14 DAY TRIAL // One reason for the continued success of Nintendo and its gaming console, the Wii, is the seamless way in which the company implements features for its users, even before they know they need them. One such example is the new ratings system implemented as part of the Nintendo Channel.
As some people revolt against Microsoft's decision to delist Xbox Live Arcade titles with a Metacritic rating of lower than 65%, the main reason invoked is the fact that Metacritic does not buy and play XBLA titles. Users buy and then play those titles, so users should be able to rate the games that Microsoft offers for Xbox 360 users through this service.
The fact is that Microsoft has not implemented a user ratings system for its games and does not seem to have plans for one. Nintendo, on the other hand, implemented one even if players have not explicitly asked for such a feature.
The Nintendo Channel, which was launched back in May, offers Wii users previews and interviews related to upcoming games for the Nintendo platforms. Even more, users are encouraged to rate the games they play using a system with a variety of criteria. Only gamers that have actually played the game a number of times are allowed to rate it, to make sure that malicious use of the rating system is kept to a minimum.
The Nintendo Channel has not been running for a month and Nintendo already thinks that the ratings attached to games are now explicit enough to offer valuable information to other users. So, clicking now on a title in the Nintendo Channel will bring up a screen which shows current rating, overall and average usage statistics regarding the game, and recommendations that link to other similar games.
The information makes it pretty easy for a gamer to see, at a glance, what he may or may not enjoy, and plan his gaming time and budget accordingly. Microsoft can take a cue from Nintendo and implement something similar for the Xbox Live Arcade.