Food stamps? Who uses food stamps any more? I thought it was all electronic based now. In Illinois it's a kind of debit card called Link. They've been using them for years. Maine must be behind the times.
WIC is Women Infants and Children. Can't get that unless you have small children. You can't be proposing that poor women with young children put their kids in daycare that they can't afford?
And that 100 dollar bill might be the only cash income she see's all month Also, around here if I was to cash a $100 check I would get a $100 dollar bill unless I asked for smaller ones. Having that $100 dollar bill doesn't mean she has more of them.
Let me say something else, middle class families receive far more financial incentive to have children then people receiving government assistance. you might get an additional 500 per kid if you're poor, but if you're middle class not only do you get the child tax credit but you also get a deduction for a dependent. Not counting any health care or child care expenses onee can deduct. And of course a middle class child is more likely to go to college thus receiving grants and subsidized loans
All in all "mr I pay too much taxes" your kids cost the government more money than that welfare mom's kids.
Frog Theme is my favorite too. For some reason it sounds "exactly" like the theme somg of an amphibian knight should. Heroic and froggy at the same time.
Magus battle theme would be second. No matter how many times I play the game (not game+), it's still a tough battle, and the music fits perfectly.
Both console MMORPGS currently available are for the console (Playstation 2) that has USB ports to plug a keyboard in. Not being able to use a keyboard is a non-issue. And yes I play both EQOA and FFXI
So far the guilds EQOA have been able to coordinate nicely, it's not been a problem that you think it would be.
Oh and text displays just fine on a console, when the game's text font is properly designed. MSNTV formerly WebTV had designe guidelines for that sort of thing. Ideas on how to make things look better. Some of those ideas would apply to games too. Here is one I remember. Colored text on dark backgrounds works better than dark text on light backgrounds.
Both of those console MMORPGS have their text/chat wondows set up to use colored text on a dark background.
Actually there is a CS for the X-box, it's a recent release.
But why do you think it's taking valve so long to do HL2? They know everyone is still playing CS so they aren't losing mindhshare. They know they can slack off. You'd never catch Squaresoft or Level 5 doing something like that. They can even put out multiple games in a single year because they don't have that "all we need is 2 guys in a garage" mindset. 90 percent of garage games suck. 90 percent of mods suck. Myabe more PC games would be released on schedule and in larger numbers if PC gamers actually bought games instead of pirating them or playing mods.
By the by, all PS2 online multiplayer games are free, except for the two MMORPGS (EQOA and FFXI)
Who says that MMORPGS require small text? That's a UI design issue. Any company with half a brain could designe an MMORPG that is quite legible on an NTSC screen.
You've never played Everquest Online Adventures or FFXI on a Playstation 2, have you.
I just got the PS2 version on the 24th. It's been taking some getting used to. I've been playing EQOA and the FFXI controls are much different that it's confusing me. I think they could have done a better job on the PS2 UI. I do have a keyboard and mouse (a proper PS2 badged set from my Linux kit) so that helps. So far I've been moving with the analog stick and doing some stuff with the buttons but some things are easier with the keyboard. I will say that unlike EQOA where you can just barely get by without a keyboard, you NEED one for FFXI.
It's been going ok I think too, everyones been getting along.
Yes it is expensive, but I already had broadband (got for the Linux kit) and network adapter for the second PS2 (purchased so I'd have the adapter disc just in case and so I could get TMGO.)
Yes that's right I have two PS2's both now with HD's midgar (linux kit) and nibelheim (FFXI)
It's also agonizing to try to use WASD for movement when you are used to a proper analog stick movement. Perhaps a little more practice would give you the manual dexterity to be able to use those sticks properly. You PC gamers are so ham handed.:-)
I can't believe that it's been over 3 years since the Playstation 2 came out and some people still don't know that it has USB ports. Where have you been?
I will be moving with my proper analog stich movement.Allowing me to creep, walk or run depending on how far I move the stick>
Also since my Playstation 2 has 2 USB ports I will have a USB mouse plugged in for accurate aiming. I will also have a USB head set plugged in so I can actually say "You just got fragged by PS2 owner, elitist PC owner." My mouse will actually be plugged into the USB port on the side of my keyboard so after the game I can type "I'm an 37337 g8m3r d00d". just like all the 12 year olds (and those who act like them) on their PC's.
I am so surprised at the number of PC gamers who do not seem to know about those USB ports on EVERY Playstation 2.
You've never played the Romance of the Three Kingdoms games or Final Fantasy Tactics games have you. Or if you really want to give your brain a workout there is always Carnage Heart. Or you can play the ports of the PC strategy games. X-com for example or Civilization.
Ever play Quake II on the PSone? The best supported control scheme worked like this. Dual shock in the left hand, PSone mouse in the right. Best method ever. analog stick blows away WASD and the mouse gives you accurate targeting.
I've tried playing PS2 FPS's with keyboard movement and it is just so nonintuitive. a key to move and then hold another to run. While with a stick it's press lightly to walk press harder to move faster. So much better.So I use the hybrid set up on those too. Works fine.
Shooters designed specifically for consoles are a different story, they usually play fine with just the Dual shock.
Hmmph very elitist. You haven't played many console games have you?
There is a Playstatoin 2 game called Everquest Online Adventures. It's an MMORPG. It is one big seamless world. You can walk from Fayspires to Freeport to Highpass to Qeynos swim to Odus and swim around to the Kappa fortress where Sylthis or whatever her name is, and not experience a single load screen whatsoever.Of course it will take a while, at least an hour, if not two. Hope you have SoW.
I have the PS2 Deus Ex and it's a proper port. You can even play with keyboard and mouse if you want. They did break up the levels due to memory constraints but it's the same game.
DX IW did not get ported to the PS2, so you can only blame Iron Storm for being stupid and not designing the game properly.to work well no matter what controls you used. Blame the programmers not the console.
I am PS2 gamer and I have a keyboard and mouse. So quit yer bitchin.
Take one PS2 Linux kit and add Nethack 3.4.3 sources, edit the necessary configuration files and compile and install. Voila, Nethack on a Playstation 2.
You are correct, sir. There are quite a few PS2 games that support USB keyboards (and mice)
Most FPS's do, I know both Half Life and Deus Ex do.
RPG Maker 2 does, thank goodness.
Almost all online games support the keyboard for lobby and in game chat. You can actually play EQOAF (Everquest Online Adventures Frontiers MMORPG) with just a keyboard. Same goes for FFXI
And if you have the PS2 Linux kit, a keyboard and mouse are included.:-) Firefox and Slashdot, on a PS2!
One of the reasons evelopers are cutting back on GC releases because of people like me. I don't own a Gamecube but I own 2 PS2s (one with a Linux kit in it, the other with FFXI)
Late last year I got a flyer from Nintendo in the mail for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. (Square must have given them my street addy) FFCC seems just like the sort of game I like, a fun little Diablo/Gauntlet Legends style game. However, the connnectivity features are a turn off. I don't own a GBA and I don't want to have to buy one (plus the requisite GC) to play multiplayer. Just seemed like a tactic to sell more GBA's, Nintendo's real cash cow.
Plus I'm 36, and don't have a bunch of friends who can "come over after school' to play. It's pretty obvious most Nintendo games multiplayer features are done with "schoolyard buddies" in mind. I liked Pokemon Red/Blue, but I got annoyed at the damnable "trading" feature. It's fine for "playground friends" but as an adult I don't want to have to buy TWO games and TWO GBwhatevers to "catch em all"
I want to be able to play with others when "I" have the time too. That means online play. FFCC (and SMKDD) seem like the perfect games to have online components and they don't. Very very shortsighted on Nintendo's part.
Most PS2 first person shooters can use the mouse/keyboard. Most online games utilize the keyboard for chat or other purposes. In fact you can play Everquest Online Adventures using just the keyboard if you want. There's RPG Maker 2 which supports the keyboard thank goodness. I think some graphic adventures support the mouse too.
The RTS situation on the PS2 is pretty bleak though, even compared to the PSone. Then again you can always play your PSone RTS's.
And there's the Playstation 2 Linux kit,(http://playstation2-linux.com) have to have a keyboard/mouse for that. Of course if you buy one of those (now only $99) you get the PS2 badged keyboard and mouse.
What I'd like to see is a keyboard/mouse bundle with a disc containing simple minigames designed for their use. Hangman, Bejeweled, Bookworm, Nethack:-) Kind of like a keyboard/mouse version of the Eyetoy package.
I swear I saw a controller like this a couple of years back. But there might be an eaiser to find alternative in one of those Nostromo n50's or whatever they are called. Instead of using the keys for movement set up the joypad on the thing for that. Use the regular keys for weapon/skill switching that sort of thing.
What's these two ports on my Playstation 2, Why look here, they're USB. And what do I have plugged into them? Why an SCPH 10240 USB Keyboard and SCPH 10230 USB Mouse.
I've tried playing FPS's on PC's but i just can't, WASD is so non-inutitive and clumsy. Keyboards are designed for text entry not fast action. That's why I like the combo of:
Dual shock in the left hand, PSone (or for PS2 USB mouse) in the right. Best compromise between extremes. Accurate aiming and intuitive movement.
For RTS's almost every console RTS supports mouse input. Everry PSone RTS I own does.
>To this day, there is no MMORPG for the console >market
There are two. Everquest Online Adventures (released February of 2003, Frontiers expansion released in November of 2003) )and Final Fantasy XI (Japan only till the end of this month)
>Sony made an aborted attempt at bring Everquest >to the PS2
Let me guess, you only play PC games. I wouldn't call EQOA abortive.
There's also the Diablo inspired Champions of Norrath (uses the Baldur's Gate Dark Allaince engine) which also has online multiplayer with voice chat support.
Slashdot Mirror
You live in a state known for smog, traffic jams, overcrowded expressways, sprawl and you have the temerity to complain about high car fees.
They want fewer people to drive. The fee is high for that reason.
Food stamps? Who uses food stamps any more? I thought it was all electronic based now. In Illinois it's a kind of debit card called Link. They've been using them for years. Maine must be behind the times.
WIC is Women Infants and Children. Can't get that unless you have small children. You can't be proposing that poor women with young children put their kids in daycare that they can't afford?
And that 100 dollar bill might be the only cash income she see's all month Also, around here if I was to cash a $100 check I would get a $100 dollar bill unless I asked for smaller ones. Having that $100 dollar bill doesn't mean she has more of them.
Let me say something else, middle class families receive far more financial incentive to have children then people receiving government assistance. you might get an additional 500 per kid if you're poor, but if you're middle class not only do you get the child tax credit but you also get a deduction for a dependent. Not counting any health care or child care expenses onee can deduct. And of course a middle class child is more likely to go to college thus receiving grants and subsidized loans
All in all "mr I pay too much taxes" your kids cost the government more money than that welfare mom's kids.
Playstation 2 Linux kit lets you surf the internet, write letters, etc.
The Playstation 2 has USB ports for a reason. Gee the thing has been out for over 3 years and people still don't know about the USB ports?
And EVERY console since the Genesis has had a mouse available for it.
Frog Theme is my favorite too. For some reason it sounds "exactly" like the theme somg of an amphibian knight should. Heroic and froggy at the same time.
Magus battle theme would be second. No matter how many times I play the game (not game+), it's still a tough battle, and the music fits perfectly.
Both console MMORPGS currently available are for the console (Playstation 2) that has USB ports to plug a keyboard in. Not being able to use a keyboard is a non-issue. And yes I play both EQOA and FFXI
So far the guilds EQOA have been able to coordinate nicely, it's not been a problem that you think it would be.
Oh and text displays just fine on a console, when the game's text font is properly designed. MSNTV formerly WebTV had designe guidelines for that sort of thing. Ideas on how to make things look better. Some of those ideas would apply to games too. Here is one I remember. Colored text on dark backgrounds works better than dark text on light backgrounds.
Both of those console MMORPGS have their text/chat wondows set up to use colored text on a dark background.
Actually there is a CS for the X-box, it's a recent release.
But why do you think it's taking valve so long to do HL2? They know everyone is still playing CS so they aren't losing mindhshare. They know they can slack off. You'd never catch Squaresoft or Level 5 doing something like that. They can even put out multiple games in a single year because they don't have that "all we need is 2 guys in a garage" mindset. 90 percent of garage games suck. 90 percent of mods suck. Myabe more PC games would be released on schedule and in larger numbers if PC gamers actually bought games instead of pirating them or playing mods.
By the by, all PS2 online multiplayer games are free, except for the two MMORPGS (EQOA and FFXI)
Who says that MMORPGS require small text? That's a UI design issue. Any company with half a brain could designe an MMORPG that is quite legible on an NTSC screen.
You've never played Everquest Online Adventures or FFXI on a Playstation 2, have you.
the reason they get discounted so fast is because they don't sell. The console version of a game might sell 10x as many copies as the PC version.
I just got the PS2 version on the 24th. It's been taking some getting used to. I've been playing EQOA and the FFXI controls are much different that it's confusing me. I think they could have done a better job on the PS2 UI. I do have a keyboard and mouse (a proper PS2 badged set from my Linux kit) so that helps. So far I've been moving with the analog stick and doing some stuff with the buttons but some things are easier with the keyboard. I will say that unlike EQOA where you can just barely get by without a keyboard, you NEED one for FFXI.
It's been going ok I think too, everyones been getting along.
Yes it is expensive, but I already had broadband (got for the Linux kit) and network adapter for the second PS2 (purchased so I'd have the adapter disc just in case and so I could get TMGO.)
Yes that's right I have two PS2's both now with HD's midgar (linux kit) and nibelheim (FFXI)
You did know that Civ II and Warcraft did get ported to the PSone, didn't you? I guess not.
And why do PC gamers get to define what is or is not a strategy game.
It's also agonizing to try to use WASD for movement when you are used to a proper analog stick movement. Perhaps a little more practice would give you the manual dexterity to be able to use those sticks properly. You PC gamers are so ham handed. :-)
I can't believe that it's been over 3 years since the Playstation 2 came out and some people still don't know that it has USB ports. Where have you been?
Just use a lap pad or TV dinner tray table or similar small table. An udjustable laptop table might be ideal.
I will be moving with my proper analog stich movement.Allowing me to creep, walk or run depending on how far I move the stick>
Also since my Playstation 2 has 2 USB ports I will have a USB mouse plugged in for accurate aiming. I will also have a USB head set plugged in so I can actually say "You just got fragged by PS2 owner, elitist PC owner." My mouse will actually be plugged into the USB port on the side of my keyboard so after the game I can type "I'm an 37337 g8m3r d00d". just like all the 12 year olds (and those who act like them) on their PC's.
I am so surprised at the number of PC gamers who do not seem to know about those USB ports on EVERY Playstation 2.
You've never played the Romance of the Three Kingdoms games or Final Fantasy Tactics games have you. Or if you really want to give your brain a workout there is always Carnage Heart. Or you can play the ports of the PC strategy games. X-com for example or Civilization.
Ever play Quake II on the PSone? The best supported control scheme worked like this. Dual shock in the left hand, PSone mouse in the right. Best method ever. analog stick blows away WASD and the mouse gives you accurate targeting.
I've tried playing PS2 FPS's with keyboard movement and it is just so nonintuitive. a key to move and then hold another to run. While with a stick it's press lightly to walk press harder to move faster. So much better.So I use the hybrid set up on those too. Works fine.
Shooters designed specifically for consoles are a different story, they usually play fine with just the Dual shock.
Hmmph very elitist. You haven't played many console games have you?
There is a Playstatoin 2 game called Everquest Online Adventures. It's an MMORPG. It is one big seamless world. You can walk from Fayspires to Freeport to Highpass to Qeynos swim to Odus and swim around to the Kappa fortress where Sylthis or whatever her name is, and not experience a single load screen whatsoever.Of course it will take a while, at least an hour, if not two. Hope you have SoW.
I have the PS2 Deus Ex and it's a proper port. You can even play with keyboard and mouse if you want. They did break up the levels due to memory constraints but it's the same game.
DX IW did not get ported to the PS2, so you can only blame Iron Storm for being stupid and not designing the game properly.to work well no matter what controls you used. Blame the programmers not the console.
I am PS2 gamer and I have a keyboard and mouse. So quit yer bitchin.
Take one PS2 Linux kit and add Nethack 3.4.3 sources, edit the necessary configuration files and compile and install. Voila, Nethack on a Playstation 2.
You are correct, sir. There are quite a few PS2 games that support USB keyboards (and mice)
:-) Firefox and Slashdot, on a PS2!
Most FPS's do, I know both Half Life and Deus Ex do.
RPG Maker 2 does, thank goodness.
Almost all online games support the keyboard for lobby and in game chat. You can actually play EQOAF (Everquest Online Adventures Frontiers MMORPG) with just a keyboard. Same goes for FFXI
And if you have the PS2 Linux kit, a keyboard and mouse are included.
Solid post, good reply.
One of the reasons evelopers are cutting back on GC releases because of people like me. I don't own a Gamecube but I own 2 PS2s (one with a Linux kit in it, the other with FFXI)
Late last year I got a flyer from Nintendo in the mail for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. (Square must have given them my street addy) FFCC seems just like the sort of game I like, a fun little Diablo/Gauntlet Legends style game. However, the connnectivity features are a turn off. I don't own a GBA and I don't want to have to buy one (plus the requisite GC) to play multiplayer. Just seemed like a tactic to sell more GBA's, Nintendo's real cash cow.
Plus I'm 36, and don't have a bunch of friends who can "come over after school' to play. It's pretty obvious most Nintendo games multiplayer features are done with "schoolyard buddies" in mind. I liked Pokemon Red/Blue, but I got annoyed at the damnable "trading" feature. It's fine for "playground friends" but as an adult I don't want to have to buy TWO games and TWO GBwhatevers to "catch em all"
I want to be able to play with others when "I" have the time too. That means online play. FFCC (and SMKDD) seem like the perfect games to have online components and they don't. Very very shortsighted on Nintendo's part.
Most PS2 first person shooters can use the mouse/keyboard. Most online games utilize the keyboard for chat or other purposes. In fact you can play Everquest Online Adventures using just the keyboard if you want. There's RPG Maker 2 which supports the keyboard thank goodness. I think some graphic adventures support the mouse too.
:-) Kind of like a keyboard/mouse version of the Eyetoy package.
The RTS situation on the PS2 is pretty bleak though, even compared to the PSone. Then again you can always play your PSone RTS's.
And there's the Playstation 2 Linux kit,(http://playstation2-linux.com) have to have a keyboard/mouse for that. Of course if you buy one of those (now only $99) you get the PS2 badged keyboard and mouse.
What I'd like to see is a keyboard/mouse bundle with a disc containing simple minigames designed for their use. Hangman, Bejeweled, Bookworm, Nethack
I swear I saw a controller like this a couple of years back. But there might be an eaiser to find alternative in one of those Nostromo n50's or whatever they are called. Instead of using the keys for movement set up the joypad on the thing for that. Use the regular keys for weapon/skill switching that sort of thing.
What's these two ports on my Playstation 2, Why look here, they're USB. And what do I have plugged into them? Why an SCPH 10240 USB Keyboard and SCPH 10230 USB Mouse.
I've tried playing FPS's on PC's but i just can't, WASD is so non-inutitive and clumsy. Keyboards are designed for text entry not fast action. That's why I like the combo of:
Dual shock in the left hand, PSone (or for PS2 USB mouse) in the right. Best compromise between extremes. Accurate aiming and intuitive movement.
For RTS's almost every console RTS supports mouse input. Everry PSone RTS I own does.
>To this day, there is no MMORPG for the console
>market
There are two. Everquest Online Adventures (released February of 2003, Frontiers expansion released in November of 2003) )and Final Fantasy XI (Japan only till the end of this month)
>Sony made an aborted attempt at bring Everquest >to the PS2
Let me guess, you only play PC games. I wouldn't call EQOA abortive.
There's also the Diablo inspired Champions of Norrath (uses the Baldur's Gate Dark Allaince engine) which also has online multiplayer with voice chat support.
.
Not the first, because Everquest Online Adventures came out in February of last year. The Frontiers expansion was released in November of last year.
Why don't people know this? There were commercials on TV ads in the magazines and everything.