If it's any harder than Ninja Gaiden I would rather have a stampeding elephant crush my testicles. I must admit it has a wicked style, very cool indeed. What does he say.. "Henshin Da Go Go Baby?" WTF does that mean?!
I'm still in the Honeymoon stage with my Cube.. don't ruin it for me! I guess I don't care because I have the XB/PS2/GBA/PC/DC etc to fall back on in those times of need.
One question though. Have you seen Resident Evil 4 in motion? Hot-Damn.
I am definitely not a PS2 fanboy, and I usually diss it quite a bit - but I recently bought Primal and was quite impressed at the texturing, etc - I could have sworn it was almost an Xbox game. But yeah, most of the other games are bland.
The great thing about the DC is that it left with a great legacy, although it couldn't fight with the big bully on the block it will definitely have it cherished space in video game history. Definitely one of the most innovative machines to ever come out. I remember looking back at first gen PS2 titles and comparing to my DC, and thinking to myself - why spend all that cash for something only marginally better?
Funny thing is, I finally broke down and got a PS2 last December (damn exclusives) and it's collecting quite a lot of dust.
I recently picked up a Cube and some games for a very good deal, and I'm loving it so far - Nintendo definitely has the whole "charm" thing down pat, and the games are major fun. I'm not thrilled about that controller though, the face buttons and analog sticks are decent, but the shoulder buttons just feel off to me for some reason. I guess I've just gotten used to the Xbox ones (and I can't stand the PS2 shoulders)
I came to a realization about a week ago when I bought the latest EGM. Included was a demo disc with some previews, clips - the usual stuff. The disc was so lacking, and the editorial comments from the staff were so unprofessional that I shook my head in disgust. I think EGM is great but I immediately tossed that disc in the trash.
I've never bothered subcsribing to a mag, but theres been many months when I've picked up 3-5. OXM, EGM, OPSM, XBN, Gamer - considering the rising price of these mags I've forced myself to stop buying so many. It's nice to hear different opinions and interesting articles, but the amount of the information is so redundant - especiall seeing as I check the popular (and not so popluar) gaming sites every day for information.
Something can be said about holding a nice shiny magazine in your hand, it gives you a nice warm and fuzzy feeling that a static web page can't. Plus they make great bathroom reading material:)
What I'd love to see is a very robust multimedia disc similar to OXM's format. Developer interviews, loads of previews - and video reviews. The more these discs have to offer, the better. I'd much rather watch DVD quality vids than squinting at the computer screen. Also, exclusive demos are DEFINITELY the way to go.
BG&E's strength wasn't in it's amazing story, but in it's original, well rounded characters. They were well acted, sincere and had depth - so you actually felt a bit of a bond with them. Plus, the Hyllian world was just dripping with charm and was a treat to explore.
I think it was one of the best (if a little short) games I played through last year.
I'll be buying one. I held out on purchasing a Gameboy Advance until last December, and out of all my consoles I think it's one of the most amazing. Hard to explain why, I should be jaded with all the 3D graphical powerhouses I'm surrounded by - but the GBA has tons of charm, just throw in Wario Ware, FFTA, or Metroid Zero Mission and you'll see why.
Bring it on Nintendo! (just make it affordable will ya?)
The Gamecube was the last console I was holding out on, but I found a wicked deal! For $90 I got a used system, 3 controllers and Mario Kart, SSBM and Eternal Darkness. There's something to be said about the "Nintendo Charm", something that's just plain simple and fun.
Plus, I was getting bored with the multiplayer games for the Xbox/PS2 and realized that the GC shines for those nights you have your buddies over. Not to mention some added bonuses now that I can hook my GBA SP to it.
On the downside, FF:CC and Zelda 4 Swords REQUIRE 4 GBA's.. I would love to pick some up for cheap but unfortunately they retain their value too well.
Definitely wouldn't be my first choice of a console, but if you can get one cheap there's no reason not to get one.
Does it emulate the GBA games at full speed? If so that's one hell of a device! Only question is, how comfortable is it to play, ie. directional pad, button mappings etc?
That's what I thought too, but after adjusting to the old school graphics I'm starting to play it a bit more than all my other consoles/PC etc. Final Fantasy Tactics and the beauty that is Metroid Zero Mission suck you in.
It all comes down to gameplay, and of course being cheap and with a massive library helps a lot. I'm still jonesing for a PSP, but the GBA will hold me off until then I'm sure.
I rented it over a weekend. I thought it was innovative how the headset was used to make the experience more immersive, and it had a high level of tension where I literally stopped breathing for fear they could hear me in the shadows. But after a few hours the repetition kicked in and it became a little stale. Plus I absolutely hated the "action" sequences with the crane, that's so out of place I don't want to get started on how bad of a decision it was to include that in the game.
Manhunt was no where near as horrible as I was lead to believe, and after playing Rogue Ops and Mission Impossible recently it was a fresh breath of air compared to those mediocre titles.
It's so easy to bash something, and while the DS does sound a little goofy, it's challenging the norm - a punk rock approach to gaming. Even if it loses, who cares? It tried at least! The only way we're going to get ahead is by breaking the rules - and I welcome that. This is coming from a guy who's played one too many Spikey-Haired RPG's(TM), seen too many fake video game breasts, and played as too many stealthy ninjas. Not that there's anything wrong with it. But on a complete off-rant, is anyone else agree the stealth genre needs a severe kick in the ass?
I am by no means a Sony fanboy, I held out as long as possible to buy a PS2 (and still think it's weak in comparison to the other consoles, but hey.. exclusives!) But I really think that Sony has enough marketing power and brand recognition to be a contender. I doubt that Sony could ever upset Nintendo's handheld dominance, but having a number two is always welcome in my opinion, it can happen with home consoles can't it?
The gamer generation has shifted, yes there are a large number of kids with handhelds, but there are a lot of Gen-X's like myself who grew up with games and want a more sophisticated machine than a Pokemon Advance. (Yes I do own/love a GBA SP as well, but really it's only purpose is for the FFTA-Like Strategy games)
I'm hoping the hacker community will find a way to rip this thing apart when it hits, imagine an all purpose handheld (Like GP32/Tapwave) with those specs? It'll be like Xbox/DC all over again.
On another bad note, I'm not too thrilled about paying $50 for a neutered PS2 port - there has to be original, exclusive, non-rushed, specifically-designed games for the PSP.
I've thought about these things before before I decided to buy a GBA SP, when will I actually get time to play it? I have 3 Consoles and a PC at home with more than enough games, and I am a working professional with not as much free time as I would like.
Not to sound too hardcore (or more like too much of a loser) but I actually started taking public transit to work until it got too cold to squeeze off a couple 30 minute rounds of FF:TA in before work. I also liked the fact that I could have a battle or two in the comfort of my bed while my girlfriend read her book. I also thought it would be a great idea for the "Yearly Camping" ritual we partake in with her parents and all their friends, for those slow days when we are doing jack shit, sitting around reading lame magazines. So yes, the time can be found to play, just not as frequently as the kids do.
Now, if the PSP offered say, Bluetooth, cellular, wireless internet, PDA like features "as a bonus" and not as the central feature, I could justify having it in my pocket at work. Plus if I could watch Divx etc it would definitely be cool.
I can't wait until this is unveiled, but I have a feeling that the concept pictures are just too sexy to make it to production, without "kiddifying" the machine.
And hey.. competition is a GOOD thing that will drive and innovate, even if it does mean coming out with Dual Screens!
Exactly. It's almost like this article is a list of portable console's that weren't number one. Which is literally every other portable out there. Oh well, it's a nice (?) nostalgia piece.
I have a special place in my heart for two handhelds in particular, the Game Gear and the Turbo Express.
When I was younger and without a steady source of income I would always dream about owning the Holy Grail of handhelds, the Turbo Express. Running on the same cards as the TG16, being able to play Bonk's Adventure and Splatter House wherever you went, and on top of it all, a bright beautiful color screen and TV tuner add-on? Pure Bliss. I think I still have the drool marks on my old copies of Gamepro.
With the Game Gear, I ended up buying one cheap at a Thrift Store last year. Even with the grainy, dated screen and lack of saving games it provided some great, cheap entertainment. Very underrated, and it's next to impossible to find the games around town, but I managed to find some great ones for around $5-$7. Battery power was another issue:)
There's something about being young and owning a portable system. It's almost a sense of freedom from the parents, saying I can play this however and wherever I want, you can't kick me off the TV! I look at my son with his GBA and can't help sensing the familiarity, and how he'd rather play his GBA with the dated SNES-Era graphics than with the Xbox or PS2. Because "he's" in control.
And with the systems mentioned in the article, it's hard to imagine how Nintendo cornered the market. Being underpowered and going head to head with Color-LCD back in the day was quite a feat, and I give the companies credit for trying to steal some market share from the Big 'N'. I think Sony will have a viable chance with the PSP and for the first time in a long time I have been excited about owning a handheld again, let's just hope the price is decent:)
Max Payne 2
Completely outdoes the original in every way, loads of fun and had amazing graphics, physics to die for and a campy, dark story.
Enemy Territory
I'm quite sure this was 2003, correct me if I'm wrong. Free? Fun? Free?? You bet.
Halo PC
Finally playing Halo without resorting to bad net-code and Xbconnect. I can actually join 16 player games in an instant. Hard to beat the keyb/mouse combo. People complaining about lag? Find a better server, I have no problems.
Call of Duty
Hooked me in an instant, yeah it's scripted like MOH, but it felt like the real thing!
The Bad:
Deus Ex
Wtf?
Upgrading
Spent $1000 upgrading last year to play Halo and the like, and yet I still went back to console gaming.
PC Gaming in General
I figured out with my gaming habits, the only real reason I hop on the PC for gaming is to play Online FPS. You will never beat the keyboard/mouse combo - period. Yes I play Socom II and you do get used to the PS2 controller, but sometimes you just want to curse non-stop at how innaccurate it is. Bottom line, gaming from my living room is more comfortable, enjoyable and more immersive on a whole - if console Online gaming really takes off and the next generation means every game is 1080i, I just might find myself spending less and less on the yearly PC upgrades.
I agree, with Morrowind it was so minor it almost never took you "out of the world" and created a steady flow of belief in the world you inhabited. On the other hand, travelling on the Silt Striders allowed you some time to take that much needed bathroom break:)
The only way they will actually compete head to head with the GBA is if they are under 100 bucks. Even if they can cook you dinner, clean the house and walk your dog.
I don't care as long as the sequels at least innovate and improve on the original. Just like a great movie that you never want to end, a sequel opens up the game "universe" again with a sense of nostalgia and greatness.
On the other hand it is sad to see absolutely great games get passed by because they don't have a "number" at the end.
Slashdot Mirror
If it's any harder than Ninja Gaiden I would rather have a stampeding elephant crush my testicles. I must admit it has a wicked style, very cool indeed. What does he say.. "Henshin Da Go Go Baby?" WTF does that mean?!
I'm still in the Honeymoon stage with my Cube.. don't ruin it for me! I guess I don't care because I have the XB/PS2/GBA/PC/DC etc to fall back on in those times of need.
One question though. Have you seen Resident Evil 4 in motion? Hot-Damn.
I am definitely not a PS2 fanboy, and I usually diss it quite a bit - but I recently bought Primal and was quite impressed at the texturing, etc - I could have sworn it was almost an Xbox game. But yeah, most of the other games are bland.
*Sniff*
The great thing about the DC is that it left with a great legacy, although it couldn't fight with the big bully on the block it will definitely have it cherished space in video game history. Definitely one of the most innovative machines to ever come out. I remember looking back at first gen PS2 titles and comparing to my DC, and thinking to myself - why spend all that cash for something only marginally better?
Funny thing is, I finally broke down and got a PS2 last December (damn exclusives) and it's collecting quite a lot of dust.
I recently picked up a Cube and some games for a very good deal, and I'm loving it so far - Nintendo definitely has the whole "charm" thing down pat, and the games are major fun. I'm not thrilled about that controller though, the face buttons and analog sticks are decent, but the shoulder buttons just feel off to me for some reason. I guess I've just gotten used to the Xbox ones (and I can't stand the PS2 shoulders)
I came to a realization about a week ago when I bought the latest EGM. Included was a demo disc with some previews, clips - the usual stuff. The disc was so lacking, and the editorial comments from the staff were so unprofessional that I shook my head in disgust. I think EGM is great but I immediately tossed that disc in the trash.
:)
I've never bothered subcsribing to a mag, but theres been many months when I've picked up 3-5. OXM, EGM, OPSM, XBN, Gamer - considering the rising price of these mags I've forced myself to stop buying so many. It's nice to hear different opinions and interesting articles, but the amount of the information is so redundant - especiall seeing as I check the popular (and not so popluar) gaming sites every day for information.
Something can be said about holding a nice shiny magazine in your hand, it gives you a nice warm and fuzzy feeling that a static web page can't. Plus they make great bathroom reading material
What I'd love to see is a very robust multimedia disc similar to OXM's format. Developer interviews, loads of previews - and video reviews. The more these discs have to offer, the better. I'd much rather watch DVD quality vids than squinting at the computer screen. Also, exclusive demos are DEFINITELY the way to go.
BG&E's strength wasn't in it's amazing story, but in it's original, well rounded characters. They were well acted, sincere and had depth - so you actually felt a bit of a bond with them. Plus, the Hyllian world was just dripping with charm and was a treat to explore.
I think it was one of the best (if a little short) games I played through last year.
I'll be buying one. I held out on purchasing a Gameboy Advance until last December, and out of all my consoles I think it's one of the most amazing. Hard to explain why, I should be jaded with all the 3D graphical powerhouses I'm surrounded by - but the GBA has tons of charm, just throw in Wario Ware, FFTA, or Metroid Zero Mission and you'll see why.
Bring it on Nintendo! (just make it affordable will ya?)
The Gamecube was the last console I was holding out on, but I found a wicked deal! For $90 I got a used system, 3 controllers and Mario Kart, SSBM and Eternal Darkness. There's something to be said about the "Nintendo Charm", something that's just plain simple and fun.
Plus, I was getting bored with the multiplayer games for the Xbox/PS2 and realized that the GC shines for those nights you have your buddies over. Not to mention some added bonuses now that I can hook my GBA SP to it.
On the downside, FF:CC and Zelda 4 Swords REQUIRE 4 GBA's.. I would love to pick some up for cheap but unfortunately they retain their value too well.
Definitely wouldn't be my first choice of a console, but if you can get one cheap there's no reason not to get one.
Does it emulate the GBA games at full speed? If so that's one hell of a device! Only question is, how comfortable is it to play, ie. directional pad, button mappings etc?
That's what I thought too, but after adjusting to the old school graphics I'm starting to play it a bit more than all my other consoles/PC etc. Final Fantasy Tactics and the beauty that is Metroid Zero Mission suck you in.
It all comes down to gameplay, and of course being cheap and with a massive library helps a lot. I'm still jonesing for a PSP, but the GBA will hold me off until then I'm sure.
I rented it over a weekend. I thought it was innovative how the headset was used to make the experience more immersive, and it had a high level of tension where I literally stopped breathing for fear they could hear me in the shadows. But after a few hours the repetition kicked in and it became a little stale. Plus I absolutely hated the "action" sequences with the crane, that's so out of place I don't want to get started on how bad of a decision it was to include that in the game.
Manhunt was no where near as horrible as I was lead to believe, and after playing Rogue Ops and Mission Impossible recently it was a fresh breath of air compared to those mediocre titles.
It's so easy to bash something, and while the DS does sound a little goofy, it's challenging the norm - a punk rock approach to gaming. Even if it loses, who cares? It tried at least! The only way we're going to get ahead is by breaking the rules - and I welcome that. This is coming from a guy who's played one too many Spikey-Haired RPG's(TM), seen too many fake video game breasts, and played as too many stealthy ninjas. Not that there's anything wrong with it. But on a complete off-rant, is anyone else agree the stealth genre needs a severe kick in the ass?
I am by no means a Sony fanboy, I held out as long as possible to buy a PS2 (and still think it's weak in comparison to the other consoles, but hey.. exclusives!) But I really think that Sony has enough marketing power and brand recognition to be a contender. I doubt that Sony could ever upset Nintendo's handheld dominance, but having a number two is always welcome in my opinion, it can happen with home consoles can't it?
The gamer generation has shifted, yes there are a large number of kids with handhelds, but there are a lot of Gen-X's like myself who grew up with games and want a more sophisticated machine than a Pokemon Advance. (Yes I do own/love a GBA SP as well, but really it's only purpose is for the FFTA-Like Strategy games)
I'm hoping the hacker community will find a way to rip this thing apart when it hits, imagine an all purpose handheld (Like GP32/Tapwave) with those specs? It'll be like Xbox/DC all over again.
On another bad note, I'm not too thrilled about paying $50 for a neutered PS2 port - there has to be original, exclusive, non-rushed, specifically-designed games for the PSP.
I've thought about these things before before I decided to buy a GBA SP, when will I actually get time to play it? I have 3 Consoles and a PC at home with more than enough games, and I am a working professional with not as much free time as I would like.
Not to sound too hardcore (or more like too much of a loser) but I actually started taking public transit to work until it got too cold to squeeze off a couple 30 minute rounds of FF:TA in before work. I also liked the fact that I could have a battle or two in the comfort of my bed while my girlfriend read her book. I also thought it would be a great idea for the "Yearly Camping" ritual we partake in with her parents and all their friends, for those slow days when we are doing jack shit, sitting around reading lame magazines. So yes, the time can be found to play, just not as frequently as the kids do.
Now, if the PSP offered say, Bluetooth, cellular, wireless internet, PDA like features "as a bonus" and not as the central feature, I could justify having it in my pocket at work. Plus if I could watch Divx etc it would definitely be cool.
I can't wait until this is unveiled, but I have a feeling that the concept pictures are just too sexy to make it to production, without "kiddifying" the machine.
And hey.. competition is a GOOD thing that will drive and innovate, even if it does mean coming out with Dual Screens!
Exactly. It's almost like this article is a list of portable console's that weren't number one. Which is literally every other portable out there. Oh well, it's a nice (?) nostalgia piece.
I have a special place in my heart for two handhelds in particular, the Game Gear and the Turbo Express.
:)
:)
When I was younger and without a steady source of income I would always dream about owning the Holy Grail of handhelds, the Turbo Express. Running on the same cards as the TG16, being able to play Bonk's Adventure and Splatter House wherever you went, and on top of it all, a bright beautiful color screen and TV tuner add-on? Pure Bliss. I think I still have the drool marks on my old copies of Gamepro.
With the Game Gear, I ended up buying one cheap at a Thrift Store last year. Even with the grainy, dated screen and lack of saving games it provided some great, cheap entertainment. Very underrated, and it's next to impossible to find the games around town, but I managed to find some great ones for around $5-$7. Battery power was another issue
There's something about being young and owning a portable system. It's almost a sense of freedom from the parents, saying I can play this however and wherever I want, you can't kick me off the TV! I look at my son with his GBA and can't help sensing the familiarity, and how he'd rather play his GBA with the dated SNES-Era graphics than with the Xbox or PS2. Because "he's" in control.
And with the systems mentioned in the article, it's hard to imagine how Nintendo cornered the market. Being underpowered and going head to head with Color-LCD back in the day was quite a feat, and I give the companies credit for trying to steal some market share from the Big 'N'. I think Sony will have a viable chance with the PSP and for the first time in a long time I have been excited about owning a handheld again, let's just hope the price is decent
The Good:
Max Payne 2
Completely outdoes the original in every way, loads of fun and had amazing graphics, physics to die for and a campy, dark story.
Enemy Territory
I'm quite sure this was 2003, correct me if I'm wrong. Free? Fun? Free?? You bet.
Halo PC
Finally playing Halo without resorting to bad net-code and Xbconnect. I can actually join 16 player games in an instant. Hard to beat the keyb/mouse combo. People complaining about lag? Find a better server, I have no problems.
Call of Duty
Hooked me in an instant, yeah it's scripted like MOH, but it felt like the real thing!
The Bad:
Deus Ex
Wtf?
Upgrading
Spent $1000 upgrading last year to play Halo and the like, and yet I still went back to console gaming.
PC Gaming in General
I figured out with my gaming habits, the only real reason I hop on the PC for gaming is to play Online FPS. You will never beat the keyboard/mouse combo - period. Yes I play Socom II and you do get used to the PS2 controller, but sometimes you just want to curse non-stop at how innaccurate it is. Bottom line, gaming from my living room is more comfortable, enjoyable and more immersive on a whole - if console Online gaming really takes off and the next generation means every game is 1080i, I just might find myself spending less and less on the yearly PC upgrades.
I blame the fact that every single dust particle *had* to cast a shadow regardless of framerate! Both beautiful and ugly at the same time.. a shame.
I agree, with Morrowind it was so minor it almost never took you "out of the world" and created a steady flow of belief in the world you inhabited. On the other hand, travelling on the Silt Striders allowed you some time to take that much needed bathroom break :)
Yeah, sounds funny until you realize Atkins actually works. Don't knock it till' you've tried it.
The only way they will actually compete head to head with the GBA is if they are under 100 bucks. Even if they can cook you dinner, clean the house and walk your dog.
I don't care as long as the sequels at least innovate and improve on the original. Just like a great movie that you never want to end, a sequel opens up the game "universe" again with a sense of nostalgia and greatness.
On the other hand it is sad to see absolutely great games get passed by because they don't have a "number" at the end.
That rant was completely pointless and made him look a little silly in the process.
If anything it will address the need for a patch to follow soon shortly, if anything to solve performance issues (least they can do)