Nearly 36 hours before I initiate the digital download on my Wii U. HYPED!!!!

Yeah I'm starting to get absurdly excited to play through this.

I've been avoiding the reviews, so I have a question regarding which controller to use. Without spoiling much, does the game use the GamePad screen for any unique features, or am I better off using the Pro Controller (which I prefer for comfort)? I guess the Wii Remote can also be used, but I'd rather use an analog stick. I also recall that the gyroscopes in the GamePad can be used for camera control, but is it necessary?

@canonj
Not sure about the unique features of the gamepad, but you can always use wiimote/nunchuck (most comfortable controller IMO).

@canonj

Some levels require you to use the GamePad due to certain features, like the microphone or touch screen.

Wha? Man, I don't like hearing that.

@PogueSquadron
Why not? Some levels in Galaxy/2 required the pointer and they were fun. Unless you are just bummed about switching controllers...

From what I understand, most of the levels that require the GamePad aren't "regular" levels, but instead more of the bonus variety, like the Captain Toad ones. There are apparantly a few of the normal levels that do as well, but they appear to have a more particular theme to them.

@anon_mastermind I wasn't a fan of the pointer in Galaxy/2 to be honest. I thought it was kind of an unnecessary addition.

I don't mind the idea of GamePad only stages, but do you have to clear them to progress? It might be more convenient if they were optional stages in case you're playing with a big group or whatever.

@r_hjort

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll be using the GamePad.

@Jargon Well I think for me it's that Super Mario World to Super Mario 64 to Super Mario Sunshine to Super Mario Galaxy all had at least some conveyance that Nintendo wanted to try to do a little bit of world building from game to game, that not every game would simply be a collection of cleverly designed levels. Even if I don't always agree that they were successful on this (Sunshine's cutscenes...sheesh!), I've always been a little hopeful that maybe they'll try to keep building on this. That's why I love that little moment at the beginning of Galaxy. You don't spend too long in front of the castle, but it's just a nice little suggestion that Mario's world exists beyond a map. I don't see what's so wrong with that.

Again, definitely agree that all the tutorial/text crap at the beginning of Galaxy was way too drawn out. Part of me is just a little disappointed that Nintendo has seemingly thrown the baby out with the bathwater in regards to Mario's production. It's like they realized that, like you said, they can't please everyone, so they decided to stop trying completely. I personally like the idea of bookending Mario games with a little more flare. They could always give you the option to skip that stuff if they feel like it's too drawn out.

Again, I'm not saying I want Mario to become what Sonic has become, haha, but I think little touches can go a long way from turning a "game" into an "adventure." I found the cutscenes at the beginning and end of Galaxy to be very charming and rewarding. Stringing the game's levels together with a theme or world goes a long way IMO towards making the game more engaging. I loved exploring the nooks and crannies of Gruntilda's Lair in Banjo Kazooie, and it made the whole game feel like it's not just "Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, etc" but rather this own little world that I can spend hours in. Just my two cents. I don't want to say that Nintendo has "lost their way" but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss some of these world building touches they've put into previous games.


Edit: aaaaanywho let me just say again that I'm super excited for this game. I'll be downloading it at midnight tomorrow! I really want to pump up the volume on this one.

Man, fuck GoNintendo. They have an embedded Youtube video with footage of a secret level, right on the first page. Asshats. The screengrab in the video looks amazing in every possible way, though, so that's nice.

@PogueSquadron

No, it's not like they stopped trying at all. They are clearly appealing to a certain group. It's just not your group. Deal with it.

@Jargon Ok...Sorry if I offended you? Wasn't my intention. I'm clearly still very excited about this game. I don't mean to get overly critical but I'm unfortunately word vomiting today because I don't feel like working.

Who is downloading the game at midnight? Or are you getting the retail version? I had some GC's at different retailers so I just got eShop cards at different locations. Can't wait.

Edit: Sorry for being overly critical in the official thread. I don't mean to bring the party down. Back to being excited.

@PogueSquadron

Every thread that mentions this game for the past 5 months has had people talking about how it's not like Galaxy and what that says about Nintendo. It's gotten fucking old and you'd think this thread might be able to actually about what the game is, not what it isn't. And what it is, according to reviews, is an awesome game. It clearly is meant to be a continuation of the 2D games in 3D, not a continuation of Galaxy. And the 2D games were clearly not about being big or establishing a world. And yet you come to the conclusion that they're "not trying". You haven't offended me, you've just annoyed me because this conversation has happened already in countless threads so if you must tread down the same tired road again, seems to me the least you could do is do it in one of those threads.

Very good points. I really didn't intend on going down that rabbit hole in this thread (probably even forgot what thread I was in).

Sorry, I've been in such a bad mood today. I think I shouldn't have had that Nyquil last night because I feel all kinds of messed up today.

@TriforceBun That's what I was thinking. I didn't expect the media to overcome their apathy about the game, especially to make such a turnaround as this. The game also still has the things they often complain about with Nintendo/Mario games, so I figured at least some places would be docking points for that. Don't get me wrong though, it's good to see such a change.

That said, considering that I didn't think 3D Land was nearly as good as most reviews and people claimed, I'm still weary of 3D World.

@PogueSquadron I agree with some of what you said, the first part of Super Mario Galaxy was a good opening and really drew me into the world. If they had just cut out everything after the castle part then it would have made a great way to start off the game. Little details here and there go a long way towards establishing the world and help me get into it. I don't think I agree with the "not trying" part, but rather that it's difficult to balance adding in those little details without interrupting the gameplay too much. And people have said that 3D World is pretty full of character, I don't know specifically what they're talking about since I haven't looked anything up, but it may yet have some nice moments to draw us into the game.

@r_hjort

I'll avoid them probably for a little while. They DEFINITELY are bad about spoiling shit sometimes. They do not try hard enough to hide awesome stuff behind the link and what not.

I can't believe I typed so much today. I'm blaming the NyQuil. Or maybe the moon is weird. Just an odd day.