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Domain: armchairempire.com
Stories and comments across the archive that link to armchairempire.com.
Stories · 9
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The History of E3
Mr Nash writes "The Armchair Empire has posted a lengthy article examining the first ten E3s. In it the console unveilings from 1995 to present, as well as game announcements, and the general mood at the various expos is revisited, providing a look at the trends that have developed at E3 over the years." From the article: "..today we're going to take a look back in time at the first 10 E3s. We'll be revisiting the console announcements, the games, and a lot of the general feelings people had regarding what was being shown at the expo over the years. This is by no means an attempt at a complete, encyclopedic recount of everything that happened at each and every E3, but we're hoping this feature of past shows provides a fun look at all that has come to pass over the last 10 years..." -
The History of E3
Mr Nash writes "The Armchair Empire has posted a lengthy article examining the first ten E3s. In it the console unveilings from 1995 to present, as well as game announcements, and the general mood at the various expos is revisited, providing a look at the trends that have developed at E3 over the years." From the article: "..today we're going to take a look back in time at the first 10 E3s. We'll be revisiting the console announcements, the games, and a lot of the general feelings people had regarding what was being shown at the expo over the years. This is by no means an attempt at a complete, encyclopedic recount of everything that happened at each and every E3, but we're hoping this feature of past shows provides a fun look at all that has come to pass over the last 10 years..." -
Sony PSP/Nintendo DS Opinion Piece
Mr Nash writes "The Armchair Empire has posted a lengthy op-ed about Sony's PSP and Nintendo's Dual Screen where the writer comes to the conclusion that "the market just doesn't appear to be ready for a pair of new handhelds to step onto the scene." -
Sony PSP/Nintendo DS Opinion Piece
Mr Nash writes "The Armchair Empire has posted a lengthy op-ed about Sony's PSP and Nintendo's Dual Screen where the writer comes to the conclusion that "the market just doesn't appear to be ready for a pair of new handhelds to step onto the scene." -
Tim Schafer Talks Psychonauts Originality, Dialog, Release
Thanks to GameSpot for its interview with Double Fine founder and Psychonauts creator Tim Schafer, following the game's split with Microsoft and subsequent re-signing with Majesco. Schafer, best known for "work on Day of The Tentacle, Full Throttle, and Grim Fandango" at LucasArts, discusses originality ("One of the good things about the state of the games industry right now is that it's incredibly easy to be original. I mean, if you released a game these days that didn't have any army guys in it people would freak out. 'Omg. Where did they get the idea to not use army guys? Are they taking drugs?'"), shaping Psychonauts' story ("I still write most of the dialog. I had some help this time around from Erik Wolpaw from Old Man Murray."), and the state of the game ("We've got a few levels at beta right now, some others at alpha, others somewhere in between, and a new level that we're doing now. We're looking at an early- to mid-2005 release.") -
On Videogame Characters And The Poochy Effect
Thanks to GamerDad for its editorial discussing videogame characters/settings that excessively ape popular culture. The writer summarizes: "A new evil is spreading throughout the industry to stifle gameplay and original game characters, the need to set games in 'cool' or 'hip' settings that meet with mainstream approval", and points to Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil, which he says underwent a "...last minute change in the main character to make her more Gen X compatible." He continues: "For Jak II, developer Naughty Dog seems to have wanted to incorporate every possible 'hot thing' in gaming, from a goateed main character to dark themes." But he concludes by lauding some "breakout successes" in terms of original characters, including Halo's Master Chief and Viewtiful Joe. -
Wrath Unleashed - Archon Reborn?
Thanks to GameSpy for their preview of Wrath Unleashed, LucasArts' hex-based action strategy videogame. This PS2/Xbox title, being developed by The Collective, has some similarities to a gaming classic, as the writer explains: "If you're like me and were born in the '70s, you may yet remember Archon... Wrath Unleashed revisits and updates the original. With a shorthand mythology regarding elementals, it offers a hexagonal board game with an RPG heart." The game, which is also reminiscent of Archon co-creator Paul Reiche's under-rated The Unholy War for PlayStation, is described as a "promising mix of elements", and Wrath Unleashed's preview concludes: "The balance between action and strategy is a tricky one in games such as this ... but it does offer a distinctly old-school feel and plenty of options for different gamers." -
The Return Of Earthbound For GBA
warmgun writes "One of the biggest cult video game series ever is getting a second chance at stardom for a new generation. The games are the console RPGs Mother 1 and Mother 2. Mother 2 was released in the US as Earthbound on the Super Nintendo, and stars Ness, more recently known for appearing in Super Smash Bros. More info on the games and their currently Japanese-only GameBoy Advance re-release can be found at Starmen.net. Help the site convince Nintendo to release this gem Stateside!" -
Fahrenheit
LukeG writes "As games developers constantly seek new methods of tapping into the mass market, the French team at Quantic Dream have taken their inspiration from the television in developing 'Fahrenheit', what they claim will be the world's first interactive TV series, an episodic 3D-adventure set in New York. Here's a full look at this interesting development." See the company's website (Flash-only, unfortunately); or there are several other previews out there (1, 2).