of software development for consoles.

[Bakkster]

Can't they just use the existing peripherals with a *Universal*SB hub? Sure, add wireless later, but why not use what you have? High School Musical: Sing It uses a USB mic, so I don't think it's Nintendo insisting everything use the Wiimote or a GC slot.

No, because the XBox360 has a different controller layout than the PS3, which has a different layout from the Wii. So the same reason why the 360 and PS3 have different controllers would require a new Wii controller.

Also, I assume the High School Musical game requires the use of a Wiimote still, correct?

[angry_jonny]

No, because the XBox360 has a different controller layout than the PS3, which has a different layout from the Wii. So the same reason why the 360 and PS3 have different controllers would require a new Wii controller.

Also, I assume the High School Musical game requires the use of a Wiimote still, correct?

Sure, but menu navigation, etc. could all be done with just a Wiimote, no need for the integrated controller with the drum at all. I get your point, though, and thanks for the info. It just looks to me like they are identical peripherals, with modular differences for the appropriate platform's I/O. If that's true, HMX doesn't have to make new peripherals for the Wii, per se, they just have to make the new interface components. Unless they build in the Wiimote (a la GH3). And it would be very cool if the drums were wireless, too. But with a wired model, it doesn't seem like they have to redo the peripherals from the ground up.

But what do I know? Nothing. Just speculating, that's all.

[Bakkster]

Sure, but menu navigation, etc. could all be done with just a Wiimote, no need for the integrated controller with the drum at all. I get your point, though, and thanks for the info. It just looks to me like they are identical peripherals, with modular differences for the appropriate platform's I/O. If that's true, HMX doesn't have to make new peripherals for the Wii, per se, they just have to make the new interface components. Unless they build in the Wiimote (a la GH3). And it would be very cool if the drums were wireless, too. But with a wired model, it doesn't seem like they have to redo the peripherals from the ground up.

The problem isn't that it's hard. It's just too time consuming to get peripherals for 4 platforms designed, tested, and (most importantly) manufactured in time for a November release. The game has only been in development for around a year, and that's a pretty tight schedule for hardware. I wholly assume once they have time for Wii development, they will do it.

[Jp7588]

Yeah man that's true. Great points all around.

[nicko68]

The game has only been in development for around a year, and that's a pretty tight schedule for hardware. I wholly assume once they have time for Wii development, they will do it.

Yeah, I think they made a wise decision supporting PS2 instead of the Wii given the existing user base for the PS2. However, given how the Wii is selling (and GHIII) they really need to get cracking on the Wii version.

[Rock_Band_Wii]

Guitars
Pre-existing Guitar Hero Controllers
New Stratacoaster similar to Guitar Hero Controller

Microphone
USB port and Wii remote

Drums
Connect to Wii remote and have D-pad and buttons



I wouldn't care if the Wii version didn't have downloadable content or online play.

[Seroth]

Actually, now that I think about it, the Wii already has all the needed peripherals but the drums. The GH3 guitars would work for the game, and Boogie already has a microphone peripheral ('course, no one bought that game, and for a good reason).

[Quinarvy]

Be like Sora, buy a 360/PS3.

BUt really, some problems include

1) Online, people will expect online content if GH3 has it, if Rock Band was released without online then score for GH...not good, and then DLC will be expected, but the Wii lacks a hard drive.

2) HMX hasn't made a Wii game. They have worked with PS2 and 360, and I'm sure the PS3 would be more similar too either of those then the Wii in terms of programming (I have no real clue, just an assumption). This would also probably extend the deadline as previously stated.

3) The price. Do you expect most Wii owners to spend money on a game that cost more then half the consoles cost? The Wii was made to be cheap, and Rock Band kind of defeats that philosophy.

4) New periphals must be made as previously stated. HMX wanted to make controllers universal, but currently the only cross platform controller I know of is the PS3 Strat, and that can only work with the PS3 and PS2.

I do see a Wii version coming eventually, sometime in Spring 2008 is my guesstimate. Just no one ask for a DS version with periphals...please.

[nicko68]

3) The price. Do you expect most Wii owners to spend money on a game that cost more then half the consoles cost?

Yes.

Just because I didn't want to spend $600 on a console (PS3), or even $400 on one that will probably die at some point (360) doesn't mean I'm averse to spending $160 on a good game and hardware.

Have you seen all the hardware accessories for the Wii? Tennis racket/golf club/baseball bat, classic controller, sword... Wii owners are not afraid of buying hardware.

[Quinarvy]

Yes.

Just because I didn't want to spend $600 on a console (PS3), or even $400 on one that will probably die at some point (360) doesn't mean I'm averse to spending $160 on a good game and hardware.

Have you seen all the hardware accessories for the Wii? Tennis racket/golf club/baseball bat, classic controller, sword... Wii owners are not afraid of buying hardware.

Actually you could probably pick up a 360 for what? $280? And a PS3 for $400.

I've seen all the hardware/shells/periphals. But stil, do you really expect someone who only knows Rock Band as a GH with drums (thats what many think it is sadly) to get it? They'd most likely go pick up GH instead.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that a Wii version won't happen or wouldn't sell well. But I just don't think it would sell as well as other versions, considering the Wii is really aimed to be more budget friendly then a PS3/360 and that Rock Band would be the most expensive game on the market.

[xxjoesusxx]

yes, great points all around, except for from blackjack cuz he's a moron...his little laugh at me, then oh wait your serious, then laugh again didnt even make sense.

[xxjoesusxx]

actually, the ps3 has been known to be rather difficult to develop for, while the wii is running of the exact same hardware and code that the gamecube did, just beefed up a lil, so designing for wii is EXACTLY like designing for the cube...and the cube was already a very simple to design for platform.

i cant see any reason besides development time for there to be no wii version

[Seroth]

2) HMX hasn't made a Wii game. They have worked with PS2 and 360, and I'm sure the PS3 would be more similar too either of those then the Wii in terms of programming (I have no real clue, just an assumption). This would also probably extend the deadline as previously stated.

Harmonix is outsourcing the PS2 version, which means they're not developing it. So they could do the same for the Wii version. In fact, that's kinda what Activision did with Guitar Hero 3. They had a separate studio do the Wii version, which is why the PS2 and Wii versions are so different from each other.

[mellow_jam]

Actually you could probably pick up a 360 for what? $280? And a PS3 for $400.

I've seen all the hardware/shells/periphals. But stil, do you really expect someone who only knows Rock Band as a GH with drums (thats what many think it is sadly) to get it? They'd most likely go pick up GH instead.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that a Wii version won't happen or wouldn't sell well. But I just don't think it would sell as well as other versions, considering the Wii is really aimed to be more budget friendly then a PS3/360 and that Rock Band would be the most expensive game on the market.

Wii is aimed at more than just budget friendly, I might add. (Think of the drastic difference between sitting on the couch and playing madden
07 for 360 as opposed to Wii sports) And those of us Wii owners who also already own GH, and are highly anticipating Rock Band wouldn't mind dishing out the dough for it, because I agree with you on the point that Rock Band is more than just GH with drums, I also believe that I'm not alone on this perspective as a Wii owner, that and it's much cheaper just to buy the Rock Band game and hardware than a ps3 or 360, and Rock Band on top of that.

[SmokaCola]

I'm pretty sure when he meant important he meant the current gen consoles and the PS2, seeing how they're currently the systems with games still coming out for them (excluding handhelds and the pc)

[angry_jonny]

3) The price. Do you expect most Wii owners to spend money on a game that cost more then half the consoles cost? The Wii was made to be cheap, and Rock Band kind of defeats that philosophy.
[...]
I do see a Wii version coming eventually, sometime in Spring 2008 is my guesstimate. Just no one ask for a DS version with periphals...please.

Wow, I hope you're right about a Wii version that soon. I bet if that was true, though, HMX would have announced it already.

As far as the money goes, I disagree with you. The Wii wasn't "made to be cheap." It was made to target a different demographic. People who buy the Wii aren't gamers looking for a better deal, they're people looking for a different kind of gaming experience. People in their 30s and 40s (even older); that is, people with money. Value gamers would get a PS2 or a Gamecube, as the bulk of the expense is in software; the price difference between a Wii and a PS3 is 5 or 6 games, no big deal. Seems like RB fits *exactly* into this "new" type of gamer and gaming experience. Look at GH3: the $90 price point isn't deterring all these "cheap" Wii owners.

Also, there are now (as of September) more Wii owners than x360 owners worldwide, and the gap is widening. That's not a stat HMX (or most anyone) would have predicted when they started developing RB, but now, any development shop would be crazy not to want a piece of that market.

[nicko68]

The Wii wasn't "made to be cheap." It was made to target a different demographic. People who buy the Wii aren't gamers looking for a better deal, they're people looking for a different kind of gaming experience. People in their 30s and 40s (even older); that is, people with money.

This is true. I just don't have the time or interest to sit down and play through one FPS after another (I do have Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime Corruption for my Wii, but I make an exception for Metroid :) ). I'm a casual gamer, I admit it. And GH/RB are casual type of games (which can be taken to a hardcore level if desired).