Welcome to this edition of the WiiDS.co.uk Staff Roundtable.

The way this feature works is this: a question asked to each of the staff members, and they each write their own opinions in reply. The outcome can be quite random at times, but is definatly worth a read!

In this episode, we ask our staff: “In what ways would you like to see the Wii and DS work together?”.

arcticWii

Splinter Cell Conviction

I have prayed for this to be a reality since the announcement of Wii-DS connectivity. The 5th in the Splinter Cell series needs to take advantage of the DS touch screen technology and use it as an in-game PDA. In the previous Splinter Cell games users would continually have to pause the game to access mission critical data such as maps, objectives etc. If it was possible to play the game on the Wii and have your PDA running on your DS, this would make things a damn site easier and also add to the atmosphere of the game. Being able to access the game map, mission objectives and also mission updates via the DS would create a greater tension within the game. Also when you have to hack a keypad, you could do it manually, on your DS! This is one Wii-DS function we need to see from Ubisoft as it will make the Wii version of the next Splinter Cell stand out from all the rest.

Sports Titles

When you think of Wii-DS functionality, I would imagine your first thoughts would not think Sports. For me however I do; not because I’m a sports freak, but because I love to use my imagination. Just think of how cool a round of golf on Tiger Woods would be where there are no loading screens and you have to get in your buggy to get around. But how would you know your score I hear you cry!? Why by the screens on your DS of course! Of course you could also access maps of the hole you are on, caddy tips and if you’re in the middle of a tournament, up-to-date scores. But of course this doesn’t just apply to Tiger Woods. You could use the DS screens to access a mountain of information on all sports titles. On FIFA you could change tactics on the fly, Madden you can choose your play in private from your opponent, NBA Live you can make substitutions quickly and privately. All sports titles would benefit from Wii-DS link-up and I hope EA take these ideas on board.

-Me-

VC Downloads

I thought about this for a while and one area that would interest me would be the access to my VC titles via my DS. This could be achieved in a couple of ways:

The first would be to directly download them from your Wii and store them on a “Blank” DS card. This way they would be accessible no matter where you went!

The second would be to wirelessly connect to your online Wii account via your Wii code and password. The games could be then played “online”. This function could be integrated into the DS browser which is already available.

JuanotheGamer

Microphone Compatibility

You should be able to use the DS microphone to talk in certain Wii games. For example, let’s say a game has the option for voiceover. Smackdown vs. Raw 2008. You should be able to use the DS’s microphone and/or headsets available to speak in the Wii game. Seems weird, but you know.

Version extras

Let’s say you have both versions ,the DS and Wii versions, of a certain game. Madden ‘08 for example. If you connect both of them, you could be able to unlock special features in each version.

GoldyK

Back Up

You have somehow managed to wrangle 7 nintendo loving friends, and everyone wants to have a go on the Wii. Well each team gets a Mote and a DS, one of them does the main role playing on the Wii, the other assists, via the DS. A great idea for a party game.

Wireless Extension

OK, so a lot of games are Wi-Free rather than Wi-Fi. What I think… is that a channel could be created which would allow your Wii to be used as a wireless extension. Simply get on, set up a connection with some friends and pull out the DS.

Problem Solving

This one came about when me and Limpit were discussing this very topic a while back. Playing a game, but you’re at a part where you just seem to have gotten stuck? Well, maybe one can get to be where you can download certain parts of a game to get through while you’re away from the Wii and simply upload the solution when you return.

Cheng

Drawing Tablet

If anyone should know, I’m a Photoshop nut. I currently reside in a class dedicated to that program, and my projects are always top notched. I recently discovered Drawn to Life DS made by THQ, and I figured a Wii adaption would be great. Nintendo needs to create an art program or channel dedicated to art (the Photo channel doesn’t count) and the DS will act as a a PC drawing tablet. Future Wii titles will utilize this function, but I would hope for a program aimed specifically for tablet drawing.

Voice Chat/Controller for Online Gaming

For the sake of argument, let’s pretend a big-name RPG is coming to the Wii. This game has online capabilites and voice recognition. As far as we can tell, no development of the Wii headset has been publicly spoken about (head phones are being made, doesn’t count).

To extend my point, I’ll pay homage to Juano and Artic for a minute by taking a tibit of their ideas. The DS has an internal mic, or can be compatible with a headset which is sold seperately. You can talk to your buddies, rivals and clan members or acquaintences on the headset. What other DS features would serve their purpose as well? The dual screens are also like status screens, enlisting important quirks and info. Combine it all together, and you got the ultimate utility for online RPGs. Just like Crystal Chronicles for the GCN, this handheld will be used to store personal miscellaneous items, weapons or whatever the player desires. It doesn’t have to be limited to RPGs, but all games alike.