Rogue Squadron developer, Factor 5 working on Wii

by Christopher Grant { Jan 14th 2008 at 9:15PM }

Factor 5 – the once-fondly remembered studio responsible for the popular Rogue Squadron series back in the good ol' Gamecube days – is working on an all new Wii project after their first PS3 outing failed to find an audience. Even though Factor 5's Gamecube releases graphically outshine almost every Wii release to date, we're heartened to read that their Wii project is not going to be powered by their existing Rogue Squadron tech, instead opting for a "significantly updated" or even completely new engine. Now, what that fancy new technology is going to be used for is anyone's guess. As long as it's got a tow cable lying level, we'll be there.

[Thanks, Fernando and John]

Tags: BreakingNews, Factor-5

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Spiza @ Jan 14th 2008 9:22PM

Maybe their gamecube and n64 games were good because they got help from nintendo.

mrfong @ Jan 14th 2008 9:25PM

YES! Finally we get a developer on the Wii that is ready to step up to the plate and get out a game on par with Nintendos' titles.

Fatass of Kickassness @ Jan 14th 2008 9:27PM

Capcom has been there and done that. They deserve recognition. Its a good thing more devs are stepping up to the plate.

playwhutyalike (kinda digs Manhunt 2) @ Jan 14th 2008 9:32PM

I agree with the both of you. I think Factor 5 is going to push the fuck out of the Wii graphically. Kudos to Capcom also for not being lazy ass bitches.

Dread-not-naught @ Jan 14th 2008 11:07PM

I think we are all forgetting that Factor 5 may not exactly quite have a handle on motion controls. If they couldn't pull of the basic functions on PS3, what makes you all think they are going to do better on the Wii, where motion controls are its main selling point?

upz @ Jan 15th 2008 10:26AM

Hey guys, remember when we hated Factor 5 when they were PS3 developers? Wasn't that funny?

Mr Khan @ Jan 15th 2008 3:52PM

Sonic Team too

Whether you think it sucked or not, Sonic and the Secret Rings was probably the first Wii game that actually pushed the console graphically

Sufs @ Jan 14th 2008 9:34PM

Wow so they decide to follow the money!!! Does anyone remember when they released Lair and trashed the Wii.

"Factor 5, currently developing Lair for the PS3, deemed the Wii a "GameCube 1.5" in reference to its relatively similar technical specifications, also describing the console's audio ability as "relatively mediocre".

Talk about eating your own words, if they had any sense in the first place then they would have know better I guess.

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Jan 14th 2008 10:03PM

Yes, the irony is really f**king hilarious. CHEW IT AND SWALLOW IT FACTOR 5.

...NOW PUKE IT OUT AND EAT IT AGAIN!

playwhutyalike (kinda digs Manhunt 2) @ Jan 14th 2008 10:05PM

Sorry I called you mediocre, wanna make me some money now?

Probot @ Jan 14th 2008 10:06PM

So by making a game for the system, are they somehow changing the tech specs of the console? It still isn't the technologically superior console. And I can't speak for them, but I haven't read anything that said they changed their mind.

However, they have criticized developers for not even getting Wii games look as good as Gamecube games. I hope they are one of the first developers to do so. If they don't, well, then they'd be open to more criticism.

playwhutyalike (kinda digs Manhunt 2) @ Jan 14th 2008 10:13PM

Probot,
Super Mario Galaxy is all the proof I need to know that the Wii can offer more than what devs are willing to give. I'm hoping they come through big time.

Oreo @ Jan 14th 2008 10:49PM

Yes I remember that, they said some asshole things about the GameCube and Nintendo in general while praising the PoS3. Glad to see that they finally smartened up and released that there is no money in making PS3 games.

t_m @ Jan 15th 2008 8:36AM

As I remember they also repeatedly said that the Wii should be able to do MUCH BETTER graphics than its currently doing, and that all the Wii developers were being lazy.

So they obviously felt the system had some merit.

I bet the gc1.5 thing was put in their mouths by some bloggers/journalists trying to bait wii fans..

Armin @ Jan 14th 2008 10:13PM

Didn't Factor 5 diss the Wii just over a year ago, saying that it had weak hardware and that it was going to flop?

At that time, they were bragging about the PS3 and their new project "Lair"... I guess that didn't turn out well for them.

theboy @ Jan 14th 2008 9:36PM

Wasn't Factor 5 the studio that just couldnt stop talking about how much the wii sucked?

"Factor 5, currently developing Lair for the PS3, deemed the Wii a "GameCube 1.5" in reference to its relatively similar technical specifications, also describing the console's audio ability as "relatively mediocre"."

I don't care as long as we get a good game out of it, but pretty funny and hypocritical isnt it hahaha

Faar @ Jan 14th 2008 10:23PM

What about any of those statements are untrue?

The Wii *IS* essentially a Gamecube * 1.5, and the hardware IS mediocre. The gamecube/Wii's hardware was essentially designed in the 90s for chrissakes. Wii has the exact same main and graphics processors as the Gamecube, just clocked 50% faster. (It does have more than 50% additional memory though.)

Stating the truth doesn't mean you're ragging on the system or think that it sucks; only a fanperson who demands worship of the box in every respect would believe such a thing.

Someone from Factor 5, it may or may not have been Eggebrecht or whatsisname, has in fact said quite nice things about the Wii in an interview from a good while back, and slammed devs for not taking the machine seriously. No, I don't have a link to provide; I'm not a walking talking intarweb repository. Use your google-fu if you're curious. :P

ThornedVenom @ Jan 15th 2008 2:08AM

Mediocre hardware? I'd rather reliable than experimental.

Faar @ Jan 15th 2008 10:53AM

ThornedVenom,
Maybe you need to look up the dictionary meaning of the word "mediocre". ;) Tip: it has nothing to do with reliability...

"average: lacking exceptional quality or ability"

This fits the Wii rather well. Saying this doesn't mean it can't run good games, but the machine itself IS decidedly average; there's no reason to not admit that.

I own all three of the current consoles, but the ones I play is my *Wii* and PS3, due to the 360's unacceptably loud DVD drive and fans. Mario Galaxy is a great game, I love it, but I'm also a rational person and realize that the Wii, while stylish and reliable, is also mediocre.

Nick the Hero of Canton @ Jan 14th 2008 9:37PM

Rogue Squadron started on the good ol' 64.

As a matter of fact, I have that game.

kojo87 @ Jan 14th 2008 9:40PM

hopefully, whatever the game is, it will push the Wii like Rouge Squadron pushed the GameCube. the first was a launch title and was only surpassed but the likes of Resident Evil 4. it'd be nice to see someone other than Nintendo make some quality games. I guess Capcom has had some hits but they've had their share of misses too.

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jan 14th 2008 9:46PM

Heh, funny how they're crawling back to Nintendo.

THAT'S WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU FUCK WITH NINTENDO. YOU MAKE GAMES LIKE LAIR!!!

Superstar90 @ Jan 14th 2008 9:53PM

lol lair lol

Fatass of Kickassness @ Jan 14th 2008 9:55PM

A bit eccentric there, doncha think?

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jan 14th 2008 10:33PM

No. I think it's fair to say that Nintendo using their wizardry causing Factor 5 to make Lair. It's magic.

Geist @ Jan 14th 2008 11:22PM

Wizardry = bats to the knees.

samfish @ Jan 15th 2008 12:29AM

A baseball bat would be one huge wand.

CJC @ Jan 14th 2008 9:47PM

Wasn't there a rumor a while back that they were working on the next Pilotwings for Nintendo? It's an old one, from back when the Wii was still called the Revolution.

It would be wonderful if true.

Neuromancer @ Feb 13th 2008 10:23AM

If it is indeed a Pilotwings game, that could be the game that makes me buy a Wii. I hope that's the case and its not another Star Wars game.

The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Jan 14th 2008 9:54PM

I hope they make a Wii version of Lair
Motion controls would be awesome for dragon flying!

Naota @ Jan 14th 2008 10:01PM

Oi, Jesus, you know... Lair did have motion controls.

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Jan 14th 2008 10:01PM

...not for Lair.

The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Jan 14th 2008 10:23PM

oh yea i forgot something for my above comment.

James @ Jan 14th 2008 9:55PM

I jokingly joked that Factor 5 would come crawling back after the disaster of Lair (yes I do own it, it's much better on remote play too). And there they are.

They were kings back in the Amiga day but they've went to pot after Rogue Leader. Let's see if they can pick up.

Superstar90 @ Jan 14th 2008 9:55PM

Hopefully they don't mess up the controls.

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Jan 14th 2008 10:01PM

Which is worse? Bad axis or bad waggle?

Superstar90 @ Jan 18th 2008 10:20AM

With bad waggle, only 1 kitten dies. With bad axis 30 kittens die.

Sizer @ Jan 14th 2008 10:02PM

Erf, I seriously hope to hell they're not making yet another Rogue Squadron rehash for the Wii. The last Rogue Squadron was seriously awful, and Lair was the same thing not very cleverly disguised.

Time for something new, guys. If it's Turrican (okay, maybe not so new) then huzzah.

Jeff @ Jan 14th 2008 10:03PM

If it is a good Rogue Squadron game with good online play... consider me sold on a wii.

Dammit.

tack @ Jan 14th 2008 10:06PM

Rogue Squadron screams for xbox live. I cant wait for a star wars mini game on the wii. Lair wasnt craptastic enough.

deaftly @ Jan 14th 2008 10:07PM

LAIR 2 WII EXCLUSIVE CONFIRMED!!!111

playwhutyalike (kinda digs Manhunt 2) @ Jan 14th 2008 10:10PM

Okay Factor 5, we are taking you back on good graces. Even though you ran your mouth like a little bitch about how great your game was going to be on their console and then sunk quicker than my turds after eating 2 Big Macs.

Please give us some fresh ideas, and keep the shitty motion control in the past with that other game that I will not mention.

Love, A Wii Owner.

Firewall @ Jan 15th 2008 12:24AM

After eating two Big Macs, your turds would float, as they would contain high fat content. Sinking turds means low fat in the feces! Pretty sure anyway...

ThornedVenom @ Jan 15th 2008 2:14AM

@Firewall

TMI

Ken Seang @ Jan 14th 2008 10:10PM

Joystiq you should add that Rouge Squadron started on the n64! But yea hopefully Factor 5 can make something good compare to the other crap we seen on the wii. O and isn't karma a bitch...

Shmil @ Jan 14th 2008 10:15PM

Introducing Rogue Squadron IV! Experience the battle of Hoth again like never before, as a probe droid!

Fernando Rocker @ Jan 14th 2008 10:18PM

I want to Factor 5, together with Nintendo, make a nes Star Fox game.

But... I don't want motion controls for control the Arwing... I want the analog stick to control the ship, and the IR pointer to shot and move the camera (like MP3, with a small bouding box)... fire with A, bombs with B.