Splinter Cell: Blacklist seems to be one of the few multiplatform releases actually making it to Nintendo’s box. Despite Nintendo courting publishers with HD capabilities and more horsepower, the Wii U’s unique capabilities seem to add more overhead than most publishers are willing to put up with just to reach a fairly tiny install base.
Ubisoft’s Commitment to the Wii U
Ubisoft seems to relish the Wii U’s Game Pad, “allowing the player to operate gadgets such as tri-rotor drones, sticky cam and much more through touch- and motion-based inputs” using it. This innovative use of the Game Pad showcases Ubisoft’s commitment to leveraging the unique features of the Wii U to enhance gameplay. The Game Pad’s touchscreen and motion controls offer a new layer of interactivity that isn’t available on other platforms, making the Wii U version of Splinter Cell: Blacklist a unique experience.
However, it’s worth noting that despite these enhancements, there doesn’t seem to be a Collector’s Edition for the Wii U. This might be disappointing for some fans who enjoy the extra content and memorabilia that often come with such editions. The absence of a Collector’s Edition could be due to the smaller install base of the Wii U, which might not justify the additional production costs.
The Challenges of Developing for the Wii U
The Wii U’s unique capabilities, while offering innovative gameplay experiences, also present significant challenges for developers. The Game Pad’s touchscreen and motion controls require additional development time and resources to implement effectively. This added overhead can be a deterrent for publishers, especially when considering the relatively small install base of the Wii U compared to other consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
For example, integrating the Game Pad’s features into a game like Splinter Cell: Blacklist involves designing and testing new control schemes, creating additional user interface elements, and ensuring that these features work seamlessly with the rest of the game. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, which might not be feasible for all publishers, particularly those with limited resources.
Despite these challenges, Ubisoft’s decision to bring Splinter Cell: Blacklist to the Wii U demonstrates their willingness to invest in the platform and explore its potential. This move could be seen as a strategic effort to differentiate their game from other versions and attract a niche audience that appreciates the unique capabilities of the Wii U.
The game is hitting shelves on August 20th, and it will be interesting to see how it performs on the Wii U compared to other platforms. The success of Splinter Cell: Blacklist on the Wii U could influence other publishers’ decisions to develop for the platform, potentially leading to more multiplatform releases in the future.
In conclusion, while the Wii U’s unique capabilities present challenges for developers, they also offer opportunities for innovative gameplay experiences. Ubisoft’s commitment to leveraging these features in Splinter Cell: Blacklist is commendable and could pave the way for more publishers to explore the potential of the Wii U. However, the lack of a Collector’s Edition for the Wii U highlights the ongoing challenges of developing for a smaller install base. As the game hits shelves on August 20th, it will be interesting to see how it is received by the Wii U community and whether it can attract more publishers to the platform.
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