Press Pause 7.30.07: You & Mii
Posted by Cory Moore on 07.30.2007
Who knew limbless, animated characters would be this appealing?
A few weeks back, I was really excited to pick up The BIGS for the Wii. I've never been an avid fan of baseball, but I've always loved playing arcade-style games regardless of the sport. I was intrigued by the twist 2K Sports would take with America's favorite pastime and decided to buy it while my best friend was over. So we popped it in, played it for a few minutes, and things went south from there. I was hoping he'd love the fast-paced style just as much as I did. Not so, as it turns out. While I was getting the hang of it, I could tell he was lost. The connection just wasn't there. A few days later, he told me he enjoyed the "animated goofy baseball game" more thanks to "easier controls" and the "way we all look so silly." I guess it's because I value his opinion more than others I know, but his reaction caught my attention.
If there is a single game that embodies the Wii's success so far, it is Wii Sports. Without a question. It's not uncommon for a system to have a signature game, but Wii Sports is a new kind of monster. A lot of people have hyped up the system's motion controls, but I think there is a more powerful x-factor that sucks us in more subtly. I'm talking about the concoction that is known simply as…the Mii.
You & Mii A Closer Look at One of the Wii's Unique Features
User-created characters are nothing new in video games; the concept has been utilized for years. Some RPGs, such as Final Fantasy, allow gamers to input their names to identify more closely with the main characters. Sports games have allowed gamers to create their own legacy in the virtual arena, even when that scrawny couch potato would never be caught competing in anything that requires a jockstrap. Perhaps the most notable of them all, The Sims gave new meaning to tailoring a game to your personal preferences.
With the Wii, Nintendo has taken customization to the next level. Gamers are encouraged to create a "Mii," animated alter egos that can resemble you, your best friends, your favorite celebrities, and so on. Casual and traditional gamers alike can identify with the simple creations because the process' point-and-click method is relatively simple to use, yet the creative options are quite robust. Right now, there are only a few Wii features that utilize the Miis. There's the main channel to create your Mii and swap your characters with friends through e-mail. Then there is the Everybody Votes Channel, the Wii's glorified polling booth. The most attractive option of them all, of course, is Wii Sports…
More than Just Swinging a Remote?
As I said before, I think Wii Sports' motion controls are overrated. Are the controls a necessary part of the package? Yes. But I'd argue that the Miis are just as vital to the experience. Because the characters represent their creators, gamers develop a relationship with them. It sounds corny, but it's true. As you compete in Wii Sports, YOU control YOUR alter ego. The Mii statistics fluctuate depending on your performance. It is human nature to compete, and proving your Mii can hang with the big boys only heightens that desire. Plus, it's always fun – or, for the loser, frustrating – to see the smirks on the characters' faces after spanking your opponent in a heated boxing match. That didn't sound right, did it?
There is no doubt Wii Sports has set the bar high. The experience is so engaging that third party titles are finding it hard to compete with the pack-in game. Sure, most of them aren't worth picking up anyway, but even some great choices are playing second fiddle in the eyes of the casual gamer. Going back to what inspired me to write on the topic, the comparison of The BIGS and Wii Sports is a perfect example of this disconnect. The BIGS may have a slightly steeper learning curve than Wii Sports, but for the most part, they are very similar control-wise. Yet, my friend still got bored with The BIGS after five minutes. He isn't the only one who has shied away from playing non-Mii titles, either. When I showed another pair of friends Elebits, they yawned and said, "Let's just play Wii Sports." Wii Sports over capturing little critters with a laser vacuum!? Really!?
These observations have led me to believe that gamers (casual more than "hardcore," of course) are so intrigued by Mii games that they have a tendency to shut out just about everything else. It's like when you're working outside all day without a drink; you want that Gatorade at any cost. Wii gamers want more Mii games. Yet instead of giving us a wealth of titles, Nintendo basically says, "YOU must wait patiently because Wii will force you to!" Newsflash, boys: Gamers aren't patient. Mainstream coverage may still be in love with the Wii, but the gaming media has already begun strolling down the critical road. I love the system to death and even I'll tell you the focus on Wii Sports is ridiculously short sighted. But for once, Nintendo could hold the entire fate of its system in its own hands. Does it sound outrageous? Sure, but it may not be as outlandish as you may think…
Help Mii Out!
The first area Nintendo needs to focus on – of course – is producing more games featuring the Miis. Wii Sports was a great game to set the foundation and give us a taste of what a Mii can add to a game. But I'm not alone when I say I want more depth. For Wii Baseball, expand the game to feature outfield action and more innings. Add combo maneuvers in Wii Boxing. Adapt the sports of basketball, (American) football, and soccer. And if it means packaging in two-game bundles, so be it. If executed right, a lot of people would be willing to pay $40-50 for online-enabled editions of any combination of those two games. With a little effort, the Mii parade can extend beyond the sports avenue, too. Wii Music already looks awesome. Wii Fit has promise. How about a game show competition, too? Think of how fun it would be to compete against other people in a Mii-induced Wheel of Fortune! With WiiWare debuting very soon, the mini-game possibilities are endless.
The Wii's user channels are some of the system's most unique features, too, so Nintendo can work with integrating more Mii content in those as well. First, I'd like to see an upgrade to the Mii Channel that lets advanced users go beyond basic customization for their virtual alter egos. Individual personalities and tendencies would make the gamer feel even more connected with his or her character. Since MySpace is all the rage, why not incorporate some of its features for the Wii? How about being able to set your Mii's status, ranking your top friends, and the like? Furthermore, I'd love to see an expanded Mii Lobby. The Playstation Home has the right idea by allowing you to roam around different areas and interacting with other users that are online. Nintendo could design a town environment similar to Animal Crossing. If they're worried about kids' safety, just implement a parental controls feature. It wouldn't be that difficult. Even if they sold it on the Wii Shop Channel, I think gamers would greatly appreciate a feature that would make it easier to meet people around the world.
The discussion brings us back to the separation of first and third party products, though. Right now, Wii Sports alone is killing the majority of third party games. So, how will more Mii games help, you ask? My theory is if Nintendo provides us with what we want, casual gamers will treat the Wii like a buffet. They'll feast on Mii games as a starter and gobble up Mario games for dinner. Just as they are satisfied and before they get full, though, they'll saunter over to the dessert table to get their money's worth. The dessert in this case would be the third party titles. Of course, these titles would need to be fresh and attractive, but with the system's capabilities, those objectives shouldn't be that difficult to achieve. In the end, everyone has a good time. Right?
Now, let's pause and reflect on today's topic…
• The Mii is one of the main selling points of the Wii.
• Wii Sports is still kicking butt and taking names…but third party titles are taking the brunt of the beating.
• If Nintendo produces more Mii games and third party developers step up their game, the supply and demand ‘issue' could be balanced out and everyone would win!
Musing of the Week
Mario Strikers Charged comes out this week! WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO! If any one wants to take your shot online, e-mail me and we'll do the thang.
Feedback, debate and comments are always welcome! As usual, I'll be back next week with my token analysis of issues in the gaming industry. Until next time…peace.
