Kojima on Wii: Interesting controller, dated graphics
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Jun 30th 2006 at 7:30PM }
After infamously comparing the Wii to a television, respected and surprisingly non-grumpy game developer, Hideo Kojima, recently revisited the topic of how the next-gen consoles compare to one another. Thankfully, he refrained from using film, cuisine or extreme sports analogies this time. Speaking in a group interview alongside advent child Testuya Nomura and Metal Gear Solid 4's Yoji Shinkawa, Kojima made it clear that he views the technologically advanced PS3 as leading the way to the future. He noted that the high cost of the system would be a necessary evil in order to push the industry to new heights, whereas the Wii could be considered "interesting, but in terms of functions, it's a machine with past concepts." It's fair to assume that he is referring directly to the Wii's less robust graphical abilities, certainly an important factor when it comes to the sort of cinematic presentation Kojima's games have become known for. However, Kojima goes on to suggest how the PS3 might be improved. "The best thing would be a PS3 with controls like the Wii."
That sounds grand to us ... but it would probably cost a grand too. Money well spent?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Pat @ Jun 30th 2006 7:53PM
Congratulations on pointing out the obvious Mr Kojima.
Skyone @ Jun 30th 2006 8:30PM
I know seriously... what a jackass.
Tom @ Jun 30th 2006 9:27PM
Hideo Kojima can burn in hell.
student @ Jun 30th 2006 10:13PM
He talks as if the graphics on the Wii are close to the SNES and seems to forget they're BETTER than the places he put his games last generation. Honestly I'm not impressed and it makes him sound like an arrogant shmuck.
Shogan @ Jun 30th 2006 10:19PM
He's talking about dated wearing THAT shirt?
Franky Digital @ Jun 30th 2006 10:52PM
It's funny how quickly the opinion of Kojima changed for Nintendo fanboys from the time Snake was announced as a SSB character, and now.
The man knows what he's talking about, but his opinion is not what is going to happen. Seriously. No need to hate a man who defined the last 10 years of gaming.
PSPRAIDER @ Jul 1st 2006 12:10AM
This guy is a freaking retard!
Can't believe I like his games!
I'm getting the " Wii " and there's
nothing he can do about it!
-P.S.-That shirt is from the 1960's check the link
http://www.ballyhoovintage.com/87/87202.html
Frederik @ Jul 1st 2006 12:16AM
"A man who defined the last 10 years of gaming."
Aren't you praising this guy a bit too much. I'm a much bigger fan of the works of Shigery Miyamoto than Hideo Kojima.
And regarding Kojima's comment: No shit, Sherlock. Great graphics and great gameplay make a great combination.
Franky Digital @ Jul 1st 2006 12:49AM
What does your preference of Miyamoto have to do with Kojima's impact and contribution to the industry? Yes, Miyamoto is a designer of paramount importance and paramount contribution to the world of gaming. But there are many more game designers than just him, and a select few who are as good if not better. Kojima is one. One who questions his talent is one who is ignorant of what it means to be a revolutionary game designer.
Tom @ Jul 1st 2006 1:16AM
If Kojima is SOOO friggin' important then how come I've only just now heard of him and already I hate his guts?
The SIr @ Jul 1st 2006 3:01AM
Well Tom, I have no Idea why you've just now heard about him. Did you just now start playing/learning aboout video games? Also, Why I don't agree entirely with what Kojima says (just look at how well the DS is doing with it's Graphics that are supposedly inferior to the "power" of the PSP), I can see where he is coming from as his games are very cinematic. I mean MGS3 had like a 20 minutes cut scene right in the beginning of the game.... Insane!!!
Perron @ Jul 1st 2006 6:25AM
Damn, the Wii Fanboys are even worse than the xbox fanboys when they're angry, better not make em mad people.
But seriously guys, I think he has a good point, I totally agree with him and the Final fantasy Developers.
matjet @ Jul 1st 2006 6:49AM
im a bit dissapointed no ff charictors are going to make an appearance in super smash. dang, cloud vs link. awesome.
why are people getting angry at kojima?.... ?
uchiha5 @ Jul 1st 2006 7:58AM
I would'nt exactly say that he has made as much of an impact as Shigeru Miyamoto. Sure the guy is someone that everyone in here needs to respect, but he hasn't made as much of an impact as Miyamoto. And guys don't hate him so much, he's only saying this because, 1) He's close to Sony and 2) He's a cinematic genious. Cinematics only get better with graphics. Same thing with Tetsuya Nomura. Every game he makes the cut scenes look more and more like a movie. So basically if Wii wins he's going to be pissed because the industry would then be going forward in innovation, not graphics.
Marc @ Jul 1st 2006 10:42AM
Wait the guy basically said that the most likely leading console this gen needs help from the Wii to be successful. He's saying that the company he's known for needs help from Nintendo.
I'm expecting a game from him on the Wii!
"Damn, the Wii Fanboys are even worse than the xbox fanboys when they're angry, better not make em mad people."
HA! that's so true!
Dan @ Jul 1st 2006 12:26PM
This Hideous Kojima dude is really beginning to piss me off. Sure, cinematics are good. Last time I checked, Resident Evil 4 was a very cinematic game. I don't know squat about the Metal Gear Solid series, however, so I don't know how they compare.
But please, Kojima, get the hell off our backs and leave the Wii alone.
Jonathan @ Jul 1st 2006 1:34PM
I guess people can't have opinions these days. Even though he's telling the truth.
vidGuy @ Jul 1st 2006 4:22PM
Wait! So he's saying that the PS3 is powerful and that the Wii has cool controls?
Sounds like non-news to me! Isn't that what the hardcore crowds from both camps are gloating about?
Seriously though, he can have both - just not at the same time - by creating games for both systems. Everybody wins.
Franky Digital @ Jul 1st 2006 9:33PM
"But please, Kojima, get the hell off our backs and leave the Wii alone."
How is he on your back? It's not like he addressed Nintendo fans specifically... seriously, did you even read the article?
Dan @ Jul 1st 2006 10:17PM
"How is he on your back? It's not like he addressed Nintendo fans specifically... seriously, did you even read the article?"
OK, I'll reword that. He seems to be making a lot of people mad, so he should just stop.
Fran @ Jul 1st 2006 10:38PM
He speaks the truth, and some idiots should realize it. (I still find them slightly more tolerable than 360 fanboys.)
Still, MSG4 doesn't convince me to buy a PS3. Was never a fan. Impressive visuals and FMV, but if I wanted to see a shitty Hollywood movie with an overlapping plot, I'd do exactly that.
Tom @ Jul 2nd 2006 2:55AM
"Well Tom, I have no Idea why you've just now heard about him. Did you just now start playing/learning aboout video games?" ~ The SIr
Actually, "The SIr", (If that IS your real alias), I HAVE been playing video games for a really really long time! And all of those games are really really important games, and yet NONE of them were made by Hideo Kojima The Jackass! My point stands. Death to all who, in even the slightest way, disrespect Nintendo!
Franky Digital @ Jul 2nd 2006 3:38AM
"Death to all who, in even the slightest way, disrespect Nintendo!"
Ignorance is ugly. Especially when evident in so many forms through a sinle person.
Marc @ Jul 2nd 2006 9:14AM
Why all the hate on this guy? Seriously, if we all ARE Nintendo fans, it's the games that matter.
In short, we should only be mad at him if he refuses to make a game for the Wii.
Mike B. @ Jul 2nd 2006 1:21PM
I can never really hate this guy. He's a weird fucker, but atleast he made Snatcher.
OyoyoY123 @ Jul 2nd 2006 4:19PM
hhaha~ U fanboys....
U said he is just an a-hole pointing out the bloody obvious, and u also hate his gut for pointing out the truth. ..... so truth hurts,no?
Come'on man, he said these things because he was interviewed, he was ASKED to comment on the systems. What he said was fair, nothing eles.
some of u fudgers didnt even read the article.!!!
face it man, Wii is a Gamecube 1.5, which is the reason why I am getting one at launch.
BUT then I never like KOJIMA anyways. He makes some cool games tho~.
Skyelan @ Jul 2nd 2006 5:01PM
I disagree what he says, but I love his games (And I hope to god the fans will let him work on something aside from MGS again, Snatcher was awesome). I also think this is surprising, and he's really off base. His games rock because of cinematic quality, and the odd quirky gimmicks and humnor, not the raw graphical power. If he really thought raw power was the future, he wouldn't be so focused on the PS2 as he's been, as no one can deny it's the weakest of the three.
Also, specs mean nothing. On paper, Xbox was far more powerful than the Gamecube, but the Gamecube hardware was better streamlined for ease and quality of use, which is why there are many games that look as good, if not better, than Xbox games (and certainly load far faster than the best looking Xbox games).
Do I think the Wii will pass up the 360 and PS3 in power? No. But the era for power bringing artistic freedom is gone. Current/previous gen gave us a freeing of the restrictions game designers faced. We saw many many unique and distinct graphical styles and flares, from simple, to artistic, to raw realism. Anything we get now is minor improvements, because the raw power graphics alone shock and please for all of five minutes, before they seem ho-hum as always.
I dunno about you, but after all these "HEY WATCH US MIMIC REAL LIFE" games shown off as godly have made me ALREADY tired of next gen graphics. The only really awesome looking game I've seen benefiting from the power is Gears of War. I hope there are more soon.
And yes, you guys are jackarses. "SNAKE IN SMASH BROS!? HOW AWESOME! (And it is)". "What, he slighted Nintendo? Well, no, he's not wrong or off base... HE'S A BIG FGT SONY FANBOY INFIDEL! MGS SUX! HIS GAMES HAVE TWO MANY CINEMATICS!"
Dan @ Jul 2nd 2006 5:25PM
I'll think about this now... what does he really mean by "past concepts"? I know the article says he is referring to the graphical power of the Wii, but... The Wii is quite a bit more powerful than the Gamecube. Also, the PS3 is quite a bit more powerful than the PS2. So, is only beefing up the graphics a "past concept"? I'd say so, and it would be funny if that was what he really meant, because basically that's what the PS3 does. But I doubt it.
It's funny how he says that the Wii is so inferior, and then he says that "the best thing would be a PS3 with the Wii's controls." HAHAHAHAHAH... you wish.
I think Hideo Kojima's CLOTHES are past concept. *wink*
BPMΩ @ Jul 2nd 2006 9:46PM
Kojima doesn't hate Wii. I don't know where you people are getting that idea.
Here's an excerpt from Game Informer's interview of Kojima:
GI: You have said before that Metal Gear Solid and the PlayStation brand are very closely interwined. Do you have any interest in pursuing development for the Wii or the 360?
HK: Of course. For Wii, I really want to do it. The biggest stress or disappointment I have now is that I can't work on new things on Wii right away, but I have MGS 4 and MGS: Portable Ops that I have to finish. When I went to Nintendo's [E] party, Mr. Miyamoto came up to me and said "Aren't you creating for the Wii?" And I said, "Yes, I really want to, but I can't."
So, no, he does not hate Wii. Just that he and his team, Kojima Productions, are rather busy right now working on two games at the same time. And perhaps after he's done with them, he'll start the process for making a Wii game.
Franky Digital @ Jul 3rd 2006 12:35AM
Just to stir the pot a bit, you guys should check this out:
http://www.armleg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4487&mforum=mozlapunkmessag&sid=b352d219ae63108f948a3c8545381def
Take note of the following:
"Nintendo President Satoru Iwata will take stage and introduce One of Nintendos newest best friends, Hideo Kojima will then take the stage. Following this introduce he will go on to explain the idea behind Elebits and then announce that a new disruption will take place. Going to the big screen will be shown a montage of all past MGS games followed by the Wii slogan, announcing that all past MGS major releases will be available on Virtual Console. Then news will be broken that MGS4: Guns of the Patriots will also be coming to the Wii consolewith all visuals in place."
Yes, its rumours, but makes you think.
SuicideNinja @ Jul 3rd 2006 11:52AM
"Aren't you praising this guy a bit too much. I'm a much bigger fan of the works of Shigery Miyamoto than Hideo Kojima."
I concur. Personally, I think Metal Gear Solid is a joke of game. If you were to take Splinter Cell and put it in cheesy comic book form, you would have nothing other than Metal Gear Solid.
I was all about Metal Gear and Snake's Revenge back in the day, but the Metal Gear Solid series just didn't do it for me like Splinter Cell. I laugh every time my room mate tries to get someone to like MGS3 and immediately has them attempt to stab alligators. He proceeds to talk about hiding in lockers and shooting beehives. Hmmm...
While there were some good moments in Kojima's games, I really don't think he needs to be so revered.
nintendoidloyd @ Jul 3rd 2006 12:51PM
in terms of functions a machine with past concepts . yeah whatever. like the controller is such a past concept. nothing new there whatsoever .maybie the only past concept is the non blue ray or hd. but in terms of functions- theres lots new
Franky Digital @ Jul 3rd 2006 1:32PM
"I concur. Personally, I think Metal Gear Solid is a joke of game. If you were to take Splinter Cell and put it in cheesy comic book form, you would have nothing other than Metal Gear Solid."
Yea, I can understand why you didn't like it: you need to be able to understand the story, and follow the narrative. I can see why that was so difficult for you, and why you prefer the straight-forward and cliched story-telling of Sam Fisher and the gang.
Hirsbrunner @ Jul 3rd 2006 3:18PM
Dang! Looks and sounds like Franky Digital's got a serious thing for Kojima.
Franky and Hideo, sittin' in a tree...
I couldn't possibly care less about what Kojima thinks. His games do not interest me in the least, and by extention, his opinions.
Franky Digital @ Jul 3rd 2006 3:50PM
"I couldn't possibly care less about what Kojima thinks. His games do not interest me in the least, and by extention, his opinions."
I just respect the man's work and no true gaming fan would deny his impact. It's not like I'm getting a PS3, I just respect people who deserve respect. Not agreeing with his opinion, and bad-mouthing a smart and talent man are two different things. It just goes to show you how ignorant some fanboys can really be...
vidGuy @ Jul 3rd 2006 4:54PM
Here's a timely article from IGN:
http://wii.ign.com/articles/716/716025p1.html
Even though I enjoy the Metal Gear and MGS series, I can't help but wonder, is Kojima a one-trick pony?
Franky Digital @ Jul 3rd 2006 6:06PM
"Even though I enjoy the Metal Gear and MGS series, I can't help but wonder, is Kojima a one-trick pony?"
Policenauts? Snatcher?
Franky Digital @ Jul 3rd 2006 7:07PM
"Even though I enjoy the Metal Gear and MGS series, I can't help but wonder, is Kojima a one-trick pony?"
Policenauts? Snatcher?
Jonathan Fung @ Jul 3rd 2006 8:46PM
Dang! Looks and sounds like Franky Digital's got a serious thing for Kojima.
Franky and Hideo, sittin' in a tree...
I couldn't possibly care less about what Kojima thinks. His games do not interest me in the least, and by extention, his opinions.
------------------------------------------
Hirsbrunner, was that really necessary? I mean, if you're a big Wii guy, he is really one of the big supporters behind the Wii Controller, and does think highly of the Wii as well as the PS3. After all, Snake is going over to Wii.
John Wood @ Jul 4th 2006 4:31PM
"Even though I enjoy the Metal Gear and MGS series, I can't help but wonder, is Kojima a one-trick pony?"
EVER HEARD OF ZOE, ZOE 2, LUNAR KNIGHTS< BOKTAI 1 & 2
and dont u guys go saying sh*t bout my hero
vidGuy @ Jul 4th 2006 5:51PM
I've heard of those games... but how'd they sell?
Compared to some other video game legends, who have numerous million copy sellers and long-running series, Kojima looks to me like a one-franchise guy.
Franky Digital @ Jul 4th 2006 9:12PM
"Compared to some other video game legends, who have numerous million copy sellers and long-running series, Kojima looks to me like a one-franchise guy."
Sales are not equivalent to quality in any way, shape or form. I direct you to Spec Ops for the Playstation as one example offhand. I suggest you give up your attempt to slander Kojima when you've been obviously outclassed by people who don't just make stuff up and sell opinion as fact.
Nice try, though.
vidGuy @ Jul 4th 2006 11:58PM
Sure sales are not equivalent to quality. But let me ask you, which do more people consider to be the better game: Super Mario Bros or Zone of the Enders? A game on the NES is sure to beat a PS2 game in that match up.
I totally agree that some amazing games don't get their dues. Take Eternal Darkness on the GameCube. It's one of my favorite games out this gen. It's new and inventive, plays well, great story, good graphics. Yet aside from some "hidden gems" lists, it rarely gets mentioned.
It's not about the sales dollars. It's about reaching the hearts of more people. It's about having an influence on the gaming community and gaming industry. Unfortunately, it's not a talent search... it's a popularity contest. Take Halo as the perfect example. It's fun; but in my opinion it's the most overrated game of the last decade. But guess what? It's what sells... so the concept is going to be reworked and repackaged again and again until it isn't marketable. And you better believe that it's had an impact on the industry.
I have no doubt that Kojima has made his mark on the gaming industry with the Metal Gear line. Because I love these games, I'd like to see him reach that level with another franchise.
You may love his other games, but as far as I can see, they have not marked the industry like Metal Gear. Thus, one trick-pony.
Outclassed?
Loban @ Jul 5th 2006 10:06AM
Loban on PS3: Interesting graphics, dated controller.
Abu Siddek @ Jul 5th 2006 12:09PM
"I have no doubt that Kojima has made his mark on the gaming industry with the Metal Gear line. Because I love these games, I'd like to see him reach that level with another franchise.
You may love his other games, but as far as I can see, they have not marked the industry like Metal Gear. Thus, one trick-pony."
i can see what you are talking about but have considered that MGS4 is probably MR.Kojima's last game invoving MGS. The only reason why he continues MGS is because of his fans . it's us that make him carry on. now hes probably gonna start more franchises. theres already boktai 1&2 even a spin off for the DS Lunar Knights.
also to those who think that mgs is a "comic" game, i just like to add that MGS, accually made me think nore about life, it even made my consider to think that there maybe is a secret government, and the stories are so detailed and clever, much than what sam fisher would encounter.
Well what anyone says i just want to say Mr.Kojima you are so damn cool!! And best of luck in the future with what ever new franchise bring us.
Hirsbrunner @ Jul 5th 2006 12:45PM
39. Hirsbrunner, was that really necessary?
-------------------------------------------
Absolutely.
Franky Digital @ Jul 5th 2006 10:43PM
Okay, let's take your argument for a walk in the park.
"Sure sales are not equivalent to quality. But let me ask you, which do more people consider to be the better game: Super Mario Bros or Zone of the Enders? A game on the NES is sure to beat a PS2 game in that match up."
This comparison makes no sense. On what merit are you comparing them? Story-telling? Playability? Impact? If it's impact, obviously Mario will win. To each game its own, though: they both have merits that specifically positioned them as classic games. Comparing them is unfair as they are on two totally different planes of game existance.
"I totally agree that some amazing games don't get their dues. Take Eternal Darkness on the GameCube. It's one of my favorite games out this gen. It's new and inventive, plays well, great story, good graphics. Yet aside from some "hidden gems" lists, it rarely gets mentioned."
And so the fact that it rarely gets mentioned means its not as good of a game? No, and that's my point. The entire reason I keep posting here is for the fact that Kojima's lesser-known games are just as good as teh MGS series, and he has proven himself to be a remarkable, and noteworthy, game designer, just as Miyamoto has. Scale is of no consequence.
"It's not about the sales dollars. It's about reaching the hearts of more people. It's about having an influence on the gaming community and gaming industry. Unfortunately, it's not a talent search... it's a popularity contest. Take Halo as the perfect example. It's fun; but in my opinion it's the most overrated game of the last decade. But guess what? It's what sells... so the concept is going to be reworked and repackaged again and again until it isn't marketable. And you better believe that it's had an impact on the industry."
How is reaching the hearts of "more" people any different an argument then more sales? And what exactly are you comparing with ZOE and SMB? They're two totally different games that have two totally different sets of merits? Using a game that just happens to be an icon of gaming in general due to timing of release and proximity to the heart of the most revered company in gaming is not a fair comparison. You're pitting Nintendo against Konami, and that's ridiculous. Your argument, thus, is flawed.
"I have no doubt that Kojima has made his mark on the gaming industry with the Metal Gear line. Because I love these games, I'd like to see him reach that level with another franchise."
He has reached equivalent levels of talent and story-telling with the games that I've mentioned. Perhaps if you even knew what they were, you wouldn't be so quick to dismiss.
"You may love his other games, but as far as I can see, they have not marked the industry like Metal Gear. Thus, one trick-pony."
See previous post.
"Outclassed?"
Yep. You can read.
boots @ Jul 6th 2006 12:17AM
What the hell are you bitching about? Wouldn't you like a Wii with PS3 tech? Forget about the cost for a second, or better yet, imagine it costs the same thing as Wii.
That's what he wanted to say.
vidGuy @ Jul 6th 2006 12:29AM
Some people can look at a splash of paint on a white wall and call it art. Nearly everyone calls the Mona Lisa art. The value of the piece is intrinsic... the splash of paint and the Mona Lisa are equals. Yet there's some intangibile value to the way the Mona Lisa is put together and the way people react to it.
My argument is not that Kojima can't develop interesting games (splashes on the wall that are artistic and have value). My point is that he has yet to have a smash hit (a Mona Lisa) outside the Metal Gear line. I simply wish he would have another franchise hit so that more people can play his great games. What's so wrong about that?
I'm not attacking ZOE or any other game Kojima did. If you like those games, great. Just because that don't sell like MGS doesn't mean they aren't good games. My description of Eternal Darkness was to show that I, too, enjoy games based on their value and content, not the media buzz around them. My contrast to Halo was to show that media buzz doesn't make a game any better of a game. Just like sales don't make the game itself better. But the number of people playing a game somehow adds to its intangible value, just like the number of people viewing the Mona Lisa as art adds to its value.
As I said before, this is not a talent search but a popularity contenst. The number of copies in gamers' hands determines your impact on the industry. You can have the best, artistic, innovative game in the world, but if it doesn't sell 10 copies, it's not going to make a name for you.
However, to get another megahit, a developer may have to specifically design a game that is currently marketable. To some, that's selling out... Kojima isn't doing this, instead making games he wants to make (as much as possible in the business), and I respect him for that.
If you still don't understand, I'm sorry. I don't know how to express it any plainer. You said "no true gaming fan would deny his impact", well, I would just like him to have more of an impact than he currently has. Because besides a few hidden gems that won't be remembered in the halls of great games, he has Metal Gear, and, as I pointed out, that's only one franchise.
I don't see why it's so important for you to end every post with a put-down. If you respond rationally and without derogatory statements, I may continue a debate with you as I have with others. Until then.
Louis S. @ Jul 6th 2006 6:26AM
What I don't get is that he's been making his games on the weaker of the consoles for two generations (N64 was more powerful then PS1, XBOX & GCN more powerful then PS2) and he had no problem with making "cinematic" games.
Now, his PlayStation fanboy is showing in how he suddenly thinks that you have to have the most powerful system to make a cinematic game the cailaber of MGS4.
Whatever...