I'm really excited about this game. I think one of the nice additions is the weight change that your character can go through in the game. Apparently, if you eat junk food all day and never work out [just drive from place to place in other people's cars] you'll gain weight and become a fat mess. Pretty funny.
It seems like more and more, GTA and The Sims is set to converge into a game where you buy a house, decorate it, and kill people in the streets. Time to build a new garage!
I disagree. Perhaps you can't spot the differences between Madden 2004 and Madden 2005 but to someone who is a real fan of the sport, there are many.
Why must you call people "dummies"? Personally, I don't see much of a reason to buy expansion packs for the Sims but people do it and they enjoy them - so I say, good for them and let them have at it. Just because you can't see the differences in the games doesn't mean none exist.
I just don't understand the psychology behind being so irate over this subject that you feel the need to lash out at people and insult them over this pretty trivial issue.
You don't have to buy an XBox 2. You can keep playing with your XBox and have a good time. And before you state that the XBox 2 is not significantly improved over the original XBox shouldn't you wait for the thing to actually be released? What are you basing your belief that the XBox 2 isn't improved on?
And what deluge of Gameboys has Nintendo been guilty of? In recent years they've brought out the GBA and GBA SP. That's not exactly a deluge. And you're criticizing Sony for hardware add-ons? Thanks but I enjoy both my network adapter and my hard drive. I think they add quite a bit to my overall enjoyment of my PS2.
Listen, if you feel like you're required to purchase everything released by the console manufacturers, perhaps you should find a different hobby. These companies are not forcing anything down your throat because they can't - you are the one going to the store, dropping money, and buying their products. If you kept buying PS1 games and all your similarly minded humans who feel like the latest generation isn't improved also kept buying PS1 games, don't you think PS1 games would still be coming out in numbers?
Also, you said "All consoles are guilty - Nintendo..." Did you mean all console manufacturers are guilty? Because as far as I know but the last time I checked, my Gamecube was an inanimate object and did not have free choice and thus could never be found guilty of some crime or sin.
Seriously, you don't have to buy anything. Keep your money.
Don't reply to me with your tripe. Reply to the person that raised the suggestion of copying games to the hard drive and mentioned that MS would lose revenue because of it - thus implying piracy.
What you mean is that you're stealing from MS and other companies that publish games for the XBox when you download and burn games. Contrary to what you may have heard, just because you don't like a particular company does not mean that you have the right to pirate their products or services.
That really wasn't so funny that you had to post it twice. Adding the formatting helped the readability but really only helped to highlight the fact that it was neither insightful, informative, or amusing.
Nice moderation (-1 OFFTOPIC), as usual. The headline is incorrect. The Daily Show's viewers bested views of CBS [Letterman], NBC [Leno], and Fox News [O'Reilly]. CNN is not involved in these 3 shows. In fact, CNN isn't even under the same parent company as any of the other shows. And this is offtopic?
That would have been the obvious choice? Sorry - I've got to call bullshit on that. Maybe it is the obvious choice for the best outcome for the consumer but I don't think it would be for Sony. Let's assume that Sony did no research behind this choice [a big jump but I'll give it to you] and that they have no idea about the added cost of including the hard drive with the PSTwo. [I think you're the first person to suggest including the hard drive in the PSTwo - something that would definitely cause an increase in the overall size of the unit.] The only other game console to include a hard drive with the initial purchase is the XBox. Have XBox sales been driven by the inclusion of a hard drive? Maybe - by people who buy an XBox, get it chipped, and then just rent games to copy to their included hard drive. Not exactly the market that helps profits, is it? So by not including the possibility of a hard drive add-on for the PSTwo, Sony has effectively limited support of the hard drive by third party manufacturers. But this console generation has already been fought and its mostly a matter of sustaining profits until the PS3.
Not everyone has a high-speed internet connection.
Not everyone has internet access, period.
Not everyone is willing to leave their computer on all night for a download when they're being billed for the amount of time that they're connected to the internet.
Not everyone has access to a GameStop, EB, or a store that sells more games than the big-budget titles that Wal-Mart sells.
Not everyone feels comfortable buying games online.
I'm not sure what your point is here. Just because not everyone will be able to take advantage of different avenues means that those different avenues shouldn't be offered? Marketing decisions aren't based on the premise that you should only do something if everyone is able to use the intended distribution method and also wants to. Not everyone feels comfortable going to a store and buying a game. These people fear crowds. That fact has about as much place in this conversation as your statement that not everyone feels comfortable buying games online. Sure, if a company opens up different distribution chains not everyone is going to be able to take advantage of them. That's a given.
But guess what - a company would know that and not assume that they should immediately see the same types of sales from an alternative distribution method.
...threatening to make my sides split from the laughing! Seriously, when I think of all the people who weren't man enough to handle a little TB, I fall down on the floor in fits of uncontrollable laughter. NEXT STORY ASSHOLES!!!
I would wager a large sum of money that the person I responded to is not a web developer and is, in fact, just caught up in this ideology that MS must be destroyed for the world to be right. Zealotry like that, be it in religion, software, or politics, isn't rational or logical.
Furthermore, moving people away from IE isn't going to correct the problem of security flaws causing widespread damages. A much harder problem to solve is the clueless user who will not take the time to patch software. Replacing IE with some other browser isn't going to instantly correct that problem. And if you don't understand that there are going to be security flaws in software then that's the reason why you're not a real developer.
"We" have won? Pardon me, but I don't care what browser people use. It's their choice and, as I am not paid by a company that is developing browsers, if the masses start using something other than IE, it won't have any impact on me.
Who cares what browser people are using? Let people worry about themselves. You just decide what browser you want to use and enjoy.
The people who post comments saying that the Dreamcast is dead are just posting flamebait to incite people. Yet, this thread isn't even a reply to that flamebait. It's a reply to the concept of that piece of flamebait. It's silly.
Furthermore, the concept of being 'hip' and 'underground' is absolutely silly. The Dreamcast was a mainstream console that failed to sell well enough for Sega to continue manufacturing it. It does not represent some sort of elite console for only the cool kids.
This thread is nothing but nonsense. Don't discuss whether or not homebrew games are a good hobby, discuss the homebrew games.
All the softmod methods I have heard of involve owning a particular game that has a flaw in it. Granted, these are mostly old games that you can usually find for a relatively low price, especially in comparison to a chip, but they're not free.
Please, if I am incorrect, point me in the right direction but my knowledge of this subject says that if you want a modded XBox, you're going to have to pay some price. [Outside of the cost of the unit itself.]
Oh, and I think the parent you are responding to is someone who works for that particular manufacturer of chips. That is a sure way to guarantee I won't buy their chip.
"If I'm logged into my banks computer to review my account while it's being robbed, am I an accessory to the crime?"
If you're standing in line at the bank when it is robbed, are you an accessory?
"If I discuss through e-mail religion, politics, etc... with a citizen of another country which is deemed critical or violates some law in China for example, could the fact that my mail server connects to a mail server located in China become equivalent to me actually going to China to speak against the government?"
No, it's not equivalent. If you're physically there, the government with the anti-speech regulations would be able to get their handcuffs on you. Assuming that you're operating your computer in a country where free speech is allowed, your country will not extradite you to the country where free speech is not allowed [in your example, China].
You're confusing the issue entirely. Australia sees copyright violations as real crimes so they are willing to extradite to the United States. We are not dealing with things like free speech or other acts that are crimes only in totalitarian dictatorships and France [say "Heil Hitler" in France and you'll be locked up]. This issue arises from someone who engaged in software piracy. That is a crime that is recognized by both Australia and the United States.
Bottom line, if it is a crime in your own country - don't commit it on the Internet because any crime your country recognizes, is a crime that you have a good chance of being extradited for.
I don't understand how a software pirate who is stealing from programmers is suddenly being talked about like he was some sort of freedom fighter.
Please cite [MLA-style, thank you] a source for where George Bush uttered the claim that he is the most devout Christian since the Apostles.
Your statement would have been just another shot at Bush if you had said something like, "...a person who behaves as if he is the most devout..." but when you use the word proclaim, your snide political shot becomes nothing but stupidity because such a claim has never been made.
But what do I expect from people like you? Certainly not honest political discussion. Nope, just lies. Oh, and do you think your great ultra-mega-burn on Slashdot is going to change anything? Do something more meaningful with your life than make rude and untrue comments about people who have accomplished more than you.
"Under the UN charter, a person cannot be tried for an act which was not illegal at the time and place it was committed."
Okay, let's run with the idea that this suspect committed the crime in Australia. Doesn't Australia have copyright laws? Since Australia does, in fact, have copyright laws which are similar to those in the U.S., at the time the crime was committed that act was illegal where the action took place.
"Sure. So an Brit who offends Robert Mugabe, apparently an offence in Zimbabwe, should be extradited to stand trial in Harare."
Only if the UK has an extradition treaty with Zimbabwe, which it seems is not the case. [quote: "Secondly, as things stand there won't be any cooperation from countries such as the UK in the bid to extradite the individuals. Zimbabwe is still considered a rogue state."]
I won't address your trollish swipe at the USA and her respect for UN conventions and international treaties. [I don't see how that is even relevant. The Aussies agreed to extradite to the U.S. The U.S. isn't violating some treaty by requesting extradition.]
This isn't that surprising. Most people who buy from Alienware are buying these machines so that they can play games. As of today, the vast majority of PC games run under Windows.
You go right ahead and boycott buying from Alienware. But be aware that you were never in their target market because you don't play the latest and most hardware intensive PC games. [Yes, I know - Linux/Mac releases do occur of popular games. I am generalizing. I know this. You know this.]
Yes. The fact that it was a deleted scene and merely included as an extra means that it was never meant to be part of the canon. Although, even the slightest amount of thought on your part would have already alerted you to that fact.
So were you just trying to sound "hip" by referencing a deleted scene?
Well, for the end user - original games are an exciting premise but for anyone advising game developers, sequels sell. Looking at a list of the 10 best selling console games from 2003 [here]:
1. PS2 - Madden NFL 2004 (Electronics Arts)
2. GBA - Pokemon Ruby (Nintendo)
3. GBA - Pokemon Sapphire (Nintendo)
4. PS2 - Need for Speed Underground (Electronics Arts)
5. NGC - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo)
6. PS2 - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Rockstar)
7. NGC - Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (Nintendo)
8. PS2 - Tony Hawk's Underground (Activision)
9. PS2 - Enter the Matrix (Atari)
10.PS2 - Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (Electronics Arts)
These are sales figures from North America. Looking at that list, the only game there that was not an established game franchise is the Matrix game - and that was already an established movie franchise. Simply put, companies that want to make money need to exploit their established characters. The video game industry is still relatively young and perhaps after more maturing, originality will sell games. For now, companies should bet on sequels selling. The link I provided provides a list of the best selling games in Japan for 2003, which paints a similar picture.
Now, I will agree that companies should not "pump out" sequels. Companies need to realize that in this industry, established characters are a license to print money, IF you protect your characters and make sure that poor release after poor release does not devalue them. For instance, the most recent Tomb Raider game was a sequel that did not sell because it was a bad game with an established character. Companies need to use established characters but also release quality games.
Slashdot Mirror
No more toxic water!
It seems like more and more, GTA and The Sims is set to converge into a game where you buy a house, decorate it, and kill people in the streets. Time to build a new garage!
Why must you call people "dummies"? Personally, I don't see much of a reason to buy expansion packs for the Sims but people do it and they enjoy them - so I say, good for them and let them have at it. Just because you can't see the differences in the games doesn't mean none exist.
I just don't understand the psychology behind being so irate over this subject that you feel the need to lash out at people and insult them over this pretty trivial issue.
And what deluge of Gameboys has Nintendo been guilty of? In recent years they've brought out the GBA and GBA SP. That's not exactly a deluge. And you're criticizing Sony for hardware add-ons? Thanks but I enjoy both my network adapter and my hard drive. I think they add quite a bit to my overall enjoyment of my PS2.
Listen, if you feel like you're required to purchase everything released by the console manufacturers, perhaps you should find a different hobby. These companies are not forcing anything down your throat because they can't - you are the one going to the store, dropping money, and buying their products. If you kept buying PS1 games and all your similarly minded humans who feel like the latest generation isn't improved also kept buying PS1 games, don't you think PS1 games would still be coming out in numbers?
Also, you said "All consoles are guilty - Nintendo..." Did you mean all console manufacturers are guilty? Because as far as I know but the last time I checked, my Gamecube was an inanimate object and did not have free choice and thus could never be found guilty of some crime or sin.
Seriously, you don't have to buy anything. Keep your money.
Don't reply to me with your tripe. Reply to the person that raised the suggestion of copying games to the hard drive and mentioned that MS would lose revenue because of it - thus implying piracy.
Guess what - you're a fucking moron. Go fuck yourself and take your "Bzzt... wrong answer" horseshit with you. And what the fuck is "Goodwin's Law"?
You've got shit for brains, idiot.
The headline should be corrected.
Wow, Godwin's law already? That was quick.
That would have been the obvious choice? Sorry - I've got to call bullshit on that. Maybe it is the obvious choice for the best outcome for the consumer but I don't think it would be for Sony. Let's assume that Sony did no research behind this choice [a big jump but I'll give it to you] and that they have no idea about the added cost of including the hard drive with the PSTwo. [I think you're the first person to suggest including the hard drive in the PSTwo - something that would definitely cause an increase in the overall size of the unit.] The only other game console to include a hard drive with the initial purchase is the XBox. Have XBox sales been driven by the inclusion of a hard drive? Maybe - by people who buy an XBox, get it chipped, and then just rent games to copy to their included hard drive. Not exactly the market that helps profits, is it? So by not including the possibility of a hard drive add-on for the PSTwo, Sony has effectively limited support of the hard drive by third party manufacturers. But this console generation has already been fought and its mostly a matter of sustaining profits until the PS3.
But guess what - a company would know that and not assume that they should immediately see the same types of sales from an alternative distribution method.
There's no licensing agreement that says MS has to provide any patches. Legally, MS can sell you Windows and never offer any patches for it at all.
The article summary says, "CNN also reports on the top 5 major changes." The actual article states, "Here are five changes Lucas made:"
Furthermore, moving people away from IE isn't going to correct the problem of security flaws causing widespread damages. A much harder problem to solve is the clueless user who will not take the time to patch software. Replacing IE with some other browser isn't going to instantly correct that problem. And if you don't understand that there are going to be security flaws in software then that's the reason why you're not a real developer.
Who cares what browser people are using? Let people worry about themselves. You just decide what browser you want to use and enjoy.
Furthermore, the concept of being 'hip' and 'underground' is absolutely silly. The Dreamcast was a mainstream console that failed to sell well enough for Sega to continue manufacturing it. It does not represent some sort of elite console for only the cool kids.
This thread is nothing but nonsense. Don't discuss whether or not homebrew games are a good hobby, discuss the homebrew games.
All the softmod methods I have heard of involve owning a particular game that has a flaw in it. Granted, these are mostly old games that you can usually find for a relatively low price, especially in comparison to a chip, but they're not free.
Please, if I am incorrect, point me in the right direction but my knowledge of this subject says that if you want a modded XBox, you're going to have to pay some price. [Outside of the cost of the unit itself.]
Oh, and I think the parent you are responding to is someone who works for that particular manufacturer of chips. That is a sure way to guarantee I won't buy their chip.
You're confusing the issue entirely. Australia sees copyright violations as real crimes so they are willing to extradite to the United States. We are not dealing with things like free speech or other acts that are crimes only in totalitarian dictatorships and France [say "Heil Hitler" in France and you'll be locked up]. This issue arises from someone who engaged in software piracy. That is a crime that is recognized by both Australia and the United States.
Bottom line, if it is a crime in your own country - don't commit it on the Internet because any crime your country recognizes, is a crime that you have a good chance of being extradited for.
I don't understand how a software pirate who is stealing from programmers is suddenly being talked about like he was some sort of freedom fighter.
Your statement would have been just another shot at Bush if you had said something like, "...a person who behaves as if he is the most devout..." but when you use the word proclaim, your snide political shot becomes nothing but stupidity because such a claim has never been made.
But what do I expect from people like you? Certainly not honest political discussion. Nope, just lies. Oh, and do you think your great ultra-mega-burn on Slashdot is going to change anything? Do something more meaningful with your life than make rude and untrue comments about people who have accomplished more than you.
I won't address your trollish swipe at the USA and her respect for UN conventions and international treaties. [I don't see how that is even relevant. The Aussies agreed to extradite to the U.S. The U.S. isn't violating some treaty by requesting extradition.]
You go right ahead and boycott buying from Alienware. But be aware that you were never in their target market because you don't play the latest and most hardware intensive PC games. [Yes, I know - Linux/Mac releases do occur of popular games. I am generalizing. I know this. You know this.]
So were you just trying to sound "hip" by referencing a deleted scene?
1. PS2 - Madden NFL 2004 (Electronics Arts)
2. GBA - Pokemon Ruby (Nintendo)
3. GBA - Pokemon Sapphire (Nintendo)
4. PS2 - Need for Speed Underground (Electronics Arts)
5. NGC - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo)
6. PS2 - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Rockstar)
7. NGC - Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (Nintendo)
8. PS2 - Tony Hawk's Underground (Activision)
9. PS2 - Enter the Matrix (Atari)
10.PS2 - Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (Electronics Arts)
These are sales figures from North America. Looking at that list, the only game there that was not an established game franchise is the Matrix game - and that was already an established movie franchise. Simply put, companies that want to make money need to exploit their established characters. The video game industry is still relatively young and perhaps after more maturing, originality will sell games. For now, companies should bet on sequels selling. The link I provided provides a list of the best selling games in Japan for 2003, which paints a similar picture.
Now, I will agree that companies should not "pump out" sequels. Companies need to realize that in this industry, established characters are a license to print money, IF you protect your characters and make sure that poor release after poor release does not devalue them. For instance, the most recent Tomb Raider game was a sequel that did not sell because it was a bad game with an established character. Companies need to use established characters but also release quality games.