Australian publication STACK managed to speak to legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto and quiz him about all things Star Fox Zero. Mr. Miyamoto says that one of his ambitions for the game is to “make children who have never played the series to feel like a fighter pilot.” Miyamoto also said that he believes “the gameplay will evoke nostalgic memories of playing Star Fox on Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Nintendo 64.”
I believe the gameplay will evoke nostalgic memories of playing Star Fox on Super Nintendo Entertainment System and NINTENDO 64, and at the same time mastering the new controls while progressing in the game will be a fun experience filled with nostalgic influence and the creation of new strategies.
In the E3 version, we removed some features like bombs that were present in previous titles, however following internal review, we think fans will find the game jam-packed with good elements from previous games in the series. Of course, I would like children who have never played the series to feel like a fighter pilot, but also to enjoy the fun of an action game where they can gradually master the button and gyro controls as they play.
Children are not your target market anymore. They have all gone to mobile gaming and Minecraft.
Agreed, but we have Minecraft on the U, so they’re here then by that logic.
If they’re playing Minecraft, they won’t be playing it on the Wii U. They’ll be playing Pocket Edition or the X360 version. Kids probably don’t care about Star Fox.
The sales on Wii U beg to differ, as I doubt it’s only adults buying it.
They won’t know until Nintendo convinces them.
Miyamoto, snap out of it. Kids don’t want anything to do with Nintendo anymore, realize that, and move on.
^^ Two ignorant people who don’t have kids playing Nintendo games in their house
This. I was expecting this kind of posts when I clicked this entry, and I’m expecting more of the “stop focusing on children and make the game I WANT” variety soon enough.
Kids play splatoon, Smash, mario kart, etc… if you don’t makes the games accessible for children and adults, it would be the most foolish thing to do for the business now and anything into the future.
Can’t wait for the game by the way, looks great and hopefully can be a jump into this being a regular series with games every few years… why they don’t get more action out of the IP is beyond me. That might be my only real complaint. Spend money on more development and more money will come. Nintendo shouldn’t be a boutique gaming company
Absolutely. It’s important to make the games both accessible and engaging for both groups. I don’t get the mindset of people opposed to that.
Yeah, it’s looking interesting. The focus on idol culture throws me a bit out of the game, but I’ve heard people praising the gameplay. I’d trust Atlus to make the turn-based combat interesting any day, I’m sure it will come out fine.
About the series, it’s a bit weird, yeah.They’ve been collaborating with a lot of studios, but it feels like they used to do it more back in the GameCube days, at least to me.
You idiots never cease to amaze, lets deal with the FACTS shall we? First, the Wii U’s userbase (Roughly 13 million) is only 1% kids 12 and under, making the kids the MINORITY, nearly nonexistent since thats roughly 130,000 kids out of the whole world. So targeting 130,000 people isn’t the smartest thing to be doing. If you look at the big picture where are the majority of kids? Smartphone, Ipads, and Xbox One. So while you may have a little shit (kid) that doesn’t change the fact that targeting them isn’t best for business. Second, do you honestly think kids will see Starfox Zero and jump on board with the series now of all times? No they wont. So again targeting people who wont even buy the game is utterly pointless. But alas, I’m just a game developer, but you, you’re a moronic parent who is nothing but a consumer, so clearly I don’t know what I’m talking about. Fucking American filth.
Absolutely. I would say that most of kids today never ever touched a Wii U in their lives.
of course not, because even if every wii U was bought and played by a five year old, that is still a minority of kids.
No, that’s not how minority/majority works. The point is all Nintendo has left is the loyalist and fanboys.
I’m neither and Over 20. I play both Nintendo and PlayStation, so what does that make me?
A true gamer like the few of us left.
And you don’t seem to get that targeting children is useful to create loyal consumers, making it a very effective business decision in the long run. Without a loyal fanbase, these companies tank, simple as that. Whether it worked or not in the particular case of the Wii U is inconsequential to this argument.
Besides that, those numbers are screaming for a source.
He has brought those numbers up before and how accurate could they be, asking every wii U owner? Also, kids do not buy their own stuff so you can’t go on the people purchasing them… One look at the miiverse and all I see is children… or some very immature and odd adults
There might be some kind of official demographic study, that’s why I’m asking. I doubt it, but still.
And yeah, Miiverse is obviously dominated by children. I can’t see anyone arguing otherwise.
No, trying to get the attention of children is not a bad thing in itself- it’s when you ignore those who have BEEN WITH YOU SINCE THEY WERE CHILDREN (like us loyalists who have been on board since the NES/SNES/N64 days) that things become a problem, and they have been.
Honestly, when is the last time anyone at Nintendo has said in a statement “we hope our older audience finds this title appealing”? I can’t recall any in the recent past, it’s all about kids, kids, kids! THAT’S not good.
Truth. The man speaks TRUTH!
Didn’t Miyamoto practically just say that in this article? Not that I’m defending him. Honestly I kind of hate the guy right now
And where does Miyamoto say that? Because, if anything, he’s saying the opposite. And I’ve heard that numerous times about SFZ. You’re aware that’s basically a retelling of SF64, right?
Miyamoto just referenced that in terms of the nostalgia. I think if he were asked directly he’d have a more well rounded answer.
While there have been mistakes with the wii and wii u, plenty of games that are released by Nintendo have hit a balance between old and new gamers/fans.
Wow…filth huh? Didn’t know Originalbloodace was so elitist.
show me the analytics that only 1% of the people playing WiiU are kids 12 and under. And even if it were true, you are also trying to bring players in who aren’t playing, not just the people who are already there. You have a very narrow point of view and that, coupled with a piss poor attitude, is probably why you are likely a fledgling “developer”.
Also, where did he say “under 12” young teens/teens are still very much children, and likely so in Miyamoto’s eyes.
No one said to stop appealing to them completely…Children will always be a target.
We are just saying that they should focus on the majority who have the system. In a way, appealing to children too much only holds Nin back because they are creating content and features that are bounded.
Maybe appealing to the majority is what they’re already doing. Just a thought.
If a wii u owner has kids that are old enough to play, chances are their children do. You are making the leap that most people that have them are without families, if true, the only reason is because of former marketing failures not showing that 1. Wii U is a new system with features that make it worth purchasing 2. Releasing very similar content that are merely HD versions of wii games.
The above has caused a complete overhaul, or at least that is what has been said, in developing the “NX” platform. So mistakes, yes, but the targeting of children (and certainly not children only) is not as much of an issue as people make it out to be
Am I the only one finding it ironic that original is acting very childish?
You don’t have to reduce to “name calling”. It’s one thing to express your frustration over a topic you’re passionate about and it’s another to project negativity towards others.
Remember, anger dwells in the bosom of fools. Don’t be a brute, refine and polish your senses. Be the best you can be.
I understand they are just stating the fact that average kids are currently interested in gaming on mobile devices. In fact, the Wii U userbase is mostly comprised of diehard Nintendo fans — which may have kids, but still.
and if you want successful business in the future, it doesn’t hurt to bring in everyone or at least an attempt to do so. You can still have people of all demos playing Nintendo. The idea that it shouldn’t be attempted is ridiculous
Well, I love his mindset and thought process. It’s too bad that most kids these days would rather be obsessed with mobile or Call of Duty.
If you take it out of context that sentence feels horribly morbid
“I want children to feel like fighter pilots”
Why not post the entire excerpt? This post title sounds like pure clickbait.
“Stack: I have fond memories of playing Star Fox (aka Starwing) on SNES back in ‘93. When you approached the development of Zero, did you have gamers like me in mind or did you draw up the concepts for a broader audience?
Miyamoto: I believe the gameplay will evoke nostalgic memories of playing Star Fox on Super Nintendo Entertainment System and NINTENDO 64, and at the same time mastering the new controls while progressing in the game will be a fun experience filled with nostalgic influence and the creation of new strategies.
In the E3 version, we removed some features like bombs that were present in previous titles, however following internal review, we think fans will find the game jam-packed with good elements from previous games in the series. Of course, I would like children who have never played the series to feel like a fighter pilot, but also to enjoy the fun of an action game where they can gradually master the button and gyro controls as they play.”
—–
He obviously know that now, the main audience are not the kids, but, he states that he would like to see children enjoying the game and immersing in it.
Yet he’s approaching Star Fox’s control learning curve through children’s prism. I think there’s no way to tone down the fact that Miyamoto has an obsession for catering kids.
Super Mario 3D World and The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds were easy, but that doesn’t mean they targeted children. Both of those games had challenges to offer for the more hardcore gamers. (Hero Mode and the final world of SM3DW for example) You don’t need to use that invincibility mode in Star Fox. Same way you never needed the invincibility power up in 3D World. Also, are you talking about little kids or kids in general? 16 years old is still a kid. There’s a lot of kids out there that can easily beat adults nearly twice their age at games you know. I know because I was one of them. (I’m 18 now) lmao
Thank you.
So business as usual then? Got it…
Miyamoto wants children to feel like fighter pilots, and adults to feel like they wasted their money? LOL!
Seriously though, I hope he has the adult gamer in mind too.
Guys… quit the moronic thoughts that kids only play on iPads, there are tons of kids who own home consoles, and yes, a lot of them also have a Wii U.
Anytime Miyamoto says something, I don’t bother caring. I hardly care about anything he says anymore. He’s so damn stuck in the past and obsessed with his own shit that he made. Before I was worried about him retiring but now I think Nintendo is better off without him. Old fashioned hag
Seriously? Miyamoto is one of the best video game designers ever even though his newer ideas may not be as good as they used to be. Miyamoto is responsible for a lot of Nintendo’s iconic IP’s. You are talking about the guy that helped make Nintendo into what they are today. Yes, Nintendo definitely needs to improve and step it up. But how can you say that about Miyamoto? Some of Nintendo’s most beloved games wouldn’t exist had it not been for him. Miyamoto isn’t only important to Nintendo, he is important to the entire gaming industry for what he has done. He does have bad things like Wii Music, but he is a human after all. Everybody makes mistakes. Shigeru Miyamoto is definitely one of the most legendary game designers and it is absolutely saddening to see you disrespect him that way.
Trust me. I know exactly who Miyamoto is and how big he is. How he single handily saved the industry with his IPs like Mario and Zelda. But I can’t respect what he is as of now. Normally I’d never say this about Miyamoto of all people. The fact that I did say something this harsh about someone like him, shows that I’m REALLY not liking his style. It’s always been nostalgia this and nostalgia that and I’m tired of that stuff. He is indeed a legend and as I said before (because I can’t stress it enough) I would NEVER say something this harsh about a legendary man such as Miyamoto unless I’m legit not in anyway in support of his ways. I’m no hater or anything and if I am, I’m usually joking. But this? I sadly can’t say I am. It feels like when it comes to him making games, he’s so wrapped in the nostalgia sense. As if we’re still in the 80s or something. Like making most of his games not have online. Especially Star Fox zero and also how he made it a rehash of 64 (I’m pretty sure he was the one who made that decision). Then killing Paper Mario with Sticker Star where he made all the characters the ones that he made himself. He’s a legend in the gaming industry and deserves all the recognition he gets no doubt. He’s been my hero for the longest time. But as of right now, in my eyes, I… I just feel like don’t see that same legend in the games he’s been making as of late.
Nostalgia beats ANYTHING in this day and age, kid!
As Nintendo Military Strategist Sylux said, “respect your elders”.
You’ve gotta be kidding me. How is nostalgia gonna work with someone who can’t be nostalgic because they haven’t played the game in the past? Just because it works for you doesn’t mean it works for everyone. You sound close minded right now
Don’t use my words to support your retarded claims, please.
Kids need to respect their elders.
Normally I’d do that, but not the type to hide my opinions behind the popular one. And my opinion about this man changed drastically. Not gonna say good things about him if what he’s been doing is something I don’t like. Don’t care how much a of a legend he is. As sad as that sounds, it’s the truth and I’m always on the side of the truth and not the good or the bad
A few recent mistakes don’t magically erase the good he has done for the industry. You attitude towards him doesn’t come as contrarian as much as short-sighted.
When did I say it erases the good he’s done in the industry? I mean if it wasn’t for him, the gaming industry would possibly be bad right now or possibly not even exist. All I’m saying is, those few mistakes, like what he did to Paper Mario, really changed my view of him. I like innovation and I’m happy he innovates but not EVERYTHING needs to be innovative to be fun or not EVERYTHING about a series needs to changed to be more fun. Also he’s all like “nostalgia this and nostalgia that” when we’re in 2016. Nintendo doesn’t need to live off of nostalgia but no! if he wants nostalgic games then that means we all do! or at least in his mind. I bet he was the one who decided that Star Fox Zero be rehash of 64. And how he feels that all of his games don’t need online. Because everyone on Earth can drive across the country to play with their friends. It’s like he doesn’t want Nintendo to evolve or something.
You didn’t say it, but you are obviously not taking it into consideration. And what part of having online instead of local multiplayer is an ‘evolution’? That’s a design choice, it’s their call to say if they want to include it or not.
Some people have this extremely weird conception of what every single game should include to be a title “up to 2016 standards” (see the conversation about Zelda’s VA) and they fail to see that, largely, these choices are largely creative in nature. You might think SF would benefit from online play, they might think it really wouldn’t or, a much simpler explanation, that’s not what they want to do. Simple as that. If it really bothers you, vote with your wallet, but don’t cry about “what it should have been”, because that’s the definition of crying over spilled milk. Also, you’re criticizing him for rehashing SF64 while saying that not everything needs to be innovative or change to be fun. I don’t think you have really thought about this.
Besides that, you really should read the source article.
When I said not everything needs to be innovative and not everything needs to be changed, I didn’t mean its ok to make a complete rehash. Should have been more specific. I don’t think he had to make a “re-imagining” of 64 to satisfy people who were complaining about the newer SF games. But it seems that’s exactly what most people wanted. And obviously I am taking what he did into consideration. It’s just I’m not letting his legend status affect my current opinion of him. And yeah I’m complaining, crying, call it whatever you want. But the way I see it, yes I don’t think its “up to 2016 standards”. Star Fox 64 and Assault had great multiplayer modes that look like they would have perfectly for online. Don’t get why Zero can’t get a multiplayer mode and do the same. Not even a local multiplayer vs. mode. It feels like a completely missed opportunity.
If you looked besides the superficial elements and took a look at the core gameplay, you’d see that Zero is less of a rehash of 64 than Assault is, at least concerning arwing levels.
From your “but it seems that’s exactly what most people wanted” line I can infer a “damn if they do, damn if they don’t” attitude towards Nintendo. Do you want them to listen to fan demand or not?
The reason why Zero can’t have that kind of multiplayer is because of the double screen feature and the weak Wii U hardware. It wouldn’t be possible to keep the framerate in both screens at acceptable levels during multiplayer sessions. This game only exists because of the dual-screen gimmick, so dropping it in favor of online multiplayer is a moot point. You get this or you get nothing, that’s how this works.
You can be mad at Nintendo in general for making the games they want instead of listening to fan demand (although they can’t really be blamed for that, it’s game development 101), but dissing a game (and the main developer behind it) that you haven’t played yet while flailing an imaginary sequel to Assault is kind of immature.
I was just in the minority of the people who liked Assault, Adventures, and also Command. I’m just kind of mad that they threw away the universe they were making with those games. It was growing and becoming awesome (at least to me). With all the new characters and character development made in them. Zero does look fun and I can see myself enjoying it but it seems like another “one-off” game. Yeah I know its meant to be replayed over and over again like an arcade game to get to different stages but… why would I want to do that? I never did that in 64. Hell at this point it seems like I can get more fun out of Assault and 64 than from Zero because it seems like it has more content with those games having multiplayer modes. I don’t think many people are gonna use that co-op aiming thing. Feels like the most pointless thing ever.
Well, like it or not, that arcade-style gameplay is what Star Fox is at its core. You’re obviously allowed to like the other titles more, but what you can’t do is blame SFZ for reverting to the old style considering it probably shouldn’t have deviated from that path in the first place. If anything, those three (especially Adventures) are the “one-off” games.
“I know its meant to be replayed over and over again like an arcade game to get to different stages but… why would I want to do that? I never did that in 64”
If you don’t like the score-based gameplay, I don’t see why you’d care for the franchise to begin with. Clearly, they’re not games that appeal to your taste, so I don’t know why you’d be willing to spend 40€/60$ in a game you’re going to play for 3 hours and then never again.
The rest of your post ranges from personal preference to largely baseless assumptions, so I’m not going to bother addressing it.
this article is pure bait for fanboys.
it’s funny and sad how the title sickr says “miyamoto wants”. his real words are “i would like”.
no need to be mad at mr Miyamoto if he would like kids to feel like pilots. anyway, most cod players are kids and they are sure they can shoot IRL.
You are morbidly bad at quoting apparently.
In the initial quote it’s not ‘make children’, it’s ” would like children”.
You also missed the reference question for this quote, which pertains to reaching a broader audience overall. Way to rile up the crowd.
Either way, my adult behind can’t wait to feel like a fighter pilot. And I’m looking forward to my SNES nostalgia.
Myiamoto is so outta touch, I respect him and what he has done for the industry. Not adding an online feature was dumb not every one has time to go over people’s houses to play. All anyone ever wants from Nintendo’s great games are normal controls and online play simple.
clickbait is clickbait no matter how small.
sickr, i do not know if i must call you a “genius”.
please, boy. miyamoto would like. he does not say “he wants”.
To be fair to myamoto-san, I think he got the right approach and mentality when he says that. Start fox needs to aim for the kids who will do silly thing and I am sure they will be secret level which will demand more adult skills.
Saying that it’s true that Nintendo needs to get their balance a bit better. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles X, Zelda and fire emblem should be for 15+ (well in Europe cause I don’t know America and Oceania rating) and we need more of them.
I am look a th NES library and I realise back in those days the balance was way better than it’s now.
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