I find it rediculous that people keep brigning up Mario Party 8 as a an example of what is wrong. It shows publishers that games with intuitve controls,expierience that can be shared with friends are a good thing. Now some people will argue that it just incourages more party games. There certianly is room for some 3rd parties in that market. Rayman has sold 1.3 million and has a weaker multi-player component(although a much better overall game). But just like WiiSports didn't mean everyone should make sports games, it doesn't mean there should only be party games. They need to make "fun"games. Games you can play for 30 minutes and put down, games you can play everyday for a year.
I just laugh at developers who say they can't compete with Nintendo. All they are saying is they do not have the talent to make a game as well as Nintendo does. NonNintendo games don't cost more. There is no build in hardware to make Nintendo games look better. They are not the only ones with massive IPs. It is just laziness. Playstation devlopment was the same for over a decade. The 360 is like programming for a PC which people have been doing even longer. They both use analog controllers and aren't trying to takle the gaming audience in a new way.
But they will wise up. A slightly higher attach rate didn't help the 360 for long and now Wii software outsells it every week. Imagine how big the difference is going ot be when the Wii double the 360s sales. There will be plenty of profit for everyone. And right now it is lookin like Capcom and Ubisoft will be the big winners.
What I want to know is when the first really major 3rd party title will hit the Wii. I am talking about a big studio with their #1 team and a huge budget. That might be Red Steel 2 if Ubisoft really has dedied to "make Nintendo Quality titles".
What 3rd parties really need to do is go after teh new controls. Nintendo hasn't done much with them since WiiSports(Excpet for MP3 showing dominant FPS controls). Games liek Zack & Wiki are a start but so much is waiting.
Final* Word on Game Delays:
The game will not be any better or include more content then planned. Any commnets that say so are just PR hogwash to make you feel better for having to wait.
Delays are due to lack of proper resources, skill, or adequate planning by the developer.
Do be thankful that they have enough respect for you to delay the game and maintain its intended level of quality.
*naznatips is exempt
