Despite a version of Street Fighter IV having already been released for Apple's iOS platform, producer Yoshinori Ono says he isn't convinced hardcore games can succeed on the platform.
Speaking in an interview with CVG, Ono-san was asked if the more complete version of Super Street Fighter IV developed for the Nintendo 3DS could work on the iPad, given the performance boost the second generation of the hardware has received.
Ono replied by saying that comparisons drawn between the power of the 3DS and the iPad 2 only look at the hardware on a superficial level, and that the 3DS' is a stronger platform since it was developed entirely for gaming.
"When people say the capabilities are the same they're obviously only looking at graphics. OK, in terms of graphics it might be possible but iPad 2 and iPhone are primarily smart phone device plus alpha, whereas 3DS is designed for games," he said.
"There is a difference between something that is made for playing games and something that can 'also' play games. Even if they appear similar at times the pool of tools available behind the screen is totally different.
Returning to the question, Ono said he felt that although "a glimpse" of Street Fighter can be experienced on the iPhone ultimately he feels that people don't want to play hardcore games on them.
"A glimpse of Street Fighter can be enjoyed on iPhone but would people really play hardcore games on them? I don't think so, because they're just not made for them. At the end of the day game consoles are for games so it's quite clearly divided and differentiated," he said.
"I should emphasise that the difference is in 'for' and 'can', so it 'can play games' or 'it's for games'. It's only one word but it is very very important, that word differentiates everything," he added.
Check out the full interview with Yoshinori Ono.
Comments
8 comments so far...
justforkicks101 on 7 Apr '11 said:
hardcore = buttons
mowglippml on 7 Apr '11 said:
I totally agree with this point of view. As a former "Hardcore Gamer" I am infuriated by the notion of playing games on my iPhone, it is beset by compromise.
djpray2k on 7 Apr '11 said:
Couldn't agree more and I wish Apple would shut up about it. World of Goo, Flick Kick Football, Scrabble etc. are all great on the iPad/phone/touch but FIFA and SF are rubbish, not because of the graphics etc. but because you NEED buttons and a joystick. I just can't hack it on FIFA on the iPad, as I don't get a feeling of what direction I'm pushing.
ledreppe on 7 Apr '11 said:
Steve Jobs really irritates me when he thinks the iPhone and iPad are sufficient platforms for core gamers to play on. I remember him talking about the games for the iPhone 4 during a press conference, and I thought "That ass hole thinks he can offer core gamers a platform for playing games, and that somehow he had got the portable video game market all sewed up", what an ass hole. Don't get me wrong, I have an iPhone, but the only games I've played on it are FREE downlaods and demos, hardly the core gaming platform that Steve Jobs is making it out to be. If you want to make calls buy an iPhone, if you want to play games buy a portable console, don't believe the crap Steve Jobs talks.
photoboy on 7 Apr '11 said:
Meh. I find Street Fighter IV, Final Fight, Doom, Ridge Racer, Ace Combat, Tetris, DoDonPachi, EspGaluda, Mega Man 2, Rock Band, Katamari, Dead Space and Rainbow Six all perfectly playable on the iPhone.
Sure buttons would be better, but I'd rather carry around one small device than several. I've not really bothered taking my 3DS anywhere with me as it's so bulky compared to the iPhone. The only handheld gaming devices that have been really portable are the PSP Go and the GameBoy Micro (and probably the GBA SP but it's been a while since I've held one).
Anyway, I think Ono is wrong about one thing. I don't think people want deep, super hardcore games on the move. They want relatively quick, simple games that can be jumped into and out of quickly. If you want to spend time honing a 30 move combo in SFIV, do it on a home console where you've got a big screen and the option of a proper arcade controller. If you just want to do a few laps of a Ridge Racer track or shoot a few terrorists in Rainbow Six while riding on the train or waiting for an appointment, then you don't need a bulky gaming device with all its bells and whistles, you just need something small and simple that can entertain for a few minutes.
kirankara on 7 Apr '11 said:
Bought sf4 for iPhone 4 and it's pants. The reviews were all favourable for it, but it's as much fun as having aids, whilst being stuck with Rosie Perez screaming " heeeey Biiiiillieeeee, what the fuuuckkkk in that annoying new York Latina accent for rest of ur days( see White men can't jump if u never had pleasure of miss Perez and her ear bleeding inducing voice).
Only pap like angry birds and turn based games work on the touchscreen format, both of which I couldn't care less about
Barca Azul on 7 Apr '11 said:
No $hit sherlock !
NEO_SUPERMAN on 8 Apr '11 said:
^^^^^^
my thoughts exactly