I wonder if they built a modern "Racing Destruction Set" and gave it the level creation tools and networking power of Little Big Planet if it would be a long time hit.
We may get a chance to find out with ModNation Racers for the PS3.
As you guessed, you can't use the PS3 until you've upgraded, if you've got a network connection. When you start it, it sees that there's a new update and refuses to allow you to play games until you've updated.
While I've had my PS3 prevent me from accessing the PlayStation network when there is a new update available, I don't remember it preventing me from playing games. Although I usually install new firmware for my PS3 right away, so I normally don't get to test what I'm allowed to do before updating. I'm almost certain you are still allowed to play games...
3. You lose all your downloaded content. I'm told you can redownload content without rebuying it, PROVIDED IT'S STILL BEING SOLD, but I really don't want to test that.
A recent incident forced me to re-download all of my downloaded content for my PS3. There is a feature under account management and a feature of the PlayStation store that lets you view all items you have downloaded (except for videos for some reason) and download them again. All the things I ever downloaded (a signifigant number) were available. This list even includes items that are no longer available in the store, such as the LocoRoco Holiday demo that came out around Christmas 2006.
So, obviously you should back up first, right? Well, guess what:
1. While MOST save games can be copied off the console, some CANNOT.
2. Installed game data CANNOT be copied off the console.
3. Downloaded content CANNOT be copied off the console.
In short, you can backup CERTAIN save games, but not ALL save games.
I have performed numerous backups and restores on my PS3. Except for one incident (which I will detail below), all data was always restored. This includes all game save data (including save data that was marked as 'copy prohibited'), all installed game data, and all downloaded content. All of this data was restored even when I swapped out the 60 GB hard drive for a 250 GB hard drive.
The incident I referred to above is when my PS3 had to be replaced since I was one of the lucky few with a launch 60 GB PS3 that had problems with GTA4. Sony's solution to the problem was to exchange my PS3 with another. Before shipping my PS3 out, I performed a backup of my data. When I received the replacement PS3, I restored the data to it. At this point, all of the restrictions you mentioned were enforced. Some saved data (the data marked 'copy prohibited') was not restored, all game data was not restored, and all downloaded content was not restored. While I can understand not restoring the game data and the downloaded content, I was bothered by not having all of my save data get restored. Fortunately the save data that was not restored was limited to games where saved progress doesn't equate to many hours of gameplay, such as an RPG.
It makes me wonder if there could be a way to make competitive pinball -- a double-ended table made more like a hill than a single slope.
This has actually been done. However, only one game that I am aware of had such a feature, and it only had a production run of 402 units. Which is probably why no one knows about it...
The machine features a double-ended table. The two players play across from each other. They are able to pass balls back and forth. When I've managed to track one down at the various pinball and classic arcade expos, I've found it to be a fun and unique experience. But so few got created that it is near impossible to find one.
While it is possible to create a competitive pinball machine, it doesn't look like the idea ever really took off.
One option I have repeatedly heard about on a web comic I read is Gametable. However, I have never used it personally, so I can't really say anything about its effectiveness. It is written in Java, thus providing support for Windows, OSX, and Linux. From the site:
Gametable is a remote RPG whiteboarding client. It is designed to play RPGs online, providing an interface for all players to use a shared map. Anything any player does to the map, all players see. The map can be drawn on, have miniatures (we call them pogs) placed on it and moved around, have terrain underlays placed on it, and a host of other features. You can even point at the map and people will see where you're pointing.
One feature it does not have is voice chat, so you'll still need another application to handle that part.
Somebody already mentioned it, but I believe you are talking about Ground Kontrol. As I live in Portland, it is a favorite hangout for myself and a few of my friends. They do indeed have pinball, to the tune of 19 (yes, nineteen) pinball machines. Ground Kontrol is also a regular hangout for the Portland Pinball League, which I am a part of. If you live in Portland and like pinball, or arcade games in general, I'd suggest checking it out.
I'll second checking out Agora, especially if you are having difficulty finding an online Nomic that lasts a while.
From the nomic.net Wiki entry on Agora: Agora Nomic is the longest continuously running Nomic known. Agora started in 1993 and has been going on ever since.
I was a player in it for a while, however had to eventually drop out due to lack of time. If you have an interest in Nomic, it is definately a Nomic to check out.
For more information on Nomic in general, also be sure to check out nomic.net.
Hey, at last a topic where I can talk about an open source project I'm working on and be quite on topic. VRMoo is a Java 3D application for a 3D object-oriented MUD client/server.
I haven't found the performance of Java 3D to be that great when running the VRMoo client, but then that could be just because I'm not a great Java 3D (or even 3D) coder.
Anyways... That's all I guess. Just wanted to say, hey looky, open source Java 3D app over here!
(Also, I think the spammers should start sending poems, jokes and stuff out. That way people would start reading their spam and be more susceptible to the offers).
They are already doing this. I've seen at lease one spam that included a joke in it. It was obviously intended to work around a Bayesian filter, but still...
Don't overestimate the value of your data. When you pass on, the only person who probably cares about your data will be dead.
What about data that you know others will care about? For instance, I run a community written, extendable, choose-your-own adventure type story on my web site. When I depart the Earth, there are many authors who have contributed large portions of the story who will be sad to see the data go down with me.
I've considered arranging an heir of sorts for the site and its data by arranging it with a lawyer as part of my will. I assumed that I would include passwords and any relevant instructions for the transition as part of my will. I never followed through with it as it seemed like somewhat awkard thing to arrange.
Anyone else have any experience or advice in this area?
"D's get Degrees" is the refrain I heard at my University. Of course, for any class that was related to your degree, you needed to scrape together at least a C. For most anything else, a D would do. There was definitely an attitude of doing just what was required to get out of there.
The difference for geeks is they like cool toys and often care a lot about quality. If you get something that normally comes in a cheap plastic, but they make a nice shiny metal one. Most people might not care, but a lot of geeks will like the nice shiny metal one. I wish I had an example, but I hope I got the idea accross.
The best example I can think of is the lovable Slinky. Sure, you can stick with the plastic slinky, but any geek will certainly appreciate the metal slinky so much more.
Who Dunnit is a pinball machine that also has a "Midnight Madness" mode activated at midnight. This mode however was worth quite a bit of points, and always pissed off the other players if you hit it during a pinball league game.
I read a bit of the 4th edition in preparation to get my license, and I enjoyed what I read. However, I got distracted by a new job and a move and the tests have been updated again. I've just ordered the 5th edition, and will give it another try.
Slashdot Mirror
I've found Darik's Boot and Nuke to be sufficient: http://www.dban.org/
I wonder if they built a modern "Racing Destruction Set" and gave it the level creation tools and networking power of Little Big Planet if it would be a long time hit.
We may get a chance to find out with ModNation Racers for the PS3.
Not me... Nope.
Last year's Omegathon also featured Rock Band before its release.
As you guessed, you can't use the PS3 until you've upgraded, if you've got a network connection. When you start it, it sees that there's a new update and refuses to allow you to play games until you've updated.
While I've had my PS3 prevent me from accessing the PlayStation network when there is a new update available, I don't remember it preventing me from playing games. Although I usually install new firmware for my PS3 right away, so I normally don't get to test what I'm allowed to do before updating. I'm almost certain you are still allowed to play games...
3. You lose all your downloaded content. I'm told you can redownload content without rebuying it, PROVIDED IT'S STILL BEING SOLD, but I really don't want to test that.
A recent incident forced me to re-download all of my downloaded content for my PS3. There is a feature under account management and a feature of the PlayStation store that lets you view all items you have downloaded (except for videos for some reason) and download them again. All the things I ever downloaded (a signifigant number) were available. This list even includes items that are no longer available in the store, such as the LocoRoco Holiday demo that came out around Christmas 2006.
So, obviously you should back up first, right? Well, guess what:
1. While MOST save games can be copied off the console, some CANNOT.
2. Installed game data CANNOT be copied off the console.
3. Downloaded content CANNOT be copied off the console.
In short, you can backup CERTAIN save games, but not ALL save games.
I have performed numerous backups and restores on my PS3. Except for one incident (which I will detail below), all data was always restored. This includes all game save data (including save data that was marked as 'copy prohibited'), all installed game data, and all downloaded content. All of this data was restored even when I swapped out the 60 GB hard drive for a 250 GB hard drive.
The incident I referred to above is when my PS3 had to be replaced since I was one of the lucky few with a launch 60 GB PS3 that had problems with GTA4. Sony's solution to the problem was to exchange my PS3 with another. Before shipping my PS3 out, I performed a backup of my data. When I received the replacement PS3, I restored the data to it. At this point, all of the restrictions you mentioned were enforced. Some saved data (the data marked 'copy prohibited') was not restored, all game data was not restored, and all downloaded content was not restored. While I can understand not restoring the game data and the downloaded content, I was bothered by not having all of my save data get restored. Fortunately the save data that was not restored was limited to games where saved progress doesn't equate to many hours of gameplay, such as an RPG.
It makes me wonder if there could be a way to make competitive pinball -- a double-ended table made more like a hill than a single slope.
This has actually been done. However, only one game that I am aware of had such a feature, and it only had a production run of 402 units. Which is probably why no one knows about it...
Joust Pinball
The machine features a double-ended table. The two players play across from each other. They are able to pass balls back and forth. When I've managed to track one down at the various pinball and classic arcade expos, I've found it to be a fun and unique experience. But so few got created that it is near impossible to find one.
While it is possible to create a competitive pinball machine, it doesn't look like the idea ever really took off.
It (RAID1) can be, with some caveats. Just 'fail' one of the mirrors and take it off site (same as you would a tape).
I'm sure it works very nicely in some situations. Just don't do it like these guys.
Or 2050, when all of the following logic begins to fall to pieces:I think you will only need to wait till 2100
if ( x > 50 )
return 1900 + x;
else
return 2000 + x;
The above grammar advice has been brought to you by Subway.
Meh. I'm just cooling my heels a bit before going out to a New Year's Eve party at a local arcade.
What? Going to a New Year's Even party at an arcade is just further indication that I'll never reproduce?
CRAP!
One feature it does not have is voice chat, so you'll still need another application to handle that part.
Somebody already mentioned it, but I believe you are talking about Ground Kontrol. As I live in Portland, it is a favorite hangout for myself and a few of my friends. They do indeed have pinball, to the tune of 19 (yes, nineteen) pinball machines. Ground Kontrol is also a regular hangout for the Portland Pinball League, which I am a part of. If you live in Portland and like pinball, or arcade games in general, I'd suggest checking it out.
The Pun Paladin is watching you.
From the nomic.net Wiki entry on Agora: Agora Nomic is the longest continuously running Nomic known. Agora started in 1993 and has been going on ever since.
I was a player in it for a while, however had to eventually drop out due to lack of time. If you have an interest in Nomic, it is definately a Nomic to check out.
For more information on Nomic in general, also be sure to check out nomic.net.
I haven't found the performance of Java 3D to be that great when running the VRMoo client, but then that could be just because I'm not a great Java 3D (or even 3D) coder.
Anyways... That's all I guess. Just wanted to say, hey looky, open source Java 3D app over here!
I've considered arranging an heir of sorts for the site and its data by arranging it with a lawyer as part of my will. I assumed that I would include passwords and any relevant instructions for the transition as part of my will. I never followed through with it as it seemed like somewhat awkard thing to arrange.
Anyone else have any experience or advice in this area?
"D's get Degrees" is the refrain I heard at my University. Of course, for any class that was related to your degree, you needed to scrape together at least a C. For most anything else, a D would do. There was definitely an attitude of doing just what was required to get out of there.
The best example I can think of is the lovable Slinky. Sure, you can stick with the plastic slinky, but any geek will certainly appreciate the metal slinky so much more.
Well, you lost my business.
Who Dunnit Rulesheet
Hmm... The more you prosper, the more they tax you. I guess that means that the government wants less prosperity? It seems to be working...
Now You're Talking
I read a bit of the 4th edition in preparation to get my license, and I enjoyed what I read. However, I got distracted by a new job and a move and the tests have been updated again. I've just ordered the 5th edition, and will give it another try.
"I hunger, Howard."