darkSpyro

I've seen a lot of posts about Wii issues. I have a Wii U so I can't say that I've had them myself, but seems enough complaints to justify saying something about it.

The Wii is old, not actually as old as the Xbox 360 interestingly enough. But the Wii was never a powerhouse like the Xbox and PS have been. It seems like it's reaching the end of its lifecycle from a variety of software developers. It's limitations are getting in the way. It's just a fact that all technology has a certain shelf life, and in a constantly online, dynamic content type of world the Wii just isn't hacking it. (That's why there's a Wii-U now)

At the same time, if you're on this site, you're a Skylanders fan. There's a good chance that you've already shelled out hundreds of dollars for just the new figures. When it's all said and done, if you go all out, you might spend $1,000 for figures and accessories.

So, if you're already going to plan on putting out that much $$$, Wii owners should really consider upgrading. Right now, gamestop has refurbished Xboxes for $99. That's not a lot of $$$ considering what you're getting. Black Friday will have huge sales on Xboxes and ps3s just to make space for the newer versions. I bet Craigslist, Ebay, Friends and Family all have similar offers. So, perhaps now is the time to really considering moving up.

I realize not everybody has money to blow, and sometimes feeding the kids is more important. But, for $100 you can get a different console that, frankly, can do all sorts of cool things beyond just skylanders. You don't have to throw away the old Wii, it's still there, and you might even buy new games for it still. But at some point, if you're considering all the issues you're having and feeling bummed because the quality isn't there that it is for the other systems, then you should consider investing in a more powerful console.

GameStop Preowned link: http://www.gamestop.com/preowned

That's just my 2 bits.

Well said. And a good point.

Agreed. I bought a used Wii U to replace my wii and I'm really happy with it.

Personally, I'm sinking all my game money into my 2DS. The next gen consoles don't look like any of them are worth it at this point. I'll buy the Wii Swap Force, and then when/if Skylanders 4 comes out, I'll just stick to collecting the figures since that's what I like about Skylanders more than the actual games. : P

Nice thread and all, but that doesn't excuse for a buggy release on the platform. Let's call it what it is--a rushed release. Logically speaking, it makes absolute sense to use the best platform possible (especially given the sunk costs for all of the figures and accessories).

You're right. With how cheap pre-owned 360s are now, there really is no reason to cling onto your Wii as if your life depended on it.

Quote: GhostRoaster

Nice thread and all, but that doesn't excuse for a buggy release on the platform. Let's call it what it is--a rushed release. Logically speaking, it makes absolute sense to use the best platform possible (especially given the sunk costs for all of the figures and accessories).

Don't get me wrong here. I've been a software developer for almost 20 years now. Producing buggy code is inexcusable to me. Especially on a platform where you can't supply automatic updates. It's not a good move from a business view point either because even though Wii is old, it still has a large and loyal fan base.

But, unfortunately, it is what it is.

Well, I don't agree with your opinion, here's why:

1 - As you said, the Wii isn't older than the Xbox360, so, the X360 should be having this very bad treatment they did to the Wii version and not Wii.
2 - Skylanders will go down when they stop doing Wii versions of the game, and it will lose lots of money, many families use the Wii because it's not at a 300€ price and it's family-friendly, also, lots of Skylanders fans don't use forums or get a new console each year.
3 - I shelled 60€ out on 3 years of Skylanders gaming, not everyone buys all figures, not even half of the total, some just buy the starter pack for your knowledge.
4 - You linked us to an american website, but you should know Europe is in a very big economical crisis, a very BIG one. So, it's easier to shell out 60€ for a game for a console you already own than have a new one and then having to buy the game which would be the same as an low wage here in Portugal (most people have low wages).
5 - Europe is getting on the side, they're putting the game later, they're not sending all kinds of figures here (S2 Drobot got here after Swap Force! and we didn't got sidekicks), if they put it even more on the side, they're going to lose 60/65% of their profit.

Quote: SkylandersBoy

Well, I don't agree with your opinion, here's why:

1 - As you said, the Wii isn't older than the Xbox360, so, the X360 should be having this very bad treatment they did to the Wii version and not Wii.
2 - Skylanders will go down when they stop doing Wii versions of the game, and it will lose lots of money, many families use the Wii because it's not at a 300€ price and it's family-friendly, also, lots of Skylanders fans don't use forums or get a new console each year.

Regardless of which is older, the wii is not as powerful as the 360. I loved the wii, but that is just a fact. The 360 is simply capable of more and this not Beenox's or VV's fault. They had to give the the wii version special attention to make the game work on the wii. I don't see how some people are saying it's rushed, the wii version was announced from the beginning. Now, if Beenox made a buggy game, then that's bad, but that's a separate issue. There are bugs and there is a game being a bit much for a out of date system to handle. They realize the wii has a lot of players, that's why they made a wii edition. But this is going to be an on-going issue. The wii cannot run games that the others systems can, (especially the ones coming out soon) and if they make a wii version for 4 they will have to downgrade it run on the wii and it will not be optimal (hopefully not buggy, but definitely not optimal). If you can't afford a new system then you can't. But Skylanders is not the only game wii users are going to have a problem with. Other developers will stop making games for it too. It's just ultimately inevitable. I'd also like to point out that new systems do not come out every year. Wii, ps3, and 360 have all been out for years. Wii U is just as family friendly, it's backwards compatible, and is cheaper than than the PS4 or the new xbox. A used 360 or ps3 is even cheaper. No ones saying that you have to run out an buy a Ps4 the Day it comes out, it's just that the wii's days are numbered. The Wii U should've picked up more of the wii market by now and it hasn't, but the other companies are still going to keep marching forward and so is the software. We'll see, some new games are coming out for Wii u that are pushing sales I think.

Love me some Wii U. The kids love the games and it's easy to use. Not to mention cheaper than the "next gen" consoles. Plus with Link, Mario and Luigi, Donkey Kong, etc the kids just eat it up. If the Zelda edition isn't your bag there will be new Wii U bundles in time for the holidays.

There's going to be a Wii U Skylanders bundle.

I honestly don't think any game in history has ever been released bug-free. If you look up any game on Youtube and the word "glitches", chances are someone has made a video detailing tons of glitches in said game. The sad thing for the Wii release of Swap Force is that the bug here has been causing freezing, but hopefully word gets around on how to avoid that. As far as upgrading the console goes, it's been a long time since one would have had to have a different console from a Wii to get the fullest gaming experience, but I wouldn't upgrade just to avoid glitches. Only upgrade if you actually want some games for the newer consoles.

Quote: Friendzie

I honestly don't think any game in history has ever been released bug-free. If you look up any game on Youtube and the word "glitches", chances are someone has made a video detailing tons of glitches in said game. The sad thing for the Wii release of Swap Force is that the bug here has been causing freezing, but hopefully word gets around on how to avoid that. As far as upgrading the console goes, it's been a long time since one would have had to have a different console from a Wii to get the fullest gaming experience, but I wouldn't upgrade just to avoid glitches. Only upgrade if you actually want some games for the newer consoles.

This.

It's a little condescending to suggest someone upgrade their video game system when it has worked fine for years. With the game being ported to the Wii by a secondary (tertiary?) company, things are bound to get "lost in translation," if you will. Activision, by touting the game as cross-platform compatible, has given the implicit expectation that every game is equal. Wii players should expect the same gameplay experience as PS3 players and Xbox360 players and Wii U players (note I'm focusing on the gameplay aspect, not graphical aspect). This is the promise Activision implicitly makes with its marketing of the game, and it fell short of that promise.

There are other bugs that everyone faces, such as the Platinum Treasure Chest not registering as unique even though there's a slot for it on the item screen. This is unfortunately, but at least everyone experiences it. One wonders how this bug didn't get caught, but one also can forgive this error a little more easily than the screw-up that the Wii version is.

Naturally, all issues with Activision are compounded by the advent of smartphone gaming. Many indie developers are highly accessible (e.g. Raptisoft and Foursaken Media), and so many casual gamers have come to expect not only a certain level of transparency and accountability from developers, whether it's through email or social media, but also that bugs can be patched in a maximum of two weeks. When dealing with traditional gaming on dedicated gaming devices, we must remember that these bugs and glitches are here to stay (in most circumstances). We must also remember that when a company is projecting a yearly or bi-yearly development cycle, the best we can hope for is that the next game won't have the same issues. This isn't iOS where some gamer-turned-developer code-monkey is diving in to fix the small error and pushing out an update because of a love of the game and fellow gamers. This is big business, and try as they might to please the masses, they have to set priorities. Accessibility and game patches are not high on that list.

Ultimately, responsibility lies with the developer, whether mobile or traditional gaming, and a game touted as "cross-platform" should not be "buyer-beware."

^ Yeah, I agree with this.

Also, some people just buy the game, no extra figures, finish it then get rid of it, I know of I was one of those people and my game kept freezing I would be really annoyed.

Still, unless you're on a really tight budget(which is understandable- if strange, since you're buying Skylanders), there's not much reason to keep playing on the Wii since the support is kinda dying off. I expect they'll continue this version into the next game (though probably not the one after) because it's where the numbers are, but don't expect it to be really good, since Skylanders 3 already struggles on it.

No game launches bug-free. But it's rare that you encounter a game which bugs this often in a very noticeable manner. Every game constantly graphics-glitches, where models go through other models, but we don't complain about that because we don't NOTICE that much and it's something we can easily excuse. It's hard to excuse when your game will cause your console to freeze up quite often... That's where the complaints start. People have reasons for buying the Wii version and they shouldn't be getting such a BAD, broken product.

Well, I wouldn't upgrade just over glitches in one game, even if it is Skylanders with a significant investment in figures.

However, I would seriously consider upgrading your Wii now anyways. The Wii system itself is now as of the past couple weeks out of production. They aren't making them anymore. That means game releases, which have already slowed to a trickle, will only get worse. If the console was still fairly current, then sure keep with it - but it isn't, it is going away. Pretty much all of the new releases in the future are going to be shovelware.

If your Wii is your only console, then obviously the WiiU is the most sensible choice. Nintendo is the only company that still does backwards compatibility so you can still play your old games. The WiiU is really starting to come into its own now, there have been several really good games in the recent past and in the next few months. I would go for the Zelda package, personally - since it is the Deluxe unit.

It's not condescending to suggest that people should consider updating their home gaming systems. People should consider it, especially if the primary device in the home is the old regular Wii.

It would be, maybe, condescending to suggest that people must run out and purchase the newest, most expensive generation of console, due to be released soon (PS4 and XboxOne). That's not necessary. However, purchasing a used or refurbished PS3 or Xbox360 is a reasonably priced upgrade over the old regular Wii. And the upgrade from Wii to PS3 or Xbox360 is substantial, in terms of hardware and graphics, etc.

I think the main point in this thread should be that Wii users need to get comfortable with the idea that their system is now well past its prime on the marketplace, and game developers are going to stop investing in titles (or even game versions) for the Wii soon ... possibly very soon. Eventually software design and capabilities leave hardware in the dust, and asking game developers to "dumb down" their in-production products just to appease folks that refuse to let go of the Wii and/or spend money on a newer/better system ... that's just unrealistic.

We play Skylanders on the Wii even though we also own an Xbox 360. I find that my son has an easier time with the Wii controller versus the Xbox controller. I will probably use this as an excuse to upgrade to the Wii U later this holiday season. I've got my eye on that Zelda Windwaker package.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

I think the main point in this thread should be that Wii users need to get comfortable with the idea that their system is now well past its prime on the marketplace, and game developers are going to stop investing in titles (or even game versions) for the Wii soon ... possibly very soon. Eventually software design and capabilities leave hardware in the dust, and asking game developers to "dumb down" their in-production products just to appease folks that refuse to let go of the Wii and/or spend money on a newer/better system ... that's just unrealistic.

Exactly. Well put.

What a ridiculous comment. When you release a product you make sure it works. The Wii could handle Mario Galaxy 2 and Skyward Sword without issue. Having played all three, surely you aren't suggesting that Skylanders Swap Force is light-years beyond those two when it comes to pushing the capabilities of the Wii system. It was simply a poorly made version. Actually, a broken version. Poorly made would imply it is actually playable.

unless you are a programmer you really can't say if one is more or less than the other bouncpad

No, the bugs should not exist. But, most games even back in the cartridge days had at least a few slip through. Even high profile first party games have them, Skyward Sword had a game breaking bug, as did the new Pokemon X/Y. It happens, QA does miss things - games are far more complex these days. The Wii version of the game is a port job farmed out to another dev, downgraded from the lead platform. And yes, the Wii cannot handle the full blown version of Swap Force, for starters it is in a higher resolution than the Wii can handle and many things here and there have been downgraded so it can do them. I would imagine Skylanders 4 might have a Wii version, but it will probably be the last one, and that version will be a port job as well.

Upgrade not because the game is less buggy on other platforms, but because the Wii is on its last legs. After the holiday you probably won't be able to find any new games for it save the bad shovelware. Game systems have a finite shelf life, this is true with all consoles, even the upcoming next gen systems. If you want to game, then having to upgrade platforms is inevitable. The benefit is lots of new games available, the WiiU already has many good games, with many more upcoming - and it lets you play your old games and use your old controllers.

I think the premise of this post is absurd. These issues have nothing to do with the Wii itself. The developers were sloppy and didn't properly test the software. Plain and simple. It has NOTHING to do with the hardware. To suggest people switch platforms because the software is shoddy is dumb and insulting. The argument "well you just spent money on Skylanders, so clearly you can afford something else" is arrogant. You have no place telling others how to spend their money.

theargument is that the Wii is dying and it's not strong enough it can't handle it if you want to continue Skylanders you will need to upgrade

Quote: jcmeyer5

I think the premise of this post is absurd. These issues have nothing to do with the Wii itself. The developers were sloppy and didn't properly test the software. Plain and simple. It has NOTHING to do with the hardware. To suggest people switch platforms because the software is shoddy is dumb and insulting. The argument "well you just spent money on Skylanders, so clearly you can afford something else" is arrogant. You have no place telling others how to spend their money.

The problem is, that it is the console itself. The Wii plain and simple can not run the full S:SF game. So they dumbed it down. The question here is, how far could they go? What could they actually take out? How many threads would be on this forum alone if they took out the Swap zones to make it work right?

No matter what the issue, there would be threads complaining that we are missing this or that. They built the game right to the limit of the Wii. And for some with what they already have on their Wii it is just too much.

I was afraid I might get misunderstood with this post, so let me try to clarify a bit more. The idea of the post is not "It's totally fine that they released a poor product and/or it's a requirement to switch to a new system. As a software developer, releasing something (anything) with bad issues is insulting to my profession. I'm disgusted when I see such things. However, that's not my point.

The Wii isn't being manufactured by Nintendo anymore. View this link: http://www.digitalspy.com/gami...facturing.html. What that says is that Nintendo intends on not supporting their system in the future. Nintendo is done with the Wii!!! By not making any more Wiis they're throwing in the towel for their own product. Given that, do you really think Skylanders 4 will support the Wii? I'm thinking probably not.

Am I saying the Wii is bad? Hell no. It was Revolutionary, Amazing, Incredible. It still has a ton of value. But, it doesn't have the power and capabilities that the other consoles have. That's one of the reasons they made the Wii-U.

Having been involved a bit with Disney Infinity there's a similar situation where the Experiences are not the same. Here's the amazon reviews page on Disney Infinity for the Wii: http://www.amazon.com/DISNEY-I...ews/B00AXI9WEE. Compare that to the Wii U version: http://www.amazon.com/DISNEY-I..._pr_product_top 2 stars vs 4 stars for what 'should be' the same game.

If the Wii version was 100% bug free, it would still not give the Experience that is possible on other systems. Still good? yes. Still playable? yes. As good as the others? No. But are you still playing on that Atari 2600? No. Eventually all technology phases out.

If people are spending a lot of money to buy the game and figures and then not getting the best experience from their platform, then they should consider upgrading to a better system. If you plan on only buying a starter pack, then this post is definitely not for you. If you don't have extra money, then this post is definitely not for you. If you're not a super fan, then this post may not be for you either But the person who has already bought every wave 1 and wave 2 item and owns a Wii and is disappointed should consider there options. It totally sucks they did a poor job, but don't settle because of it.

I, nor anyone else here, can change the quality of the Wii version. That's beyond us. The reaction to it though is something else. If you're disappointed because your Wii has issues, then consider making an additional purchase that would make your entire Experience better. And with that upgrade, you'll also be able to do all the other things that those consoles can do as well.

My main point is this: The coming month is going to be a great time for console purchases. There's 2 new platforms coming out. There's Black Friday sales. There's Christmas Presents. There's people selling their old hardware cheap so they can have the latest and greatest. If you are a huge fan, like so many of us are, then invest a bit more to get a greater experience.

-------Just for reference, I own a Wii and used it as my primary console until I got the Wii U. -------

Very well said, Xerxxees ^

SOme of this has already been said, but here are my 2 cents:

1) After playing that aweful Wii version of Disney INFINITY and realizing that it was not as good as it could have been, I was less interested on doing that same thing w Skylanders.

2) I got a used XBOX360 w 2 controllers, 250 gig hard drive and Kinect for $200.

3) The Beenox version of Swapforce is supposedly missing some content. In an interview the Beenox spokesman said that there were a few things that they couldn't get to work correctly on Wii. And lower graphics quality...

4) On the other hand, based on past sales Wii has been a HUGE platform for the whole skylanders series, outselling other platforms. So they will probably keep supporting it for a while.

Just an FYI for those that are considering a WiiU and need a push - they just announced a new bundle out on Nov 1 that includes the really nice Super Mario U and Super Luigi U in a Deluxe 32 GB (black) unit for $299.99. They have swapped out Nintendo Land for the two games.

Not to mention they have Super Mario 3D World due next month which look awesome. Also, be sure to check out Rayman Legends, Pikmin 3 and Wind Waker HD if you go that way. Wonderful 101 and Lego City are also great options. Lego City is really a cool game, think Grand Theft Auto Lego and you pretty much have it.

I also just noticed that the new Sonic Lost World AND Mario and Sonic Sochi Olympics are coming out soon ... for the Wii U only. (not Wii)

If we're going for the potato logic (your console is older, now we don't want you anymore, GTFO) then PS3 and Xbox360 versions should be removed too, would like to see people discuss if it was the opposite.

it's not the fact it's old it's the lack of power and the fact it'sgonna be discontinued and itcan't handle the graphics and is tethering the other systems

People argue about the wii edition ???
My works fine
Except for the time it froze during twisty tunnels but that was cause my wii needed cleaning

Quote: Xerxxees

Quote: GhostRoaster

Nice thread and all, but that doesn't excuse for a buggy release on the platform. Let's call it what it is--a rushed release. Logically speaking, it makes absolute sense to use the best platform possible (especially given the sunk costs for all of the figures and accessories).

Don't get me wrong here. I've been a software developer for almost 20 years now. Producing buggy code is inexcusable to me. Especially on a platform where you can't supply automatic updates. It's not a good move from a business view point either because even though Wii is old, it still has a large and loyal fan base.

But, unfortunately, it is what it is.

I'm not participating in the Wii platform discussion; I am sticking to the bugs because I'm seeing quite a few interesting issues even with the "better" platforms. I will say however your recent post is spot on (not quoted).

In my mind, it's a collaboration between developers and testers. I am hearing there's a lot of bugs in this game that developers should've caught.

From a QA perspective, their job is to bullet proof the game and logic...challenge decisions made to make the balance better for the player. It's also to find those obscure test cases that the developer won't find because he's too focused on the immediate task.

It looks like both share in this failure, and ultimately management for allowing it to ship--assuming they were in the know.

As an off-topic comment, I'm not sure if anyone has recent Swap Force sales, but I did read a blurb that UK sales were down 30% or so first week as compared to Giants. I'm wondering how much of it is related to issues on the Wii version versus people weary of the franchise?

Quote: defpally

Just an FYI for those that are considering a WiiU and need a push - they just announced a new bundle out on Nov 1 that includes the really nice Super Mario U and Super Luigi U in a Deluxe 32 GB (black) unit for $299.99. They have swapped out Nintendo Land for the two games.

Not to mention they have Super Mario 3D World due next month which look awesome. Also, be sure to check out Rayman Legends, Pikmin 3 and Wind Waker HD if you go that way. Wonderful 101 and Lego City are also great options. Lego City is really a cool game, think Grand Theft Auto Lego and you pretty much have it.

Go Nintendo! That's a great idea. Give them 4-player mario and 4-player Luigi! So Lego City is good, my son wants it and idk much about it yet.

My wii version never froze and i havent seen a single glitch....

I'm pulling this back out of the grave as I've seen a lot of posts that are very closely related to this one.

Everything I said before still holds true except Black Friday is now almost upon us. As well as PS4 and XBOne releases.

I've seen a Black Friday ad for a brand new xbox 360 for $100. An xbox 360 with Kinect for $200. And lots of variations in between. I imagine the used/refurbished prices are lower now as well.

There's also Skylander Wii U bundles and just lots of options across the consoles.

Quote: Xerxxees

Wii owners should really consider upgrading. Right now, gamestop has refurbished Xboxes for $99.

My biggest problem with this thread is the same as always: How is changing platforms an upgrade?

But if you think about it the Wii is basicly the daddy of the consoles that came out after it e.g wiiu 3ds PS4 Xbox One etc

I am getting an Xbox 360 for what I plan to be some of favourite games.SSF and Minecraft.

I'm upgrading to a ps3 because my wii sucks, crappy graphics, bad controls and the pa3 has so much more to offer, way better graphics, awesome controls, better games, I also want it for the multiplayer games that Wii will never get (Gta 5, Cod)

Quote: Datminecraftguy

I'm upgrading to a ps3 because my wii sucks, crappy graphics, bad controls and the pa3 has so much more to offer, way better graphics, awesome controls, better games, I also want it for the multiplayer games that Wii will never get (Gta 5, Cod)

i agree, the ps3 have a lot to offer and are the best console. even if the ps4 is out, the ps4 will not have as many great games(for a long time), and the ps3 games are also very cheap now. you can expect skylanders4 to be on the ps3 too...

Quote: Datminecraftguy

I'm upgrading to a ps3 because my wii sucks, crappy graphics, bad controls and the pa3 has so much more to offer, way better graphics, awesome controls, better games, I also want it for the multiplayer games that Wii will never get (Gta 5, Cod)

Yeah, PS3... Not quite... Not everyone plays the consoles for a stunning graphics. If PS3 will have so many titles from Nintendo franchise (WHICH OF COURSE WON'T HAPPEN) I will reconsider switching my console for Sony or Microsoft brand.

So far, there are still people who buys consoles for games which gives us fun and lets us enjoy ourselves with plot, characters, not only graphic and supah multiplayer functions. I find PS3 games so boring. I could count on my fingers, which titles I'd really enjoy on it. The rest isn't appealing to me. Not even in inch.

And thus, I disagree with person who states, that we need to change the console, because it's days are over. Sorry, but first of all, I'm already burning my cash on useless junk - Skylanders, so why in the name of the game, I should spend more money on another gaming system, just because the one I own is getting cranky and recent Skylanders game won't run on it? To be honest, Wii U isn't superb either and it will surely fall down in terms of graphics behind PS4 and Xbox One. As someone mentioned, if we will follow this logic, changing Wii for PS3 or Xbox360 is totally stupid idea, because sooner or later Sony will close all the multiplayer support for the old games and move on. What's then? Whats when the games like COD or other multiplayer-based titles will be useless? Besides, their consoles will eventually get old as well.

Releasing heavily bugged Wii version of Swap Force doesn't mean I will instantly switch my home-console. Seriously, Wii isn't cheap and games are still costfull in place where I live. But at least Wii brings me enterainmnet.

Aside of that, I won't buy Wii U just for three or four titles either. There havent been many releases, that are worth of switching. It's wiser to wait a bit and see in which direction Wii U will follow. I also don't care about the release of Skylanders SF bundles. I have over 100 figures and 6 games (3 on Wii and 3 on 3DS), so even if I'd buy the Wii U bundle, it would deffinitle NOT BE A SKYLENDERS ONE. Especially after they've treated Wii users.

There is still time to change Wii into other gaming console and it's still too early to decide which it would be. And deffintelly it won't be a Skylanders title, that will push me onward such a decission.

It's easier to say "get an upgrade" than it is too do it. It would take me a little under a year to save up for a Wii U with my small allowance. By the time I have enough money the Swap Force characters will have been replaced by the new ones. If I don't get the characters I want now, I may never be able to get them. I just wish the stores would continue to stock older characters...

Quote: awesomerockets

It's easier to say "get an upgrade" than it is too do it. It would take me a little under a year to save up for a Wii U with my small allowance. By the time I have enough money the Swap Force characters will have been replaced by the new ones. If I don't get the characters I want now, I may never be able to get them. I just wish the stores would continue to stock older characters...

Great point. Budgets and priorities will vary.

Ive decided im going with the wii until the end of its days then hopefully i will get a wii u instead