Re:And the graphics look like... ASS?
on
Gifts For Geeks
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· Score: 1
Right. Actually, I think Kunark looks pretty good. Especially some of the monster models. Granted, the terrain is still blurry and blocky, but hey. I haven't been as impressed with Velious, though. I get the feeling that the real talent has long been moved to other projects and that Velious was mostly done by newer modellers. Still, I think it looks pretty good for such an old engine that has been stretched way beyond what it was meant to. Besides, CmdrTaco's bitterness about EQ has been poorly concealed in the past. I think he was killed by a moss snake or something and never got over it.
Heh, I had an SMS as a kid. It was fun. Though honestly, I'd have to say that if you're going to say that the SMS wasn't a bomb, then it's tough to say that the N64 was. Personally, I have more N64 games than PSX games. And I consider myself a moderately mature gamer. I'd have to say that, for my tastes, the PSX was a disappointment. I don't think I'll be getting a PS2 any time soon. It's all in your tastes.
Anyway, from what I understood (I could be wrong), N64 was a bomb in Japan, but a hit in the US. Just because millions of screaming kids bought it doesn't mean it's a success? I'd rate that as a success. Not one I'd necessarily like to play, but a success nonetheless...
I must admit, despite being a BeOS fan, I was rather surprised when I saw those numbers. Granted, it's only on three (well, two) cards and only on old games, but even so... The problem is, while I have great faith in Be's engineers, I've been getting a bit tired of waiting for these things to be used to their full potential. I'd love to have those sorts of speed boosts for the games I play simply for using an OS that I like more (I personally love most of the BeOS' UI). I will say this... the post didn't mention it, but this speed increase is from a rewrite of the BeOS' OpenGL code... it gives me a lot of hope for BONE (a rewrite of it's networking code).
Ah, but Katz is one of us, isn't he? While I harbor no personal animosity towards him, I would think that if he wishes to play Geek Representative, we should at least agree on just who he is representing. That said, you're right about the PR issue... geeks, (my definition) seem to be rather bad at it. Perhaps because it seems more in the realm of corporations and ineffectual politics, but in the end, It's the Way the World Works. However, back to zed (gee, I'm jumping around a bit), 'geek profiling' seems to imply that they're singling out geeks (our geeks, Slashdot culture geeks)... when the term only increases the poor image of geeks. Defining a geek as someone who is depressed and an outsider who may have violent tendencies and is picked on by society really doesn't work towards vindicating true geek culture. I call that we come up with a new term instead of 'geek'.;) Something that's clever, will confuse people, and describes the tech-saavy intelligentia culture that has sprung up in the psat few years (though it's been around for quite a while, of course).
Does it seem obvious that the reason there aren't more geek chicks are... well, the geeks? I suppose it depends on your definition of geeks, but as a culture, all too often I've met geeks who are just so socially inept that they, well, scare girls away. And those that aren't tend to be looking for a pretty chick who is smart (but not TOO smart) and will help them buy computer equipment.:p It's all too often that I see girls that ARE geek chicks, but the guys just ignore them because they're not feminine enough. It's for these sorts of reasons that I don't consider myself a geek anymore, though I have many geek friends (some are even, *gasp* girls). What you have to consider is that with current geek culture, it's difficult to try to gather more female geeks... with current geek culture. The real problem goes deeper than this, though. Many of my (female) friends may enjoy video games and computers and science/math/geeky stuff but as it's still viewed as a 'guy thing', they tend to shy away from getting into the communities about it. I think the more we push to integrate and the more we make out of the issue, the more people will resent it... it's the idea that 'this is a girl' and 'this is a guy' and this is how they're supposed to act that's the problem... I'm rambling though. I hope that made sense to someone.;)
"I've got no criteria for sex or race I just want to hear your voice I just want to see your face" - Ani DiFranco
Might want to check out Atriarch, then. Online massively-multiplayer RPG set in an alien world.. and they're making a Linux client.;) www.atriarch.com, iirc.
Heheh... since when have we been able to get all of/. to agree on anything? The day that happens is the day I stop reading! It's like Springer without transsexual midget hookers battling neo nazi housewives.
Hm. I work at a school district. In the technology department (which consists of four people in a room that used to be a closet) and pretty much everything we DO is to help increase the use and awareness of the Internet. I don't think anyone is too concerned with students using this to blow up the school. And those that are, well, they're the same ones who don't 'do computers' and find them scary in and of themselves... most of the teachers I liked in high school were the ones who, when I said, "I'm really into computers and spend a lot of time online." said, "Oh! Well, that project x you did was really cool. Can you show me?/I have a problem/etc." not "Well, that project x you did wasn't a bomb was it...?" Then again, they hired me for it. *shrugs*
But I do have a problem with the profiling. Why? Because it shows right off what we've known all along.. They Don't Understand. Every time I hear about this subject (in general) I don't see, "There's a problem here... all these wonderful, talented, and brilliant people are not living up to their potential and maybe it's a real problem." It's all about how geeks are dangerous and need to be controlled. You can't help someone if you don't understand what they're going through. Hanging around IRC, I tend to be the old one of the bunch (19) and even so it's difficult to make my friends (both male and female, as I know plenty of girls who fit the profile) understand that I was THERE. Just a few short years ago, I was THERE. But you know? There's life beyond high school. Plenty of it, too. Bottom line? If this was something that would be used responsibly to help, then I'd be for it. But as a way to isolate potentially dangerous people (who, of course, are dangerous because of it)... it just makes me sad.
What? You mean 'crack code' doesn't work? Man. Last time I was hacking into the government's computers, the 'log in to government computer' kept telling me 'ACCESS DENIED'. Oh well. So much for my plan to take over the world... back to good old voodoo for me.
Forgive me if this gets lengthy. I see electronic games as an art form that hasn't yet come into its own. Yes, it's big business, but only on a few, very rare occasions have I ever found a game that moves me or makes me stop and think (not about my next move, of course). When I can sit and watch overblown commercials for the latest game alongside overblown commercials for the latest Hollywood summer blockbuster, I wonder if gaming hasn't reached the point technologically and socially to begin exploring what is possible. With movies and music, the best stuff is often what is hidden from the public eye. Because it's too daring, too different, too... anything. Now, the question is... do you feel the same thing will ever happen with games? I realize that there are people making their own games (viva Megazeux), but the technical side of it seems to interfere with the artistic side (that's my view, anyway) so these tiny developers have a hard time expressing their visions. With Quake especially, it seems that the way games are viewed has changed to allow this. I just want to know your general thoughts on the subject.
Hmm... I get the feeling that what Katz meant (just a guess, of course) is that most (good) writers give their writing a definite style and tone. Even a book about business can be personal and have style and flair... and considering that Microsoft _is_ so big and powerful, one (well, the type who would read the book) would think that Bill Gates would be handing down some of his great tips. Sort of from the expert, you know? From the looks of most of the reviews, that isn't the case. *shrugs*
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You go, Kev. ZZT rocks.
Right. Actually, I think Kunark looks pretty good. Especially some of the monster models. Granted, the terrain is still blurry and blocky, but hey. I haven't been as impressed with Velious, though. I get the feeling that the real talent has long been moved to other projects and that Velious was mostly done by newer modellers. Still, I think it looks pretty good for such an old engine that has been stretched way beyond what it was meant to. Besides, CmdrTaco's bitterness about EQ has been poorly concealed in the past. I think he was killed by a moss snake or something and never got over it.
Actually, it says that they can take EQ down for patching, (along with taking your firstborn child, your soul, etc.). ;)
Heh, I had an SMS as a kid. It was fun. Though honestly, I'd have to say that if you're going to say that the SMS wasn't a bomb, then it's tough to say that the N64 was. Personally, I have more N64 games than PSX games. And I consider myself a moderately mature gamer. I'd have to say that, for my tastes, the PSX was a disappointment. I don't think I'll be getting a PS2 any time soon. It's all in your tastes.
Anyway, from what I understood (I could be wrong), N64 was a bomb in Japan, but a hit in the US. Just because millions of screaming kids bought it doesn't mean it's a success? I'd rate that as a success. Not one I'd necessarily like to play, but a success nonetheless...
But how else would you use them against NSF troopers? I mean, if you're out of EMP grenades or LAMs. Er, sorry. Too much Deus Ex.
Well, hey, that's what the Earth was ALREADY created for.
But that's what the FBI is for. ;)
I must admit, despite being a BeOS fan, I was rather surprised when I saw those numbers. Granted, it's only on three (well, two) cards and only on old games, but even so...
The problem is, while I have great faith in Be's engineers, I've been getting a bit tired of waiting for these things to be used to their full potential. I'd love to have those sorts of speed boosts for the games I play simply for using an OS that I like more (I personally love most of the BeOS' UI).
I will say this... the post didn't mention it, but this speed increase is from a rewrite of the BeOS' OpenGL code... it gives me a lot of hope for BONE (a rewrite of it's networking code).
Ah, but Katz is one of us, isn't he? While I harbor no personal animosity towards him, I would think that if he wishes to play Geek Representative, we should at least agree on just who he is representing. ;) Something that's clever, will confuse people, and describes the tech-saavy intelligentia culture that has sprung up in the psat few years (though it's been around for quite a while, of course).
That said, you're right about the PR issue... geeks, (my definition) seem to be rather bad at it. Perhaps because it seems more in the realm of corporations and ineffectual politics, but in the end, It's the Way the World Works.
However, back to zed (gee, I'm jumping around a bit), 'geek profiling' seems to imply that they're singling out geeks (our geeks, Slashdot culture geeks)... when the term only increases the poor image of geeks. Defining a geek as someone who is depressed and an outsider who may have violent tendencies and is picked on by society really doesn't work towards vindicating true geek culture.
I call that we come up with a new term instead of 'geek'.
Does it seem obvious that the reason there aren't more geek chicks are... well, the geeks? I suppose it depends on your definition of geeks, but as a culture, all too often I've met geeks who are just so socially inept that they, well, scare girls away. And those that aren't tend to be looking for a pretty chick who is smart (but not TOO smart) and will help them buy computer equipment. :p It's all too often that I see girls that ARE geek chicks, but the guys just ignore them because they're not feminine enough. ;)
It's for these sorts of reasons that I don't consider myself a geek anymore, though I have many geek friends (some are even, *gasp* girls). What you have to consider is that with current geek culture, it's difficult to try to gather more female geeks... with current geek culture. The real problem goes deeper than this, though. Many of my (female) friends may enjoy video games and computers and science/math/geeky stuff but as it's still viewed as a 'guy thing', they tend to shy away from getting into the communities about it. I think the more we push to integrate and the more we make out of the issue, the more people will resent it... it's the idea that 'this is a girl' and 'this is a guy' and this is how they're supposed to act that's the problem... I'm rambling though. I hope that made sense to someone.
"I've got no criteria for sex or race
I just want to hear your voice
I just want to see your face" - Ani DiFranco
Might want to check out Atriarch, then. Online massively-multiplayer RPG set in an alien world.. and they're making a Linux client. ;) www.atriarch.com, iirc.
Heheh... since when have we been able to get all of /. to agree on anything? The day that happens is the day I stop reading! It's like Springer without transsexual midget hookers battling neo nazi housewives.
Hm. I work at a school district. In the technology department (which consists of four people in a room that used to be a closet) and pretty much everything we DO is to help increase the use and awareness of the Internet. I don't think anyone is too concerned with students using this to blow up the school. And those that are, well, they're the same ones who don't 'do computers' and find them scary in and of themselves... most of the teachers I liked in high school were the ones who, when I said, "I'm really into computers and spend a lot of time online." said, "Oh! Well, that project x you did was really cool. Can you show me?/I have a problem/etc." not "Well, that project x you did wasn't a bomb was it...?" Then again, they hired me for it. *shrugs*
But I do have a problem with the profiling. Why? Because it shows right off what we've known all along.. They Don't Understand. Every time I hear about this subject (in general) I don't see, "There's a problem here... all these wonderful, talented, and brilliant people are not living up to their potential and maybe it's a real problem." It's all about how geeks are dangerous and need to be controlled. You can't help someone if you don't understand what they're going through. Hanging around IRC, I tend to be the old one of the bunch (19) and even so it's difficult to make my friends (both male and female, as I know plenty of girls who fit the profile) understand that I was THERE. Just a few short years ago, I was THERE. But you know? There's life beyond high school. Plenty of it, too.
Bottom line? If this was something that would be used responsibly to help, then I'd be for it. But as a way to isolate potentially dangerous people (who, of course, are dangerous because of it)... it just makes me sad.
What? You mean 'crack code' doesn't work? Man. Last time I was hacking into the government's computers, the 'log in to government computer' kept telling me 'ACCESS DENIED'. Oh well. So much for my plan to take over the world... back to good old voodoo for me.
Forgive me if this gets lengthy. I see electronic games as an art form that hasn't yet come into its own. Yes, it's big business, but only on a few, very rare occasions have I ever found a game that moves me or makes me stop and think (not about my next move, of course). When I can sit and watch overblown commercials for the latest game alongside overblown commercials for the latest Hollywood summer blockbuster, I wonder if gaming hasn't reached the point technologically and socially to begin exploring what is possible. With movies and music, the best stuff is often what is hidden from the public eye. Because it's too daring, too different, too... anything. Now, the question is... do you feel the same thing will ever happen with games? I realize that there are people making their own games (viva Megazeux), but the technical side of it seems to interfere with the artistic side (that's my view, anyway) so these tiny developers have a hard time expressing their visions. With Quake especially, it seems that the way games are viewed has changed to allow this. I just want to know your general thoughts on the subject.
Thanks,
Evan
Hmm... I get the feeling that what Katz meant (just a guess, of course) is that most (good) writers give their writing a definite style and tone. Even a book about business can be personal and have style and flair... and considering that Microsoft _is_ so big and powerful, one (well, the type who would read the book) would think that Bill Gates would be handing down some of his great tips. Sort of from the expert, you know? From the looks of most of the reviews, that isn't the case. *shrugs*