For what it's worth, TechTV was at it's best when they went with the MSNBC/CNBC format of live broadcasts during the week.
However, no word on Xplay. Since it's the only program I really watch on the network, and since it's a great recap of what's out there and what is coming, I hope that it somehow survives.
Several years ago, back in the days of System Shock 2 and Ultima 9, EA pulled the same thing with their CDSafe or whatever software they used to prevent copy protection.
I bought System Shock 2, and then was unable to play the game because it refused to recognize my CD. I called EA (toll call by the way) and spent 45 minutes talking to a technician. After having me explain the issue, even down to reading the serial number off the CD ring, they came to the conclusion that my CD burner (my only drive) was not compatible with the copy protection. Their recommendation, to go out and by myself a new drive.
Which lead me to a hack site, where I happily downloaded an illegal crack to allow me to play the game. I called them back to point out that it was ridiculous that as a legitimate owner of the game, I was prevented from playing it by EA's own copy-protection, which was broken minutes after the game was released. Not surprisingly, they failed to see the irony.
When Ultima 9 came out, I had the same issue. Since the cracks were slower to come around, I bit the bullet and bought a new CD drive. That was the last EA game that I have purchased.
Now I'm a happy owner of a Mac, PS 2, Xbox, and GameCube, and the only reason I even have a PC is to play FF XI. Which, thankfully, is not an EA game.
Copy protection only hurts the actual owners, not one company has devised a successfully copy-protection scheme. Nothing has come even close in the recent years to the nearly-successful copy-protection on the old Atari 8-bit systems (which required a Happy Chip to be installed in the actual disk drive to copy games, because they used variable disk-speeds to generate uncopyable errors on the floppy disk). But now, it's pretty much pointless. Save your time and money, copy protection hurts your bottom line more than it helps it.
Dr. Wu "Is there gas in the car? Yes, there's gas in the car"
I should say right off the bat, so as not to seem a flamer, I've been a fan of Molyneux's work since Populous, and still think that PowerMonger needs a remake badly...
That being said, this is coming from a man who has redefined the definition of 'soft release dates'. I thought the wait for the release of 'Black and White' was ridiculous, but that doesn't come close in comparison when you consider 'Fable'.
Molyneux has perfected the art of giving us great tech demos, movies, buzz, and interviews, while continually pushing the games release date off again and again and again. Which wouldn't be so bad, if the delay wasn't the majority of the time related to extra months spent on features that because of problems, end up getting pulled from the final release (such as the on again, off again nature of Xbox Live support for 'Fable').
Honestly, Molyneux should quit wasting his time giving useless interviews on what he 'feels' the future of gaming is going to be, and actually finish making some of his games.
Yes, I would be nice to have an open-ended gaming experience, as long as it doesn't come with an open-ended release date.
Yeah, I'm not thrilled with the idea of voicemail. Even though it's subscription-based, which will make it harder to prevent other users from leaving messages (or at least easier to track them), it could still happen.
Even more likely, Microsoft will use it to spam us with info about upcoming games or add-ons.
"Hey [insert gamertag].
We see that you've been playing a lot of [insert game], and wanted to let you know that [new downloadable content/add-on disc/sequel/another game of the similar genre] is available. Push X now to have this automatically [downloaded/shipped] to you.
Thanks for using Xbox Live
[long delay] PS: Any of the above that is paid content or actual merchandise will be billed to your credit card we have on file. Pushing X signifies your agreement to this."
Personally, I don't want updates. I want a ghu-damned MMORPG to play.
Not that I would really want to trust my life to something like this, though the video is definitely impressive (though loud - so I guess I would be trusting both life and hearing).
But I remember back in college, thinking that it would almost be feasible, and certainly as doable, to build a Zentradi battlepod, or even an Empire AT-AT. Maybe you couldn't get to work as fast, but it certainly would solve the problem of gridlock.
As someone who has used both the Sony-style and Phillips-style remotes, I can't see calling the Phillips 'peanut' well-designed.
I loved my Sony remotes, they were easy to hold and the buttons were all placed in easy to remember locations, and were very distinct by feel. The flaw with the 'Peanut' isn't evident until you try to use it in a darkened room.
First, the remote itself is symmetrical, which means you can't tell the top from the bottom. At least once a night, I point the bottom at the TV and either get no response, or the opposite effect (FF instead of RW, Pause instead of Play)
The next issue is that while the playback control buttons are different sizes and shapes, the thumbs up and down and page up/down are nearly the same shape and located next to each other. So sometimes, instead of scrolling through the guide, I'm randomly rating programs.
That's not the worst of it, the other control buttons (on/off, video select, go back and go to end) are all the same shape (small circles) and located immediately next to each other. The same issue occurs. I want to go back, and I end up turning off my TV. I want to change to another video input, and I end up going to the end of the program I'm watching.
On average, I hit the wrong button about 5 times in an evening's worth of viewing, or end up pointing the remote the wrong way. This is the only remote that I've owned that I've ever had an issue with, and it's serious enough that I've considered actually hacking my old Sony remotes that I still have. Sony Remote Hack
It's not that I hate the Phillip's 'Peanut's design itself, it is ergonomic. It's the button layout and sizes that are the main issue.
Because even as much as I like the LoTR series, it's seems there very little on the scale of wizardry or wyrms. Sure, Gandalf and Saruman are powerful wizards, but I think there were more spells cast in the first Harry Potter movie than in the entire rings sage. Which (because I'm not trying to troll), fits with the theme of the LoTR, the lessening of magic and the coming of man.
But in terms of fantasy, I would like a bit more of the fantastic. Dragonlance would be the perfect series to move to film, as would Thomas Covenant. However, I would want to insure that the production stuck to the book as closely as possible, with maybe just a tiny bit of tweaking here and there. Please, no more Johnny Mnemonic's.
Now if we can just get someone interested in doing the Ringworld in New Zealand, I may have an excuse to go there now that the America's Cup is over in Switzerland.
I have to admit, I wasn't really drawn into the story that much when it was on the air (and I guess I would qualify as a major Whedon fan).
However, I think a major part of the reason for this could have been the poorly chosen episodes that Fox decided to air. I think if the first two episodes in the series had been aired first, rather than last, it would have made a lot more sense to the fans.
The extras are good, the stories are good, and at least in my opinion, it's a lot better than the 'Battlestar Galactica' mini-series. Plus, it has the added advantage of being both inexpensive (especially compared to the Star Trek series), and complete (no other seasons to buy at a later date).
So I recommend it to any Sci-Fi fan, it's a great addition to any collection, especially if you are a Buffy or Angel fan, if only because the commentary by Mutant Enemy veterans (Like Joss), has a lot of tiny insights into those shows as well.
Nintendo's blunder with the Gamecube can be pretty much summed up by the lack of any of it's flagship titles at launch.
Mario Sunshine and Zelda were just too little, to late. The PS2 may have been in the same boat, but they had the advantage of backwards-compatibility, so it wasn't crucial that a FF or Gran Turismo (I can't remember if that was launch or not) weren't available at launch. But what really gave them the edge was the success of GTA. Xbox did well with Halo, but it's been slow to build. But Xbox Live certainly has the edge for online gaming and will help push it in the future.
Which leaves Nintendo's GC out in the cold, even the GBA adapter came out too late.
Of course, it's not that it's a bad system. Maybe Nintendo just needs to rework their slogan..
The Nintendo GameCube: More Popular Than The N*Gage
I do have a problem with the length of certain games.
It's not the fact that the actual gameplay experience is too long, it's the problem that you get to nearly the end and have to spend hours levelling up your characters to defeat the final boss.
Final Fantasy games are notorious for doing this.
In fact, I actually succumbed to buying an Action Replay just to finally finish Final Fantasy X. I had gotten through the entire game without cheating, managing to beat all the bosses and get to the point where I go to the Highroad and battle Sin. Even finished the first few Sin battles on my own.
Then I hit a brick wall, the same one that I hit in Final Fantasy Seven. I just wasn't powerful enough to get the final battle.
To make matters worse, levelling up in these games is just flat-out tedious. I really don't want to devote hours to playing Blitzball or Card Games or Raising Chocobos in order to finish the game.
That's the one nice thing with Computer RPG's, you can progress through them at a steady pace and finish the games. You don't have to spend the same amount of time running around the gameworld levelling up, as it took you to get to the final battle in the first place.
That's about the only thing that keeps me from finishing games. Unless you count being too creeped out to finish playing it (System Shock 2 comes to mind). I can still hear the midwives and androids calling in the distance.
Actually, I bet we see this before the end of the year...
"Trade in your GameBoy Advance SP and 2 games and get an N*Gage for $99" at your local EB.
Let's put it this way, you should know you are in big trouble when even before it's released, the video game promo mag (GMR) that is available mainly through stores that are promoting your product heavily (EB), rips your product a new one.
None of the games got any more than a 6 out of 10, the average rating was 4, and the product itself was rated a 3 out of 10.
The only plus they could list...
"... it will be infinitely more collectable than the 25,000,000-plus=selling GBA. It will go nicely on that shelf right next to our Virtual Boy."
But I know what you mean, the whole "pay pay and pay" thing IS a problem.
I think that's my major problem with the entire model. I like the fact with the Xbox, I can just grab standard games and play them out of the box with my current subscription. Which is nice with rentals.
But maybe things have changed, I haven't looked at the specs for PS2 Online lately.
I do admit that the Sony package deal also had me intrigued, but I would need Planetside also brought over to the PS2, rather than just Everquest.
And as a diehard FF fan, I would sincerely like to play online. But maybe it's a good thing I won't, seeing how much time those games have already sucked out of my life:D
Sorry, I love my Xbox Live. But aside from my regular annual fee, I don't feel the need to shell out $10+ bucks per game to occasionally play them online.
With all the games I have, I can't devote multiple-hours to a fee-based RPG. I like the current setup, where I can just login, play a game or two, and then move onto something else.
But that's why I don't play computer MMORPG's either.
But in all honesty, the main reason I don't do Xbox Live as much as I would play PC Online games, is ease of use. Yes, I can just pop in a disk and play, but seeing how my TV/Game System is 100+ feet away from the cable modem/router, I have to end up setting up internet sharing on my laptop and connect wirelessly.
I fguierd out the pfercet way for saprmems too keep gitetng the mial psat the fetrlis. All tehy hvae to do is use the tneciquhe mnetoiend in tihs salhsodt alrcite aobut how the haumn barin rades txet
Mrogtgae - Variga - Gineltas
But in all seriousness...
I did get a spam this weekend, where mortgage was spelled...
rnor.tgage
Had to read it twice before I noticed what they had done.
perhaps a bit too long, but this is what will finally get me to shell out $100 bucks for a GameCube. Though personally, I do wish it came with A Link To The Past (rather than forcing me to get the GBA version)
It's sad in a way that this will be my first Nintendo Console since the NES. With the exception of my Gameboy, while there have been enough titles available for the other consoles that I own, Nintendo has always been had issues. Even on the Gamecube, the only games I'm really after is are Pikmin, Zelda, and Super Mario Sunshine.
Even sadder that the only reason I'm buying it, is that someone gave me a $100 Amex Gift Certificate that I earmarked 6 months ago for the originally rumored price drop in May.
I spent 4 times that much in PS2, Xbox, Saturn, and GBA games in the last month.
Might be too little, too late. But one of my fridge magnets will soon be available for other purposes. Hmm, maybe I should set aside $10 for an N*Gage once that bottom falls out on that in a week or two.
A) It doesn't play OGG B) Why pay for music when you can get it for free C) It doesn't play WMA D) It doesn't feel like a Windows program E) All of the Above
I think what the majority of people overlook is that this is a first release, there are bound to be improvements in later versions (just look at the first release of the Windows Media Player).
While it might not be the best solution for those of us who are more technically-inclined, for the great unwashed masses it's the best option for *free* ripping/organizing/burning out there.
Is it the best overall, well I think it's a step in the right direction. I still wish that I had WMA capability for my iPod. Then again, I do think that AAC is the best format around between the three (MP3, WMA, AAC) - at least at the bitrate I encode at and the music I listen to.
I think we shoudl applaud Apple for the time and effor they took exporting this app to the Windows platform. Although not completely altruistic (they want people to buy music and iPods), it was certainly going beyond what was required. If they just wanted to sell music, a little app to browse the store and sync your music with your iPod was all that was needed. Making iTunes for Windows completely undistinguishable from iTunes 4.x was going above and beyond, and they seem to have pulled it off.
It's not perfect, but it's definitely for the majority of users, the best music app out there.
Okay, so maybe not incorporating WMA compatiblity is a drawback, but lets look at this from the POV of Apple.
The iPod is hands down the most popular MP3/AAC player going. It's got appeal, it's got market-share, and it works great with any compatible-Mac. Plug and play and away you go.
In the meantime, Windows users have been subjected the the horrible interface, restrictions, and just plain non-usability of MusicMatch. Trust me, I know first hand what a pain it is to get MM running with an iPod.
I see iTunes for Windows as primarily being an easier and more user-friendly solution for Windows iPod owners. The Music Store itself is an added perk. If non-iPod users pick up iTunes and play with it, like it, buy music and iPods, the better it is for Apple.
In the end, neither company is providing music in the most-common format, MP3, because of DRM-requirements. Whether you use WMA or AAC, every player out there supports MP3, so if you are ripping your own songs, why the heck aren't you using MP3 (which is the only format I use on my PC).
Microsoft saying that Apple is restricting choice by only having music in AAC format in the store, which only works with the iPod at the moment, is like the pot calling the kettle black. At least in iTunes, I can rip my own CD's in MP3 format. Try to do that with Windows Media Player.
Finally, at least Windows Users can play AAC-coded files on their machines using QT. Try to play a WM9 DRM file on your Mac.
The key at this point is to get the record companies on board with the concept that legal-downloads can pay and will work. iTunes for Windows, along with Napster 2.0 and others will hopefully do this. Once the see this can work, then we can start working on "one format to rule them all".
I agree, it would be nicer to see additional channels to purchase this music through. Though at least my local comic shop carries a small selection (though mostly it's DDR).
One place I just discovered online is gamingfm.com, which streams videogame BGM 24/7. (though please, if you get addicted like I did, donate. I would hate to see them shutdown after getting/.'ed).
Also, I've noticed that sometimes it's cheaper to purchase the BGM from Ebay sellers overseas. However, I do support gamemusic.com and if you are a Square fan, the Project Majestic Mixes are a must have. Project Majestic HomePage
Now if someone could just crank out a decent remix of the M.U.L.E. theme, I would be in heaven.
While I certainly would welcome a full-fledged quality Science channel, I would also like a solid Computer channel as well. Or at least, tie this into the science channel's programming.
TechTV is nice, but it's aiming for the masses. I want a true 'Geek' network to cater to the needs of myself (and I suspect other/. users). No Anime, no lame talk-shows, etc. They were on the right track with 'Big Thinkers', and when they attempted to be the Tech News channel, that worked for me as well.
But I would kill to have shows that really aim for the heart of computing. While the average viewer might not care about how to build a website from the ground up, I could watch it. Especially if it covered various areas. Spend a few hours on hacking OS X, a few on getting into Windows admin, a few on custom-installs of Linux. Or, you could have Mac day, PC day, etc.
Plus, let's get a real tech-news show. Twice daily 30 minute updates directly from/. What stories are hot, feature some of the comments, etc. Let Ars Technica have an hour or so a week, give us a real tech morning show covering tech entertainment and gaming news, feature a blog here or there, and break for commercials with the days Webcomics.
Sadly, I know this will probably never happen, but if you build it, I will come.
Well, since I'm already Live-enabled and it's working alright without the Wireless adapter, I'm better of sticking to my current method of getting onto Xbox Live. Which is turning on Internet Sharing on my 12" Powerbook (which is already tied into my Wireless network), and running the ethernet cable from that to the Xbox.
Sure, it's effectively turning my 12" Pbook into a $2,000 WAP, but since I'm usually iChatting with my Friends to setup games and times, it's a bit more functional.
Something's just not right when you're spending almost as much for an accessory, as you did for the original system. Didn't they learn anything from Steel Battalion?
Consider this, for the same price I can get the GTA 2-Pack, Crimson Skies, and Simpsons Hit and Run.
Slashdot Mirror
While there are female Time Lords, I don't think a female Doctor would work (either in a the current or a new character entirely).
And if you promoted Rose, might as well just call the show Dr. Buffy, The Dalek Slayer.
Though why the Beeb isn't considering Anthony Stewart Head is beyond me, I think he would do a much better job than all the other candidates.
Dr. Wu
"I've never met Napoleon"
For what it's worth, TechTV was at it's best when they went with the MSNBC/CNBC format of live broadcasts during the week.
However, no word on Xplay. Since it's the only program I really watch on the network, and since it's a great recap of what's out there and what is coming, I hope that it somehow survives.
Dr. Wu
Several years ago, back in the days of System Shock 2 and Ultima 9, EA pulled the same thing with their CDSafe or whatever software they used to prevent copy protection.
I bought System Shock 2, and then was unable to play the game because it refused to recognize my CD. I called EA (toll call by the way) and spent 45 minutes talking to a technician. After having me explain the issue, even down to reading the serial number off the CD ring, they came to the conclusion that my CD burner (my only drive) was not compatible with the copy protection. Their recommendation, to go out and by myself a new drive.
Which lead me to a hack site, where I happily downloaded an illegal crack to allow me to play the game. I called them back to point out that it was ridiculous that as a legitimate owner of the game, I was prevented from playing it by EA's own copy-protection, which was broken minutes after the game was released. Not surprisingly, they failed to see the irony.
When Ultima 9 came out, I had the same issue. Since the cracks were slower to come around, I bit the bullet and bought a new CD drive. That was the last EA game that I have purchased.
Now I'm a happy owner of a Mac, PS 2, Xbox, and GameCube, and the only reason I even have a PC is to play FF XI. Which, thankfully, is not an EA game.
Copy protection only hurts the actual owners, not one company has devised a successfully copy-protection scheme. Nothing has come even close in the recent years to the nearly-successful copy-protection on the old Atari 8-bit systems (which required a Happy Chip to be installed in the actual disk drive to copy games, because they used variable disk-speeds to generate uncopyable errors on the floppy disk). But now, it's pretty much pointless. Save your time and money, copy protection hurts your bottom line more than it helps it.
Dr. Wu
"Is there gas in the car? Yes, there's gas in the car"
Yeah!!!
And why aren't movies like The Day After Tomorrow or Spiderman 2 ever nominated for an Oscar.
It's a conspiracy, I tell you.
Dr. Wu
"Too much style without substance, too much stuff without style"
I should say right off the bat, so as not to seem a flamer, I've been a fan of Molyneux's work since Populous, and still think that PowerMonger needs a remake badly...
That being said, this is coming from a man who has redefined the definition of 'soft release dates'. I thought the wait for the release of 'Black and White' was ridiculous, but that doesn't come close in comparison when you consider 'Fable'.
Molyneux has perfected the art of giving us great tech demos, movies, buzz, and interviews, while continually pushing the games release date off again and again and again. Which wouldn't be so bad, if the delay wasn't the majority of the time related to extra months spent on features that because of problems, end up getting pulled from the final release (such as the on again, off again nature of Xbox Live support for 'Fable').
Honestly, Molyneux should quit wasting his time giving useless interviews on what he 'feels' the future of gaming is going to be, and actually finish making some of his games.
Yes, I would be nice to have an open-ended gaming experience, as long as it doesn't come with an open-ended release date.
Dr. Wu
Every time Scott McCloud says the word 'micropayment', he has to pay me a quarter
Every time Scott McCloud comes up with a 'uniquely inventive' way of using micropayments on the internet, he has to pay me a quarter
Every time Scott McCloud tries to convince us that micropayments are the wave of the future and can work, he has to pay me a quarter
Then, once I have few hundred thousand dollars, maybe I'll buy him a 'clue'.
Micropayments are not feasible, micropayments will never work, micropayments are a buzzword of an internet bubble that burst nearly five years ago.
Move along, nothing to see here.
Dr. Wu
Yeah, I'm not thrilled with the idea of voicemail. Even though it's subscription-based, which will make it harder to prevent other users from leaving messages (or at least easier to track them), it could still happen.
Even more likely, Microsoft will use it to spam us with info about upcoming games or add-ons.
"Hey [insert gamertag].
We see that you've been playing a lot of [insert game], and wanted to let you know that [new downloadable content/add-on disc/sequel/another game of the similar genre] is available. Push X now to have this automatically [downloaded/shipped] to you.
Thanks for using Xbox Live
[long delay]
PS: Any of the above that is paid content or actual merchandise will be billed to your credit card we have on file. Pushing X signifies your agreement to this."
Personally, I don't want updates. I want a ghu-damned MMORPG to play.
Dr Wu
"I Know This SuperHighway"
100 lbs too heavy for the flying wing...
Not that I would really want to trust my life to something like this, though the video is definitely impressive (though loud - so I guess I would be trusting both life and hearing).
But I remember back in college, thinking that it would almost be feasible, and certainly as doable, to build a Zentradi battlepod, or even an Empire AT-AT. Maybe you couldn't get to work as fast, but it certainly would solve the problem of gridlock.
Dr. Wu
"I Know This SuperHighway"
As someone who has used both the Sony-style and Phillips-style remotes, I can't see calling the Phillips 'peanut' well-designed.
I loved my Sony remotes, they were easy to hold and the buttons were all placed in easy to remember locations, and were very distinct by feel. The flaw with the 'Peanut' isn't evident until you try to use it in a darkened room.
First, the remote itself is symmetrical, which means you can't tell the top from the bottom. At least once a night, I point the bottom at the TV and either get no response, or the opposite effect (FF instead of RW, Pause instead of Play)
The next issue is that while the playback control buttons are different sizes and shapes, the thumbs up and down and page up/down are nearly the same shape and located next to each other. So sometimes, instead of scrolling through the guide, I'm randomly rating programs.
That's not the worst of it, the other control buttons (on/off, video select, go back and go to end) are all the same shape (small circles) and located immediately next to each other. The same issue occurs. I want to go back, and I end up turning off my TV. I want to change to another video input, and I end up going to the end of the program I'm watching.
On average, I hit the wrong button about 5 times in an evening's worth of viewing, or end up pointing the remote the wrong way. This is the only remote that I've owned that I've ever had an issue with, and it's serious enough that I've considered actually hacking my old Sony remotes that I still have. Sony Remote Hack
It's not that I hate the Phillip's 'Peanut's design itself, it is ergonomic. It's the button layout and sizes that are the main issue.
Dr. Wu
"I Know This SuperHighway"
Or for that matter, any classic LucasFilm game (Rescue on Fractalus, Koronis Rift, Eidolon?).
But I would kill for an Xbox-Live enabled version of BallBlazer, maybe even adding 3 or 4 player options.
Dr. Wu
If you want to win, you have to go for the 3 points over-the-horizon shot
Absolutely,
Because even as much as I like the LoTR series, it's seems there very little on the scale of wizardry or wyrms. Sure, Gandalf and Saruman are powerful wizards, but I think there were more spells cast in the first Harry Potter movie than in the entire rings sage. Which (because I'm not trying to troll), fits with the theme of the LoTR, the lessening of magic and the coming of man.
But in terms of fantasy, I would like a bit more of the fantastic. Dragonlance would be the perfect series to move to film, as would Thomas Covenant. However, I would want to insure that the production stuck to the book as closely as possible, with maybe just a tiny bit of tweaking here and there. Please, no more Johnny Mnemonic's.
Now if we can just get someone interested in doing the Ringworld in New Zealand, I may have an excuse to go there now that the America's Cup is over in Switzerland.
Dr. Wu
"See The Glory, Of The Royal Scam"
I have to admit, I wasn't really drawn into the story that much when it was on the air (and I guess I would qualify as a major Whedon fan).
However, I think a major part of the reason for this could have been the poorly chosen episodes that Fox decided to air. I think if the first two episodes in the series had been aired first, rather than last, it would have made a lot more sense to the fans.
The extras are good, the stories are good, and at least in my opinion, it's a lot better than the 'Battlestar Galactica' mini-series. Plus, it has the added advantage of being both inexpensive (especially compared to the Star Trek series), and complete (no other seasons to buy at a later date).
So I recommend it to any Sci-Fi fan, it's a great addition to any collection, especially if you are a Buffy or Angel fan, if only because the commentary by Mutant Enemy veterans (Like Joss), has a lot of tiny insights into those shows as well.
Dr. Wu
Yes, There's Gas In The Car
Nintendo's blunder with the Gamecube can be pretty much summed up by the lack of any of it's flagship titles at launch.
Mario Sunshine and Zelda were just too little, to late. The PS2 may have been in the same boat, but they had the advantage of backwards-compatibility, so it wasn't crucial that a FF or Gran Turismo (I can't remember if that was launch or not) weren't available at launch. But what really gave them the edge was the success of GTA. Xbox did well with Halo, but it's been slow to build. But Xbox Live certainly has the edge for online gaming and will help push it in the future.
Which leaves Nintendo's GC out in the cold, even the GBA adapter came out too late.
Of course, it's not that it's a bad system. Maybe Nintendo just needs to rework their slogan..
The Nintendo GameCube: More Popular Than The N*Gage
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
I do have a problem with the length of certain games.
It's not the fact that the actual gameplay experience is too long, it's the problem that you get to nearly the end and have to spend hours levelling up your characters to defeat the final boss.
Final Fantasy games are notorious for doing this.
In fact, I actually succumbed to buying an Action Replay just to finally finish Final Fantasy X. I had gotten through the entire game without cheating, managing to beat all the bosses and get to the point where I go to the Highroad and battle Sin. Even finished the first few Sin battles on my own.
Then I hit a brick wall, the same one that I hit in Final Fantasy Seven. I just wasn't powerful enough to get the final battle.
To make matters worse, levelling up in these games is just flat-out tedious. I really don't want to devote hours to playing Blitzball or Card Games or Raising Chocobos in order to finish the game.
That's the one nice thing with Computer RPG's, you can progress through them at a steady pace and finish the games. You don't have to spend the same amount of time running around the gameworld levelling up, as it took you to get to the final battle in the first place.
That's about the only thing that keeps me from finishing games. Unless you count being too creeped out to finish playing it (System Shock 2 comes to mind). I can still hear the midwives and androids calling in the distance.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
Actually, I bet we see this before the end of the year...
"Trade in your GameBoy Advance SP and 2 games and get an N*Gage for $99" at your local EB.
Let's put it this way, you should know you are in big trouble when even before it's released, the video game promo mag (GMR) that is available mainly through stores that are promoting your product heavily (EB), rips your product a new one.
None of the games got any more than a 6 out of 10, the average rating was 4, and the product itself was rated a 3 out of 10.
The only plus they could list...
"... it will be infinitely more collectable than the 25,000,000-plus=selling GBA. It will go nicely on that shelf right next to our Virtual Boy."
Almost...
I still play my Virtual Boy
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
But I know what you mean, the whole "pay pay and pay" thing IS a problem.
:D
I think that's my major problem with the entire model. I like the fact with the Xbox, I can just grab standard games and play them out of the box with my current subscription. Which is nice with rentals.
But maybe things have changed, I haven't looked at the specs for PS2 Online lately.
I do admit that the Sony package deal also had me intrigued, but I would need Planetside also brought over to the PS2, rather than just Everquest.
And as a diehard FF fan, I would sincerely like to play online. But maybe it's a good thing I won't, seeing how much time those games have already sucked out of my life
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
Monthly Service Fee
Sorry, I love my Xbox Live. But aside from my regular annual fee, I don't feel the need to shell out $10+ bucks per game to occasionally play them online.
With all the games I have, I can't devote multiple-hours to a fee-based RPG. I like the current setup, where I can just login, play a game or two, and then move onto something else.
But that's why I don't play computer MMORPG's either.
But in all honesty, the main reason I don't do Xbox Live as much as I would play PC Online games, is ease of use. Yes, I can just pop in a disk and play, but seeing how my TV/Game System is 100+ feet away from the cable modem/router, I have to end up setting up internet sharing on my laptop and connect wirelessly.
It works, but it's not the most elegant solution.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
Hopefully I didn't get beat to this one...
I fguierd out the pfercet way for saprmems too keep gitetng the mial psat the fetrlis. All tehy hvae to do is use the tneciquhe mnetoiend in tihs salhsodt alrcite aobut how the haumn barin rades txet
Mrogtgae - Variga - Gineltas
But in all seriousness...
I did get a spam this weekend, where mortgage was spelled...
rnor.tgage
Had to read it twice before I noticed what they had done.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
perhaps a bit too long, but this is what will finally get me to shell out $100 bucks for a GameCube. Though personally, I do wish it came with A Link To The Past (rather than forcing me to get the GBA version)
It's sad in a way that this will be my first Nintendo Console since the NES. With the exception of my Gameboy, while there have been enough titles available for the other consoles that I own, Nintendo has always been had issues. Even on the Gamecube, the only games I'm really after is are Pikmin, Zelda, and Super Mario Sunshine.
Even sadder that the only reason I'm buying it, is that someone gave me a $100 Amex Gift Certificate that I earmarked 6 months ago for the originally rumored price drop in May.
I spent 4 times that much in PS2, Xbox, Saturn, and GBA games in the last month.
Might be too little, too late. But one of my fridge magnets will soon be available for other purposes. Hmm, maybe I should set aside $10 for an N*Gage once that bottom falls out on that in a week or two.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
If they subjected me to having to play 'Tomb Raider: Angel Of Darkness', I'd be in a pretty violent mood too.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
Something other than...
iTunes For Windows sucks because...
A) It doesn't play OGG
B) Why pay for music when you can get it for free
C) It doesn't play WMA
D) It doesn't feel like a Windows program
E) All of the Above
I think what the majority of people overlook is that this is a first release, there are bound to be improvements in later versions (just look at the first release of the Windows Media Player).
While it might not be the best solution for those of us who are more technically-inclined, for the great unwashed masses it's the best option for *free* ripping/organizing/burning out there.
Is it the best overall, well I think it's a step in the right direction. I still wish that I had WMA capability for my iPod. Then again, I do think that AAC is the best format around between the three (MP3, WMA, AAC) - at least at the bitrate I encode at and the music I listen to.
I think we shoudl applaud Apple for the time and effor they took exporting this app to the Windows platform. Although not completely altruistic (they want people to buy music and iPods), it was certainly going beyond what was required. If they just wanted to sell music, a little app to browse the store and sync your music with your iPod was all that was needed. Making iTunes for Windows completely undistinguishable from iTunes 4.x was going above and beyond, and they seem to have pulled it off.
It's not perfect, but it's definitely for the majority of users, the best music app out there.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
Okay, so maybe not incorporating WMA compatiblity is a drawback, but lets look at this from the POV of Apple.
The iPod is hands down the most popular MP3/AAC player going. It's got appeal, it's got market-share, and it works great with any compatible-Mac. Plug and play and away you go.
In the meantime, Windows users have been subjected the the horrible interface, restrictions, and just plain non-usability of MusicMatch. Trust me, I know first hand what a pain it is to get MM running with an iPod.
I see iTunes for Windows as primarily being an easier and more user-friendly solution for Windows iPod owners. The Music Store itself is an added perk. If non-iPod users pick up iTunes and play with it, like it, buy music and iPods, the better it is for Apple.
In the end, neither company is providing music in the most-common format, MP3, because of DRM-requirements. Whether you use WMA or AAC, every player out there supports MP3, so if you are ripping your own songs, why the heck aren't you using MP3 (which is the only format I use on my PC).
Microsoft saying that Apple is restricting choice by only having music in AAC format in the store, which only works with the iPod at the moment, is like the pot calling the kettle black. At least in iTunes, I can rip my own CD's in MP3 format. Try to do that with Windows Media Player.
Finally, at least Windows Users can play AAC-coded files on their machines using QT. Try to play a WM9 DRM file on your Mac.
The key at this point is to get the record companies on board with the concept that legal-downloads can pay and will work. iTunes for Windows, along with Napster 2.0 and others will hopefully do this. Once the see this can work, then we can start working on "one format to rule them all".
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
I agree, it would be nicer to see additional channels to purchase this music through. Though at least my local comic shop carries a small selection (though mostly it's DDR).
/.'ed).
One place I just discovered online is gamingfm.com, which streams videogame BGM 24/7. (though please, if you get addicted like I did, donate. I would hate to see them shutdown after getting
Also, I've noticed that sometimes it's cheaper to purchase the BGM from Ebay sellers overseas. However, I do support gamemusic.com and if you are a Square fan, the Project Majestic Mixes are a must have. Project Majestic HomePage
Now if someone could just crank out a decent remix of the M.U.L.E. theme, I would be in heaven.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
While I certainly would welcome a full-fledged quality Science channel, I would also like a solid Computer channel as well. Or at least, tie this into the science channel's programming.
/. users). No Anime, no lame talk-shows, etc. They were on the right track with 'Big Thinkers', and when they attempted to be the Tech News channel, that worked for me as well.
/. What stories are hot, feature some of the comments, etc. Let Ars Technica have an hour or so a week, give us a real tech morning show covering tech entertainment and gaming news, feature a blog here or there, and break for commercials with the days Webcomics.
TechTV is nice, but it's aiming for the masses. I want a true 'Geek' network to cater to the needs of myself (and I suspect other
But I would kill to have shows that really aim for the heart of computing. While the average viewer might not care about how to build a website from the ground up, I could watch it. Especially if it covered various areas. Spend a few hours on hacking OS X, a few on getting into Windows admin, a few on custom-installs of Linux. Or, you could have Mac day, PC day, etc.
Plus, let's get a real tech-news show. Twice daily 30 minute updates directly from
Sadly, I know this will probably never happen, but if you build it, I will come.
Dr. Wu
"Yes, There's Gas In The Car"
Well, since I'm already Live-enabled and it's working alright without the Wireless adapter, I'm better of sticking to my current method of getting onto Xbox Live. Which is turning on Internet Sharing on my 12" Powerbook (which is already tied into my Wireless network), and running the ethernet cable from that to the Xbox.
Sure, it's effectively turning my 12" Pbook into a $2,000 WAP, but since I'm usually iChatting with my Friends to setup games and times, it's a bit more functional.
Something's just not right when you're spending almost as much for an accessory, as you did for the original system. Didn't they learn anything from Steel Battalion?
Consider this, for the same price I can get the GTA 2-Pack, Crimson Skies, and Simpsons Hit and Run.
Better still, I can just pick up a GameCube.
Dr. Wu
[ Yes, There's Gas In The Car ]