Instance running is a problem these days. A lot of people have quit, a lot of people don't want to run the instances anymore, and all your hear all day in Shattrath is "LF1M tank".
That's pretty much how I felt not long after hitting 70, which was an 'on-par' leveling schedule when the expansion was released. That's also how I felt when I hit level 60 and tried to get set pieced from places like Strat. or Scholo.
As it was, even in a good large guild (50 or so people) very little guild members wanted to do that, or not enough of the right class combination. Heck, I'm the kind of person who, at level 70, would still enjoy going through Strat. or Scholo. to either a) finish set pieces or b) just enjoy the ambiance and story of the place so it doesn't take 2-3 hours to complete and I can understand every corner of the place.
I won't get into the idea of trying to get people together to get 'keyed' so I could catch up to my guild raiding zone or have the hours on a Fri. or Sat. night (when I'm out at a bar or friends house having a good time) to raid.
Funny thing. I'm a gamer. I'd call myself an addicted even. My favorite thing since I can remember was a game with "2-Players" option on a console and being able to play said game with a friend. When I started MMO's on EQ, where quests where rare, grouping was forced, and the only way to go was to grind and it was slow, I found myself meeting and interacting with more people.
Now that MMO's are moving towards soloing and quest oriented XP, I find myself spending less time playing with someone else and more time trying to find someone to adventure with. I a way I find that this 'style' of MMO development leads to a 'care-for-yourself' and 'gimme-gimme-gimme' mentality. You'll only get a fellow group member if they have the same quest. Said group member will leave as soon as their quest is finished and will not help out on another quest, even if it's fast, simple, and easy. To some extremes, people will leave when they finish their quest (such as kill 30 mobs) and others have not (they might still need 10 more mobs). Likewise, if they get the item they want, they'll leave, port back to city, and leave the group hanging in the middle of a dungeon.
I sometimes wonder if forced grouping and more mob grinding is better for MMO's than free-for-all solo content and questing. Of course, this only effects the individuals who log on and play. Those who organize a time with 4-5 other friends to play at the same time are not really effected as they're always in a group, despite being able to solo.
Really? Why and compared to what? As 'to be cool' has to be related to something. What's the 'cool' benchmark for MMO's?
a lot of people won't be going back no matter what they put in the next expansion.
Really? Why? I stopped playing some months ago and I have little reason to start playing again, but I would be the first to pre-order the next expansion and play it. I enjoy WoW, but only when I can progress my character. Unfortunately, 'WoW end-game' doesn't fit into my schedule so I'm pretty much done once I hit max level and I don't care for the $15/month price tag. $10/month? I'd consider playing again.
Why aren't they ready with a successor? It's now 3 years in...
Why should they be? Pumping out crap does not a good game make. Though, in your defense, I do believe Bliz. has enough money and resources to organize multiple teams producing content.
Though, again, I've not played in many months and I left just before they gave Hunters a better heal spell for their pets... which I was asking for since day one. *bleh* So, something could have changed since I left.
I doubt businesses are putting this off because they think Vista sucks, but rather because XP works just fine, and it wouldn't make sense to spend money on something that isn't broken.
It's a little bit of both actually. My own company sent out a memo stating that no PC is allowed to be purchased with Vista and not to upgrade to IE7. They also cited a government response to this. (which I submitted posted here on/. back in March, but never got picked up that I noticed)
You see, the thing is NOT that Vista is broken but that other software breaks on Vista. You see the difference? We're not talking about some Video games or Office Suite programs but 3rd party business applications such as accounting software, medical software, etc. Along with IE7, my own companies IT department has been testing IE7 and Vista and have concluded that a lot of our 3rd party software that runs a lot of our day-to-days would not work or crash often on Vista or IE7 (for internet based apps.).
Given expectation of most people that a computer will 'just work' no matter what setup it is, it's much easier to just ban it altogether until there's a need for it. Also, there's the obvious reasoning for cost, which I due agree that it's the most important reason. If it's not broken, don't fix it.
Safe to say, they're waiting for for the cost to come down or until MS forces everyone to buy it by a) stopping XP support b) requiring Vista to run programs (such as Halo 2, Shadowrun, etc that they're trying to do with the gaming market... and I absolutely refuse to take part in and I hope Linux and open source can get something to compete with DX10 and supported by companies before that happens so I can happily switch to Linux for gaming.)
Really? I rather liked War3 graphics. Or, perhaps, I should say I see nothing wrong with them, even today. What makes you feel War3 is/was a visual disaster?
it's supposed to clarify the state of mind of the sender!
( o )_( o )... opps, Freudian slip.
'I mean, it's ludicrous," said Ms. Feldman, 25. "I'm not going to feel better about losing hundreds of thousands of dollars because someone puts a frown face to regretfully inform me.'"
A future copy of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, that slipped through a worm-hole, had this to say about Ms. Feldman...
Ms. Feldman at age 26, sued a former employee for sexual harassments due to lewd child-like graphical images, know at that time as "Emoticons". When a said former co-worker sent her an email with what he said was an arrow pointing at an important piece of information.
Claiming that was clearly a penis and not an arrow and that such combinations of characters show the posters state of mind, she did not much appreciate the overt suggestions thought that $10 millions dollars should make her feel much better.
Since then, all business replaced standard keyboards with interface boards that had specific words and generic phrases on them that only allowed a user to write back using those specific works, avoiding any further use of "emoticons" in the work place.
Coincidently, work productivity grew more than 500% as people stopped using Email at work.
Wii games are $50 US, $60 games are not here to stay.
$50 is a sweet spot for me for regular video games (PC games and Console games). $20-30 is my sweet spot for mobile games (DS, PSP). Will I pay $60+ for a game? Sure, if I really wanted to play it. But if prices start going for $60, I won't be buying as much as I use too or I'll be waiting for games to get old or become used before purchasing.
One of the benefits of this 'new' user created mods for games, like Warcraft/Starcraft Maps, Counter-Strike, Flash Games (like ones from AddictingGames.com), I have lots of other options for games. Also, while I know lots of people who are 100% against subscription games (like MMO's), I'm pretty happy with games like LOTRO's whom I've gotten a special "pre-order" subscription price of $10/month (or $200 lifetime, which I didn't take as I generally have never played an MMO for almost 2 years straight). I'm happy with that kind of pricing. Much more happy than $15/month. Such that I'm willing to keep my subscription active even if I'm going to be MIA for most of a month. The amount of entertainment hours I get for my $ are amazing... if you considering spending $10 to see a 2-hour film at the theater and another $10 for popcorn and soda.
Likewise, the DS is proving to be a super fun system and games prices are often very awesome at $20 for things like Brain Age 2, etc. I'm also a fan of loading Warcraft 3 back on my PC and playing some MOD games, for no monthly fees or download prices.
With developers and gaming companies seeing the benefit of downloaded content (Wii, PS3, 360 are now all offering DL-able games, while the DS allows you to temporarily download the game from a friend to play multi-player), I hope to see future systems continue to allow more and more user created content that will give players a much cheaper option of games to play. I know there are plenty of flash games I'd enjoy just picking up and playing for a short time.
I guess there has become a big 'casual' trend in gaming and I know I enjoy it, despite having been 'hard-core' at times (non-stop multiple day MMO gaming, Counter-Strike competitions/tourney's, etc). Probably why Nintendo's Wii strategy is really hitting the mark today.
You do understand the point of sex is, well, the physical touch, and the bonding from the intimacy?
I would simply say that the only reason for sex is to procreate, nothing more. The whole bonding due to physical intimacy or "consummating of a marriage" / chastity cliche are all based on man-made social 'rules' which differ depending on ones society and have nothing to do with it's actual purpose. Though, I do agree follow some of those social rules, doesn't change the point of sex.
The PS3 is almost a year old and still has very very few exclusive titles! ~by Aladrin (926209) Alter Relationship on Tuesday July 24, @08:56AM (#19968961)
The console was first released on November 11, 2006 in Japan and shortly after on November 17, 2006 in North America, Hong Kong and Taiwan.! ~Wikipedia
November = 11/12 month. July 7/12 month. That's about a 4 month difference before we see it's 1 year anniversary, or 1/3 (33.333%) of a year. You have a very loose definition of 'almost'.
According to this list, there are over 40 games slated to be released before their true 1 year mark. Over 11 of them exclusive. Of course, given the usual game development, some of this might be pushed back past November 2007.
Add to that the price difference and people have many reasons to buy a 360 over a PS3.
The "Elite" price of the 360 is pretty much on par with the 60-GB 'firesale' price at $479.99 compared to $499.99. Add on the option HD-DVD drive at $199.99 and now you're looking at a console that's MORE expensive than the PS3, which comes with Blu-ray. Though, you do get a bigger hard drive (120GB compared to 80GB)
Nah, the 360 is not a better price comparison than the PS3, given similar setups. It is better for consumers because of it's optional features, but that will also be a drawback for it's system. One cannot put a game on HD-DVD media for the 360 because they cannot guarentee everyone has an HD-DVD drive. Well, one could do it, but it could scorn consumers who might purchase it (and you know there are people who will) thinking it will work because it's a 360 game.
There are only 2 main reasons for get a 360 over a PS3. Game library (as you already mentioned) and online support. Both of these can be categorized into the 'maturity' of the console because it has been out longer.
While I'm a Nintendo supporter, my crystal ball does predict the PS3 to overtake both the Wii and 360 in 2 years. It's going to be a huge gap to make up from the Wii but I believe you'll start seeing games on the PS3 that will just blow people away and everyone will be wanting one. One top of that, in 2-years that 80GB model will probably be selling closer to $400, which will be much more affordable for everyone as the prices of Blu-Ray and computer chips drop at their usual rate. Such games won't be possible on the 360 without a HD-DVD requirement.
You'll see the PS3 become more popular with developers as the 'casual gamers' market that the Wii is very effectively targeting, is also a market that does not spend gobs of money on games or as often. 1 game for a casual gamer family will probably satisfy them for months, while a hobby gamer (like myself) will 'beat' a game in a week or two and will want to move onto something else. Of course, this will depend on the game. MMO's will probably take over the 360 and PS3 consoles with the availability of a hard drive.
At that point, since "everyone"(tm) will be picking up a PS3, there will be a resurgence of interest in it as if it was part of a 'new' generation of consoles. Like "current +.5 generation". And maybe in the next 2 years Sony can correct it's PR from it's other department mishaps.
In 2 years, those gamers who sprang for a Wii or 'Wii60' while have $400 to spend on a new console and they'll see a good healthy library of games to c
They need to do this more often. Little arcades in WoW to go to when you are bored there.
First, not long after release of the original WoW game, there was a lot of calling for 'mini-games' in the game. Stuff like chess and checkers. It came to a point they even made an April fool's joke of it saying they where going to allow you to play Warcraft 3 in WoW (1/2 the joke was people wanting to play a game, inside 'their game' while the other 1/2 of the joke was all the criticism by people saying the game is crap because it's just Warcraft 3 or looked too much like Warcraft 3 (a rip on the visual/graphical style of the game).
Second, I was one of those who wanted in-game games to pass the time. =P Though, if I remember right, City of Heroes had a card game or something? Anyway, I actually got a few friends together in WoW, sat at an Inn, and we played some 'dice' games using the/random function. Everyone actually said they had a good time and it was a bit of a nice change of pace.
Third, Paper Mario (Wii) has games within a game. PS3 will pretty much be a MMO for playing games within a game. hehe, So, I guess it's getting more popular.
The only FF game I'm waiting to play is FFVII. When will they re-release this game for the DS, PSP, or other system? Otherwise, I'd like to play FFI, which I guess I can get GBA but it's 'advanced' with updated graphics. Bah, I want my 8-bit characters. hehe
There is no job you could get as a IT major that you could not get as a CS major.
As a CS major (who spent most of his last year taking IS courses), I respectfully disagree. While Information Systems/Technology (IS/IT) and Computer Science (CS) classes and courses are very similar they are not the same and do not open doors to the same jobs, at least not straight away.
To make a long story short, an Information Systems degree will better position you to get a job managing computer systems (tech support, network admin, etc.) while a CS job will better position you to get programming positions. It's what you do as your hobby that will bridge the gap between the two schools of thought. The thing is, most CS majors have a natural interest in using computers as much as programming for them. In that sense, they're often self taught IS people. It's not the CS degree that did that, it's the individual's interest.
As I discovered, it's not even your degree anymore, it's the certificates you hold. An employer will be happy if they see some kind of 'computer' degree but what they really want to see if either a) experience or b) certificates (Microsoft Certified Technician, MySQL certified, Oracle Certified, etc, etc).
The course load of a CS degree, IMHO, will better 'teach you to teach yourself', which makes it easier for you to transition to other job types, but an IS degree can get you in the door faster as IS departments (at least in my school) are more connected with business and often you can find more opportunities to talk with major company recruiters and get internships.
and perhaps even go on to graduate school -- an avenue which would [...] be blocked off as an IT major
That's not true. My school had a graduate program for Information Systems. It included both Master Degrees and Doctorates. Though, that's in the U.S. It might be different abroad and it will depend on the size of your school.
As long as you speak Hindi, and are willing to relocate to Hyderabad, CS is the way to go. If you want a career that is less-offshoreable, go IT. Whatever you do, make sure you get enough business acumen to ensure that you are not easily disposed of via offshoring.
Odd, hasn't/. been posting numerous articles on how hard it is to fill programming and Tech. jobs?
I recognize most of that stuff, but what is a 12-phase power array?
It's next to the deflector dish and is usually the 2nd thing to be re-aligned when trying to solve some complex, physically impossible, life threatening problem.
"In four hours the ship blows up" -- Scotty (The Savage Curtain)
CloneDVD also rips to PSP, DS, and many other formats.
Sorry, my memory was wrong on this one. I had downloaded a 3rd software called CloneDVDmoblie to rip to my PSP and other portable devices. It's another program to purchase to do this.
I played around with at least 6 different free applications [...] I can't even get the damn ripping part to work. [...] So I quit trying.
I tried finding free stuff too. Seriously, rarely works. Then a friend showed me products by Slysoft. You'll need to buy 2 of their products to get it to work. AnyDVD (the DVD decoder) and CloneDVD (the program that rips and burns). They both cost, if I remember, $30-$40, with free updates and apparently support HD discs (I've never tried it).
It's a super easy to use program and it's more than worth the price, IMHO. CloneDVD also rips to PSP, DS, and many other formats. I used it to put ST:DS9 episodes on my PSP to watch at the gym. The average time it takes to copy is ~20mins (up to an hour if you're using a DL-DVD) and that's while I'm usually MMOing, but then again, I have a nice rig. Usually it's ~15 to rip and ~5min to burn a copy. You can save your files to avoid future ~15min burns in the future.
I've never had a problem using this software. The only problem I've ever had was when I bought the El Cheapo DVD's: Dynex (BestBuy house brand). Yeah, an entire spindle for 50 that half wouldn't even work in the machine and the other half turned out to only work on the crappiest Wal-Mart DVD player, but nothing else.
CloneDVD also makes it pretty easy to remove language tracks, subtitles, special features, etc so you can increase compression quality (if you're compressing a DL-DVD to a normal DVD). I usually short for ~50% compression quality to get normal broadcast quality video. On rare occasions and on very dark images, you get noise and pixelation. But I'm very happy using it. I even watch it on my parents projection TV, and it still looks good. But, I'm not a quality nerd. I just want to watch the shows. I find it as good as watching regular DVD's and TV shows.
Man, I sound like an advertisement. I guess that's because after spending too much time and frustration trying to copy my DVD's over the years, and finally finding something that just 'worked', I was happy.
There's a 30-day free trial, so give it a shot. Like most things, I'm more than willing to buy it if it's a reasonable price. Probably why I stopped buying CD's and DVD's and just started using Blockbuster online to watch movies and buy only the music singles I like from online stores.
I pretty much agree with your assessment of the PSP as a video machine. The screen is beautiful (though I do get frustrated at my dead pixels from time to time). You can pickup a proprietary Sony memory card for pretty cheep these days.
I actually used my PSP as an MP3 and movie player more than a game player and it sounds like you're doing the same. The gym was my main use. I never saw Star Trek DS9 so I ripped the episodes to my PSP and watched an episode while at the gym. That's a good 45min workout.
I did buy "Ghostbusters" and I was given "Without a Paddle" UMD movies. The movies where nice. good quality, lacking in features that the normal DVD's had, but at least they had sub-titles. I wouldn't buy any more UMD's though. Far to expensive.
Anyway, the point is still, the PSP is still lacking in the gaming department, but it's a great mobile video machine. Oh, and I own a 2nd battery as I fly to France from Chicago from time to time (8 hour flight).
Of all the movies that could have been remade, and wasn't. This one's at the top of my list...Come on Hollywood!
hehe, so many jokes. The remake could be just a series of tubes. Or Tron just sits in YouTube all day. Subtitles would be required when playing a game as all the opponents speak l33t. etc.
Seriously, it could actually be quite interesting as the Tron of the 80's is not the same Tron of today. There could be a good way to incorporate social, economic, and global problems of today into the story.
It's obvious you missed the memo, so I'll pass it along...
-----Original Message----- From: Mario Bros. Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2007 2:17 PM To: #Anyone_who_hasn't_figured_it_out_yet Subject: FW: Memo: The Wii strategy
The Wii is designed to target casual and non-traditional audiences. We believe that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will do good a job in targeting the "hardcore" audience and therefor will segment that area of the market. While not rejecting or ignoring this market and allowing any 3rd party to develop games for it, we're going to focus on the untapped and potentially larger market of the casual gamer.
Our research shows that casual gaming is on the rise. Our marketing efforts will be directed towards this aspect. We will not refer to the Wii as a "hardcore" system. It shall be referred to as for "every" gamer.
All marketing efforts will be focus on pushing the Wii as a "casual gamer" friendly machine. Anyone who thinks the Wii is to compete as in a "hardcore" market or that we built it to please "hardcore" gamers are either living under a rock or a complete dumb ass.
Thank you, Mario Bros. VP of Marketing and Sales Nintendo Co., Ltd.
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
Uh-oh, I owned an original xbox! And I've aged since I bought it! Does that mean I'm, supposed to have a family?! I'd better get to work! Who knew being 20 would be so much work?!
I cannot RTFA at work, but I did find that statement odd. I typically label gamer generations as such. Atari (70's), NES (80's), Playstation 1/2 (90's-00's).
Based on that, I would 1) never use Xbox as a generation defining system, not that it wasn't important (like the Genesis and SNES) but that it just wasn't the biggest thing. And 2) The Xbox is far too 'young' of a system to be calling it's generation as moving into the family stage (released in 2001, no kid who grew up with an Xbox is getting married 6 years later).
Slashdot Mirror
Then there will be...
Followed up By...
Then they'll release...
Cheers,
Fozzy
That's pretty much how I felt not long after hitting 70, which was an 'on-par' leveling schedule when the expansion was released. That's also how I felt when I hit level 60 and tried to get set pieced from places like Strat. or Scholo.
As it was, even in a good large guild (50 or so people) very little guild members wanted to do that, or not enough of the right class combination. Heck, I'm the kind of person who, at level 70, would still enjoy going through Strat. or Scholo. to either a) finish set pieces or b) just enjoy the ambiance and story of the place so it doesn't take 2-3 hours to complete and I can understand every corner of the place.
I won't get into the idea of trying to get people together to get 'keyed' so I could catch up to my guild raiding zone or have the hours on a Fri. or Sat. night (when I'm out at a bar or friends house having a good time) to raid.
Funny thing. I'm a gamer. I'd call myself an addicted even. My favorite thing since I can remember was a game with "2-Players" option on a console and being able to play said game with a friend. When I started MMO's on EQ, where quests where rare, grouping was forced, and the only way to go was to grind and it was slow, I found myself meeting and interacting with more people.
Now that MMO's are moving towards soloing and quest oriented XP, I find myself spending less time playing with someone else and more time trying to find someone to adventure with. I a way I find that this 'style' of MMO development leads to a 'care-for-yourself' and 'gimme-gimme-gimme' mentality. You'll only get a fellow group member if they have the same quest. Said group member will leave as soon as their quest is finished and will not help out on another quest, even if it's fast, simple, and easy. To some extremes, people will leave when they finish their quest (such as kill 30 mobs) and others have not (they might still need 10 more mobs). Likewise, if they get the item they want, they'll leave, port back to city, and leave the group hanging in the middle of a dungeon.
I sometimes wonder if forced grouping and more mob grinding is better for MMO's than free-for-all solo content and questing. Of course, this only effects the individuals who log on and play. Those who organize a time with 4-5 other friends to play at the same time are not really effected as they're always in a group, despite being able to solo.
Cheers,
Fozzy
Really? Why and compared to what? As 'to be cool' has to be related to something. What's the 'cool' benchmark for MMO's?
Really? Why? I stopped playing some months ago and I have little reason to start playing again, but I would be the first to pre-order the next expansion and play it. I enjoy WoW, but only when I can progress my character. Unfortunately, 'WoW end-game' doesn't fit into my schedule so I'm pretty much done once I hit max level and I don't care for the $15/month price tag. $10/month? I'd consider playing again.
Why should they be? Pumping out crap does not a good game make. Though, in your defense, I do believe Bliz. has enough money and resources to organize multiple teams producing content.
Though, again, I've not played in many months and I left just before they gave Hunters a better heal spell for their pets... which I was asking for since day one. *bleh* So, something could have changed since I left.
Cheers,
Fozzy
It's a little bit of both actually. My own company sent out a memo stating that no PC is allowed to be purchased with Vista and not to upgrade to IE7. They also cited a government response to this. (which I submitted posted here on /. back in March, but never got picked up that I noticed)
You see, the thing is NOT that Vista is broken but that other software breaks on Vista. You see the difference? We're not talking about some Video games or Office Suite programs but 3rd party business applications such as accounting software, medical software, etc. Along with IE7, my own companies IT department has been testing IE7 and Vista and have concluded that a lot of our 3rd party software that runs a lot of our day-to-days would not work or crash often on Vista or IE7 (for internet based apps.).
Given expectation of most people that a computer will 'just work' no matter what setup it is, it's much easier to just ban it altogether until there's a need for it. Also, there's the obvious reasoning for cost, which I due agree that it's the most important reason. If it's not broken, don't fix it.
Safe to say, they're waiting for for the cost to come down or until MS forces everyone to buy it by a) stopping XP support b) requiring Vista to run programs (such as Halo 2, Shadowrun, etc that they're trying to do with the gaming market... and I absolutely refuse to take part in and I hope Linux and open source can get something to compete with DX10 and supported by companies before that happens so I can happily switch to Linux for gaming.)
Cheers,
Fozzy
Really? I rather liked War3 graphics. Or, perhaps, I should say I see nothing wrong with them, even today. What makes you feel War3 is/was a visual disaster?
Cheers,
Fozzy
( o )_( o ) ... opps, Freudian slip.
A future copy of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, that slipped through a worm-hole, had this to say about Ms. Feldman...
Yeah, they really got caught with their pants down on this one.
Yes! =)
$50 is a sweet spot for me for regular video games (PC games and Console games). $20-30 is my sweet spot for mobile games (DS, PSP). Will I pay $60+ for a game? Sure, if I really wanted to play it. But if prices start going for $60, I won't be buying as much as I use too or I'll be waiting for games to get old or become used before purchasing.
One of the benefits of this 'new' user created mods for games, like Warcraft/Starcraft Maps, Counter-Strike, Flash Games (like ones from AddictingGames.com), I have lots of other options for games. Also, while I know lots of people who are 100% against subscription games (like MMO's), I'm pretty happy with games like LOTRO's whom I've gotten a special "pre-order" subscription price of $10/month (or $200 lifetime, which I didn't take as I generally have never played an MMO for almost 2 years straight). I'm happy with that kind of pricing. Much more happy than $15/month. Such that I'm willing to keep my subscription active even if I'm going to be MIA for most of a month. The amount of entertainment hours I get for my $ are amazing... if you considering spending $10 to see a 2-hour film at the theater and another $10 for popcorn and soda.
Likewise, the DS is proving to be a super fun system and games prices are often very awesome at $20 for things like Brain Age 2, etc. I'm also a fan of loading Warcraft 3 back on my PC and playing some MOD games, for no monthly fees or download prices.
With developers and gaming companies seeing the benefit of downloaded content (Wii, PS3, 360 are now all offering DL-able games, while the DS allows you to temporarily download the game from a friend to play multi-player), I hope to see future systems continue to allow more and more user created content that will give players a much cheaper option of games to play. I know there are plenty of flash games I'd enjoy just picking up and playing for a short time.
I guess there has become a big 'casual' trend in gaming and I know I enjoy it, despite having been 'hard-core' at times (non-stop multiple day MMO gaming, Counter-Strike competitions/tourney's, etc). Probably why Nintendo's Wii strategy is really hitting the mark today.
Cheers,
Fozzy
I would simply say that the only reason for sex is to procreate, nothing more. The whole bonding due to physical intimacy or "consummating of a marriage" / chastity cliche are all based on man-made social 'rules' which differ depending on ones society and have nothing to do with it's actual purpose. Though, I do agree follow some of those social rules, doesn't change the point of sex.
Cheers,
Fozzy
November = 11/12 month. July 7/12 month. That's about a 4 month difference before we see it's 1 year anniversary, or 1/3 (33.333%) of a year. You have a very loose definition of 'almost'.
According to this list, there are over 40 games slated to be released before their true 1 year mark. Over 11 of them exclusive. Of course, given the usual game development, some of this might be pushed back past November 2007.
The "Elite" price of the 360 is pretty much on par with the 60-GB 'firesale' price at $479.99 compared to $499.99. Add on the option HD-DVD drive at $199.99 and now you're looking at a console that's MORE expensive than the PS3, which comes with Blu-ray. Though, you do get a bigger hard drive (120GB compared to 80GB)
Nah, the 360 is not a better price comparison than the PS3, given similar setups. It is better for consumers because of it's optional features, but that will also be a drawback for it's system. One cannot put a game on HD-DVD media for the 360 because they cannot guarentee everyone has an HD-DVD drive. Well, one could do it, but it could scorn consumers who might purchase it (and you know there are people who will) thinking it will work because it's a 360 game.
There are only 2 main reasons for get a 360 over a PS3. Game library (as you already mentioned) and online support. Both of these can be categorized into the 'maturity' of the console because it has been out longer.
While I'm a Nintendo supporter, my crystal ball does predict the PS3 to overtake both the Wii and 360 in 2 years. It's going to be a huge gap to make up from the Wii but I believe you'll start seeing games on the PS3 that will just blow people away and everyone will be wanting one. One top of that, in 2-years that 80GB model will probably be selling closer to $400, which will be much more affordable for everyone as the prices of Blu-Ray and computer chips drop at their usual rate. Such games won't be possible on the 360 without a HD-DVD requirement.
You'll see the PS3 become more popular with developers as the 'casual gamers' market that the Wii is very effectively targeting, is also a market that does not spend gobs of money on games or as often. 1 game for a casual gamer family will probably satisfy them for months, while a hobby gamer (like myself) will 'beat' a game in a week or two and will want to move onto something else. Of course, this will depend on the game. MMO's will probably take over the 360 and PS3 consoles with the availability of a hard drive.
At that point, since "everyone"(tm) will be picking up a PS3, there will be a resurgence of interest in it as if it was part of a 'new' generation of consoles. Like "current + .5 generation". And maybe in the next 2 years Sony can correct it's PR from it's other department mishaps.
In 2 years, those gamers who sprang for a Wii or 'Wii60' while have $400 to spend on a new console and they'll see a good healthy library of games to c
But forums are all about whining. You'll be damned if you do or damned if you don't.
Cheers,
Fozzy
First, not long after release of the original WoW game, there was a lot of calling for 'mini-games' in the game. Stuff like chess and checkers. It came to a point they even made an April fool's joke of it saying they where going to allow you to play Warcraft 3 in WoW (1/2 the joke was people wanting to play a game, inside 'their game' while the other 1/2 of the joke was all the criticism by people saying the game is crap because it's just Warcraft 3 or looked too much like Warcraft 3 (a rip on the visual/graphical style of the game).
Second, I was one of those who wanted in-game games to pass the time. =P Though, if I remember right, City of Heroes had a card game or something? Anyway, I actually got a few friends together in WoW, sat at an Inn, and we played some 'dice' games using the /random function. Everyone actually said they had a good time and it was a bit of a nice change of pace.
Third, Paper Mario (Wii) has games within a game. PS3 will pretty much be a MMO for playing games within a game. hehe, So, I guess it's getting more popular.
Cheers,
Fozzy
The only FF game I'm waiting to play is FFVII. When will they re-release this game for the DS, PSP, or other system? Otherwise, I'd like to play FFI, which I guess I can get GBA but it's 'advanced' with updated graphics. Bah, I want my 8-bit characters. hehe
As a CS major (who spent most of his last year taking IS courses), I respectfully disagree. While Information Systems/Technology (IS/IT) and Computer Science (CS) classes and courses are very similar they are not the same and do not open doors to the same jobs, at least not straight away.
To make a long story short, an Information Systems degree will better position you to get a job managing computer systems (tech support, network admin, etc.) while a CS job will better position you to get programming positions. It's what you do as your hobby that will bridge the gap between the two schools of thought. The thing is, most CS majors have a natural interest in using computers as much as programming for them. In that sense, they're often self taught IS people. It's not the CS degree that did that, it's the individual's interest.
As I discovered, it's not even your degree anymore, it's the certificates you hold. An employer will be happy if they see some kind of 'computer' degree but what they really want to see if either a) experience or b) certificates (Microsoft Certified Technician, MySQL certified, Oracle Certified, etc, etc).
The course load of a CS degree, IMHO, will better 'teach you to teach yourself', which makes it easier for you to transition to other job types, but an IS degree can get you in the door faster as IS departments (at least in my school) are more connected with business and often you can find more opportunities to talk with major company recruiters and get internships.
That's not true. My school had a graduate program for Information Systems. It included both Master Degrees and Doctorates. Though, that's in the U.S. It might be different abroad and it will depend on the size of your school.
Cheers,
Fozzy
Odd, hasn't /. been posting numerous articles on how hard it is to fill programming and Tech. jobs?
For more information, there's a decent Wikipedia page on this. Of course, it's Wikipedia, so it's taken with a grain of salt.
It's next to the deflector dish and is usually the 2nd thing to be re-aligned when trying to solve some complex, physically impossible, life threatening problem.
"In four hours the ship blows up" -- Scotty (The Savage Curtain)
If only I had mod points left! That was funny.
Sorry, my memory was wrong on this one. I had downloaded a 3rd software called CloneDVDmoblie to rip to my PSP and other portable devices. It's another program to purchase to do this.
Cheers,
Fozzy
I tried finding free stuff too. Seriously, rarely works. Then a friend showed me products by Slysoft. You'll need to buy 2 of their products to get it to work. AnyDVD (the DVD decoder) and CloneDVD (the program that rips and burns). They both cost, if I remember, $30-$40, with free updates and apparently support HD discs (I've never tried it).
It's a super easy to use program and it's more than worth the price, IMHO. CloneDVD also rips to PSP, DS, and many other formats. I used it to put ST:DS9 episodes on my PSP to watch at the gym. The average time it takes to copy is ~20mins (up to an hour if you're using a DL-DVD) and that's while I'm usually MMOing, but then again, I have a nice rig. Usually it's ~15 to rip and ~5min to burn a copy. You can save your files to avoid future ~15min burns in the future.
I've never had a problem using this software. The only problem I've ever had was when I bought the El Cheapo DVD's: Dynex (BestBuy house brand). Yeah, an entire spindle for 50 that half wouldn't even work in the machine and the other half turned out to only work on the crappiest Wal-Mart DVD player, but nothing else.
CloneDVD also makes it pretty easy to remove language tracks, subtitles, special features, etc so you can increase compression quality (if you're compressing a DL-DVD to a normal DVD). I usually short for ~50% compression quality to get normal broadcast quality video. On rare occasions and on very dark images, you get noise and pixelation. But I'm very happy using it. I even watch it on my parents projection TV, and it still looks good. But, I'm not a quality nerd. I just want to watch the shows. I find it as good as watching regular DVD's and TV shows.
Man, I sound like an advertisement. I guess that's because after spending too much time and frustration trying to copy my DVD's over the years, and finally finding something that just 'worked', I was happy.
There's a 30-day free trial, so give it a shot. Like most things, I'm more than willing to buy it if it's a reasonable price. Probably why I stopped buying CD's and DVD's and just started using Blockbuster online to watch movies and buy only the music singles I like from online stores.
Cheers,
Fozzy
I pretty much agree with your assessment of the PSP as a video machine. The screen is beautiful (though I do get frustrated at my dead pixels from time to time). You can pickup a proprietary Sony memory card for pretty cheep these days.
I actually used my PSP as an MP3 and movie player more than a game player and it sounds like you're doing the same. The gym was my main use. I never saw Star Trek DS9 so I ripped the episodes to my PSP and watched an episode while at the gym. That's a good 45min workout.
I did buy "Ghostbusters" and I was given "Without a Paddle" UMD movies. The movies where nice. good quality, lacking in features that the normal DVD's had, but at least they had sub-titles. I wouldn't buy any more UMD's though. Far to expensive.
Anyway, the point is still, the PSP is still lacking in the gaming department, but it's a great mobile video machine. Oh, and I own a 2nd battery as I fly to France from Chicago from time to time (8 hour flight).
Cheers,
Fozzy
hehe, so many jokes. The remake could be just a series of tubes. Or Tron just sits in YouTube all day. Subtitles would be required when playing a game as all the opponents speak l33t. etc.
Seriously, it could actually be quite interesting as the Tron of the 80's is not the same Tron of today. There could be a good way to incorporate social, economic, and global problems of today into the story.
Cheers,
Fozzy
It's obvious you missed the memo, so I'll pass it along...
-----Original Message-----
From: Mario Bros.
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2007 2:17 PM
To: #Anyone_who_hasn't_figured_it_out_yet
Subject: FW: Memo: The Wii strategy
The Wii is designed to target casual and non-traditional audiences. We believe that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will do good a job in targeting the "hardcore" audience and therefor will segment that area of the market. While not rejecting or ignoring this market and allowing any 3rd party to develop games for it, we're going to focus on the untapped and potentially larger market of the casual gamer.
Our research shows that casual gaming is on the rise. Our marketing efforts will be directed towards this aspect. We will not refer to the Wii as a "hardcore" system. It shall be referred to as for "every" gamer.
All marketing efforts will be focus on pushing the Wii as a "casual gamer" friendly machine. Anyone who thinks the Wii is to compete as in a "hardcore" market or that we built it to please "hardcore" gamers are either living under a rock or a complete dumb ass.
Thank you,
Mario Bros.
VP of Marketing and Sales
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
I cannot RTFA at work, but I did find that statement odd. I typically label gamer generations as such. Atari (70's), NES (80's), Playstation 1/2 (90's-00's).
Based on that, I would 1) never use Xbox as a generation defining system, not that it wasn't important (like the Genesis and SNES) but that it just wasn't the biggest thing. And 2) The Xbox is far too 'young' of a system to be calling it's generation as moving into the family stage (released in 2001, no kid who grew up with an Xbox is getting married 6 years later).
Cheers,
Fozzy