I really have to wonder what impact pre-orders have, other than hype. I mean, without even seeing the product first hand, people are putting down money on hardware that is unproven. I wish I were at Nintendo right now - This marathon of slightly-better-than-the-last game boys isn't gonna stop until the company breathes it's last.
Gotta catch 'em all.
That is, until Nintendo falls victim to the same thing that killed SEGA Systems - Rapid Release of Inferior Duplicate Consoles.
I am really growing somewhat tired of corporations trying to shove the "New-and-not-so-significantly-improved" versions of products down our throats. All consoles are guilty - Nintendo for the deluge of gameboys in recent years, Sony for the special editions and hardware add-ons, and MS for rushing the XBox 2.
Seriously, I would hate to be a game coder right now. Id be sitting between platforms, with a really difficult choice - do you make it good, and for the last gen - see FFIX! - or Rush it and use the "New" technology - Most of the original X-Box releases.
How difficult is something like this, really? One of my graduate level friends did some sociology work on a Game theory system like this, and if you know the rules, you can really beat the system.
Just curious, thats all. Anyone have any experience in the field?
Going out on a limb here.... Im a responsible, hard working academic football jock with a steady job and an excellent social network. And I enjoy playing D&D, LARP'ing, modeling and playing with minatures, as well as quality anime.
How much do I need to grow up to be, like, say, you? What do you do for intellectual entertainment and exercise?
I am still surpised at the number of people who automatically associate D&D with the "lesser half" shall we say, of society. RPG'ing is an experience rich in entertainment value, as well as being beneficial for energizing youth's imagination. This is one area where Pen & Paper games surpass their video counterparts without much argument.
And dont overlook the educational value. A good friend of mine is enrolled in a Senior HS level class that is requiring it's students to create scenarios and scripts for mini campaigns. Even the people in the class who would never pick up dice are excited about the project - and I can guarentee that there will be some excellent Ideas and creative thinking associated with the project.
Congrats on the anniversary, and here's to another year of D20 fun!
I have no doubt that there will be showings on big screens across the country when this thing comes out. However, I sincerely doubt that a Great company would put themselves through anything even resembling the fiasco of Spirits Within on their second release. Lets hold out hope for the next one, and enjoy this one as it comes!
I think by now it's clear that GT4 is a killer, must win app for the PSP. And even if photos and video havent been confirmed - this looks a little too shaky - I am looking forward to trying this out first hand very much.
I have very little interest in the DS - Ohh, a touchscreen - I can use Pda Functions, just like... on... my... PDA... And the Games just dont look as appealing.
And come on - It has A game Called "PSP Racer" - What more could you want?
128 Bit encryption - easy to code your own algorythm, easy to impliment, and easy to use. Are the feds Reaallly gonna spend all that time breaking conversations? Cause I know if they were already breaking emails, theyd be awful busy...
Ummm, no, not Best Buy in general. But commission is not good for retail sales, at least in the examples I have experienced. Car sales, yes, but there's a big difference between a $2k computer and a $30k car.
Ok, where to start. First off, the direct impact of this kind of business is lawsuits. Ban me from a store where I am talking to someone who I PAY with my purchaces just because I spend too much time deciding what's the better product, with his advisement, I will sue your sorry ass off (sorry - just needed to get the troll out.)
But Really, what's the deal with this? I mean, the refund/return scheme sucks for the retailers, but I am sick and tired of taking 15 min. to save $20 on a hard drive. Thank God for online shopping - the retailers will die if any activity comes of something like this report.
After working in retail myself, I can agree with the assertation that some customers are problematic in the return department. But this is extreme. The reason a retail outlet exists is to produce sales. Sales are made with good SALESMANSHIP. If you're an idiot, please do not apply for the computer department. If you hate videogames, don't work there. Simple - the reason most of these stores would ever lose money is crappy service.
Here's a thought - Instead of Demon Customers, let's save some money and deal with the "Demon" sales people - those working solely for the commission, those who sit and talk for 10-15 min at a time with other employees, even their friends at work, and those who are there cause no one else would hire them.
Who knew, I might spend more money at Best Buy if their service wasn't so bad that I walk into their stores for what I want from an ad, checkout, and run for my car instead of dealing with the Sales-whoreing, rude, half asleep lackeys they pay minimum wage to stock shelves.
I posted in the earlier comment that mebbe Microsoft was the Last bastion of hope for american console gamers who dont know Japanese.
And then they try to pull "More" Japanese exclusive titles? COME ON!!! The Japenese market is one of the most saturated markets on Earth, game wise, and the bloody statistics show that not only are fewer games being sold there, but there is less interest in new titles than ever before. The only thing still alive over there are well established franchises and the "Quirky" games.
Now, I may be missing the point, but why in God's name are they trying to encourage a market in which one popular arcade title consists of sticking a plastic Finger up someone's digital ass? I think it would be appropriate if the game responded in English that's the only thing Japenese exclusive games are good for anyway - screwing over us.
Come on MS - Realize that if nothing else, simple xenophobia and the abosolute fear of something new - how many mega man games? - will prevent you from taking a controlling share in a dying market, and pump up Europe, as earlier suggested.
Played Anarchy Online the Day it came out - buggiest release I've ever sat through - because it was the closest thing at the time.
Everquest and Ultima were cancelled for this, the accounts sold and items given to friends.
I am currently playing FFXI.
Jump to lightspeed looks cool, but it should have been in the release. They may have celebrated the 1- Year, but anything fan-based this large could suck something awful and still pull that off (hmmmm....)
Another game to add to the Shelf of "Coulda beens..."
Simply, took too long, had too many game faults, and downright wasn't fun. I was actually the next-to-last out of the 4 of us that signed up to cancel my account. I can't pay cash everymonth for a graphic chat room that isn't fun and entertaining.
Mebbe next time, in a galaxy far far away... Ixaor my friend, we shall meet again......
Wonder why the game companies still pander to the Japanese market. The only reason the US market isn't more responsive is that they are treated like second rate consumers. But the market here is growing, and there it is declining.
Mebbe we've become too cooperative...
Come on - seriously. The PSP and DS released 3-6 Mos earlier in Japan, FFXI released earlier to the point where Jap. players control the economy simply because they had more time. Thank God for Microsoft - did I just say that? Probabally lost Mod points on sight, But realistically, they are the only company that delivers home first on a console on a regular basis....
Maximizing is a functionality tool for me - I am working multiple displays now, and maximizing on one screen allows me to focus on that object, and i have to look 90 degrees to the left or right if I want to do something else - Mp3 player on the left and internet on the right.
My experience with OS X goes both ways - I like the GUI personally - much more, I dunno, "Fresher" than any MicroSoft objects. But I still Like an object dominating the screen, forcing me to deal with it - I'd never get papers written otherwise.
I can finally grab the one network in the area with HDTV on my 22 inch monitor, while my 64 inch HDTV sits idle because of the cost prohibitive equipment necessary.
Put this one under the "Wait till it is damned near free" file.
HDTV is great, but when are the networks gonna start restructuring and grab ahold, instead of a few premium cable channels and the occasional "First to bring you HDTV - watch the news at 6!" Super bowl is awesome in HDTV, but I watch Speed Vision more than NFL.
Just like gaming consoles, HDTV lands in territory where the hardware is nifty, but until there's better software, youre screwed. Here's hoping there's light at the end of the tunnel.
To answer the question directally - I think that All the Blizzard games, the Hitman Series, and Deus Ex (the Original) would all make fantastic books - only if in large format and high def. The concepts should be there too, and re-render some of the stuff with high end machines.
On a different note - Interesting thought: Why is Publishing so difficult? What is the Good reason why a community of devoted followers, say slashdot, can't get together and do something like publishing? Copyright and Licensing aside, distributed effort hard copy publishing?
Maybe not completely relevant to the specific subject, but what is the best way to stop this?
User end filters are a necessity these days, and even then, I still spend at least 15 min each day dealing with the spam. My personal box - No One else knows the address, it is for my own internal network purposes, is chock full of the stuff.
What do other slashdot'ers do? What can we hope to see in the near future?
Interesting thought - the development of dinosaurs has not really been studied to my limited knowledge. Any hope of examining dinosaur "Stem Cells", possibally contributing more to the overall study of Jurassic genetics than has so far been found?
Why does it seem that Alienware is so far out on the bleeding edge of technology?
Oh, yeah, right. They are.
I mean, come on, with the kinda influence they have - they asked ATI and nVida for custom cards for the Area51m - is it any real suprise they are attempting to make themselves even better?
I suppose that the fact there are a number of other producers in this Niche - See the earlier slashdot story - might encourage the development. But the simple fact remains - They are on top, and if they can lock down this intelectual property till 2nd gen, then they can release it publically and become innovators in more than just overclocking and cool case mods.
ITEMS ORDERED STATUS
2004 MR2 Spyder Brochure Out of Stock
2004 Prius Brochure Valid to Fulfill
Gran Tourismo 4 DVD Valid to Fulfill
College Graduate Rebate Flyer Valid to Fulfill
Gran Tourismo 4 DVD Suppressed Duplicate Rule
2004 Prius Accessory Brochure Out of Stock
Dammit - the only other Interesting Toyota, the MR2, and Its out of stock? Who else thinks they were/.'ed?
Slashdot Mirror
Gotta catch 'em all.
That is, until Nintendo falls victim to the same thing that killed SEGA Systems - Rapid Release of Inferior Duplicate Consoles.
Seriously, I would hate to be a game coder right now. Id be sitting between platforms, with a really difficult choice - do you make it good, and for the last gen - see FFIX! - or Rush it and use the "New" technology - Most of the original X-Box releases.
Will I buy one? Yes. Should I have to? No.
Just curious, thats all. Anyone have any experience in the field?
How much do I need to grow up to be, like, say, you? What do you do for intellectual entertainment and exercise?
I am still surpised at the number of people who automatically associate D&D with the "lesser half" shall we say, of society. RPG'ing is an experience rich in entertainment value, as well as being beneficial for energizing youth's imagination. This is one area where Pen & Paper games surpass their video counterparts without much argument. And dont overlook the educational value. A good friend of mine is enrolled in a Senior HS level class that is requiring it's students to create scenarios and scripts for mini campaigns. Even the people in the class who would never pick up dice are excited about the project - and I can guarentee that there will be some excellent Ideas and creative thinking associated with the project. Congrats on the anniversary, and here's to another year of D20 fun!
I have no doubt that there will be showings on big screens across the country when this thing comes out. However, I sincerely doubt that a Great company would put themselves through anything even resembling the fiasco of Spirits Within on their second release. Lets hold out hope for the next one, and enjoy this one as it comes!
If you don't like it, don't play it, and don't complain. Good day.
Of coures, the other 98% of us who play with no errors at all, love it. Better hacker security, easier patching, no game disc to lug around and break.
I have very little interest in the DS - Ohh, a touchscreen - I can use Pda Functions, just like... on... my... PDA... And the Games just dont look as appealing.
And come on - It has A game Called "PSP Racer" - What more could you want?
128 Bit encryption - easy to code your own algorythm, easy to impliment, and easy to use. Are the feds Reaallly gonna spend all that time breaking conversations? Cause I know if they were already breaking emails, theyd be awful busy...
Ummm, no, not Best Buy in general. But commission is not good for retail sales, at least in the examples I have experienced. Car sales, yes, but there's a big difference between a $2k computer and a $30k car.
But Really, what's the deal with this? I mean, the refund/return scheme sucks for the retailers, but I am sick and tired of taking 15 min. to save $20 on a hard drive. Thank God for online shopping - the retailers will die if any activity comes of something like this report.
After working in retail myself, I can agree with the assertation that some customers are problematic in the return department. But this is extreme. The reason a retail outlet exists is to produce sales. Sales are made with good SALESMANSHIP. If you're an idiot, please do not apply for the computer department. If you hate videogames, don't work there. Simple - the reason most of these stores would ever lose money is crappy service.
Here's a thought - Instead of Demon Customers, let's save some money and deal with the "Demon" sales people - those working solely for the commission, those who sit and talk for 10-15 min at a time with other employees, even their friends at work, and those who are there cause no one else would hire them.
Who knew, I might spend more money at Best Buy if their service wasn't so bad that I walk into their stores for what I want from an ad, checkout, and run for my car instead of dealing with the Sales-whoreing, rude, half asleep lackeys they pay minimum wage to stock shelves.
And then they try to pull "More" Japanese exclusive titles? COME ON!!! The Japenese market is one of the most saturated markets on Earth, game wise, and the bloody statistics show that not only are fewer games being sold there, but there is less interest in new titles than ever before. The only thing still alive over there are well established franchises and the "Quirky" games.
Now, I may be missing the point, but why in God's name are they trying to encourage a market in which one popular arcade title consists of sticking a plastic Finger up someone's digital ass? I think it would be appropriate if the game responded in English that's the only thing Japenese exclusive games are good for anyway - screwing over us.
Come on MS - Realize that if nothing else, simple xenophobia and the abosolute fear of something new - how many mega man games? - will prevent you from taking a controlling share in a dying market, and pump up Europe, as earlier suggested.
Played Anarchy Online the Day it came out - buggiest release I've ever sat through - because it was the closest thing at the time.
Everquest and Ultima were cancelled for this, the accounts sold and items given to friends.
I am currently playing FFXI.
Jump to lightspeed looks cool, but it should have been in the release. They may have celebrated the 1- Year, but anything fan-based this large could suck something awful and still pull that off (hmmmm....)
Another game to add to the Shelf of "Coulda beens..."
Simply, took too long, had too many game faults, and downright wasn't fun. I was actually the next-to-last out of the 4 of us that signed up to cancel my account. I can't pay cash everymonth for a graphic chat room that isn't fun and entertaining.
Mebbe next time, in a galaxy far far away... Ixaor my friend, we shall meet again......
Mebbe we've become too cooperative...
Come on - seriously. The PSP and DS released 3-6 Mos earlier in Japan, FFXI released earlier to the point where Jap. players control the economy simply because they had more time. Thank God for Microsoft - did I just say that? Probabally lost Mod points on sight, But realistically, they are the only company that delivers home first on a console on a regular basis....
My experience with OS X goes both ways - I like the GUI personally - much more, I dunno, "Fresher" than any MicroSoft objects. But I still Like an object dominating the screen, forcing me to deal with it - I'd never get papers written otherwise.
Here's hoping it's as functional as it is good looking, or it is all for naught.
Put this one under the "Wait till it is damned near free" file.
HDTV is great, but when are the networks gonna start restructuring and grab ahold, instead of a few premium cable channels and the occasional "First to bring you HDTV - watch the news at 6!" Super bowl is awesome in HDTV, but I watch Speed Vision more than NFL.
Just like gaming consoles, HDTV lands in territory where the hardware is nifty, but until there's better software, youre screwed. Here's hoping there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Yes - Your little, "Stackable" Gamecube. Ill keep the PS2 and Case-Modded X-box, thx.
On a different note - Interesting thought: Why is Publishing so difficult? What is the Good reason why a community of devoted followers, say slashdot, can't get together and do something like publishing? Copyright and Licensing aside, distributed effort hard copy publishing?
User end filters are a necessity these days, and even then, I still spend at least 15 min each day dealing with the spam. My personal box - No One else knows the address, it is for my own internal network purposes, is chock full of the stuff.
What do other slashdot'ers do? What can we hope to see in the near future?
Introducing - ( Cheesy Background Music )
The Theorem CCG - Gotta Prove 'Em All
My Riemann beats your Trans-Zeta !
Interesting thought - the development of dinosaurs has not really been studied to my limited knowledge. Any hope of examining dinosaur "Stem Cells", possibally contributing more to the overall study of Jurassic genetics than has so far been found?
Wonder what he'll do with the money? Replace the stack of pencils he depleated, or the batteries in the calculator?
Good for him though - the interest in thoretical mathematical proof is waneing (pardon the sp), even as the necessity for ultra-math becomes apparent.
Oh, yeah, right. They are.
I mean, come on, with the kinda influence they have - they asked ATI and nVida for custom cards for the Area51m - is it any real suprise they are attempting to make themselves even better?
I suppose that the fact there are a number of other producers in this Niche - See the earlier slashdot story - might encourage the development. But the simple fact remains - They are on top, and if they can lock down this intelectual property till 2nd gen, then they can release it publically and become innovators in more than just overclocking and cool case mods.
MMMmmmm...Cool case mods.
ITEMS ORDERED STATUS 2004 MR2 Spyder Brochure Out of Stock 2004 Prius Brochure Valid to Fulfill Gran Tourismo 4 DVD Valid to Fulfill College Graduate Rebate Flyer Valid to Fulfill Gran Tourismo 4 DVD Suppressed Duplicate Rule 2004 Prius Accessory Brochure Out of Stock Dammit - the only other Interesting Toyota, the MR2, and Its out of stock? Who else thinks they were /.'ed?