While the Nintendo Wii's hardware may be sub par compared to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – and is unlikely to enjoy the full potential of three physics engines – motion control enthusiasts will be able to enjoy five exclusive levels in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
According to Krome Studios' Ed Tucker (via CVG), "On the Wii we have places where the story veers off and we go and explore something, take the game in a different direction, like the Jedi Temple level." Krome is handling the Wii, PSP and PS2 versions of the title. No mention of exclusive content PS3 and Xbox 360 owners might have.
Reader Comments (65)
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:51PM (Unverified) said
Yep. DS and PSP, too. Basically, every current platform (including the PS2) except the PC.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:40PM Lone Starr said
"No mention of exclusive content PS3 and Xbox 360 owners might have."
You answered your own question.
"[The Wii] is unlikely to enjoy the full potential of three physics engines."
Don't kill me. I love my Wii too (D2).
*ducks*
Reply
You answered your own question.
"[The Wii] is unlikely to enjoy the full potential of three physics engines."
Don't kill me. I love my Wii too (D2).
*ducks*
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:18PM (Unverified) said
naturally the Wii version is going to be the dumpy, lifeless version, but you'll be able to half-assedly swing your lightsaber 'like for realz!!' and that will be good enough for a million units sold.... the gimmick rolls on...
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 8:17PM (Unverified) said
Jan, I know you're not the type to look into things (blind hatred and assumptions are much more your style) but thus far the Wii version is actually looking like a decent, if not good purchase next to its HD counterparts. We'll just have to wait and see.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 8:26PM (Unverified) said
Whos to say they suck simply due to missing engines? Hands ons with the game suggest the opposite.
Reply
Posted: Jan 29th 2008 10:06AM The Commenter Formerly Known as said
@Fatass of Kickassness
I'm not a man to assume things but the game was built for the three engines from day one. And without them it’s just an average game.
Reply
I'm not a man to assume things but the game was built for the three engines from day one. And without them it’s just an average game.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:41PM (Unverified) said
There's no way this version is going to be anything similar to the ps3 or 360 versions anyway. Wholly different games in my eyes.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:44PM Crono141 said
Depending on your perspective, the Wii version is the one to own.
Motion controlled Light Saber AND force powers? Holy crap. The only version with multiplayer, double holy crap. Extra levels not in the 360 or PS3? Triple holy crap.
That said, missing out on the realistic particle physics and AI will be disappointing.
Reply
Motion controlled Light Saber AND force powers? Holy crap. The only version with multiplayer, double holy crap. Extra levels not in the 360 or PS3? Triple holy crap.
That said, missing out on the realistic particle physics and AI will be disappointing.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:48PM (Unverified) said
I wouldn't get too excited... The controls may be gesture based, which would be a waste...
Reply
Posted: Jan 29th 2008 12:59AM D3m0sthenes said
The extra content will probably be a crapy racing level.
That's not sarcasm either. I might rent it but I'll for sure try the 360 version.
Reply
That's not sarcasm either. I might rent it but I'll for sure try the 360 version.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:45PM (Unverified) said
Additional content seems like a good way to make up for hardware restraints.
I'll be playing this on my PS3 over my Wii, though. I'll sacrifice game length for quality any day (Assassin's Creed is a prime example).
Reply
I'll be playing this on my PS3 over my Wii, though. I'll sacrifice game length for quality any day (Assassin's Creed is a prime example).
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:48PM (Unverified) said
Good news: Additional content.
Bad news: Uglier graphics.
Reply
Bad news: Uglier graphics.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 5:48PM Batzarro The worlds WOrst Detect said
Your gonna be able to find Voldo and kill him!
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:02PM (Unverified) said
Harsh, but I kind of agree.
When you're force throwing bodies and debris at some unsuspecting sand people, the "OH SHI--!" comes from the object interactions and physics. Stuff snapping apart and limbs flailing. I don't think the acting of shoving a nunchuck forward is going to replace the excessive carnage.
But, as someone above mentioned, the games are probably going to be very different and just end up sharing a title anyway, so eh. The Wii version just isn't for me.
Reply
When you're force throwing bodies and debris at some unsuspecting sand people, the "OH SHI--!" comes from the object interactions and physics. Stuff snapping apart and limbs flailing. I don't think the acting of shoving a nunchuck forward is going to replace the excessive carnage.
But, as someone above mentioned, the games are probably going to be very different and just end up sharing a title anyway, so eh. The Wii version just isn't for me.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:01PM (Unverified) said
Has anyone official confirmed the Wii will lack the three physics engines? I know it is being handled by different people, but everything I have read seems to say that the Wii version will have extra content, nothing about what is lost in translation other than graphics. The most I have heard on the subject is speculation...
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:39PM (Unverified) said
From the article:
Also in the preview, Tucker talks about how the studio overcame the technical limitations of the console. "The likes of Euphoria and DMM are groundbreaking and we couldn't copy them.
"What we did was try to look at the concept and idea behind it and get as close as we could. The ragdolls in the Wii version are robust, they look really good."
Reply
Also in the preview, Tucker talks about how the studio overcame the technical limitations of the console. "The likes of Euphoria and DMM are groundbreaking and we couldn't copy them.
"What we did was try to look at the concept and idea behind it and get as close as we could. The ragdolls in the Wii version are robust, they look really good."
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:47PM (Unverified) said
Thanks guys, after reading the line in the post that said- "[Wii version] is unlikely to enjoy the full potential of three physics engines", I assumed with the word choice of "unlikely" they meant there still wasn't much info about it...Guess that goes to prove the saying about assuming things...
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:09PM (Unverified) said
I'd like to go on record saying that "physics engines" are overrated and over-hyped gimmicks.
Gameplay matters; physics engines don't.
Reply
Gameplay matters; physics engines don't.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:16PM (Unverified) said
One could argue that physics engines fundamentally affect gameplay for various reasons.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:17PM (Unverified) said
physics engines just make the game more realistic, which adds to the enjoyment, which = gameplay....
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:19PM leobebes said
That's it Lucasarts, did you hear that physics engines don't matter! Throw away all those years and money of R&D developing your touted havoc engine! We don't want no stinkin' fancy gaming techniques that continue to evolve the industry which we most cherish.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:22PM (Unverified) said
and you say that in reference to a console that is itself, nothing more than a gimmick... ironic..
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 9:54PM samfish said
Physics engines, just like attach ratios, ARE completely over hyped, misunderstood fanboy bullshit.
NO ONE, not even PC gamers, gave a shit about such things until MS and Sony started yammering endlessly about them around 2005 or so.
They hardly do anything other than create moderately more realistic effects, which do about as much to add to the "immersion" of a game as motion controls do.
Stop buying into fanboy propaganda, girls.
Reply
NO ONE, not even PC gamers, gave a shit about such things until MS and Sony started yammering endlessly about them around 2005 or so.
They hardly do anything other than create moderately more realistic effects, which do about as much to add to the "immersion" of a game as motion controls do.
Stop buying into fanboy propaganda, girls.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 11:25PM Autopsy15 said
@ Nessuno + samfish
You must be stupid or something.
A physics engine is what makes boxes fly when you hit them, and smash to pieces when you hit them harder. It's what makes a guy flop to the ground when you blow his brains across the floor. It's what makes your car in Burnout do sweet flips and smash other cars into buildings. It's what makes you fucking JUMP.
Why the hell would you think physics engines aren't important?
Reply
You must be stupid or something.
A physics engine is what makes boxes fly when you hit them, and smash to pieces when you hit them harder. It's what makes a guy flop to the ground when you blow his brains across the floor. It's what makes your car in Burnout do sweet flips and smash other cars into buildings. It's what makes you fucking JUMP.
Why the hell would you think physics engines aren't important?
Posted: Jan 29th 2008 12:56AM (Unverified) said
Samfish, I'm sorry, but that truly was a retarded thing to say.
Reply
Posted: Jan 29th 2008 2:21AM Geist said
I agree with Samfish. Wow, boxes break apart when you hit them. I sure want that over some gameplay.
Physics are pretty to look at, yes. But after I've seen the twentieth body fly 'realistically' through the air (which I have yet to see), I start looking for something better. Half-Life 2 is the only game that I've seen use physics in a way affecting gameplay, and even then, it's like "Oh good, another see-saw puzzle. Joy."
Whenever I think of the physics in this game, I just think of using force push over and over again, then getting kind of bored.
Reply
Physics are pretty to look at, yes. But after I've seen the twentieth body fly 'realistically' through the air (which I have yet to see), I start looking for something better. Half-Life 2 is the only game that I've seen use physics in a way affecting gameplay, and even then, it's like "Oh good, another see-saw puzzle. Joy."
Whenever I think of the physics in this game, I just think of using force push over and over again, then getting kind of bored.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:08PM aristokrat said
You just need a 50" 1080p screen so you can tell the difference in the 4 giant pixels! =P
Though in all seriousness, I'm surprised how good some Wii games can look when you have fancy upscaling equipment with fancy upscaling algorithms. I just wish I didn't have to have a tiny black border around everything.
Reply
Though in all seriousness, I'm surprised how good some Wii games can look when you have fancy upscaling equipment with fancy upscaling algorithms. I just wish I didn't have to have a tiny black border around everything.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 10:43PM (Unverified) said
leobebes i literally lawl'd reading your comment. +1 for u sir.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 6:44PM Crono141 said
There's been a couple of write ups on recent wii builds. There's a link to one on VGChartz thats very positive.
Here it is
http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/star-wars-the-force-unleashed/847629p1.html
Pulled from: http://www.vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=15433
Basically, this game is going to all kinds of awesome, on ANY platform.
"Although every version of The Force Unleashed will follow the story of Darth Vader's Jedi-whupping apprentice, each version of the game will also have unique features and gameplay design. LucasArts stressed this heavily, but it also showed in the gameplay: these are not ports. There is one team on the HD versions, one studio on the PSP, PS2, and Wii versions, and one studio on the DS versions.
She May Not Look Like Much...
After showing off the eye-blistering power of the HD-gen versions of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, LucasArts surprised us by jumping right into a Wii demonstration. What surprised us was that it looked to be just as compelling. We're not signing off on the high-gloss features of the HD-gen versions, such as the Digital Molecular Matter and Euphoria technologies, or the high-def visuals. But after seeing the Jedi temple exploration, a level not present on the HD-gen versions of the game, we are just as excited for the Wii version as we are for the HD-gen versions. This is, we think, a first.
One of the first things shown off for the Wii was the use of the Wii Remote as the lightsaber control, via motion-sensing. Since this isn't a dueling game but a "kicking ass with the Force" game, the controls aren't too complex. The lightsaber is just one Force-driven piece of ass-kickery. Watching the Secret Apprentice whup on the Stormtroopers and Royal Shadow Guard (we think -- not totally certain on that guy!) who were stationed to defend the ruins of the Jedi temple in the wake of Order 66, we saw very soft motions in any direction easily translated into fluid, cool-looking lightsaber attacks. We think that we're going to be very pleased with the final version of the Wii lightsaber controls.
Beyond that, the game looks much more comfortable with its own gameplay than the HD-gen version. Without the need to invent their own technological wheels, the current-gen (and yeah, that includes the Wii) team seems to be able to focus on gameplay. The encounters between the Apprentice and the Stormtroopers in the tight corridors of the Temple and its wide-open spaces were fantastic clashes, with crumbling stonework and collapsible walls making sure that Force powers got as many chances to look cool as possible. But the real cherry of this demo was the Jedi trial.
The trial manifested as a duel / boss fight versus Darth Desolous, an evil-looking alien garbed in red and black. His fighting style uses a massive black lightsaber-blocking shield, combined with his own lightsaber and Force attacks. As a Jedi trial, he's presumably a vision quest used to help tame the Dark Side. Of course, you can instead learn the melee-enhancing Dark Rage power if you defeat him here. The boss fights will lock you into an alternative "arena" camera, enhancing the overall presentation of fights. You'll also be able to "Force lock" and "saber lock," representing climactic moments when two combatants send Force power arcing at each other at the same moment, or when they find themselves fighting saber-to-saber. These moments will require rotating the Remote or nunchuk just so, following on-screen instructions, until you or your enemy seize the initiative and can punch forward, buying a momentary advantage.
The big exclusive feature for the Wii version, other than awesome sword-fighting controls, is duel mode. Duel mode lets you take your choice of character (Mara Jade was confirmed, presumably to sooth furious fans in the wake of recent expanded universe events) and your choice of level, and battle it out in a no-holds-barred two-player battle. We saw Kashyyk and Genosis confirmed as battle venues, as well as Hoth. The mode looks pretty simplistic, to be honest, but fun. With confined spaces to fight in that promise plenty of obstacles (like rebel soldiers shooting from the edges in the TIE hangar level) and ready Force ammo (like a destructible TIE fighter in the same level), duel mode should be low-key fun.
But She's Got It Where It Counts
We're pretty excited to see what LucasArts has planned for The Force Unleashed on current-gen. Most publishers and developers can't push wholly unique versions of games for alternate platforms, instead just down-scaling an existing HD-gen title for current-gen and handhelds and calling it a day. With this version of The Force Unleashed covering all the content of the other titles (as detailed in our 360 preview), as well as adding unique areas to explore that reveal a bit more of the Secret Apprentice's past and even a unique multiplayer offering, we think we're going to be a bit spoiled when it comes to The Force Unleashed on the Wii. And we could use being spoiled now and again. "
Reply
Here it is
http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/star-wars-the-force-unleashed/847629p1.html
Pulled from: http://www.vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=15433
Basically, this game is going to all kinds of awesome, on ANY platform.
"Although every version of The Force Unleashed will follow the story of Darth Vader's Jedi-whupping apprentice, each version of the game will also have unique features and gameplay design. LucasArts stressed this heavily, but it also showed in the gameplay: these are not ports. There is one team on the HD versions, one studio on the PSP, PS2, and Wii versions, and one studio on the DS versions.
She May Not Look Like Much...
After showing off the eye-blistering power of the HD-gen versions of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, LucasArts surprised us by jumping right into a Wii demonstration. What surprised us was that it looked to be just as compelling. We're not signing off on the high-gloss features of the HD-gen versions, such as the Digital Molecular Matter and Euphoria technologies, or the high-def visuals. But after seeing the Jedi temple exploration, a level not present on the HD-gen versions of the game, we are just as excited for the Wii version as we are for the HD-gen versions. This is, we think, a first.
One of the first things shown off for the Wii was the use of the Wii Remote as the lightsaber control, via motion-sensing. Since this isn't a dueling game but a "kicking ass with the Force" game, the controls aren't too complex. The lightsaber is just one Force-driven piece of ass-kickery. Watching the Secret Apprentice whup on the Stormtroopers and Royal Shadow Guard (we think -- not totally certain on that guy!) who were stationed to defend the ruins of the Jedi temple in the wake of Order 66, we saw very soft motions in any direction easily translated into fluid, cool-looking lightsaber attacks. We think that we're going to be very pleased with the final version of the Wii lightsaber controls.
Beyond that, the game looks much more comfortable with its own gameplay than the HD-gen version. Without the need to invent their own technological wheels, the current-gen (and yeah, that includes the Wii) team seems to be able to focus on gameplay. The encounters between the Apprentice and the Stormtroopers in the tight corridors of the Temple and its wide-open spaces were fantastic clashes, with crumbling stonework and collapsible walls making sure that Force powers got as many chances to look cool as possible. But the real cherry of this demo was the Jedi trial.
The trial manifested as a duel / boss fight versus Darth Desolous, an evil-looking alien garbed in red and black. His fighting style uses a massive black lightsaber-blocking shield, combined with his own lightsaber and Force attacks. As a Jedi trial, he's presumably a vision quest used to help tame the Dark Side. Of course, you can instead learn the melee-enhancing Dark Rage power if you defeat him here. The boss fights will lock you into an alternative "arena" camera, enhancing the overall presentation of fights. You'll also be able to "Force lock" and "saber lock," representing climactic moments when two combatants send Force power arcing at each other at the same moment, or when they find themselves fighting saber-to-saber. These moments will require rotating the Remote or nunchuk just so, following on-screen instructions, until you or your enemy seize the initiative and can punch forward, buying a momentary advantage.
The big exclusive feature for the Wii version, other than awesome sword-fighting controls, is duel mode. Duel mode lets you take your choice of character (Mara Jade was confirmed, presumably to sooth furious fans in the wake of recent expanded universe events) and your choice of level, and battle it out in a no-holds-barred two-player battle. We saw Kashyyk and Genosis confirmed as battle venues, as well as Hoth. The mode looks pretty simplistic, to be honest, but fun. With confined spaces to fight in that promise plenty of obstacles (like rebel soldiers shooting from the edges in the TIE hangar level) and ready Force ammo (like a destructible TIE fighter in the same level), duel mode should be low-key fun.
But She's Got It Where It Counts
We're pretty excited to see what LucasArts has planned for The Force Unleashed on current-gen. Most publishers and developers can't push wholly unique versions of games for alternate platforms, instead just down-scaling an existing HD-gen title for current-gen and handhelds and calling it a day. With this version of The Force Unleashed covering all the content of the other titles (as detailed in our 360 preview), as well as adding unique areas to explore that reveal a bit more of the Secret Apprentice's past and even a unique multiplayer offering, we think we're going to be a bit spoiled when it comes to The Force Unleashed on the Wii. And we could use being spoiled now and again. "
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:13PM aristokrat said
Man, if only Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony would get together and make one unified GamerScore, that would be totally sweet. But I have to admit, when games are multi-platform like this, Xbox's achievements always force my hand (it's just too fun competing with friends for gamer points). Call me an achievement-whore, but it's a great concept.
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:13PM (Unverified) said
It really pisses me off that most game developers are just treating the Wii like a PS2 with motion control. It's not as powerful as the 360 or PS3, but it's still much more technically capable than last generation's systems.
That said, I think if LucasArts treats it right, the Wii version of The Force Unleashed still has the potential to be very good. I'll wait for reviews to decide which version to get.
Reply
That said, I think if LucasArts treats it right, the Wii version of The Force Unleashed still has the potential to be very good. I'll wait for reviews to decide which version to get.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:28PM (Unverified) said
Wait for the reviews? Now why on earth would you do that when you can just belittle the version of your choice on this thread?
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:27PM Batzarro The worlds WOrst Detect said
SHA-HAHAHAHAhahahahaha...wait, you serious?
Reply
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 7:55PM (Unverified) said
Let me spell it out for you. Let us say the GameCube and the PS2 are A ball, that would make the Wii double AA ball. The 360 is a bad ML team. And the PS3, the Yankees, Boston, Detroit, Cleveland...basically any of the best teams.
The Wii is to a golf-cart as the PS3 is to an Indy-car.
Waggle on I say, waggle on.
Face it My sytem is the best.
Praise be to Me.
Reply
The Wii is to a golf-cart as the PS3 is to an Indy-car.
Waggle on I say, waggle on.
Face it My sytem is the best.
Praise be to Me.
Posted: Jan 28th 2008 8:27PM Mal F4cti0n said
True, its sucks and it probably won't change. Developing specifically for the Wii would require a game developed for one system, and third party developers wouldn't want to count on losing money if the software sales for the "only Nintendo games are successful" console don't allow them to recoup the development costs.
One version for the 360 and the PS3 (which have similar power) and one version for the Wii and PS2 (which have similar power). I am sure that the resolution and frame rate will be much better on the Wii version.
Reply
One version for the 360 and the PS3 (which have similar power) and one version for the Wii and PS2 (which have similar power). I am sure that the resolution and frame rate will be much better on the Wii version.
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