Best Buy informs pre-orders no Metroid 3 till 2008?
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Mar 13th 2007 at 1:00AM }
Best Buy sent out letters (example above with identifiers removed) to those who pre-ordered Metroid Prime 3: Corruption informing them the status of their pre-order has changed. The pre-order release date is now 12/31/2007. Does Best Buy know something that the rest of us don't, or are they just hedging their bets and protecting themselves by giving an outrageous date? All we know at this point is Metroid is not a Q2 release and it's already been said that the game will be "perfect" at release.
Nintendo does not comment on rumors and speculation. Best Buy currently has 3/15/2007 as the release date on their website, other major retailers in the U.S. and gaming sites are still using 6/1/2007 or later as their placeholder date. We raise one eyebrow and now seek signs of a 2007 Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl release.
[Thanks Zac]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
afraid @ Mar 13th 2007 1:09AM
Full graphics upgrade takes ahwile.
Josh @ Mar 13th 2007 1:11AM
Being an employee at circuit city, I have the same info as best buy would. Dont take that preorder with any truth. Its just internal problems best buy is having.
Daniel @ Mar 13th 2007 1:18AM
We better see Metroid Prime 3 in 07.
That's the primary game I bought my Wii for.
An 08 (or 09 while we're at it) release date would anger me so much.
Wilbur @ Mar 13th 2007 1:20AM
If you havent noticed yet; all the FPS on Wii have been crap. They look and especially control like crap... the Wiimote is simply not responsive, accurate, or precise enough to be used as an FPS type input.
Afterall, fixing a broken control scheme isnt easy.. my bet is that they are scrapping the wiimote and going with the classic controller from this game.. much like smash bros.
Daniel @ Mar 13th 2007 1:28AM
The wiimote definitely has potential, it's just the software that's not up to speed yet.
Elebits plays well enough to be fun, even COD3 isn't too bad.
From the videos of MP3 I've seen, with the expert mode enabled, it looks very controllable indeed. Far better than MP1 and 2.
mushiking @ Mar 13th 2007 1:36AM
ouch...
so that's what? two killer apps Nintendo's going into the fall with? this aint gonna be pretty.
Skippy @ Mar 13th 2007 1:38AM
Do not trust best buy on release dates or any other retailer for that matter. They have no idea what they're talking about, and best buy's website is notorious for putting the wrong release dates anyway.
@4 - Are you insane? The Wii is practically tailor-made for first person shooters. The controls for the FPS released so far suck cause they were either rushed for launch (Red Steel) or shitty ports (Farcry). Call of Duty 3 was even noted for having good control. It would make absolutely no sense for Nintendo to release MP3, a extremely high-profile game, without using the wiimote. Rant over.
Gavin @ Mar 13th 2007 1:42AM
Nintendo would never delay a game.....wait, how long was Zelda Twilight Princess put off for? Oh, yeah. Expect this in 2010.
Shadow Hog @ Mar 13th 2007 1:46AM
"my bet is that they are scrapping the wiimote and going with the classic controller from this game.. much like smash bros."
Shows how much you know: it's never been explicitly stated that the Wii Remote will be incompatible with Brawl, and, in fact, it's very unlikely for that to even remotely be the case; Nintendo might've had a bad history with making certain hardware purchases necessary to play some games (eg: FF: Crystal Chronicles), but they wouldn't be stupid enough to force people to get entirely new controllers just to play what's bound to be one of their biggest sellers.
I've not played first-person shooters on the Wii, but it's not like we have too many options right now: Red Steel, Far Cry and Call of Duty. The former two are the ones with the widely-panned control scheme problems (and they're both Ubisoft, if it matters); CoD3 was accepted across the board as evidence that the control scheme had merit, but lacked multiplayer, which generally lowered its scores. That, in addition to the many comments that those who played MP3 at whatever trade shows it was shown at (E3 2006, at the very least) have claimed that it felt really intuitive leads me to believe that no, they AREN'T removing that control scheme from the fray; otherwise, that goes against Nintendo's whole "reinvent the game" spiel.
J @ Mar 13th 2007 1:55AM
"If you havent noticed yet; all the FPS on Wii have been crap. They look and especially control like crap... the Wiimote is simply not responsive, accurate, or precise enough to be used as an FPS type input."
- Call of Duty 3 aren't really crap. The controls were awesome. The Wiimote is very responsive and beats the snot out of analog control any day. I am sorry sir but you are totally wrong on this one. Its not gonna be like the light zapper (although they probably could calibrate it to operate as so). Its not like you point and aim. But it was very responsive in my opinion. I simply don't want to go back to analog for FPS games. And as for MP3, with online, hopefully no friend/wii codes (which by the way no one knows if this will happen or how), and multiple playing modes, I think most players will be pretty happy. I am looking forward to this title very much and I am really hoping for online as long as it doesn't take away from the game itself.
"Afterall, fixing a broken control scheme isnt easy.. my bet is that they are scrapping the wiimote and going with the classic controller from this game.. much like smash bros."
Wow.... just wow..... cause if I invested a huge sum of money into a console touting the wiimote as its main advantage point, I could see why they would scrap it. I mean who wouldn't wanna throw millions of dollars down the toilet to prove them selves a failure. No my friend... its not ever going to happen. And the wii remote works great for FPS games.
Posted at 1:20AM on Mar 13th 2007 by Wilbur
Kevin @ Mar 13th 2007 2:04AM
Best Buy's release dates have never really been too accurate.
Non-biter @ Mar 13th 2007 2:08AM
Matt over at IGN went hands on with MP3 at E-3 2006 and although in it's infancy Matt was very impressed with the Expert Mode and went on to say that MP3 will set the standards for FPS's on the Wii console. Sony fans, go dust off those PS3's in the videogame section. Either that or forget how you hated 360 and continue to push on with you're PS360 FTW. Liars...
Seroth @ Mar 13th 2007 2:14AM
Heh...remember when this game was supposed to be a launch game? I had no interest in Twilight Princess until Metroid Prime 3 was dropped from launch. That was/is THE game I wanted on the Wii.
Cuja @ Mar 13th 2007 2:19AM
Totally disagree with you on COD3. It had major vertigo problems that would take you for a spin if you even move the reticule slightly off center. Red Steel had the best controls among the 3, but still flawed. Every shooter should have camera movement in relation to the Wiimote's pointer (COD3), but map a button to hold for precise targetting of the reticule within the camera view (ala Red Steel). Red Steel camera didn't move till you got the reticule (pointer) out to the edge of the camera view. It was more stable, but slower.
Miles @ Mar 13th 2007 2:20AM
I know places like Best Buy and CC have crappy release lists, but is it really crazy to believe that Nintendo will miss a release date? And as far as FPS goes on the Wii , the hit detection radius around enemies has to be really big or have some crappy auto -lock to be worth playing. And since Metroid is gonna use the auto-lock it should be fine. If not boring.
Borat @ Mar 13th 2007 2:27AM
Dammit Nintendo we need this game by August.
It seems like Galaxy is definitely coming out this year, but I think either MP3 or Smash Bros. are going to come out next year.
jchensor @ Mar 13th 2007 2:30AM
Here is my question: what's the general concensus on the controls for Elebits? Don't tell me anyone here believes this game is anything other than an FPS.
I own the game, and the controls are all right, I have no complaints and I don't feel like it's the greatest thing ever. But then again, I don't play FPS's (on 360 or PCs), so I really have no point of reference. I'm mostly just curious to see how Elebits fits in the Red Steel/Call of Duty/Far Cry tiering of FPS controls in the opinions of those who have played Elebits and any of the others.
tmmoore_nc @ Mar 13th 2007 2:44AM
I think a good Wii FPS needs...
- 2 Bounding boxes/ovals. If you go outside of those ovals you turn quicker depending on which oval you leave. A top move would turn you 180 degrees, while a down move would put you on your back.
- Quick/Limited gun changes. Limit your guns to 2, or stackables like MP3. This way you don't really need to change much.
- Motion-control Reload. Think about it.
mark @ Mar 13th 2007 2:44AM
I work at Best Buy and I can assure you if we knew something, I'd have already told you lol. It's just a laceholder date to save our asses so no one comes in saying we told them the game was coming out on xx/xx/xxxx but really came out on yy/yy/yyyy. That reminds me of the Zelda preorder... *shivers*
dw @ Mar 13th 2007 2:53AM
honestly i think most of the big games there just saving for the holiday season come oct/nov all those 6/1 dates im sure will change ,they always seem to in years past with stuff
Squeek @ Mar 13th 2007 3:12AM
If you're considering FPS, you might as well consider every game that uses a pointer 100% of the time as well. It's pretty much the same concept after all.
First, note Elebits is everything an FPS needs to be called an FPS, and it's leagues ahead of those other three games and the controls are very solid. Not only that, but it's a third-party game and was a launch title for Japan.
You can also throw in Zelda's FPS-perspective when using most of the items in the game. Those controls were pretty good as well. I much prefer that to the classic analog stick aiming, personally. The transition from remote-only to pointer was difficult at times, but once you got used to the fairy on-screen being your pointer, you got the hang of switching back and forth easily.
Second, to add to my point of pointer-oriented games, Trauma Center also controlled very, very well. It was also a launch title.
That being said, I highly doubt Metroid Prime 3 will have clunky controls, and I also doubt it'll have more than one control scheme. Finally, I doubt it'll come out in 2008.
MysticX @ Mar 13th 2007 4:08AM
This is probably only due to the fact that the original release date was 15/3 so they were just making sure that the game is not coming out this week. And setting the date to 31/12 since they have no idea when it will be out.
But nonetheless I want my Metroid Prime 3.
silkylove @ Mar 13th 2007 5:24AM
To all those who say that the Wii controls are no good for a FPS,
The controls in Monkey Wars(a mini game in Super Monkey Ball for the Wii) are excellent and fun. They are responsive, intuitive and there's no delay. I can run in all directions, jump and aim in all directions all at the same time with ease. I can switch weapons and throw grenades. If sega can nail FPS controls in a mini game then I'm sure that a developer can get it right in a full game. Developers for the launch FPSs just bungled it.
Jack of No Trades @ Mar 13th 2007 8:24AM
It will be out on the Wii2 as a port with tacked-on virtual visor controls.
Jake @ Mar 13th 2007 8:24AM
The first game to make me consider purchasing a Wii. (have Zelda on GC) I think once it and Mario are out, I might make my move.
tehArtist @ Mar 13th 2007 8:34AM
I can handle a delay with some of the 3rd party games coming.
I'm interested in Project H.A.M.M.E.R. when the hell is that game coming out?
baby sea tuna @ Mar 13th 2007 8:53AM
Seriously, if true, this should not be a surprise to anyone.
Jack of No Trades @ Mar 13th 2007 9:03AM
Nintendo knows that their 1st party titles are the only real sellers. So by spacing out 4 titles over 6 years keeps the fans somewhat happy and alows them not to be so creative.
Kenny @ Mar 13th 2007 10:22AM
Most retailers only get about a 2 month advance warning on street dates so they can make their pre-orders. This stuff is usually kept quiet amongst all industries (Games, music, movies). Nintendo is notorious for keeping street dates secret til the last minute. The Wii itself was announced less than 2 months before launch. Super Paper Mario was announced less than 2 months before launch.
This is how it's done.
And the Wii-mote works fine. Some of the games just don't work fine. This is evident in how the wii-mote seems very responsive in some games and not in others.
It's also a user-controlled experience. Some people aren't used to the controls and either wild over compensate or don't do enough.
aegies @ Mar 13th 2007 11:04AM
http://www.eat-sleep-game.com/news/2007/02/23/the-real-reason-for-the-delay-of-metroid-prime-3/
It isn't out yet because they haven't figured out how to make the controls work as responsively as Nintendo is demanding they be. Metroid Prime 3 is the ultimate proving ground for an incredibly popular game type on the system, and despite what Matt Cassamasina says, everyone else, including Nintendo QA, thought the controls were shit. So it was delayed. And now Reggie has essentially put the brunt of pressure for setting the standard for fast paced online play on the title as well. With the problems they're having and the pressure Nintendo is putting on Retro, it's looking more like we'll be lucky to see it this year.
And the Director for Smash Bros Brawl has been repeatedly quoted saying people shouldn't "throw away their gamecube controllers" in anticipation of Brawl, and that he's more concerned with solid reliable control than, we'll say innovative control. And Nintendo can't risk that kind of title controlling like crap, or even having controls that work that die hard Smash Bros fans don't like. It's too important for them and too dependent on control. After all, Melee was the best selling gamecube title.
Liqwid @ Mar 13th 2007 11:16AM
Best Buy, in my own experience, has been known to be full of idiots and ignorant minds.
If you want real information, listen to Nintendo. OH! That's right, they haven't announced anything about a change date. If they did, we would know. It would be on Nintendo.com.
bighit24 @ Mar 13th 2007 11:18AM
Let's face it folks, Wii sucks for FPS. If you want FPS, play PC or 360 as this year is THE year for FPS on 360...for several reasons, one of which is so obvious, I will not say its name. But yeah, my roomie has Zelda, Wii Sports, and Red Steel. He never plays Zelda because it is so long to get into, Red Steel sucks because the Wii mote sensitivity and interaction is so crappy it is not fun, so all we ever play is Wii sports. I am sorry. I had high hopes for the Wii, but unless they actually make online multiplayer games good and easy to get into (friend codes suck) and come out with some AAA titles more often instead of long droughts, the Wii is headed to be in the same posistion as the GameCube and N64. Nintendo just never ever learns. Each day that passes it looks more and more like its predecessors with its problems.
a dirty bastard @ Mar 13th 2007 12:13PM
i agree wit 32 its not a good look 4 nintendo
Squeek @ Mar 13th 2007 12:12PM
If Red Steel is the only FPS you've played for Wii, then of course your view is going to be skewed. Red Steel's controls were horrible, even after the incredibly steep learning curve set in. Took maybe two hours for me to fully grasp them.
Granted, once I did, the game was significantly more fun. Nothing spectacular, but it was certainly not a waste of my money.
What I'm getting at here is that Wii is a heck of a lot better for FPS than an analogue stick will ever be. Gears is probably amazing, but I'll never play it because it uses a joystick (and it's on a console that is out of my price range). That, and it's probably coming out for PC eventually.
I'll give you that PCs are most definitely the best for FPS titles, but don't discredit the Wii based on Red Steel alone. If you really want to see what an FPS can be on the Wii, play Elebits.
mark @ Mar 13th 2007 3:12PM
"Best Buy, in my own experience, has been known to be full of idiots and ignorant minds.
If you want real information, listen to Nintendo. OH! That's right, they haven't announced anything about a change date. If they did, we would know. It would be on Nintendo.com."
I'll restate what I said earlier...
THIS IS NOT BEST BUY CONFIRMING A DATE OF 2008! MAYBE BIGGER LETTERS WILL GRAB YOUR ATTENTION BETTER. IT IS SIMPLY PROTECTING BEST BUY'S COLLECTIVE ASSES BECAUSE OUR PREVIOUS RELEASE DATE FOR MP3 WAS IN 2 DAYS. ALSO, BECAUSE THERE IS NO OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE ON NINTENDO.COM AND WE KNOW IT WILL BE OUT IN 2007, WE PICKED THE LATEST POSSIBLE DATE. *shock* 12/31/07.
Now who's the idiot and the ignorant one?
David @ Mar 13th 2007 3:38PM
Nintendo has a huge list of games they have shown off but none of them have a release date within the next 4 months. Wheres BW2, Mario Soccer 2? MP3 and SSB:B were supposed to be launch titles.
And Daniel you are a dumbass. if MP3 was the main reason you bought a Wii why not wait until MP3 comes out to buy the Wii?
Mr Khan @ Mar 13th 2007 4:12PM
Mark hit the nail on the head
It's just a Placeholder date, people
This placeholder date has been on MP3's IGN page for, pretty much ever since the game was announced
And i never heard anyone complain about the MP3 controls, of course Cassemassina praised them (he's a bit of a black sheep, though) but other mediums seemed to praise them too
I found Red Steels controls to work fine, the nunchuck could've been a bit more responsive, but it was fine otherwise, unless i stood up or sat down while moving around, then it went batshit crazy for a few seconds. The point was, on high sensitivity, movement felt very natural
Ben @ Mar 13th 2007 4:55PM
I work for Best Buy, and a) Circuit City boy, (#2) you company is the one about to go about of business so I would be worried about your own internal problems, and b) 12/31/20XX is always used as a meaningless placeholder date within Best Buy. When we don't know the release date of a CD, it will be placed in our system as being released 12/31/2039 or something ridiculous like that. All that means is that while Best Buy does not know the exact date, we do know that it will not be any time soon, and will likely come in Q4 2007 or later.
Luke @ Mar 13th 2007 6:50PM
Personally, I don't care when its released because i havent even got to beat MP1 and MP2 lol!
Revo @ Mar 13th 2007 7:21PM
"28. Nintendo knows that their 1st party titles are the only real sellers. So by spacing out 4 titles over 6 years keeps the fans somewhat happy and alows them not to be so creative."
Okay, that's a load of crap. You seem to be referring to Zelda, Galaxy, Brawl, and Corruption, but as of right now they're all coming out a year apart from one another. If you actually think one of the latter three will be delayed for five years, you're flat-out insane. If you just made up "4 titles over 6 years" as a meaningless derogatory comment off the top of your head, I suggest you think before you speak next time.
As for creativity... hm, I guess you're right, Nintendo never comes up with anything new. It's not as though new IPs like Project HAMMER, Disaster: Day of Crisis, and Forever Blue actually exist or anything...
Adam @ Mar 17th 2007 2:48PM
I'm gonna have to go ahead and type an old quote by Miyamoto: "A delayed game is eventually good, a bad game is bad forever"
Nintendo has delayed several games in the past, which sets them apart from the other companies, when they delay a game, that game is phenomenal. Look at games like DBZ Budokai 3, it was rushed, the delayed version released only in Japan had several new characters and items added.
Nintendo ALWAYS makes sure it's worth the wait.