Kiiii's Arcade

Key · 09-06-2018, 07:34 AM

Design Choices For Controllers and Consoles [pt.1]

I'm talking a lot about video games in here but I keep forgetting to talk about something that I've actually been wanting to talk about in depth for a while. Never really had the opportunity but I figured I'm in a creative mood, and I want to write something for this journal tonight, so here we go.

And alright, fine, ya got me. I am definitely listening to the Super Mario 64 remix album by The Greatest Bits.

Anyway, honestly when it comes to designing game consoles, Nintendo has always had a pretty interesting twist. Sometimes not for the better. Let's talk here for a second about perhaps one of the most bizarre and just...out of place controller designs possibly ever made:

I mean let's be honest, you knew this one was coming. Yes, the controller for the Nintendo 64 was by far one of the worst controllers I've ever used. Sure, some games were really well optimized with it, but if you remember, having to use your thumb with that joystick for several hours on end tends to really **** up your thumbs. There's nothing comfortable about the joystick. It's just straight plastic. But god damn do I love it just as much. Just reminds me of a time where gaming was really taking off and I got to be a part of it. But yeah, still a ****ty design.

However, one of my favorite console designs also happens to be by Nintendo. No it's not the Switch. No it's not the Wii U. No...it's not the Wii. I mean c'mon really? It's of course going to:

Yes, the Nintendo Gamecube. I ****ing love this console. It has easily one of my favorite controller designs ever. The buttons and everything on a Gamecube controller feel so good to use. The fact that it just sits comfortably in your hand is just wonderful and definitely a step up from the previously mentioned. But yeah, just overall I really love the design of the Nintendo Gamecube. It's like Nintendo thought to go back to a more normal style console but still make it different enough. It had those badass small CD's for games and stuff as well. It is of course obvious that the reason I love this console is because I love Wind Waker so much. But again, that's obvious.

Key · 09-06-2018, 07:34 AM

Design Choices For Controllers and Consoles [pt.2]

Now, moving on from that I want to talk about yet another Nintendo console. I'm sorry guys, I was a Nintendo fanboy back then and I kind of still am now. But whatever. I'll talk about other ones too. Calm down. Anyway,

Yeah. I like the look and feel of the NES. Even having one today, it feels like you own a piece of history with how archaic it looks. But I did just talk about the NES so I'll leave this short. I just like it's look. No reason really.

Next up we have one that I honestly wasn't really expecting to talk about, but I decided that it was worth it because I absolutely loved the time I put into this console when I owned one. Definitely an underrated system in some regards. But that's not the point here. The whole standing up design to this is amazing. They definitely pulled that aspect off and Sony aren't really strangers to making sure their stuff is quality. I definitely love the sleek look of the PS3. I will admit that the PS4 does look slick as well. But I love the fact that you could just stand this one up. I dunno if you can do that with PS4 but then again, I've only ever seen them sitting normally. So I guess I'm just guessing.

Plus, controllers are A+. That goes for most Sony controllers. I use a PS4 controller for my PC and I ****ing love it. Super comfortable to use.

^That image is actually the exact same controller that I have. I got it years ago and I've never had any problems. And yeah, I really like the design of these controllers over the Xbox 360 and later controllers. Those ones always felt far too bulky and not easy to maneuver. Whereas with a PS4 controller, it's skinny and easy to hold. I like that about it especially if i'm playing games that require quick presses. So yeah, definitely prefer the PS4 designs over any Xbox controller honestly.

Key · 09-06-2018, 07:34 AM

Personal Favorite Tracks From Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart is definitely one of those games that I'm going to remember as being some of the most fun, even if most of the fun was in the battle mode. And one of those reasons is because of the tracks in that game specifically. Obviously as the games evolved, the level designs evolved alongside with it. But back when Super Mario Kart came out, there wasn't a huge amount of resources to developers disposal as there is now. However, this game still managed to have a lot of really well designed tracks and I want to talk about a few of them.

Ghost Valley 1 and any of the variants are definitely some of my favorite tracks in the game. I love the spooky and haunting feel of it because it contrasts with a lot of the tracks that take place outside giving you a sort of eery feeling. And the fact that you can jump from one side of the track to the other over a black pit of death is pretty great too.

Hell yeah, Bowser Castle is definitely making this list. I love everything about these tracks to the lava and the feeling of finally being at the end. This definitely competes with Rainbow Road as my favorite track in the game, but Rainbow Road still takes it this time.

Other than that, we really don't have a lot of tracks in the game that necessarily stand out too much. That's not to say they aren't great. But nothing too crazy special about them. I mean, Vanilla Lake and the variants are pretty great especially if you hate ice levels. Fine, I'll put a picture of that on here. Just because I forgot it existed until I wrote this part.

So yeah, there ya go. Vanilla Lake makes it up here.

The Batlord · 09-06-2018, 08:30 AM

You like NES controllers? Really? Even SNES controllers were kinda crap. It's always easy to remember where the buttons are and press them quickly but the only ergonomic considerations with either of them were rounding off the edges on the SNES controller. They're so cramped for all but the smallest children. And do you remember kids bragging about blisters and callouses on their thumbs as proof of just how much they played? I'm not sure why we don't get those anymore but I imagine it's probably not having to run your thumb over a D-pad all day.

Key · 09-06-2018, 09:23 AM

^I think they were neat looking but I'd definitely go for the SNES controller. I think both are fine especially since we didn't have many options.

I do remember that as well because I was one of those kids that loved talking about the fact that I played several hours of Banjo Kazooie. I think nowadays controllers are built far better so it allows for people to play longer. I do still get callouses if I'm playing a pretty control intensive game. But nothing is as bad as the N64 controller days. In terms of callouses.

Oriphiel · 09-06-2018, 09:36 AM

The Dualshock 2 saved our thumbs and our souls.

Aux-In · 09-06-2018, 10:56 AM

Have to defer on the PS3. No issue with the controllers but I hated it's hunchback design. Couldn't put anything on top of it and to me it just looks silly. You can stand the PS2 up as well, although you needed an add-on piece to do it.

Key · 09-06-2018, 11:04 AM

I think honestly if I were to choose, the PS4 is definitely my weapon of choice evidently. The ps3 controller granted it's not horrible, I don't think I liked it as much as the PS4.

That's interesting Aux as I tend to think the same of Xbox controllers. I have a Xbox One controller for my PC and it feels thick and clunky. But...I'll admit the design is pretty sweet. The buttons on the back of the controller however never get used. Neat idea. But not practical.

Oriphiel · 09-06-2018, 11:13 AM

Millions of women worldwide experienced their first orgasms with the help of a wiimote.

Key · 09-06-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriphiel

Millions of women worldwide experienced their first orgasms with the help of a wiimote.

Perhaps my least favorite controller ever.

09-06-2018, 09:36 AM	#616 (permalink)
Oriphiel Ask me how! Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: The States Posts: 5,355	The Dualshock 2 saved our thumbs and our souls. __________________ ---------------------- \|---Mic's Albums---\| ---------------------- ----------------------------- \|---Deafbox Industries---\| -----------------------------

09-06-2018, 10:56 AM	#617 (permalink)
Aux-In Wrinkled Magazine Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: In Time Posts: 467	Have to defer on the PS3. No issue with the controllers but I hated it's hunchback design. Couldn't put anything on top of it and to me it just looks silly. You can stand the PS2 up as well, although you needed an add-on piece to do it. __________________ Reviews l YouTube Playlist: Another Dimension "All over a bowl of bitter beans."

09-06-2018, 11:13 AM	#619 (permalink)
Oriphiel Ask me how! Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: The States Posts: 5,355	Millions of women worldwide experienced their first orgasms with the help of a wiimote. __________________ ---------------------- \|---Mic's Albums---\| ---------------------- ----------------------------- \|---Deafbox Industries---\| -----------------------------

09-06-2018, 07:34 AM	#611 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	Design Choices For Controllers and Consoles [pt.1] I'm talking a lot about video games in here but I keep forgetting to talk about something that I've actually been wanting to talk about in depth for a while. Never really had the opportunity but I figured I'm in a creative mood, and I want to write something for this journal tonight, so here we go. And alright, fine, ya got me. I am definitely listening to the Super Mario 64 remix album by The Greatest Bits. Anyway, honestly when it comes to designing game consoles, Nintendo has always had a pretty interesting twist. Sometimes not for the better. Let's talk here for a second about perhaps one of the most bizarre and just...out of place controller designs possibly ever made: I mean let's be honest, you knew this one was coming. Yes, the controller for the Nintendo 64 was by far one of the worst controllers I've ever used. Sure, some games were really well optimized with it, but if you remember, having to use your thumb with that joystick for several hours on end tends to really ** up your thumbs. There's nothing comfortable about the joystick. It's just straight plastic. But god damn do I love it just as much. Just reminds me of a time where gaming was really taking off and I got to be a part of it. But yeah, still a ty design. However, one of my favorite console designs also happens to be by Nintendo. No it's not the Switch. No it's not the Wii U. No...it's not the Wii. I mean c'mon really? It's of course going to: Yes, the Nintendo Gamecube. I **ing love this console. It has easily one of my favorite controller designs ever. The buttons and everything on a Gamecube controller feel so good to use. The fact that it just sits comfortably in your hand is just wonderful and definitely a step up from the previously mentioned. But yeah, just overall I really love the design of the Nintendo Gamecube. It's like Nintendo thought to go back to a more normal style console but still make it different enough. It had those badass small CD's for games and stuff as well. It is of course obvious that the reason I love this console is because I love Wind Waker so much. But again, that's obvious.

09-06-2018, 07:34 AM	#612 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	Design Choices For Controllers and Consoles [pt.2] Now, moving on from that I want to talk about yet another Nintendo console. I'm sorry guys, I was a Nintendo fanboy back then and I kind of still am now. But whatever. I'll talk about other ones too. Calm down. Anyway, Yeah. I like the look and feel of the NES. Even having one today, it feels like you own a piece of history with how archaic it looks. But I did just talk about the NES so I'll leave this short. I just like it's look. No reason really. Next up we have one that I honestly wasn't really expecting to talk about, but I decided that it was worth it because I absolutely loved the time I put into this console when I owned one. Definitely an underrated system in some regards. But that's not the point here. The whole standing up design to this is amazing. They definitely pulled that aspect off and Sony aren't really strangers to making sure their stuff is quality. I definitely love the sleek look of the PS3. I will admit that the PS4 does look slick as well. But I love the fact that you could just stand this one up. I dunno if you can do that with PS4 but then again, I've only ever seen them sitting normally. So I guess I'm just guessing. Plus, controllers are A+. That goes for most Sony controllers. I use a PS4 controller for my PC and I ****ing love it. Super comfortable to use. ^That image is actually the exact same controller that I have. I got it years ago and I've never had any problems. And yeah, I really like the design of these controllers over the Xbox 360 and later controllers. Those ones always felt far too bulky and not easy to maneuver. Whereas with a PS4 controller, it's skinny and easy to hold. I like that about it especially if i'm playing games that require quick presses. So yeah, definitely prefer the PS4 designs over any Xbox controller honestly.

09-06-2018, 07:34 AM	#613 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	Personal Favorite Tracks From Super Mario Kart Super Mario Kart is definitely one of those games that I'm going to remember as being some of the most fun, even if most of the fun was in the battle mode. And one of those reasons is because of the tracks in that game specifically. Obviously as the games evolved, the level designs evolved alongside with it. But back when Super Mario Kart came out, there wasn't a huge amount of resources to developers disposal as there is now. However, this game still managed to have a lot of really well designed tracks and I want to talk about a few of them. Ghost Valley 1 and any of the variants are definitely some of my favorite tracks in the game. I love the spooky and haunting feel of it because it contrasts with a lot of the tracks that take place outside giving you a sort of eery feeling. And the fact that you can jump from one side of the track to the other over a black pit of death is pretty great too. Hell yeah, Bowser Castle is definitely making this list. I love everything about these tracks to the lava and the feeling of finally being at the end. This definitely competes with Rainbow Road as my favorite track in the game, but Rainbow Road still takes it this time. Other than that, we really don't have a lot of tracks in the game that necessarily stand out too much. That's not to say they aren't great. But nothing too crazy special about them. I mean, Vanilla Lake and the variants are pretty great especially if you hate ice levels. Fine, I'll put a picture of that on here. Just because I forgot it existed until I wrote this part. So yeah, there ya go. Vanilla Lake makes it up here.

09-06-2018, 09:23 AM	#615 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	^I think they were neat looking but I'd definitely go for the SNES controller. I think both are fine especially since we didn't have many options. I do remember that as well because I was one of those kids that loved talking about the fact that I played several hours of Banjo Kazooie. I think nowadays controllers are built far better so it allows for people to play longer. I do still get callouses if I'm playing a pretty control intensive game. But nothing is as bad as the N64 controller days. In terms of callouses.

09-06-2018, 11:04 AM	#618 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	I think honestly if I were to choose, the PS4 is definitely my weapon of choice evidently. The ps3 controller granted it's not horrible, I don't think I liked it as much as the PS4. That's interesting Aux as I tend to think the same of Xbox controllers. I have a Xbox One controller for my PC and it feels thick and clunky. But...I'll admit the design is pretty sweet. The buttons on the back of the controller however never get used. Neat idea. But not practical.