Actually, most people don't seem to have realized this, but the mic on Apple's default white headset works for this. One squeeze pauses the current track, a double squeeze is equivalent to "Next", and 3 squeezes is "Previous".
That was a lifesaver during the winter when I had no desire to take off my gloves. It's also the reason I haven't felt the need to get better headphones.
Comparing the two over different time frames is not a legitimate comparison. As far as longer term valuation, Google is still out ahead of Microsoft for the past 2 years (Google wasn't around for the entire 5 year comparison).
Actually, what you explain is exactly how Wizardry does it. As you actually utilize skills, you will see the stats increase for it. At the end of each battle you see who has gained what extra stat points. Unlocking a box will sometimes increase your skill as well.
As you level up you do get an extra bonus to add to different stats. This has certainly helped in situations where you aren't able to use an ability often, but still want to be able to use it well when you do need it.
Again, take a look at the review here. They go over the basics of the skills leveling system. The video might even show a better example.
Try giving Wizardry 8 a shot. Excellent phased combat system. I, like you, truly enjoy the phased aspect of an RPG. It allows for much more strategy and a lot less "I luckily clicked my hot button just before you did" style play.
Wizardry 8 also uses a party system, so your 4+ character requirement is happily satisfied. Characters start off fairly weak, allowing you to build them up. Another nice element is the ability to change professions, similar to FF Tactics. While you won't be superb at your new class immediately, you still have much improved base statistics to build off of. Obviously, this allows you to change a party member's class without requiring you to go back to the beginning area simply to have them live.
Wizardry has been an excellent RPG series, and 8 built upon that to create the modernized old-school RPG you are searching for. Here is a link to an overall review and summary for the game.
One thing to note though is that this is a 1-player game. I don't think you can really expect phased combat to ever enter the MMORPG arena. Most people don't have the patience to wait for others to setup turns continuously. This is the same problem Civilization has had with multiplayer.
Slashdot Mirror
Actually, most people don't seem to have realized this, but the mic on Apple's default white headset works for this. One squeeze pauses the current track, a double squeeze is equivalent to "Next", and 3 squeezes is "Previous". That was a lifesaver during the winter when I had no desire to take off my gloves. It's also the reason I haven't felt the need to get better headphones.
Comparing the two over different time frames is not a legitimate comparison. As far as longer term valuation, Google is still out ahead of Microsoft for the past 2 years (Google wasn't around for the entire 5 year comparison).
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GOOG&t=2y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=msft
Actually, what you explain is exactly how Wizardry does it. As you actually utilize skills, you will see the stats increase for it. At the end of each battle you see who has gained what extra stat points. Unlocking a box will sometimes increase your skill as well.
As you level up you do get an extra bonus to add to different stats. This has certainly helped in situations where you aren't able to use an ability often, but still want to be able to use it well when you do need it.
Again, take a look at the review here. They go over the basics of the skills leveling system. The video might even show a better example.
Try giving Wizardry 8 a shot. Excellent phased combat system. I, like you, truly enjoy the phased aspect of an RPG. It allows for much more strategy and a lot less "I luckily clicked my hot button just before you did" style play.
Wizardry 8 also uses a party system, so your 4+ character requirement is happily satisfied. Characters start off fairly weak, allowing you to build them up. Another nice element is the ability to change professions, similar to FF Tactics. While you won't be superb at your new class immediately, you still have much improved base statistics to build off of. Obviously, this allows you to change a party member's class without requiring you to go back to the beginning area simply to have them live.
Wizardry has been an excellent RPG series, and 8 built upon that to create the modernized old-school RPG you are searching for. Here is a link to an overall review and summary for the game.
One thing to note though is that this is a 1-player game. I don't think you can really expect phased combat to ever enter the MMORPG arena. Most people don't have the patience to wait for others to setup turns continuously. This is the same problem Civilization has had with multiplayer.