Now it’s safe to say that when the new Wii MotionPlus attachment was revealed, some were a bit skeptical. However a developer from AiLive has put together a video showing off the new peripheral, and it’s safe to say that it’s looking mighty fine. The video shows how the MotionPlus maps your exact movements with the Wii-mote, into the game.
Unfortunately a demo is shown where an innocent 3D virtual mannequin is brutally beaten down by a green light saber, which as well as being quite traumatic, just amplified my annoyance at Lucas Arts for having not made a Wii lightsaber game yet. Maybe I’m just frustrated that this functionality wasn’t in the original Wii-mote since I doubt many casual gamers will head out to buy a new peripheral when they’re getting on just fine with their current set up. Thankfully the MotionPlus is bundled with Wii Sports Resort so it should get to a lot of consumers which is good because I think it’s a great idea, even if it should have been included from the get go.
However, all is not lost as Red Steel 2 has confirmed that it will use Wii MotionPlus, which should mean we get a vastly improved sequel to Ubisoft’s last attempt… which in reality isn’t necessarily saying that much.
Here is the tech demo that shows off the new functionality.
Source: AiLive Via Joystiq, GamesIndustry.biz
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@Reilaos
Like the Wii Remote itself being bundled with WiiPlay, MotionPlus will likely ONLY come with Wii Sports Resort.
Essentially making it a $60 peripheral. (Not as bad as the $100 peripheral Wii owners will need if they want to take advantage of Skate It or Shaun whatever his face is..but still)
Its a very cool addition to the controller, but one I think dev’s may be a bit apprehensive about implementing into games for a while, at least in a meaningful way. Im sensing some SIXAXIS style tack ons in the Wii’s near future.
I think they need to offer this thing DIRT cheap and quickly revamp the Wiimote to incorporate this functionality internally, so they’re only selling these modules to the few folks that already have Wii-motes… <— that’s a joke, yes, clearly I know there have been MEEELIONS of Wiimotes sold.
oi! Nicking my MotionPlus image!
Unfortunately Nintendo is kind of underhanded with peripheral sales. Perfect example: Selling the Wii Remote and Nunchuk separately. Dick move.
If. IF Nintendo basically gives these things away to the masses and actually takes one for the team, like their competition have both done gracefully, this may be the point in history where Wii games become what Wii games were marketed as at E3 06.
It might seem like a good deal at first, coming with ‘Wii Sports Resort’ and all.
But consider this; you need to buy three other MotionPlus peripherals for your other controllers so your buddies can play.
Does that mean buying ‘Resort’ four times?
@Jarrett
Oh yeah good point. A minimum of two MotionPlus adapters will be required for sword fighting. I guess it will be sold separatly as well, but it will still be an expensive outing.
I bet its going to be priced somewhere on the 30$ mark… i hear cash registers ringing at nintendo
From the video “I can hit these balls, I can hit them hard…”. This guy is a genius for creating such a great peripheral, but he needs to think about what he’s saying…
They are teasing us, Wii and Star Wars fans, by using a lightsaber =(
They just have to rub it in…..
This sort of thing should have been included when the Wii came out – it might have generated more interest for game developers.
Still doesn’t really make up for the Wii’s lack of computing power (and yes, I own a Wii).
However, I fully expect this technology to be incorporated into all future consoles. Even if it comes out late for the Wii, I’m sure the future nintendo consoles/sony consoles/microsoft consoles, will incorporate this technology in some way.
wow, the nintendo guys sure know how to make a buck. like, you have to start buying all kinds of accessories to fully appreciate their games. so, i’m now wondering, are you going to need this attachment to play more than just a few games?
it is really cool, it just looks like something they probably should have built in, or at least sell seperately for about $20. oh and one more thing, does this have a place to plug in the nunchuck?
Just wanted to comment on a few posts.@Kieth K. Nintendo has already stated when they announced Wii motion plus that it would come with Resort AND be sold separately. Also the only games you need to have the add ons for are the games they come with. Every other game I have read about supporting the balance board offers alternate control schemes. Oh and Nintendo also stated that it was very cheap to make so they were going to try to make it as cheap as possible. That way most Wii owners have little reason not to buy one. It could very well cost 5.00-10.00 for it.