Is any of that really unique?

Some counter-argument here...

1080p means that the resolution is higher, in general, most people can't even make use of this technology right now, with dependence on this feature relying on a constantly-pushed-back analog TV phase-out date that presently rests somewhere between 2009 and 2010.  For the most prevalent 'resolution' available at this time, and for the pricepoint offered, the Wii does offer a 'modest' step up with 480p offerings apparent in its library.  This alone is a significant resolution offering, and a far larger majority of Televisions in circulation and use can support it, while many cannot support 1080p, or even 1080i or 720p.

If you're going to argue about immersive sound, also be aware that Wii, and many other platforms support Dolby Digital II and it's select modes, as a matter of fact, I'm not really sure about that being an argument at all, as it's not really unique to PS3.

Stating that a system can offer more and increasingly complex AI decisions simply because it has more processing power seems to lack prudence.  AI is only as smart as it's programming, and in a real cost-to-market consideration, sitting down to while away hours programming an AI that would even remotely make use of the PS3 Cell or Wii processors would be...well, effectually 'stupid'.  In most cases, simple AI's are all thats needed, unless you're trying to create a living-breathing virtual-beast of some sort.  Which is well beyond the scope and budget of most gaming companies.

I'm not even sure WHAT you're implying by 'more forms of physics engines working together', a physics engine is programming designed to give real physics to 3D objects in a given environment.  I didn't realise there was 'more than one form', as a physics engine is a physics engine is a physics engine.  Granted the programming can be a little different between them, but I don't see how this wouldn't apply to the Wii, or PS2, Xbox, Gamecube or even the Dreamcast.

"More complex forms of engines can be used" is true.  But at the same time, a double-edged sword.  Yes you can create a more complex engine, but if you watched any of the development information leading up to the release of the PS3, many companies were having difficulties programming on the platform, and doing so cost effectively due to the very 'complexity' you mention there.  Case in point: To unlock your front door, would you rather turn a key, or punch in thirteen security codes, enter a decryption key, swipe an RFID keyfob, and *THEN* turn the key anyhow? No.  "Keep it simple stupid" applies in the engineering world, and that includes software engineering (coincidently, I'm an engineer.)

I can go on and on and poke holes in every argument made there, until your ship is sunk, mostly because of previous experiences with software and hardware (for instance, I'm amused that you mentioned 'decal stay' in there, because really, that's been around on every platform since 3D came into existence.  The duration of time may be different from game to game, system to system, but most people don't even pay attention to decals and destructibility of the environment around them unless they can level whole buildings, or it's related to the plot point or mission of the game to begin with)

To be honest, Nintendo realized that they had to put out a winner this time around.  They realized that the generation between game systems is right around 5 years or so, and they took a strong look available technology here NOW as well as focus groups and why people play games, and not just hardcore gamers, just people.  Why people play games.

The result is two incredibly strong and unfading platforms, the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo Wii, which focus on technology available now; technology availability, simplicity, and the key here "Fun".

I actually have found myself shaking my head and pinching my brow over how gorgeous some games are, and then how horrible the story, sound, and voice acting is. 

For a while there, gaming came down to "Crap.  Pretty Crap.  Very Pretty.  But it still stinks."

And then Nintendo came in and reminded us that we were supposed to be having fun.

-SB

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Posted by Sean Unregistered

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