WiiU : where’s the (magic) beef

For months now, everyone keeps noting that the WiiU is a disaster (1)(2)(3)(4) – and nobody can suggest how to fix it. Not that people have too many different ways to fix it, mind you. Nobody can suggest a single reasonable way for Nintendo to turn it around. As if it was an insurmountable problem. Instead of fixes, they offer up bizarre suicidal ideas like : suddenly launch a new console; stop bundling the costly gamepad (even though it’s the main innovation); sell those precious Nintendo franchise games on other people’s systems (and follow in sega’s footsteps to embarassing obscurity).

Well, I have a solution.

All Nintendo needs to offer is : the magic.

Oscar noms, and the Life of Pincoln

Did I write about great Cloud Atlas was? I just assumed I wouldn’t need to talk about it any more, but should probably check if I ever did write about it publicly. (ed: nope! dammit.)
So, I’ve watched half of the best picture noms from the last academy awards ceremony, and Cloud Atlas still stands out as the best movie made last year. Very sad that it wasn’t nominated.

But here are a few thoughts on the other contenders I’ve seen. I’ll be brief. Spoilers abound.

Recently Watched Gems (Killer Joe, Robot & Frank, Pontypool) … and other things…

I skipped the oscars, with a sneer. but now i’ve read all these trivial details about it, and wish I could watch it.  it appears it is not available anywhere online? what the &#@^!? in this day and age? rage.

but. I maintain that Cloud Atlas was the only truly remarkable achievement that advanced the art of filmmaking last year. and it wasn’t nominated for anything. so. F the oscars.

Eye See You, Phillip Morris – 3/5,3/5

I watched a couple more mediocre movies. … i’m … I’m sorry.

Fragmented vs. Overpriced – what is the future of online offerings?

I keep seeing a conflict concept which rises up between “tons of cheap but horribly fragmented offerings” and “singular, expensive, but high quality.” I cannot see a clear resolution (so am I blind here?).

Motion Controls – why won’t you get it?

The grand Gabe Newell gave an interview with the Verge recently (which gamasutra covered here. I link to gamasutra because it has an intelligent commenting community), and several reporters I respect have claimed his words are important must reads. but. I really don’t agree. I don’t think he really says much that he hasn’t said before. and he embarrasses himself with regard to motion controls. so I wrote up a small rant, once again trying to explain the value of motion control…

The Woman (2011) – 5/5

Wow. Lucky McKee’s The Woman was a kick in the guts. Wildly thrilling in the manner and style in which it strives to be deeply distressing. …? I’m not sure how to describe it. Probably need to sleep on it, and stew a bit… But it’s certainly delivers the unexpected!

The Day (2011): 2/5

I watched The Day tonight. Gentle reader, do not watch this “movie.”

Django Unchained : (intitial thoughts) ?/!

The wife and I found a babysitter and managed to get out and see Django Unchained earlier tonight.

controller based mobile gaming?

Brandon Sheffield offers a cool interview with Tim Sweeney at Gamasura. one bit struck me hard:

“when you take that device and broadcast that image to the TV, then suddenly you just have a big, flat mouse-like surface.”

- for some reason this got me excited about the exact opposite experience: controlling your mobile device(s) with your console’s controller.