Wii Warm Up: Multiple control schemes

by Alisha Karabinus { Apr 10th 2008 at 9:00AM }

While Super Smash Bros Brawl may be the most well-known Wii game featuring a bevy of control schemes, it's not the only one, and if the forthcoming release of a white GameCube controller is any indication, we're likely to see more. Of course, that leads us to a pretty obvious question: what do you think about games offering multiple (completely different) control schemes in this manner? It's starting to seem that we're getting further away from the motion-based controls that were supposed to be the Wii's major selling point. Of course, with the way motion-sensing (doesn't) work in some games, that's not necessarily a terrible thing, but without it, what do we have left?

Tags: control-scheme, gamecube, motion-sensing

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

teddybeer @ Apr 10th 2008 9:12AM

i've mario kart since thuesday now and the remore control is the best. i dont like it that you can play it with all different schems

Roto13 @ Apr 10th 2008 5:43PM

There's a Thuesday? Is that like Octember?

Hunter @ Apr 10th 2008 9:18AM

I think that you are going to see more of this in games that are for the classic audience(trying to coin a new term here). For whatever reason some people seem to grapple with even the simplest motion controls. Excite Truck took an adjustment because I had never played a game with controls like it before, but once mastered is boatloads of fun. So in response to people's pissing and moaning they have included multiple schemes.

I recognize how a more traditional pad is better for a fighting game don't get me wrong I think they did the right thing by Brawl. On a side note however I play it with the remote on its side and still claim my share of victories.

ultima_omega @ Apr 10th 2008 9:39AM

Some of my friends refuse to buy the Wii because of the motion sensor controls. I think offering multiple control methods would help make the Wii appeal to an even wider audience.

Timdogg @ Apr 10th 2008 9:43AM

I think that it is great! When I play Brawl it will be with a wavebird, but MK will be with the wheel...it will be to a persons preference.

TheCoats @ Apr 10th 2008 10:22AM

practice with the nunchuk/WiiMote....it is very similar to the wavebird control scheme but i find i dont have to move my thumbs as much to get other buttons......you might find it feels more natural, or like my brother (he doesn't even want to try it) he only uses the GC controller....either way great game

Mr Khan @ Apr 10th 2008 11:05AM

I was all against the idea of the Wiimote n Nunchuk too, for Brawl, and I tried it the first night, with the intent of just seeing if it was any good, then going back to the GC controller anyway, but i got used to the Wiimote n Chuk scheme, and i've never even tried another

I will go full-on with the Wiil, though, i love me some Secret Rings

Tesche @ Apr 10th 2008 11:18AM

I too must say that I find the WiiMote/Nunchuck setup the best...also for the same reason....all the buttons are at your fingertips and thus don't require you moving your thumb back and forth to execute different attacks.....everything is at the tips of your fingers/thumbs.....

Nebinator @ Apr 10th 2008 6:11PM

I always use wavebird..

Sonic_13 @ Apr 10th 2008 9:48AM

Personally, I don't really like it that much. It's Wii afterall, not GameCube. If a game is going to feature a more traditional control scheme I think I would rather they did it solely with the Classic Controller than with a GameCube controller. At least that makes it more Wii-like.

Orion @ Apr 10th 2008 9:55AM

I think it should be the developer's job to make a game with the correct control scheme. While brawl, or for that matter...any fighter, is better with a traditional pad, I agree that the gamecube controller should be ditched. At least make it classic control and motion control only.

Perosonally, for most games.. it should be one control scheme.. and it should be motion control. With the exception of very very few games, a traditional pad shouldn't be offered.. especially with simple games like Mario Kart. You can't even get all the range of controls with standard pads in Mario Kart , so what's the point of even including it?

So what.. people don't want a Wii because of motion controls. Then obviously that system isn't right for them as it's all the system is about. If we keep moving Wii to other control schemes, all we are left with is a system that is basically a mini xbox with online play.

BDR @ Apr 10th 2008 9:57AM

I have a few mixed feelings. On one hand it's great to offer something for everyone, but to me it seems like a bit of a backwards step.

The Wii's hook is it's motion controls, so what does that say about our console if developers want us to play with traditional game controllers? To each their own however, some games actually benefit from a traditional control scheme. I'd rather traditional controls than cheap waggle.

Justin @ Apr 10th 2008 10:00AM

Pro: You don't need to have a bunch of Wii remotes lying around to play games.
Cons: It defeats the purpose of the Wii being innovative. Or maybe having a bunch of control schemes is considered innovative.

koehler83 @ Apr 10th 2008 10:09AM

If Im not using my Wii Remote, I'm playing my PS3 or PC.

Killimus @ Apr 10th 2008 10:11AM

I personally like the idea of multiple control setups for certain games that require more precise timing, such as Brawl. But I don't see why having the Gamecube controller usable on other games hurts the Wii. I have 2 Wiimotes and 2 GC controllers, so its optimal for when I have 3 other friends over.

Besides, if you want to use the waggle, theres nothing stopping you from doing so. I think Nintendo is just trying to cater to those who want to play their first party games who don't like the idea of motion sensors.

Hame @ Apr 10th 2008 10:18AM

I believe the designer should always decide on one (the best) control scheme. Offering multiple schemes shows a lack of strength and conviction on the designer's part.

And also wasn't the Wii-remote suppossed to be about simplification? Doesn't adding loads of different controllers and schemes only clutter, confuse and complicate?

mEgAsHoT @ Apr 10th 2008 10:20AM

This just solidifies the fact that the Wii is just a Gamecube with motion controls and online play. Heck, the Gamecube is built into the Wii completely! I'm not interested in a Wii, simply because I am almost basically buying a Gamecube on steroids all over again. Super Smash Bros. Brawl hardly looks any better than Melee, and it could have easily have been done on the Gamecube instead of the Wii. I really saw no improvement in the graphics on the Wii from the Gamecube. Maybe a slight bit, but that's it. Multiple control schemes are good, but it seems like it's just telling people "oh, I'm really truly a Gamecube with a new coat of paint". I would gladly play Brawl with the 4 GCN controllers I already have. No need in wasting money and getting price gouged trying to get extra Wii Remotes ($25) and Nunchucks ($40). It's ridiculous how Nintendo is gouging people for those things!

Orion @ Apr 10th 2008 11:12AM

oh yea.. so rediculous. At least I can play a game with just the wiimote... a dual shock 3 is 55 bucks. Oh yea, and the system is twice as expensive. Who's gipping who off?

I just gatta ask. If you have no interest in the Wii at all, why the hell are you posting on wiifanboy? Bored? PSPfanboy not writing enough articles for you? (and that's not sarcasm, it's the truth.. where are they half the time?...)

Patrick @ Apr 10th 2008 11:31AM

@ Orion
You took the words right out of my mouth.

LV426 @ Apr 10th 2008 6:08PM

...um... yeah, it didnt look better. *eyeroll* WOW...

That said, I like the options... makes it open to what you want to do. For me, Im going to try the Wiimote first in any game, but there are entire genres of games that cant be done as well on wiimote as classic pad.

Interesting enough, I see the cube controller showing up in 4 player games and classic in 1 player.... perhaps it's to save $$$ on controllers by letting players use their old ones?

CJLopez @ Apr 10th 2008 1:31PM

At least, nintendo give us some choices, M$ would only rip-off from others ideas (actual control is only a copy&paste from the DC and the new "Newton".... do I really need to tell where the idea came from???) and Sony "Hey guys, watch this, new control, well, not that new, it's only the same old rumble but with another number, and guess what, it cost 5 bucks less than a new game"

nastysquar3d @ Apr 10th 2008 10:28AM

I'll chime in with my 2 cents.

Nothing that Mario Kart or SSBB do benefit that greatly from motion controls, so the option to not use them is perfectly fine by me. I also enjoy the fact that Gamecube controllers are compatible because using them sure beats the hell out of shelling out more money for more controllers when I have Gamecube controllers I can use for free.

That being said there are games that benefit greatly from the motion controls (MP3, Super Mario Galaxy, No More Heroes, Zack & Wiki etc...) You'll notice that these games don't have alternative control methods.

I love the Wii, and I think the controls are fantastic when implemented correctly. However, I also think that if a game isn't going to benefit from motion controls why force users to use them? I think Nintendo is spot on with it's control schemes and the inclusion / non-inclusions of certain controllers.

Justin @ Apr 10th 2008 11:09AM

If you like coll control schemes Pro Evolution Soccer foots that bill too.

Alex @ Apr 10th 2008 10:32AM

If the game doesn't utilize motion controls, but does use enough buttons to surpass the remote, then I'm all for the GCN controller support. Why? Because the Wavebird has no wires. If they made a wireless classic controller, I'd change my tune.

Mr Khan @ Apr 10th 2008 11:06AM

Its all about the theme of Wii, appeal to as many people as possible

Choice is good, those people who aren't using the motion controls miss out, but at least they're playing the way they want to

SoshiKitai @ Apr 10th 2008 11:52AM

Is everyone right-handed? Is everyone left-handed?
Does everyone eat with a fork and knife?
Does everyone eat with their hands?
Does everyone eat with chopsticks?
Does everyone use automatic? Does everyone use manual?

The fact is, the ability to use more controls is nice. Look, the Wiimote isn't everyone's cup o' tea when they're playing certain games. And I understand it when people think it's weird to play with the Classic Controller.
And the Wii can play GameCube games, so it has controller slots and memory card slots just for that option. If you could plug in a GameCube controller into that slot, but you don't want to play any GameCube games... that slot is really wasted (I know the memory card slot is often wasted)... the fact that they've made a use of it in Wiigames as well is nice.

You don't HAVE to use another controller, that's the beauty of it.
Some people will like using their Wiimote... some people will like using their Wiimote+Nunchuk... some people will like the Classic Controller... and some people just miss the feel of what an analog controller feels like and go back to the GameCube Controller.
To say you can't use the GameCube controller is like saying that you can't use the Hori Fighting Stick for fighting games. One thing they have in common: They both aren't needed for the game, but they're an option.

More controllers = more options.
More options = more happy people.

It isn't a step back.
What's a step back is playing a PS2 game on a PS3...
...I mean, PS2 games withOUT rumble? ... ... yeah, that's a step back. (It's already a step back that they took out rumbles)

What IS a step back, is if they made a Wii game that ONLY uses the GameCube controller.
What IS a step back, is if the GameCube controller is the only other alternative other than a Wiimote, given by a Wii game.

Dio @ Apr 11th 2008 5:43AM

+1 for Hori Fighting Stick. I'm getting one soon :D

meist3r @ Apr 10th 2008 11:53AM

I support multiple control schemes. The classic controller is a joke to give me an umbilical cord for a crappy pad to become wireless is so stupid. Now where do I put the Wiimote while I'm playing? Strap it underneath the controller? Then why not do that BEFORE you put a shell around it and sell me something clever for the 20 bucks I have to pay. The white GameCube relaunch is an obvious move. Remember? There was a white GC version out a couple of years ago that came bundled with Mario Smash Soccer. I tried to get one of these pads of eBay after I got my Wii and they were almost impossible to find and if there was one dozens of people bet on it. It's a smart move to use the old supply chain for a complementary product that many will want to buy anyway.

For games like SSBB or Mario Kart some people like a little less response time from their controls and therefore prefer a stick that is instantly aware of it's position instead of a motion sensed guess. I love the Wiimote and I will find out tomorrow if the Wii Wheel is any good. But if that fails why would I be against having alternatives. Look a little over the plate ... Lair for PS3 made that exact mistake. They relied on their assumption that the motion controls where good enough for anybody but that turned out to be wrong. Now months later they announce a patch that is supposed to fix that. I want all controls and all options in the game right now.

I wonder will the Settings menu in games ultimately transform in a DownloadableContent(TM)(R)(WTFBBQ)-Store platform?

[b]Please Select Options:[/b]
If you want to play this game with your hands please download PlayStationWifiConnectwork360-Pad_Patch01104051.2.foo - $0.99

If you want to have VoiceChat download
PlayStationWifiConnectwork360-VoIP_Patch0124566.foo - $2.49

etc...

CJLopez @ Apr 10th 2008 1:43PM

Not everybody likes how a game only has one option of control, and sometime games won't let you customize the control scheme, it happened with me on Megaman X for the Snes, i never liked that the fire was the Y, the jump the B and the Dash the A, it was nearly impossible to shoot, jump and dash at the same time, but then this games let you customize the control scheme, and then I was able to map dash to the R button and have the weapon selection on the X and A buttons, that was cool

I hadn't seen a Wii game letting you this, but letting you choose how do you want to play, its good. With Brawl, i gave a try to the new schemes of play, classic didn't work much to me, nunchuck+wiimote, didn't appealed to me much, sideway wiimote, just perfect, now I try to play with a gamecube, damn, not used to it anymore, jajajaja

Joe Cart @ Apr 10th 2008 2:26PM

I disagree entirely. Motion controls are what make the Wii great, and its what sets it apart from other consoles. Unless your some idiot, you shouldnt have too hard of a time getting used to the motion controls for certain games. I think most people just dont like change and would rather be lazy and boring. But for active people like me (and many others), we like to be active and actually have FUN playing video games. Thats what its all about right?

Now I will say, certain games don't need motion controls (Super Smash Bros, Mario Galaxy). But for the majority of games like Zelda, Resident evil, house of the dead, Medal of honor (or any and all shooting games), motion controls are essential and are the CLEAR winner

Don't worry nintendo. Stick to the motion controls... people will eventually wake up and learn

Joe Cart @ Apr 10th 2008 2:35PM

Sooo F*ck off and read some PS3 fanboy crap... get a life while your at it.

Mr Khan @ Apr 10th 2008 2:52PM

Harsh, he was just saying he didn't buy a Wii to play traditional games

SoshiKitai @ Apr 10th 2008 4:45PM

My goodness, calm down. If you're that pissed at people who have other systems other than the Wii, maybe it's you who needs a life.

...I remember when being a Nintendo Fanboy meant you were willing to accept other consoles, but encouraged everyone to try out Nintendo. Kids these days ruin Nintendo's name.

Joe Cart @ Apr 10th 2008 2:37PM

OOps, that was for Koehler83, sorry...

Bainge @ Apr 10th 2008 4:51PM

I bought Brawl to play with the Wiimote and Nunchuck, I am buying Mario Kart to play with the Steering Wheel. (Yeah I am buying four). The point is to play the games the way the developers intended them to be (Except on Brawl you gotta make down on the Wii-Mote Dpad jump instead of shield, I dunno why the hell they didn't do that default), sure maybe playing Mario Kart with a Gamecube Controller might be a tad bit more accurate but I'll be damned if it ends up being even half as fun and hillarious as you and three friends furiously twisting your wrists in midair with a fake wheel thingy.

Roto13 @ Apr 10th 2008 5:45PM

More choice is good. Dragon Ball Z Tenkaichi Budokai 2 (and probably 3) let you choose between Nunchuck and GCN controls.

Anyone who doesn't enjoy doing the hand motions of a Kamehameha needs a smack in the face, though.

SoshiKitai @ Apr 10th 2008 9:40PM

Agreed.

zorko @ Apr 10th 2008 7:32PM

I doubt that adding GC or Classic controller support adds much cost to the development of the game (compared to the cost of developing quality motion controls) so I am all for adding them. Whether they are used or not, at the very least they give users who don't own 4 wii motes and 4 nunchucks more options to get their multiplayer game on.

thudean @ Apr 11th 2008 1:58AM

Games with different controls make the games better (or at least some). For example, I have Tiger Woods 08. Sometimes I want to stand there and swing, its fun. But other times, I just don't want to use the energy and would enjoy the game just as much sitting down with a classic style controller (I don't like the control functionality when using the remote/nunchuk sitting). I think multiple controls do well for some games, but that it shouldn't be applicable to all of them.