Gaming in Australia is one of the most amazing things. Consoles come out, but no games follow. Well maybe that’s a big exaggeration – but Nintendo of Australia’s latest attempt seems to echo this statement more then usual.
Fan hatred towards NAL isn’t that hard to come by, in fact its quite regular. Some say the company might not deserve it- and some days that’s true. But there are lots of days which when the patting on the back for finally pleasing its fans finish- ends in blood shed instead of continuation.
In the past year, the disappointment has returned, with many titles been unreleased or delayed by 6 months or more from the over seas counter parts. Today been no different, with NAL saying no- to a launch Pilotwings or Steel Diver- effectively- possibly giving the console the slowest start in all regions.
I’m not saying NAL has killed it- or maybe I am. But in Australia, NAL has to deal with the biggest identity crisis ever. People think its just a 3D DS thanks to the media. It’s tours are, while plentiful- thrown across the coming months with most appearing after launch. The launch line up- without Pilotwings or Steel Diver- possibly a deal breaker to many, who wanted the games at launch.
NAL has the biggest sell to make, and while Nintendo is letting third parties take the rain across all regions to sell the system. In Australia- it might be one of the biggest mistakes. The system will have possibly the hardest sell here, with the launch line up been overly disappointing to many- while most will buy what ever crap is produced, the launch line up from the third parties. Is quite rushed, and not thought out.
Many gamers are finding themselves buying from Europe or America this time around. With the discussion of importing heightened thanks to the systems region lock and ridiculous launch price. With the Australian Dollar equal to the US. Many gamers are finding good deals with more variety from overseas.
Some deals such as the Dick Smith deal, which pushed the system down to under $300, with a packed in game (even cheaper if using various codes) was barely enough to keep most buying local. With many finding an under 200 pound price, or $250 much more respectable.
The problem isn’t just the pricing, and other bashing comments NAL is used to by now. By letting Pilot Wings and Steel Diver slip the launch, its quite possible other games will be delayed much longer to fit into a window. Zelda is planned for the launch window in all regions bar here, with it most likely appearing much later in the year- with Pilot Wings and Steel Diver taking its place. Zelda might not be everyones cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean they wont be missing out on titles- with Mario Kart and Kid Icarus on the planning board for this year, in Australia it might be early 2012. A result, many don’t want.
Gamers will also have to wait for many features, and games available through the download shop. A result many will be used to by now with the Wii and DSi.
The saddest thing about this all, is that Pilotwings and Steel Diver- are ready. They have been classified here. They are definitely in English- with the game seeing a release in other regions at launch. They also are most likely already produced and shipped into warehouses. But for some reason, its not going to see a launch release. A launch might I add, which is a week after Europe and America, on the last day of March. More then a month after the Japanese launch.
On the flip side, I might just be over exaggerating, a rabbid fangasm which is corrupting my mind as I rage at the undesirable launch schedule. No doubt NAL will see a good launch regardless hardware wise- and with Pilot Wings and Steel Diver out of the picture, people will be forced to buy third party titles. Yay?