Do Nintendo’s Amiibo figures have function or do us gamers choose beauty over brains?
After the release of the Skylanders franchise in 2011, it became apparent there was a whole new demand within gaming. Technological advances have made it possible to scan miniature models of our favorite characters into particular games, leaving us with a much more interactive experience. However, I question to what extent we really use such additions to enhance game play?
Nintendo released the Amiibos into the world and boy did they grow up fast. Amiibos have taken the world by storm, creating such high demand that certain characters sell out in seconds. My ex-boyfriend in fact gets extremely hostile when trying to pre-order amiibos so not to miss his chance due to the very low number Nintendo create. I have, on more than one occasion, sat refreshing the Nintendo Store Website until certain characters become available. Combine this with the fact that they are specifically available through Nintendo, it leaves me with an empty heart and a frustrated mind.
The Nintendo website often describes the amiibos as having a huge game compatibility, which is ultimately true but with the amiibos now being restricted to the newest edition of the Nintendo DS, the game compatibility becomes rather redundant (and I am not spending all my dosh buying something to make them compatible). It is exciting, especially in Smash Bros, to have a character that’s new and rare but after a while the repetitive nature of the game itself puts me off. The only thing that keeps me going back is the models themselves. I am also a sucker for rarity.. I have to have what no one else can obtain. I did manage to bag a Rosalina amiibo and the fact she was so rare was the reason I keep her on display. I am not instantly enthusiastic to use her in game play. She is more of a trophy of my good fortune.
However, maybe I’m being sadistic and undermining the great gaming experiences that can be enhanced with such devices. The amiibos are compatible on more than one console and create a unique dimension to an older game. They are not particularly expensive when purchased initially but due to the low number manufactured people sell them on for soul destroying prices. This means the amiibo is merely based on how many exist not on the additions it will add to game play. The anticipation of release means it’s a first come first serve basis and therefore if you snooze you lose. If you’re like me and have to have everything perfect and together then you will need to get certain types of characters, and characters that fit together and characters that are old skool and…. you get my point. So for example, I made it my mission to obtain all the Princesses just so I had a mini collection. Not because I was itching to add them to Smash Bros. Therefore they become personal to the owner, or collector, due to an ongoing theme not because of upgrades to the game. I am eager for the animal crossing amiibos to come out for pre-order so I can collect them all to reflect my love for the game.
Amiibos are multi-purpose and this is apparent by the upcoming release of the amiibo stand that I saw in my local Argos catalogue. It is Mario themed and you place your amiibos on top of the ‘?’ boxes. This made me view them as more of a decorative piece rather than something functional but they are ultimately duel purpose. Due to their immense detail and the careful selection of some of the best loved characters in history they become a lifestyle and an ongoing investment. In comparison to the Disney Infinity characters that are clogging up the system.. well I view them differently. Due to the variation in art style I do actually see them as more functional to a game rather than something I would put on display. Although my Stitch Disney Infinity character is a welcome addition to my already busy shelves. On the other hand, they have the same affect in the respect that now pre-orders are available for Mulan and she is my favorite character so I will buy her purely for display. In all honesty they do become addictive to represent an interest and a personality.
Furthermore, amiibos come in a wonderful box that is way too pretty to open. The box, to me, makes it even more collectible and unique. Perhaps that is because amiibos are slightly more a pull at bringing in a female audience due to the dual functions.The male audience may be more interested in additional power-ups and bonuses.. and perhaps the new outfits but they probably won’t admit that.
The different variations in characters such as Yoshi who comes in more than one pose, can make amiibos become a project for the artists among us. Many amiibos are getting custom paint jobs to transform them into characters not yet announced by Nintendo. So Yoshi has become Birdo, Toad has become Toadette and Princess Peach has become Daisy. This also gives room to explore different colour schemes from the different games to create a collection as aforementioned. This has nothing to do with the game and yet there are thousands of new and amazing amiibo creations every time I look.
In conclusion I think that amiibos have become a fashion statement among gamers. Lego Dimensions is cool but you want to add them to the game to unlock realms and areas to explore. Amiibos on the other hand, are something pretty to look at and something rare to hunt down. That doesn’t stop sales and it certainly doesn’t stop me from refreshing Nintendo’s web page every three seconds. The exciting world of amiibos is only now evolving and I am waiting in anticipation to see who I can add to my collection next! Who needs power-ups when you have a cool new addition to your room aye?
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