I think people just make excuses. Instead of gamers saying...no way Metroid should have online, they just pretend that "that's ok no big deal", when in fact we're at the point where most games of that sort should have online.
It's kind of like the hardcore gamer argument. People say that a hardcore gamer doesn't need good graphics, but they're very happy to point out when the system in question does sport impressive visuals. I think it a sad cover to mask people's disappointment.
Okay, so it appears you want to target the decision to make Metroid Prime 3 a non-WiFi game.
When you play Metroid Prime 3 and see Samus exploring a planet and/or space station on her own do you automatically assume online? No, you shouldn't. You see, the focus of Metroid is on single player because of how expansive it is. Cry all you want about it having online but MP2 had crappy multiplayer and MPH had glitchy online.
As for expecting online from games, no. Not if the developer provides a good reason or something along those lines. In some games online really seems logical, like an FPS game, but other times online seems to be a feature that could be left out, like an Adventure game.
So I will vote no here because I truly don't think online should be a part of every game. Because some games just aren't made for online.
EDIT: Metroid games are focused on ISOLATION for those who are not as in to the Metroid franchise as they should be.
I think you kind of missed my point LM-X.
1. WIFI in a game is the best thing ever...until the game you want decides not to put it in, then it's inconsequential. Then those same people who really want WIFI back peddle and pretend that either it's not necessary in the game or it would some how hurt the spirit of that game.
I gave Metroid as an example because this is one of the latest situations where gamers really wanted WIFI, and not they find out they can't get it. It happens with all the game systems from time to time, but when do we start to expect more?
I think it's unfair to tease gamers into thinking something will be WIFI and then not deliver. Every system has the ability to do it, sadly enough Nintendo has been the last one out of the gate, though this shouldn't be a surprised, because the Big N normally has to be drug kicking and screaming into the "present".
I have seen some examples of bad online. But you can't really use Nintendo as an example as this is their first real attempt at online. And yes I know at times they are difficult, but Hell sometimes you have companies like Sony who jump too far ahead and trip themselves up. So anything is possible.
As for online being the best part of a game, I somewhat agree with you. But what if the addition of online takes away from the single player experience. Like MPH, I personally prefer a game with a strong single player mode (Metroid Prime 2) to a game with a strong multiplayer (Halo)
But it is all personal preference. Some will come here ranting about online being necessary, others will come here ranting about how online isn't entirely necessary.
I do believe by the end of this gen there will be many more online games available because all developers will be up to speed with it. But it is by no means a necessity to include in ALL games.
I think the idea is that those people who want WIFI for their game so bad, but when it doesn't have it they pretend it just doesn't matter. Same can be said about the graphics on a system. People talk about how graphics don't matter, until their system comes out with a game that looks amazing and they can't talk about anything else.
The thing with graphics is, they are relatively important to the game. Because honestly, if you were in this gen playing a new game which was on par graphically with an PSone or N64 game then who wouldn't be disappointed? There are limits, same goes for online. Some games are fine without online, other titles are pretty mediocre without it.
Then gamers need to start being honest not only with themselves but others too. Don't tell us you want or expect online in a game to then only say....well the one player game is gonna be great, so it doesn't matter.
Also next time a game has mediocre graphics, don't tell us how "hardcore" gamers don't need great graphics. These excuses are always used to cover up people's disappointment in either their system of choice or their game of choice. It's really pretty sad.
*btw I never finished Super Paper Mario, because the last couple levels/areas felt really tacked on and I got bored.
Well, you can still see Nintendo fans being annoyed about no online in Metroid, but METROID fans are generally okay with it.
As for graphics, they just need to be showing a mild improvement. We don't need complete high def graphics to enjoy a game. Some people prefer eye candy more than others.
There's a big difference between "eye candy" and some of the games we've been seeing on the "next gen" systems. If I bought a PS3 game and it looked the same as a PSP game, then I'd be disappointed. To each their own. I like to see progress and not just more of the same from game companies and systems.
Most of us didn't spend $249.99, $399.99, and $499.99 for mild improvements.
I agree there about a PS3 game presenting PSP quality graphics. I would expect no less than the PS3 lauch title standard for visuals on the PS3 generally.
But I digress, we are straying from topic >.>
*brings topic poker*
SOMEONE COME POST HERE! Discuss whether online is necessary.
*shake's fist*
I think 2008 will be the start of all 3 systems having online game play as a rule, not just a standard, so we all have quite a bit to look forward to.
Metroid doesn't need multiplayer. Nuff' said.
your right, it doesn't need multiplayer, but this is 2007 and Nintendo has a system out called the Wii that is suppose to allow for online multiplayer games. Metroid is one of those game that "could" have showcased something special by letting us play death matches or even coop.
please dont tell me you want the next Zelda to be multiplayer, also...
IMO, some games are just best mana a mano
and just because xbox live has 4 million subscribers doesnt mean squat...thats small potatoes...its a niche market
If you look through the site, a Poll was taken asking members if they'd like to see a MMORPG based on Zelda, and they overwhelmingly said YES.
I think most games will go Online in some for or another, it's just a matter of time. Similar to how games went 3D with the playstation and Mario 64.
i guess im too old school...sigh
It's cool we all tend to loose a little something as video games progress. Some of my fav games are for the N64 and such, it's just a progression of the times. That doesn't mean it's all good, but that's just the way things work. Now break dance for me old school drew !
*drew pop locks, does the worm, and throws out back
thats why i like the VC so much i guess, i get games the way i like em
Ok, maybe Metroid doesn't need online, how do I know, i've never played it, just seen clips and the lot.
I think Metroid would have been a perfect wifi game!
not all games need online play, but i do expect them to have some sort of online connectivity. even if that means just leaderboards.
For someone who has played the original Metroid and had it for the gameboy also, I personally like the harder side-scrolling game. Personally that's the true essence of Metroid, but as technology progresses, so do games.
For your information, I have played the originals too. I happen to think Super Metroid is one of the top 10 games of all time. But I still think they should stick to the isolation aspect of Metroid and keep it Samus solo. No co-op to ghey it up.