Why buy a DVD player and a Game console? I dont' want my game console to play DVDs. I have a DVD player for that, and it does it better than an XBox or PS2, while still playing things like VCDs and MPEG files.
It's not a problem for people that just want a game machine. Besides... Who can't go out and buy a $70 DVD player if they can afford a $200 game machine (plus games)? Why is it hurting it? Most Gamecube owners really could care less. The majority of them already had a PS2 or DVD player in the first place, before buying their Gamecube.
I was a bit surprised when I played Soul Calibur 2 on the three newer consoles. In many ways, it doesn't represent much of a step-up over the Dreamcast game. I guess it just shows us that the Dreamcast was way ahead of its time for a machine released in Japan in late 1998.
The Gamecube's 16MB of extra DRAM isn't limited to just sound. It's extra RAM that's used for a number of things that don't require the fast 1T-SRAM (24MB) that is used for speed intensive applications. The 16MB of DRAM is ideal for sound, but it's also used for things like menus and temporary cache. This is quite an effective way to use the machine's RAM and do it with a cost-effective design. So, in a sense, the machine does have a total of 40 MB of shared RAM.
It's slightly misleading when someone compares the PS2's method of utilizing RAM to that of the competitors. First of all, that extra 2 MB of RAM is used by the IO processor, and it's mainly used only for PSX emulation. Second, the PS2 lacks any form of real, usable, texture compression. This really sets it a step below even the *Dreamcast* in some ways. Ever see some games that were multi-platform but looks better on the Dreamcast? The lack of S3TC is a severe weakness of the Playstation 2. Some such examples are Test Drive LeMans, Crazy Taxi, and a few other games that are heavily reliant on S3TC. To be fair, the PS2 can use a primative form of something that works like a pseudo texture compression; utilizing a color look-up table to get more out of 8-bit (or 4 bit), 256 (or 16) color bitmaps.
So, in order to get anything out of the graphics engine, espeically where heavy texturing is involved, you need to use a significant amount of RAM on the PS2 to do the same things on the other modern consoles (including the Dreamcast). This is a good example of why you will never see games like Shenmue II on the Playstation 2. This is also why some of the prettier games, like MGS, look like green at all times (256 bit color pallete on textures). Though, in that game's case, it was used to their advantage, as it helps to style the game a bit.
Well, to be fair, they are slightly modified (hacked) codecs. But it does require proprietary software to play the files. Is there any alternative at this time with these closed source formats? Unless we all lucked out and everyone started using MPEG, DIVX, or (in the future) Ogg Tarkin, we're stuck in this rut. I don't think that things will change though.
In the case of some codecs, like those that handle the recent QuickTime files, they actually use Winelib due to their DirectX dependance.
How does it run with the standard WINE? I've been interested in this game for a while (I've seen the ads on Penny-Arcade), but I've not run Windows for a few years now.
It's still under warranty. I purchased it in November of last year (when Metroid Prime was released). I've just not taken the time to call them back for an RMA. I did call them once before, and they had me try a couple of things to test it. But I still need to take the time and call them back before it's too late.
There is definately a problem with disk reading though. I had the infamous elevator lock-up once in Metroid Prime. Skies of Arcade locks up when loading moves or monsters during battles (frequently), and Eternal Darkness locks up when doing some real-time cutscenes.
I don't own an XBox, but I would buy one if Shenmue III ever arrived as an XBox exclusive. In fact, most of the games that really grip me on the XBox are SEGA titles, like JSRF and PDO, SegaGT, etc.
I don't think it's a bad console. In fact, I think that the networking system is pretty revolutionary as far as online gaming goes. But there just isn't enough meat and potatoes on the console, aside from SEGA games, to make me all that interested. Even those are remakes of Dreamcast (sniff) titles.
Skies of Arcadia IS EXCELLENT. I played through the original, and only haven't finished the Gamecube version because I'm having some problem's with my Gamecube's optical drive (it locks up on two of my games). In my opinion, it's one of the best RPGs that we've seen in years. Though the quantity of GC RPGs is slim, it's good to have one of the best.
Really, you only benefit from the XBox version of Soul Calibur 2 if you have a high-quality television and a good surround sound system. On standard televisions, both versions look and play nearly identical. On an HDTV, the XBox version's higher resolution gives you the benefit of slightly better antialiasing. Gamecube's 720p still looks quite nice though. It really isn't much of an issue. In terms of texturing and lighting, speed, etc., both versions are about the same.
How do I know? We (collectively) have all three versions.
If it came down to controllers, I'd prefer the PS2 or Gamecube controllers, but we all know that Soul Calibur is best experienced with an arcade stick.
Sony and Microsoft *killed them*? Are you nuts? XBox's only major seller has been Halo. The DOA games likely come in second place along with sports titles. Live! kits are selling, but little else is.
If you don't believe me, read this article at GAF. I could list numerous others as well with *real* numbers and not some hearsay from trolls.
I'm not trying to diss Microsoft or anything, but these rumors of Nintendo getting slaughtered are getting rediculous. Nintendo is still up on worldwide console sales by 2 million units over the XBox. And while Microsoft may *barely* be pushing second place in system sales in the USA, they're hurting elsewhere, especially Japan. Game to system ratios are terrible, even at that. What good does it do to sell consoles if the games aren't selling?
Nintendo already has its fanbase and it's consistently pulling profits year after year. What's the problem here? Do you really think that they need to be number one in console sales to be successful? The GBA is still outselling the PS2, and though it's not a fair comparision, it's still profiatable. Gamecube has a pretty good library of excellent games, and though the quantity isn't as large as the older PS2's library, the games sell well and the fans seem to like them.
Nintendo *IS* listening to their fans. They're giving us the games we want. They want new games based on the old franchises. Metroid was on hiatus for years, but Prime is a fabulous game. People want Zelda. Many of us were wowed by Eternal Darkness. Metal Gear: Twin Snakes looks like it's going to be a groundbreaking remake. F-Zero is already pulling in great scores by Famitsu and other mags. Your comments are like saying that gamers don't want "Final Fantasy 52" or some other popular franchise. Speaking of which, there's no doubt that a lot of Square fans will pick up a Gamecube for Crystal Chronicles. The titles that you think have been "milked" are Nintendo's exclusives. They are what makes a Nintendo system.
So what's the problem here? Are they "failing" because they haven't released more network-based titles for you? Can you give any really good reasons why they aren't listening to you?
I've been using Slackware for a few years now, since version 7. I had used other distributions in the past, but none really hooked me. Today, I've got Slackware running at home, work, and I've hooked many friends on it as well.
It's still the most sensable and stable Linux distribution that I've used. It's fast and highly configurable. It's also one of the most UNIX-like distributions it's BSD-style init scripts and straightforward config files.
Paired with Dropline GNOME, you get an excellent combination on the desktop. If you can handle running FDISK, I suggest you give it a shot.
Yes. Dropline Gnome is an excellent add-on for Slackware 9. It not only keeps Gnome up-to-date, but offers tons of great features and keeps other libs up-to-date as well.
It's definately the way to go. Slackware+Dropline are fantastic, and make for an excellent desktop combination.
Network Executive: We at the network want a dog with attitude. He's edgy. You've heard the expression "let's get busy"? Well, this is a dog who gets biz-zay; consistently and thoroughly. Krusty: So he's proactive, huh? Executive: Oh, God yes. We're talking about a totally outrageous paradigm. Writer: Excuse me, but "proactive" and "paradigm"? Aren't those just buzzwords that dumb people use to sound important... not that I'm accusing you of anything like that. I'm fired aren't I? Roger Meyers, Jr.: Oh, yes. The rest of you writers start thinking up a name for this funky dog. I don't know, something along the lines of, say, Poochie. Only more proactive.
My fiance isn't much of a gamer, but she's a big fan of the Harry Potter series. I purchased the Gamecube "Chamber of Secrets" for her, and though it didn't follow the book's storyline to a T, it wasn't a bad game.
She had a bit of trouble with many boss fights and puzzles. The camera was a bit awkward for her. But I've been playing games for 18 years now, so I thought that the game was a bit too easy for me. Regardless, it was still quite fun (even if it can be finished in two or three days of extended play.)
I think that gamers that like 3D platform titles would like it, even if they aren't fans of the series. But the game might be a bit too tough for people that don't normally play games. It could have used a bit more balance, and a bit more work on making the game a bit longer and more in-depth. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Eurocom will be doing this new game. They had a fabulous multi-platform game engine. Maybe Warthog will get the opportunity to improve upon this engine, assuming that it belongs to EA now.
You have virtual consoles, or you can type: (su *username*) for an on-the-fly switch.
Multiple GUI sessions are also possible on the same box, and switching between them is as simple as pushing CTRL+ALT+F(1-12). However, it's not a common feature for most distributions (out of the box).
I use a Rage 128 with the GATOS drivers in my machine at work. And while they are adequate for simple things, they *are not* enough for heavy 3D accelleration.
Even though this Rage 128 works fine at work, it still won't meet the needs of things that I do at home. I play games on my home Linux machine (Yeah, yeah... Don't beat a dead horse, trolls.) and there is no open solution that is suitable for that.
Not that I don't agree in some ways, but do any faster chipsets (with "free" drivers) exist?
I've not found a single, modern, 3D graphics chipset with adequate 3D accelleration available to Linux without using some closed-source binary drivers. I don't really have a problem with closed-source drivers, but an open option (that's fast) would be nice.
Not to mention that most servers still run on 1.3 releases. Apache 2.x still isn't as stable, nor does it have the features and add-ons that 1.3x has. Some distributions shipped with 2.x only to switch back.
You too, huh? I own both Dreamcast games (2nd is the European import), and might even be tempted to buy an XBox if the third game ever comes. Of course, maybe I'll get lucky and it'll come to the Gamecube (yeah, right).
I hope that Shenmue III is the secret AM2 title. The second game ended so abruptly. There are just so many questions that need answers...;)
This has been a patch for about as long as KDE's has been in 3.0. It just wasn't widely known. I used it last year, and frankly, I wasn't too impressed. Just because it isn't implemented into Gnome 2 by default doesn't mean that they didn't have a good reason for leaving it out. Gnome 2/GTK is still more lean than KDE/QT, and I think that they want to keep it that way. It's not that I have a problem with KDE, and the options can be turned off.
I must agree, though, that this isn't news that is worth making the front page.
This *is* old news. However, this was implemented as a GTK patch sometime last year, about the same time that it got into KDE 3. Of course, maybe this is officially *stable* now, because I wasn't too pleased with the results when this was first implemented.
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Why buy a DVD player and a Game console? I dont' want my game console to play DVDs. I have a DVD player for that, and it does it better than an XBox or PS2, while still playing things like VCDs and MPEG files.
It's not a problem for people that just want a game machine. Besides... Who can't go out and buy a $70 DVD player if they can afford a $200 game machine (plus games)? Why is it hurting it? Most Gamecube owners really could care less. The majority of them already had a PS2 or DVD player in the first place, before buying their Gamecube.
Hehe. ;)
No. However, it made me go to the refrigerator to get a Danish lager.
Almost all of my beers are Reinheitsgebot. No Dihydrogen Monoxide for me.
I was a bit surprised when I played Soul Calibur 2 on the three newer consoles. In many ways, it doesn't represent much of a step-up over the Dreamcast game. I guess it just shows us that the Dreamcast was way ahead of its time for a machine released in Japan in late 1998.
The Gamecube's 16MB of extra DRAM isn't limited to just sound. It's extra RAM that's used for a number of things that don't require the fast 1T-SRAM (24MB) that is used for speed intensive applications. The 16MB of DRAM is ideal for sound, but it's also used for things like menus and temporary cache. This is quite an effective way to use the machine's RAM and do it with a cost-effective design. So, in a sense, the machine does have a total of 40 MB of shared RAM.
It's slightly misleading when someone compares the PS2's method of utilizing RAM to that of the competitors. First of all, that extra 2 MB of RAM is used by the IO processor, and it's mainly used only for PSX emulation. Second, the PS2 lacks any form of real, usable, texture compression. This really sets it a step below even the *Dreamcast* in some ways. Ever see some games that were multi-platform but looks better on the Dreamcast? The lack of S3TC is a severe weakness of the Playstation 2. Some such examples are Test Drive LeMans, Crazy Taxi, and a few other games that are heavily reliant on S3TC. To be fair, the PS2 can use a primative form of something that works like a pseudo texture compression; utilizing a color look-up table to get more out of 8-bit (or 4 bit), 256 (or 16) color bitmaps.
So, in order to get anything out of the graphics engine, espeically where heavy texturing is involved, you need to use a significant amount of RAM on the PS2 to do the same things on the other modern consoles (including the Dreamcast). This is a good example of why you will never see games like Shenmue II on the Playstation 2. This is also why some of the prettier games, like MGS, look like green at all times (256 bit color pallete on textures). Though, in that game's case, it was used to their advantage, as it helps to style the game a bit.
Well, to be fair, they are slightly modified (hacked) codecs. But it does require proprietary software to play the files. Is there any alternative at this time with these closed source formats? Unless we all lucked out and everyone started using MPEG, DIVX, or (in the future) Ogg Tarkin, we're stuck in this rut. I don't think that things will change though.
In the case of some codecs, like those that handle the recent QuickTime files, they actually use Winelib due to their DirectX dependance.
How does it run with the standard WINE? I've been interested in this game for a while (I've seen the ads on Penny-Arcade), but I've not run Windows for a few years now.
You mean Visual Concepts and Akk-lame? Does anyone really care?
Which other companies are dropping "Nin" like flies?
It's still under warranty. I purchased it in November of last year (when Metroid Prime was released). I've just not taken the time to call them back for an RMA. I did call them once before, and they had me try a couple of things to test it. But I still need to take the time and call them back before it's too late.
;)
There is definately a problem with disk reading though. I had the infamous elevator lock-up once in Metroid Prime. Skies of Arcade locks up when loading moves or monsters during battles (frequently), and Eternal Darkness locks up when doing some real-time cutscenes.
I've still got a hard drive to RMA as well.
Don't forget Eternal Darknes... That game is pretty cool as well. It's freaky too.
Viewtiful Joe is pretty spectacular as well, but we've still got a while before it gets released outside of Japan.
I don't own an XBox, but I would buy one if Shenmue III ever arrived as an XBox exclusive. In fact, most of the games that really grip me on the XBox are SEGA titles, like JSRF and PDO, SegaGT, etc.
I don't think it's a bad console. In fact, I think that the networking system is pretty revolutionary as far as online gaming goes. But there just isn't enough meat and potatoes on the console, aside from SEGA games, to make me all that interested. Even those are remakes of Dreamcast (sniff) titles.
Skies of Arcadia IS EXCELLENT. I played through the original, and only haven't finished the Gamecube version because I'm having some problem's with my Gamecube's optical drive (it locks up on two of my games). In my opinion, it's one of the best RPGs that we've seen in years. Though the quantity of GC RPGs is slim, it's good to have one of the best.
I've played all threee versions many times.
Really, you only benefit from the XBox version of Soul Calibur 2 if you have a high-quality television and a good surround sound system. On standard televisions, both versions look and play nearly identical. On an HDTV, the XBox version's higher resolution gives you the benefit of slightly better antialiasing. Gamecube's 720p still looks quite nice though. It really isn't much of an issue. In terms of texturing and lighting, speed, etc., both versions are about the same.
How do I know? We (collectively) have all three versions.
If it came down to controllers, I'd prefer the PS2 or Gamecube controllers, but we all know that Soul Calibur is best experienced with an arcade stick.
Sony and Microsoft *killed them*? Are you nuts? XBox's only major seller has been Halo. The DOA games likely come in second place along with sports titles. Live! kits are selling, but little else is.
If you don't believe me, read this article at GAF. I could list numerous others as well with *real* numbers and not some hearsay from trolls.
I'm not trying to diss Microsoft or anything, but these rumors of Nintendo getting slaughtered are getting rediculous. Nintendo is still up on worldwide console sales by 2 million units over the XBox. And while Microsoft may *barely* be pushing second place in system sales in the USA, they're hurting elsewhere, especially Japan. Game to system ratios are terrible, even at that. What good does it do to sell consoles if the games aren't selling?
Nintendo already has its fanbase and it's consistently pulling profits year after year. What's the problem here? Do you really think that they need to be number one in console sales to be successful? The GBA is still outselling the PS2, and though it's not a fair comparision, it's still profiatable. Gamecube has a pretty good library of excellent games, and though the quantity isn't as large as the older PS2's library, the games sell well and the fans seem to like them.
Nintendo *IS* listening to their fans. They're giving us the games we want. They want new games based on the old franchises. Metroid was on hiatus for years, but Prime is a fabulous game. People want Zelda. Many of us were wowed by Eternal Darkness. Metal Gear: Twin Snakes looks like it's going to be a groundbreaking remake. F-Zero is already pulling in great scores by Famitsu and other mags. Your comments are like saying that gamers don't want "Final Fantasy 52" or some other popular franchise. Speaking of which, there's no doubt that a lot of Square fans will pick up a Gamecube for Crystal Chronicles. The titles that you think have been "milked" are Nintendo's exclusives. They are what makes a Nintendo system.
So what's the problem here? Are they "failing" because they haven't released more network-based titles for you? Can you give any really good reasons why they aren't listening to you?
Hooray for Slackware! Rock on, Pat!
I've been using Slackware for a few years now, since version 7. I had used other distributions in the past, but none really hooked me. Today, I've got Slackware running at home, work, and I've hooked many friends on it as well.
It's still the most sensable and stable Linux distribution that I've used. It's fast and highly configurable. It's also one of the most UNIX-like distributions it's BSD-style init scripts and straightforward config files.
Paired with Dropline GNOME, you get an excellent combination on the desktop. If you can handle running FDISK, I suggest you give it a shot.
Yes. Dropline Gnome is an excellent add-on for Slackware 9. It not only keeps Gnome up-to-date, but offers tons of great features and keeps other libs up-to-date as well.
It's definately the way to go. Slackware+Dropline are fantastic, and make for an excellent desktop combination.
Get it at www.dropline.net.
Network Executive: We at the network want a dog with attitude. He's edgy. You've heard the expression "let's get busy"? Well, this is a dog who gets biz-zay; consistently and thoroughly.
Krusty: So he's proactive, huh?
Executive: Oh, God yes. We're talking about a totally outrageous paradigm.
Writer: Excuse me, but "proactive" and "paradigm"? Aren't those just buzzwords that dumb people use to sound important... not that I'm accusing you of anything like that. I'm fired aren't I?
Roger Meyers, Jr.: Oh, yes. The rest of you writers start thinking up a name for this funky dog. I don't know, something along the lines of, say, Poochie. Only more proactive.
My fiance isn't much of a gamer, but she's a big fan of the Harry Potter series. I purchased the Gamecube "Chamber of Secrets" for her, and though it didn't follow the book's storyline to a T, it wasn't a bad game.
She had a bit of trouble with many boss fights and puzzles. The camera was a bit awkward for her. But I've been playing games for 18 years now, so I thought that the game was a bit too easy for me. Regardless, it was still quite fun (even if it can be finished in two or three days of extended play.)
I think that gamers that like 3D platform titles would like it, even if they aren't fans of the series. But the game might be a bit too tough for people that don't normally play games. It could have used a bit more balance, and a bit more work on making the game a bit longer and more in-depth. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Eurocom will be doing this new game. They had a fabulous multi-platform game engine. Maybe Warthog will get the opportunity to improve upon this engine, assuming that it belongs to EA now.
You have virtual consoles, or you can type:
(su *username*) for an on-the-fly switch.
Multiple GUI sessions are also possible on the same box, and switching between them is as simple as pushing CTRL+ALT+F(1-12). However, it's not a common feature for most distributions (out of the box).
I use a Rage 128 with the GATOS drivers in my machine at work. And while they are adequate for simple things, they *are not* enough for heavy 3D accelleration.
Even though this Rage 128 works fine at work, it still won't meet the needs of things that I do at home. I play games on my home Linux machine (Yeah, yeah... Don't beat a dead horse, trolls.) and there is no open solution that is suitable for that.
Not that I don't agree in some ways, but do any faster chipsets (with "free" drivers) exist?
I've not found a single, modern, 3D graphics chipset with adequate 3D accelleration available to Linux without using some closed-source binary drivers. I don't really have a problem with closed-source drivers, but an open option (that's fast) would be nice.
Not to mention that most servers still run on 1.3 releases. Apache 2.x still isn't as stable, nor does it have the features and add-ons that 1.3x has. Some distributions shipped with 2.x only to switch back.
You too, huh? I own both Dreamcast games (2nd is the European import), and might even be tempted to buy an XBox if the third game ever comes. Of course, maybe I'll get lucky and it'll come to the Gamecube (yeah, right).
;)
I hope that Shenmue III is the secret AM2 title. The second game ended so abruptly. There are just so many questions that need answers...
This has been a patch for about as long as KDE's has been in 3.0. It just wasn't widely known. I used it last year, and frankly, I wasn't too impressed. Just because it isn't implemented into Gnome 2 by default doesn't mean that they didn't have a good reason for leaving it out. Gnome 2/GTK is still more lean than KDE/QT, and I think that they want to keep it that way. It's not that I have a problem with KDE, and the options can be turned off.
I must agree, though, that this isn't news that is worth making the front page.
This *is* old news. However, this was implemented as a GTK patch sometime last year, about the same time that it got into KDE 3. Of course, maybe this is officially *stable* now, because I wasn't too pleased with the results when this was first implemented.