GRcade

Part of the "kerfuffle" was about Nintendo's press releases, which were clumsy at best. Referring to the exploit that allowed two same sex Miis to marry as "strange relationships" is not the best way to word it. Later, as a response to the 'Miiquality' initiative, they said they didn't add same-sex relationships because

Nintendo never intended to make any form of social commentary with the launch of Tomodachi Life

Which is a strange thing to say because leaving out same-sex relationships can be seen as "social commentary" as well, just catering to the other side of the argument.

Saying "Nintendo doesn't do same-sex relationships because Japan" sounds like bollocks to me, there is plenty of pop culture from Japan that has (references to) gay relationships.

Anyhoo, I appreciate their apology and that they will take this into account from now on. So who knows, in the sequel, my Mii can have a virtual relationship with my boyfriend's Mii*. Yay!

* or any male Mii...

Hmm, is it me or does the argument in favour of them not changing anything now not quite hold up? I mean, the 3DS is an online enabled console and these games are online so there is technically nothing stopping a patch from being issued.

I don't really buy the cultural arguments about Japan either. From my admittedly small knowledge of Japanese culture, I know that "girls love" and "boys love" entertainment is quite common in anime, manga and videogames.

From what I gather, the game would need reworking from the bottom up in order for it to physically work. It seems the only way Nintendo could feasibly fix this is by delaying the release, which is less than a month away and they've started the promotion and hired the Celebrities for the US release.

On the plus side, this might be the kick up the arse the whole industy needs when it comes to these things.

Learning Curve » Tue May 13, 2014 12:45 pm wrote:
I don't really buy the cultural arguments about Japan either. From my admittedly small knowledge of Japanese culture, I know that "girls love" and "boys love" entertainment is quite common in anime, manga and videogames.

Having lived here for three years, I can fully believe that argument. My (western) gay friends I've had over here said they basically had to go back into the closet, really.

Learning Curve » Tue May 13, 2014 1:45 pm wrote:Hmm, is it me or does the argument in favour of them not changing anything now not quite hold up? I mean, the 3DS is an online enabled console and these games are online so there is technically nothing stopping a patch from being issued.

I've played it, and you'd need to change the fundamental design of the game. It's not as simple as adding an option for same-sex marriage.

rudderless wrote:

Learning Curve » Tue May 13, 2014 1:45 pm wrote:Hmm, is it me or does the argument in favour of them not changing anything now not quite hold up? I mean, the 3DS is an online enabled console and these games are online so there is technically nothing stopping a patch from being issued.

I've played it, and you'd need to change the fundamental design of the game. It's not as simple as adding an option for same-sex marriage.

Can you go into more detail?

Yeah, it seems like 'Sex' is just one character variable that could easily be simply removed from any code dealing with relationship interactions. Okay, probably slightly more complicated than that, but I cannot imagine it being a nightmare. Even if you cannot alter the original code, you could alter it by introducing a new piece that resets the values and tricks it into passing.

Last night selected Club Nintendo Platinum members in the US got sent a download code for a demo of this, so I'm hopeful that we might see a similar thing in next day or so. I'm really keen to give this a go now and have been making Mii's of members of my family and friends in anticipation.

I'm really looking forward to this arriving on Friday. It just seems so unlike most other console games; it's got a sense of weirdness and fun that I'm keen to try out. There are now quite a few videos around but I've limited myself to the odd clip here and there.

Is anyone else planning to have a Tomodachi Life?

I think I'll give it a go. I find looking at screenshots and videos of it hilarious so it's probably up my street.

I don't know why the hell Nintendo don't put out a proper demo on the e shop for this. Instead when you buy the game you get 2 download codes so that 2 people can play the demo. It seems such a stupid move by Nintendo.

Dinoric » Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:39 am wrote:I don't know why the hell Nintendo don't put out a proper demo on the e shop for this. Instead when you buy the game you get 2 download codes so that 2 people can play the demo. It seems such a stupid move by Nintendo.

On paper it's good idea because it can be more than just mouth of word (not sure if I've said that right) that you can also give codes to two people you want them to try the game out to see if they'll like it, thus buying the game if they do, and it can be spread out further thus potentially racking in more sales.

Other than that though I think it's silly too, considering there would be some people who may not have chance to get a code for demo thus won't be able to try it before they buy the full version...

It's an interesting approach and something a bit different. On paper I suspect that most folk will think "just release a demo". However, Nintendo's approach does have the advantage of the "demo" being a bit tougher to get hold of; no doubt people will be asking around if anyone has a code to spare and that will help create a bit of buzz around the launch.

I think the game is quite niche (kids would probably love it but not many will be able to persuade their parents to drop thirty-five quid on the game) and the approach could help drive a desire to check it out.

I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.
I am not getting this.
I have too many games to play.

So you're picking it up on Friday then, Hyperion? :-).

No.
I'll wait to see everyone playing it and commenting on how fun it is and then see if I can still resist.
Hopefully Nintendo will do a free game promotion.

Apparently they are planning on releasing a demo ( probably different to the one that comes with the game) on release day.

I'm looking forward to giving this a crack on Friday too and have been creating Mii's ready to put in there.

I'll just pop this here!

Got this today from Amazon.

It's nice wee game but does get bit boring if you try to play it at longer sessions, it's one of these games where you'd only want to dip in and check. Probably due to only having five Miis on at the moment (not sure if there's limit), mind.

Otherwise it's pretty good.

Supachipz » Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:01 am wrote:I'll just pop this here!

Bah, already taken - anyone got a demo code pleease (: