Smash Bros. Delayed Until March 9th

After several delays already, Next Generation is reporting that the much-anticipated Wii title Super Smash Bros. Brawl has been pushed back yet again to early March. "The launch date for Super Smash Bros. Brawl has shifted a few weeks to March 9. The development is taking slightly longer than expected. As we're sure you have seen the game contains an unprecedented number of characters, options and experiences. Be sure to keep an eye on the Dojo site for the latest information."

Just get the online right

[Alzheimers]

Considering this will be the first BIG online game for the Wii, I'm hoping they're taking their time to make sure it's done right. I don't know if the Wii can download patches as easily as the PS3/x360, so if the Big N takes a little extra time to reduce lag and latency's effect on gameplay *now* I'll be happy for the delay.

Now if they could just get rid of these damn buddy codes. All it does is move the matchmaking from an in-game browser to the web forums. I know it's all about "protecting the kiddies" but that's why these consoles have parental control options. Turn off the parental block, and let adults play with adults without the barriers.

Re:Just get the online right

[zerOnIne]

My problem with the in-game friend codes is that they make absolutely no use of the Wii's built-in friend code system whatsoever. So it doesn't matter if we've already swapped Wii codes and I can send you Wiimail; in order to play Brawl together (or Guitar Hero 3, or ... you name it) online, we need to give each other *additional* friend codes.

I wouldn't even care if the lists were kept separately for each game. That'd allow me to, say, add some guy from a forum to my Brawl list but not my GH3 list. BUT for the love of all that is orange, give me a menu option for inviting someone from my existing address book. And then let them accept that invitation right from the Wii message board.

For all of the wonderful things that Nintendo got right with the Wii, this is one area where they seriously botched things up.

Re:Just get the online right

[Mr2001]

I don't know if the friends codes are all that bad. I think in a way it adds to the "social" aspect of the Wii. [...] In other words we play games with people that we have real relationships with and not strangers online.

You can do that with other consoles too... but you can also form new relationships with people you meet online.

I mean, that's a pretty common way to make friends: meeting people who share your interests. Why is it more "social" to meet people somewhere else, and then later invite them to play online (hoping they own a Wii and the games you like), than to just meet people online who you know have a Wii and enjoy the same games as you?