This article overlooks the previously discussed online chat feature. Particularly focusing on areas near the end of the game, the player will be assaulted by instant message after instant message in order to relay plot information, and keep the main character in contact with his girlfriend during the more crucial, covert scenarios. The player will be notified of incomming Chat Messages via the series staple codec sound effect, (a fan favorite).
I love to see unofficial upkeep of past games, especially when they're as good as this one.
But would it be too much to ask for win2k support? I've searched for Win2k enabling patches, or methods to get this and the other killer Looking Glass titles (Thief 1&2) to run on my favorite OS, but until a dedicated group like this remedies that I think I'm out of luck.
Oh I completely understand where you're coming from. I played all the RPGs the DC had to offer, but Skies hit the spot like no other. I HATED the random encounters, (and yes, Grandia 2 was a dream come true for battle systems) but the rest of the game was so good I was able to overlook that aspect (albeit painfully). The reason I only mentioned Skies in reply to the parent post is because it was the best RPG that was ported to the Gamecube.
The main theory behind this is probably that other players can populate a world and provide a social experience, but they can't enrich the already static world, providing more depth and experience beyond general social interaction. By adding scripted elements to the online equation the developers can create a more believable world, which will offer a richer experience for the players as they carry out their social functions.
There are a couple of Online RPGs that have tried something similar to this so far. The one that immediately comes to mind is Earth and Beyond. Where the players were there to assist each other through various quests, there was a single story tying them all together. When looking at this on a per-player basis, each individual viewed this from the perspective similar to a single player game. Each player delt with core plot situations that were scripted and customized to them, despite the fact that all players had the same scenarios, it made each player feel like a massive part of the world on an individual level, and offered a greater experience on the whole. I hope Tabula Rasa is the same.
Get Skies of Arcadia on the GC. I can honestly say that Skies of Arcadia is one of the best adventures I've ever had since I was a kid, though I played it on the Dreamcast first. If you haven't checked that out I actually recommend it over Zelda:WW. Despite the fact that Zelda stands on it's own as a fantastic title any how.
It all comes down to public bias in the end. Of course I have no proof to back this up other than strict observation, but I think one can agree from a similar perspective.
Sega started getting a bad wrap with the 32x. Similarly poor decisions on future systems (SegaCD, Saturn, etc.) caused a lot of the gaming public to lose faith. I was working in a game retail outlet when the Dreamcast was finally released, way ahead of everyone else and with a great library of launch titles. When confronted with the news of a new Sega machine, no matter how amazing, the majority of the consumers generally replied with distaste, usually making remarks about the failed (US)Saturn and other past Sega hardware.
Likewise, the N64 could have marked the begining of the end for Nintendo's set top consoles. With a poor library of games and the beginning of horrid developer relations, many lost faith with the big N for their lack of judgment. Now, despite the few beneficial qualities of the GC (great first party titles, excelent hardware engineering, etc.), I hear many people making statemets about Nintendo that are very similar to the gripes that most held with Sega prior to the fall of the DC.
So while Nintendos poor decisions add to their woes, it only seems to take one slip up and public bias will take a company to it's grave. This is interestingly something specific to the game industry due to the entrenched fan-base, but that's a whole other topic.
Just the 40 & 80 GB drives? I just grabbed one of those funky 100+20GB drives from Maxtor a month or so ago, and it took a huge crap on me two weeks into using it. Now their tech-support won't reply to my Emails and I can't seem to reach them by phone in a reasonable amount of time.
Avoid everything Maxtor, not just 40/80 GB ones. Maybe their other drives are better and you've had good experiences, but their tech support is insulting and therefore doesn't deserve the business.
Actually there *is* hardware that allows you to do it. It's been around nearly as long as the systems themselves. The ones I've seen the most are called the "Super Pro Fighter" and "Super Wild Card DX", and they still run about $200. It's basically an extension of your NES/SNES/N64 that sits on top of the console. It has it's own cartridge slot, as well as a floppy or CDRom on top where you load your discs. You can rip your own games to the RAM to copy to disc later, or pop in an existing disc, load your game and play. I'm not entirely certain of the differences between the adapters ROM format and PC emulators ROM formats, but it's worth checking out if you're interested.
There are a number of other system emulators (NES, Master System, TG16) that run on the GBA through use of the flash ROM cartridges. I could see those being adapted to this and used to carrying around a small laptop hardrive full of old NES roms strapped to the back of your GBA. Much fun.
I spent hours playing Archon and Archon 2. I still have the original packaging from the first game. It's about time someone revived this fantastic game. Penny Arcade recently pointed out the similarities between the original Archon and this up and coming title: http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/wrath unleashe d/news_6026702.html
I agree with you on some accounts. I've played most of the GBA/GC linkable games, and unfortunately a lot of them are unncessary gimmicks. However there are several that are an absolute blast, namely the Zelda Wind Waker additions. You can essentially play with 2 people, but even if you don't the game is completely different if you play through it with the GBA attached. Much fun.
I'm glad that you don't *have* to use the GBA though. You kind of mention that in a negative aspect at the end of your paragraph, but if you think about it, it would be absolutely rediculous for Nintendo to sell a GC game that was only half-playable in it's sole state. There are a couple planned (or already released) at the moment, but I probably will never pick them up because I would feel like I was paying for an unfinished or partial product.
Luckily the majority of the GBA/GC experiences more or less add up to being cool bonuses if you're someone who just happens to own both systems. Makes you wonder what route Sony is going to take with their new PS2-linkable handheld...
I personally don't agree with the direction that developers are taking by incorporating real life personalities with interactive media. It creates another reason for design to be lacking with the typical EA/Marketing "don't worry, the name will sell" excuse. This trend will surely catch on, and in two-to-five years leave us with a majority of titles that have no real content, but scantily clad star personalities infesting all the potentially good titles.
Even virtual personalities detract from the experience when they're pushed over the top. (Lara Croft)
Dreamcast had so many great games it's unbelievable:
- Shen Mue 1 (unbelievable adventure/fighting game) - Shen Mue 2 (sequel to previously mentioned unbelievable adventure/fighting game) - Rayman 2 (available on other systems) - Bangai-O (incredibly fun Shooter) - Skies of Arcadia (I know you said something you *can't* get on GC, but I had to list it off anyway) - Grandia 2 (too good not to list, despite it being available on PS2) - Soul Calibur (nearly the best 3D fighter ever made for console) - Virtua Tennis 1 & 2 (I loath sports games. I played the hell out of these until my hands bled. Very fun 4 player) - Powerstone 1 & 2 (pretty fun multiplayer titles. I can only really recommend if you have 3-4 players involved) - Crazy Taxi 1 & 2 (semi-entertaining driving games) - Sword of the Berserk (relatively decent hack and slash for fans of the manga by the same name. You'll like it more if you're already familiar with the series) - Chu Chu Rocket (very fun four player puzzle game) - NFL2k1 & 2k2 (very fun, addictive and well designed football games. I hate sports games but I played these as much as the tennis games)
I have bizarre taste in games, but that's everything I really enjoy on that system. There's a few others to check out if you're really bored, but I can't guarantee you will see the beauty in these titles the way I do:
- Zombie Revenge (insanely cheesy Zombie killing action. horrid controls, horrid plot, budget game all the way, but it's so very fun to play) - Samba De Amigo (very quirky and really addictive music title. I recommend tracking down the maraca controllers) - Seaman (not incredibly good, but too quirky and unique not to list) - Space Channel 5 (same as above, not too incredible, but really strange and fun) - Vanishing Point (Interesting racing game. Not the best, but killer stunt driving tests that will make your head hurt) - Wild Metal (this game is horrid. For some reason it addicted my best friend and I in the multiplayer, so we played it for more hours than your average RPG. Interesting use of basic physics in gameplay, good variety of weapons, and it was pretty fun. Very reminiscent of Scorched Earth. Really bad game though, you've been warned)
Hope I didn't leave anything out. With that said, I hope you at least pick up the Shen Mue games. Those two games alone have honestly been the the most amazing experiences I've had in a game since I was a wee lad. Nothing else like them.
I don't know about that. That project is funded by taxpayer dollars. The government isn't going to fund something like that because someone in the government said "wow, games are neat - I wanna make games too". They're doing it because they know it reaches millions of people in a particular audience, and that it has the power to convey ideas and perspectives in a way that is unique to interactive media. This is something the US has been doing for generations. Look at the real, original purpose of the GI Joe products: Spreading admiration for the US troops to the younger generation during WW2 and beyond. Today it's just a friggin toy.
It wasn't long after the first gulf war fiasco that they started cashing in on it. If I recall correctly, 3D0 released a Gulf War themed game the same year that it ended.
Add to this that the US government has recently embraced interactive media as a form for spreading propaganda (Americas Army) and training troops for the field. It's a great way to convince another subculter who's "right" and who's "evil".
They put on a straight and sombre face when talking about it, but in reality it seems it's a disgraceful race to the money tree...
They just live on in the forms of other games, merged with other genres, to make new experiences.
Take a look at the Resident Evil series, many RPGs, and several other games that borrow heavily from the adventure gaming style. Many borrow heavily from Adventure Games, just as other games borrow aspects from them.
I think I've heard "I have decided this game genre is extinct!" a few too many times now. You really aren't looking close enough, or really understanding the way that games work and evolve to be able to claim such a thing.
Not all facilities operate this way. I'd say it's about 50/50 in my experience, so you're neither absolutely wrong or right. Sounds like you could just be working for the wrong company.
I'm pretty close friends with a latin music artist and his family. He and his family have been creating music together for their whole lives and love it. About a year and a half ago a certain, well known recording company came along and decided he was marketable, so they signed him up for your typical recording contract. This family has no less than 6 kids. They're a great family but because of the way the industry works they don't have enough cash left to even feed themselves. It's your typical music industry sob-story, but unlike this guy they've still sold over 1 million albums so far, and STILL have no cash. Yeah people trade his music online because they like him, but they have sold so many albums that it makes you wonder who's the real theives are.
Aside from this story, didn't we already have some prior proof that file swapping wasn't what was killing the music industry? I have half a mind to think this is a corporate whore more than an actual artist starting this post.
Slashdot Mirror
This article overlooks the previously discussed online chat feature.
Particularly focusing on areas near the end of the game, the player will be assaulted by instant message after instant message in order to relay plot information, and keep the main character in contact with his girlfriend during the more crucial, covert scenarios.
The player will be notified of incomming Chat Messages via the series staple codec sound effect, (a fan favorite).
I believe I've tried that. I don't recall the specific issue that kept me from playing then, as it was several years back.
I'm glad it worked for you and someone was able to enjoy it, so maybe I should give it another shot.
I love to see unofficial upkeep of past games, especially when they're as good as this one.
But would it be too much to ask for win2k support? I've searched for Win2k enabling patches, or methods to get this and the other killer Looking Glass titles (Thief 1&2) to run on my favorite OS, but until a dedicated group like this remedies that I think I'm out of luck.
Oh I completely understand where you're coming from. I played all the RPGs the DC had to offer, but Skies hit the spot like no other. I HATED the random encounters, (and yes, Grandia 2 was a dream come true for battle systems) but the rest of the game was so good I was able to overlook that aspect (albeit painfully). The reason I only mentioned Skies in reply to the parent post is because it was the best RPG that was ported to the Gamecube.
The main theory behind this is probably that other players can populate a world and provide a social experience, but they can't enrich the already static world, providing more depth and experience beyond general social interaction. By adding scripted elements to the online equation the developers can create a more believable world, which will offer a richer experience for the players as they carry out their social functions.
There are a couple of Online RPGs that have tried something similar to this so far. The one that immediately comes to mind is Earth and Beyond. Where the players were there to assist each other through various quests, there was a single story tying them all together. When looking at this on a per-player basis, each individual viewed this from the perspective similar to a single player game. Each player delt with core plot situations that were scripted and customized to them, despite the fact that all players had the same scenarios, it made each player feel like a massive part of the world on an individual level, and offered a greater experience on the whole.
I hope Tabula Rasa is the same.
Get Skies of Arcadia on the GC. I can honestly say that Skies of Arcadia is one of the best adventures I've ever had since I was a kid, though I played it on the Dreamcast first. If you haven't checked that out I actually recommend it over Zelda:WW. Despite the fact that Zelda stands on it's own as a fantastic title any how.
It all comes down to public bias in the end. Of course I have no proof to back this up other than strict observation, but I think one can agree from a similar perspective.
Sega started getting a bad wrap with the 32x. Similarly poor decisions on future systems (SegaCD, Saturn, etc.) caused a lot of the gaming public to lose faith. I was working in a game retail outlet when the Dreamcast was finally released, way ahead of everyone else and with a great library of launch titles. When confronted with the news of a new Sega machine, no matter how amazing, the majority of the consumers generally replied with distaste, usually making remarks about the failed (US)Saturn and other past Sega hardware.
Likewise, the N64 could have marked the begining of the end for Nintendo's set top consoles. With a poor library of games and the beginning of horrid developer relations, many lost faith with the big N for their lack of judgment. Now, despite the few beneficial qualities of the GC (great first party titles, excelent hardware engineering, etc.), I hear many people making statemets about Nintendo that are very similar to the gripes that most held with Sega prior to the fall of the DC.
So while Nintendos poor decisions add to their woes, it only seems to take one slip up and public bias will take a company to it's grave. This is interestingly something specific to the game industry due to the entrenched fan-base, but that's a whole other topic.
Just the 40 & 80 GB drives? I just grabbed one of those funky 100+20GB drives from Maxtor a month or so ago, and it took a huge crap on me two weeks into using it. Now their tech-support won't reply to my Emails and I can't seem to reach them by phone in a reasonable amount of time.
Avoid everything Maxtor, not just 40/80 GB ones. Maybe their other drives are better and you've had good experiences, but their tech support is insulting and therefore doesn't deserve the business.
Actually there *is* hardware that allows you to do it. It's been around nearly as long as the systems themselves. The ones I've seen the most are called the "Super Pro Fighter" and "Super Wild Card DX", and they still run about $200.
It's basically an extension of your NES/SNES/N64 that sits on top of the console. It has it's own cartridge slot, as well as a floppy or CDRom on top where you load your discs. You can rip your own games to the RAM to copy to disc later, or pop in an existing disc, load your game and play.
I'm not entirely certain of the differences between the adapters ROM format and PC emulators ROM formats, but it's worth checking out if you're interested.
There are a number of other system emulators (NES, Master System, TG16) that run on the GBA through use of the flash ROM cartridges.
I could see those being adapted to this and used to carrying around a small laptop hardrive full of old NES roms strapped to the back of your GBA. Much fun.
Was this petition started by John Romero?
Blast Processing = Sega + Sonic 2.
I spent hours playing Archon and Archon 2. I still have the original packaging from the first game. It's about time someone revived this fantastic game.h unleashe d/news_6026702.html
Penny Arcade recently pointed out the similarities between the original Archon and this up and coming title:
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/wrat
I can't wait.
I agree with you on some accounts. I've played most of the GBA/GC linkable games, and unfortunately a lot of them are unncessary gimmicks. However there are several that are an absolute blast, namely the Zelda Wind Waker additions. You can essentially play with 2 people, but even if you don't the game is completely different if you play through it with the GBA attached. Much fun.
I'm glad that you don't *have* to use the GBA though. You kind of mention that in a negative aspect at the end of your paragraph, but if you think about it, it would be absolutely rediculous for Nintendo to sell a GC game that was only half-playable in it's sole state. There are a couple planned (or already released) at the moment, but I probably will never pick them up because I would feel like I was paying for an unfinished or partial product.
Luckily the majority of the GBA/GC experiences more or less add up to being cool bonuses if you're someone who just happens to own both systems. Makes you wonder what route Sony is going to take with their new PS2-linkable handheld...
I personally don't agree with the direction that developers are taking by incorporating real life personalities with interactive media. It creates another reason for design to be lacking with the typical EA/Marketing "don't worry, the name will sell" excuse. This trend will surely catch on, and in two-to-five years leave us with a majority of titles that have no real content, but scantily clad star personalities infesting all the potentially good titles.
Even virtual personalities detract from the experience when they're pushed over the top. (Lara Croft)
Dreamcast had so many great games it's unbelievable:
- Shen Mue 1 (unbelievable adventure/fighting game)
- Shen Mue 2 (sequel to previously mentioned unbelievable adventure/fighting game)
- Rayman 2 (available on other systems)
- Bangai-O (incredibly fun Shooter)
- Skies of Arcadia (I know you said something you *can't* get on GC, but I had to list it off anyway)
- Grandia 2 (too good not to list, despite it being available on PS2)
- Soul Calibur (nearly the best 3D fighter ever made for console)
- Virtua Tennis 1 & 2 (I loath sports games. I played the hell out of these until my hands bled. Very fun 4 player)
- Powerstone 1 & 2 (pretty fun multiplayer titles. I can only really recommend if you have 3-4 players involved)
- Crazy Taxi 1 & 2 (semi-entertaining driving games)
- Sword of the Berserk (relatively decent hack and slash for fans of the manga by the same name. You'll like it more if you're already familiar with the series)
- Chu Chu Rocket (very fun four player puzzle game)
- NFL2k1 & 2k2 (very fun, addictive and well designed football games. I hate sports games but I played these as much as the tennis games)
I have bizarre taste in games, but that's everything I really enjoy on that system. There's a few others to check out if you're really bored, but I can't guarantee you will see the beauty in these titles the way I do:
- Zombie Revenge (insanely cheesy Zombie killing action. horrid controls, horrid plot, budget game all the way, but it's so very fun to play)
- Samba De Amigo (very quirky and really addictive music title. I recommend tracking down the maraca controllers)
- Seaman (not incredibly good, but too quirky and unique not to list)
- Space Channel 5 (same as above, not too incredible, but really strange and fun)
- Vanishing Point (Interesting racing game. Not the best, but killer stunt driving tests that will make your head hurt)
- Wild Metal (this game is horrid. For some reason it addicted my best friend and I in the multiplayer, so we played it for more hours than your average RPG. Interesting use of basic physics in gameplay, good variety of weapons, and it was pretty fun. Very reminiscent of Scorched Earth. Really bad game though, you've been warned)
Hope I didn't leave anything out. With that said, I hope you at least pick up the Shen Mue games. Those two games alone have honestly been the the most amazing experiences I've had in a game since I was a wee lad. Nothing else like them.
I don't know about that. That project is funded by taxpayer dollars. The government isn't going to fund something like that because someone in the government said "wow, games are neat - I wanna make games too".
They're doing it because they know it reaches millions of people in a particular audience, and that it has the power to convey ideas and perspectives in a way that is unique to interactive media.
This is something the US has been doing for generations. Look at the real, original purpose of the GI Joe products: Spreading admiration for the US troops to the younger generation during WW2 and beyond. Today it's just a friggin toy.
Not anti-American, just very anti-US Government.
It wasn't long after the first gulf war fiasco that they started cashing in on it. If I recall correctly, 3D0 released a Gulf War themed game the same year that it ended.
Add to this that the US government has recently embraced interactive media as a form for spreading propaganda (Americas Army) and training troops for the field. It's a great way to convince another subculter who's "right" and who's "evil".
They put on a straight and sombre face when talking about it, but in reality it seems it's a disgraceful race to the money tree...
They just live on in the forms of other games, merged with other genres, to make new experiences.
Take a look at the Resident Evil series, many RPGs, and several other games that borrow heavily from the adventure gaming style. Many borrow heavily from Adventure Games, just as other games borrow aspects from them.
I think I've heard "I have decided this game genre is extinct!" a few too many times now. You really aren't looking close enough, or really understanding the way that games work and evolve to be able to claim such a thing.
Please somebody mod the above post Insightful or Interesting for comedy's sake...
When I first read the headline I thought it was an "Old tech put to new uses" topic. I could have sworn it said: "Steam to heat Highspeed Internet"
Awe...
Yes, but who doesn't want to have the coolest processor around?
Not all facilities operate this way. I'd say it's about 50/50 in my experience, so you're neither absolutely wrong or right.
Sounds like you could just be working for the wrong company.
I'm pretty close friends with a latin music artist and his family. He and his family have been creating music together for their whole lives and love it. About a year and a half ago a certain, well known recording company came along and decided he was marketable, so they signed him up for your typical recording contract.
This family has no less than 6 kids. They're a great family but because of the way the industry works they don't have enough cash left to even feed themselves. It's your typical music industry sob-story, but unlike this guy they've still sold over 1 million albums so far, and STILL have no cash. Yeah people trade his music online because they like him, but they have sold so many albums that it makes you wonder who's the real theives are.
Aside from this story, didn't we already have some prior proof that file swapping wasn't what was killing the music industry? I have half a mind to think this is a corporate whore more than an actual artist starting this post.
But wasn't Missile Command a rip off of Asteroids too?
Snood crashed my desktop when uninstalling. This isn't fun at all.