Wii-osk in action at Gamestop
We visited a Gamestop in California last night, only to find a darkened Wii kiosk, which was very sad. Although it was almost made up for after we found a Gears of War console case, that thing is just flippin' sweet. Anyhow, digression aside, we asked the guy behind the counter when the Wii would be switched on, and he said "We need an ID." Stupid us replied with, "Oh, so someone from Nintendo has to come out and set it up? When will that happen?" And he said, "Uh ... no, dude. I need your ID." Clearly, we be geniuses.
So we handed over our IDs and a major credit card (what's a minor credit card these days? Discover? Diner's Club?) and were handed two Wii-motes. He fired the system up and left us to it. They hold on to your plastic to make sure you don't run down the street laughing with their hardware in hand. The only game they had on display was Excite Truck, but we had a blast playing it and literally everyone in the store, which was oddly packed for a Sunday night, came over to watch us play.
Quote of the minute from the whole experience by two teenage bystanders:
Guy #1 -- "Dude, those graphics don't look that good ..."
Guy #2 -- "Are you kiddin'? They look pretty good to me, and check out the badass controllers!"
We assume he meant the Wii-motes and not us. Check out pix and video after the jump.
Excite Truck as exciting as it can be.
The dark Wii-osk made us sad at first, although the Xbox 360 was getting a lot of attention. It had a working Xbox Vision Camera attached at upper left, and some folks were goofing around with it.
Closeup of the Wii-osk. The Zelda ad on the right had a small tag on it that says "To: Link, From: Zelda -- HELLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!!" Nice touch.
This sad little sign was awkwardly taped underneath.
They had a whole wall dedicated to the Wii, and game boxes scattered throughout the store. The poster was pretty rad as well.
The Wii menu screens are really simple and cartoonish. A monkey could probably navigate them easily. Luckily, we figured it out too.
Sure it's not brimming with cutting edge graphics that will blow your pants off, but the controller and fun were definitely next-gen. Wii enjoyed.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Adam @ Nov 6th 2006 10:39AM
The controls look pretty tight in the video. It doesn't seem like the guy playing has much trouble steering the truck with the motion sensor. Pretty cool.
benjamin @ Nov 6th 2006 10:41AM
"We need an ID."
An ID? I'd give them my Walmart Cookie Club card, since, you know, they didn't specify what ID they wanted.
Chris @ Nov 6th 2006 10:45AM
I played it at my local Gamestop and din't need an ID or credit card to play, the guy on duty just handed me the wiimote.
It was a lot of fun. Kind of like Burnout. But it was really responsive, I was surprised. It felt natural too. I think it is a better way to play racing games.
@ Nov 6th 2006 10:45AM
Soo, can you bring your own wiimote and use the demo station without giving them your ID. (maybe thats why the machines are off?)
diego @ Nov 6th 2006 10:47AM
I think ExciteBike would have been a better choice, with them INCLUDING Trucks in it. Not making a game based off of trucks alone.
otherwise, it looks ok.
I predict an 8.6 review average
mykie @ Nov 6th 2006 10:50AM
I got to play, too.
Found myself overcompensating while gesturing my moves, but once I figured it out, all was well and there was almost a direct link between my brain and my on-screen truck.
Also, I was thrown a bit by the sound effects that came from between my hands, most likely because I'm not used to hearing sounds from that direction.
Finally, I messed around with the Wii's internal menus, played with the Mii creator. I must say, the rumble is definitely there, most people say the rumble is weak, but using the Mii creator demonstrated just how strong it is. My hands were tingling!
riskbreaker @ Nov 6th 2006 11:00AM
i hope my gamestop and/or eb gets it soon
nootau @ Nov 6th 2006 11:10AM
@ mykie
When i played it at the Nintendo Fusion tour, i felt the same way. It was really interesting, the controller was so sensitive that, once you got the hang of it, you were able to control the thing just by thinking...it really didnt feel like you were using a controller. The motions needed were very subtle. Its a very unique experience.
The only negative (a VERY small negative) is I think the Wiimote is missing some kind of "shoulder" buttons when you turn it sideways. It would make the experience so much more responsive than having to reach a bit and press "A" for things.
Pimliconite @ Nov 6th 2006 11:17AM
Guy #1 -- "Dude, those graphics don't look that good ..."
Guy #2 -- "Are you kiddin'? They look pretty good to me, and check out the badass controllers!"
I've never seen it summed up with such concise brevity.
crono141 @ Nov 6th 2006 11:18AM
My local store is getting theirs on the 13th, 1 week from today.
Apoklypse @ Nov 6th 2006 11:28AM
"4. Soo, can you bring your own wiimote and use the demo station without giving them your ID. (maybe thats why the machines are off?)
Posted at 10:45AM on Nov 6th 2006 by >"
Only in theory... there a "synchro" (sp?) button under the SD card flap that you have to push in conjunction with the "Synchro" button under the battery cover for the Wiimote to link the system and controller.
So... I still can't figure out why they just don't leave it on.
Erik Novak @ Nov 6th 2006 11:30AM
Funny, my experience was more like "wow, the graphics suck, but the controller is pretty cool."
As for my experience, it made me take Excitetruck off of my Gamefly rental list. The game looks like ass and steering w/ the Wiimote didn't add that much to the experience.
Plus, the game barely hit 30 fps. Felt like I was playing N64 again.
So yeah, Excitetruck is pretty asstacular, but I'll still be interestied in games like Zelda and Dragon Quest Swords.
Ombre @ Nov 6th 2006 11:32AM
See, when I took pics and videos of the kiosk getting set up, I got a call from my manager saying that both Nintendo and Gamestop HQ demand that I take the videos down. I'm probably going to wind up getting fired for it. Maybe it's because I showed the Wii Start-Up disc (yes it does exist).
midwat @ Nov 6th 2006 11:33AM
Will you guys be calling Playstation kiosks PS3-osks? Or, better yet, 3-osks?
Sonic @ Nov 6th 2006 11:37AM
I played it on Friday when they got them in at a store near me. I held it in my hand and it just felt right, but I'm no one to judge, all Nintendo/Sega controllers have felt perfect upon first touch.
As I was playing it everyone that went by stopped for a second and watched it despite just talking about some other system. The biggest question was if it was accurate. The second comment was that the graphics don't look as bad as they were saying. Most people didn't want to play it yet, just watch but that was mostly that they didn't want Gamestop to take their wallets.
Regardless of how much fun Excite Truck was the controllers responsiveness only excited me for the possibilities that the Wiimote will have in the future.
LedRush @ Nov 6th 2006 11:42AM
I call BS on #13. The graphics are very good compared to this gen, not very good compared to nex gen. The game plays at a consistent framerate, and it controls and feels good. I played this twice a month ago at NWS and once again yesterday, and the game is a keeper. It will be fun for you to play through once or twice, and it will be an awesome game to play with friends when they come over. Good (not great) graphics, high speed, huge jumps, intuitive controller (so it's not like PGR or GT (if you haven't played before, you'll get killed for hours before you can compete)). This will be a launch day purchase for me.
I doubt that #13 played the game. Even if he did, I doubt his objectivity on the matter.
adam @ Nov 6th 2006 11:52AM
anybody know the model number of the TV used for the kiosk? I looked but couldn't find one :(
Nick @ Nov 6th 2006 11:53AM
I work for Gamestop and we're here in the center of Oklahoma, getting less attention that anyone. We're supposed to get our TODAY, but I wouldn't hold your breath, but I would expect Wii Kiosks in most gamestops by Friday.
Steve @ Nov 6th 2006 11:55AM
Could you tell if the kiosk was using component video cables? I've noticed from the various GCN kiosks I've tried that I get the same
Guy #1 -- "Dude, those graphics don't look that good ..."
reaction but never when I played my GCN at home. I recently connected a second GCN to my home system which is one of the newer crippled models missing the component video output and noticed the graphics looked bad. I had both GCNs connected playing the same game, one set to progressive scan and the other using the old composite video, set my TV to pip mode (60" set so both pips were still massive) and the progressive scan version was clearly superior to the other one.
Since Nintendo's still anti-HDTV they're continuing to make these cables difficult to obtain, so I'm curious if Nintendo will stubbornly use composite or S-Video for the kiosks.
Duscrom @ Nov 6th 2006 11:56AM
He did play the game, I was standing next to him. I felt the controller was way too sensitive personally... But i couldn't tell the difference in graphics, being way too near sighted. Which sucks as the Wii may end up being unplayable for that reason.
@ Nov 6th 2006 11:57AM
The $5k question is: can this novelty last more than the 5 minutes you spent at the kiosk?
Josh @ Nov 6th 2006 11:58AM
This sucks. I don't have a credit card. All I have is my school ID, since I don't even have a real driver's license yet. How am I supposed to play?
Firegirl @ Nov 6th 2006 12:13PM
My local stores didn't have them fully set up yet when I went. I will have to go back when they are to check out the Wiimote I've been dying to get my hands on!
pinsleric @ Nov 6th 2006 12:14PM
@23. "This sucks. I don't have a credit card. All I have is my school ID, since I don't even have a real driver's license yet. How am I supposed to play?"
You can't. I went in there yesterday and tried to give the guy my school ID, but he wouldn't take it...
Give me Stars or Give me Death! @ Nov 6th 2006 12:15PM
Oh look, it's >. Apparently the "novelty" of you being able to post your bullshit opinion on blogs hasn't worn off yet and I personally think the Wii has much more intrinsic value than reading the aimless bitchings of a fourteen year old, so yes, it will last more than 5 minutes. But let me also answer your question with a couple of questions. Do you have a stupid post quota that you have to reach every day? Do you ever think up any idiotic thoughts that you don't type?
Daniel @ Nov 6th 2006 12:15PM
Why didn't cha show any video or pics of all the people watching you in the store?! I'd love to see that!
pocketmnky @ Nov 6th 2006 1:09PM
I called around and found one set up here in Southern California and when I got there it was surrounded by little kids who wanted to play but lacked a credit card; so ZOING I got to play for like 20 minutes, both with Excite Truck and with the Menu stuff (like Mii channel). I loved the speaker in the remote and the vibration was very nice. I even tryed rotating the remote foward and back (while in steering wheel postion so that the buttons were facing the screen or even the floor) to see if it changed the direction that would register a left turn or right turn but it was always the same.
Rootbeer @ Nov 6th 2006 1:30PM
The $5k question is: can this novelty last more than the 5 minutes you spent at the kiosk?
That's a $300 question, tops.
Galls @ Nov 6th 2006 1:52PM
I tried out the Wii at gamestop when I preordered the Halo 3 whore edition. It was surprisingly not a gimicky control system and I was relieved.
I had to hand the prick behind the counter my keys even though he has over $140 in pre orders from me. I kept on having some women bug me asking me for a review, I had no clue what to say but it seems her little kid demanded the system lol.
themikey @ Nov 6th 2006 1:55PM
@ 17
It should be Samsung's LN-S3241, a pretty decent LCD set, but go for the 51 models instead. They're a better TV.
Cheers!
Robert Jung @ Nov 6th 2006 2:07PM
"The $5k question is: can this novelty last more than the 5 minutes you spent at the kiosk?"
Why not ask the game journalists who were playing Twilight Princess for two days at NoA HQ? Or are you too busy trolling to Google that?
--R.J.
NoBullet @ Nov 6th 2006 2:07PM
Which city in So Cal have them? Ive been to 3 EB/GS and none of them have a kiosk.
gamerx @ Nov 6th 2006 2:15PM
ZOMFG teh Wii on an HDTV?! it looks so crappy cuz its not an HD console!! and the SUXORZ GRAPHXX!! Wii is for teh kiddies!!11!
/end sarcasm.
@ Nov 6th 2006 2:21PM
"Why not ask the game journalists who were playing Twilight Princess for two days at NoA HQ? Or are you too busy trolling to Google that?"
Umm.. people would play ZTP for that long using the GC controllers if given the chance. Its Zelda; dont you think that a bit different than ETruck?
Guest @ Nov 6th 2006 3:02PM
Omg. How do I know if this is at my Gamestop?
RaDd @ Nov 6th 2006 3:17PM
I played the other night. Looks like its probably hooked up by crappy composite video, instead of the component video which should make it look alot better.
As far as the game, I just gotta say awesome controls, but semi-boring game. Still WAYYY looking forward to other games to come.
striderhayasa @ Nov 6th 2006 3:22PM
People...the sign...why do you not remember the sign upon entering Joystiq...
"DON'T FEED THE TROLLS"
"They are a troublesome, dimwitted lot. Please for our peace of mind. Do not feed them. They multiply and are damn hard to get rid of."
I'm considering ExciteTruck along with my TonyHawk, Zelda and Red Steel Purchases. The number of tracks and the track length are my main concerns...
eric j. @ Nov 6th 2006 3:34PM
Excite truck is sweet eh? i jsut jammed this at the Fusion tour(got in free!) it was the only full game they had to play besides warioware. I'm really surprised how much i enjoyed it! The controls felt solid and i had a great time dodging all the trees in the level. crashes were good with that ability to speed up your on track relocation. my favorite part about excite truck was the small "!" icons that you would hit with your truck cauing the land to shift beneth you. in most cases shifting a huge jump infront of you reveling some sweet rings to turbo jump through. in others it would collapse the land into the ocean and you would be forced to drive on a bar of sand or sink into the ocean. Excite truck didn't have me interested before i played it. but now i'm thinking about adding it to my launch purchase. think i'll have to go find a Kiosk to jam some more!
Chase @ Nov 6th 2006 3:46PM
I played it at the seattle gamestop. The game was bad but the controller was pretty cool. I just didn;t like the game all that much.
Agrajag @ Nov 6th 2006 3:55PM
Duscrom, >, and Erik Novak all in one comments page. Solid win.
crono141 @ Nov 6th 2006 3:57PM
Excite Truck is going on the Christmas list. As is raving rabids, and just about every other Wii game, minus licensed crap.
iEnigma @ Nov 6th 2006 4:37PM
I find it amazing at the number of Wii-boys attacking commenters for discussing the Wii's inferior graphics. Graphics, like controls, are part of the next-gen EXPERIENCE. You wouldn't be content with N64 graphics in 2006, would you? Although graphics are less important than gameplay, they're still important.
Speaking of gameplay, I'm an 360 owner who is considering purchasing a Wii, but I'm still very skeptical of the new controller. I do think that it's loaded with potential, but it is a downer that the Wii doesn't do 720p (odd, because the # of people going HD is increasing). I am also concerned that the only great games will come from Nintendo, like on the GCN. Even then, is the controller only a novelty? If I could rent one or play a friend's for an hour, perhaps my questions would be answered.
PS: I'm not trying to hate here, just voicing my concerns. Also, I've tried to make an accurate comparison of 360 vs Wii on a SDTV. Link: http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3015/gearszeldaod8.jpg
MrD @ Nov 6th 2006 4:51PM
21. "The $5k question is: can this novelty last more than the 5 minutes you spent at the kiosk?"
And the $5k answer is: Yes. Journalists spent 10 hours with Zelda, and they lauded that version over the Gamecube version.
MrD @ Nov 6th 2006 4:55PM
Now pay up.
Galls @ Nov 6th 2006 4:57PM
Ombre! You know who this is.
We are all amazed at how DUMB that was, you have not even started training for the job yet. I guess you will always be a nintendo fanboy first, and need money for food second.
Steven I. @ Nov 6th 2006 5:19PM
Do you think they'll let me play if i let them hold onto my house keys as collateral?
Mr. Khan @ Nov 6th 2006 5:25PM
iEnigma:
They don't look too far off in comparison, the textures/lighting look even, and the polygon count on the Wii is only noticeably lower (although that shot of GoW is FMV, whereas that shot of Zelda is real-time gfx, a shot of real GoW gameplay might help, better comparison)
And never play a console without trying it first, i thought people knew that...
gamerx @ Nov 6th 2006 5:30PM
iEnigma, good effort with the comparison pic. u might want to get rid of the simulated lines though, as the Wii does support 480p. Also, i think a pic comparison of a cross platform game would be more accurate, such as Marvel Ultimate Alliance.
iEnigma @ Nov 6th 2006 5:30PM
@ Mr. Khan:
You're right, I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but $250 doesn't make for an impulse buy, or a buy based on 20 minutes of playtime at my local Gamestop. Also, I believe that GoW's movies use the in-game engine, so my image isn't Killzone 2 trailer stuff. (Correct me if I'm wrong).
Snorri @ Nov 6th 2006 6:10PM
Why is the light off while he's playing?