Wii U Hands-on At E3 2011 - We've Played Nintendo's Next Console
Posted 1 hr ago by Russ Frushtick in Previews, Wii U
Wii U
From MTV.com
Earlier today, the world learned about Nintendo's follow-up to the Wii from their press conference at E3. We were there too, but if you've already read our initial post on the announcement, you'd know that it's missing one crucial detail: actual hands-on play. Thankfully I had the chance to remedy that right after the press conference, as I went hands-on with several of the "experiences" Nintendo is showing off.
THE CONTROLLER
The obvious stand-out feature of the Wii U is the console's controller, which features a 6.2 inch touch screen, gyroscope and camera, as well as traditional inputs like two analog sticks, four face buttons and four triggers. The controller's touch screen is actually capable of streaming full games wirelessly from the Wii U to the controller, so your friend could be watching TV while you sit on the couch with the controller, playing full console games. The controller will feature a rechargeable battery, in case you're worried about breaking the bank for double As.
Despite the size of the controller, which feels just slightly smaller than an iPad, it's remarkably light and easy to hold. The back of the controller is curved for your hands, so your fingers naturally rest on the triggers. Unlike the Wii controllers, it's easy to see that the Wii U controller was designed for couch play.
THE GAMES
Nintendo was very clear to say that none of the first-party-created experiences on display are final games. Instead they're more like interactive experiences to give a sampling of what full games would be like on the device. Here's a rundown of five we played:
Chase Mii
A multiplayer-centric game where the TV is split in four. Four players run around the screen using standard Wii remotes to navigate through a maze from a third person perspective. A fifth player is using the Wii U controller and has to hide from the other four. On the controller's screen, the escapee can see a top-down overview of the map and all of the other players, giving them a huge tactical advantage. The trick is for all the other players to use cooperation to surveil the map from a high point to corner the main player. It's an absolute blast, by far the most fun I had with any of the experiences, and really exemplified Nintendo's concept of asymetical multiplayer, where different players are seeing different things.
Battle Mii
This game has three players controlling Miis decked out like mini Samuses. Two of the Miis, controlled by Wii remotes, run around on the ground, while a third is flying in Samus' classic space ship, trying to blast the other two as they navigate through the city. The shipboard Wii is using the Wii U controller's screen, giving them a birds-eye view of the action, letting them sneak up on unsuspecting players from above. The ground-based players need to cooperate to outflank the flying Mii, blasting him or her with lasers. It's another example of how a multiplayer game can become way more interesting when one of the players knows something the other two do not. It's also demonstrated the Wii U controller's gyroscope, which can be used to fly Samus' ship with simple tilts.
Shield Pose
This solo-only experience was a mix of rhythm gameplay, using the Wii U controller to block incoming arrows fired from a pirate ship. It was actually similar to Nintendo's "Rhythm Heaven" franchise, where listening to the beat can let you know when the arrows are going to be fired. It also used the gyroscope, as you often had to aim the Wii U controller off screen to block arrows coming from ships outside of the TV's field of view. Very interesting, but kind of exhausting, as I had to hold the Wii U controller with outstretched arms for an extended period of time.
New Super Mario Bros. Mii
Basically the same as "New Super Mario Bros." on the Wii, but it demonstrated how a full game screen could be streamed to the Wii U controller's screen. It was a bit strange, as I found myself staring down at the screen, only to realize I could just as easily look right up at the TV. Either way, the small screen seemed to capture all of the detail of the larger screen without any drop in quality. Nintendo hasn't revealed the precise resolution of the Wii U controller screen, but the console itself is capable of outputting 1080p visuals, at least to an HDTV.
The Legend of Zelda
The last demo I checked out wasn't really a game. It was more like an interactive in-engine cutscene, which showed a high def Link exploring a creepy castle and having a sword fight with an equally creepy spider. Visually it appeared to be on par with the Xbox 360 and PS3, though it's important to remember that a full HD "Zelda" has not been announced for the console.
THE VERDICT
Nintendo answered a lot of Wii criticisms today with the Wii U. It's an HD-capable console which will have many of the big 3rd party games ("Batman: Arkham City," "Darksiders 2," to name a couple) that Wii owners traditionally missed out on. In addition, it's rocking what is undeniably the coolest game controllers I've ever used, which seems to add not only gameplay innovation but also convenience.
The Wii U is still a ways out, scheduled for release in 2012, and there are still plenty of questions to be answered. For example, there are no details on price yet, or a specific release date. Nintendo is also unwilling to confirm any first-party games, apart from the fact that a new "Smash Bros." will come to Wii U with 3DS connection functionality. And, perhaps the biggest X factor: Whether Nintendo actually has an online solution that works this time around.
But, despite those questions, I was definitely impressed. Now how do I get one 18 months early?
Tags e3, nintendo
Source: MTV.com
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