I think the main thing is getting rid of the clutter entirely rather than reorganizing, which in some cases is just plain lazy. If the range were better, it would make a little more sense, although if a 10-meter range still facilitates an adequate signal, it's definitely nice for things that get moved around a lot or are on the opposite side of a room. But for the most part i do agree with you; if you don't have to move it, and you don't have to string it across the floor/desk/whatever, why not just use a wire?
The other major bonus of a wire that you didn't touch on is the reliability factor. You did mention wireless traffic being a problem, but what about signals being physically blocked? I have a wireless router on top of my desk's hutch, and a second computer in the opposite corner of the room with a wireless PCI card in it. The only objects between them are a magazine file and a paper tray next to the router, and i can't get a decent signal to save my life. I finally just ran a 30-foot network cable along three walls to a device that's 8 feet away. (Of course, i think my problem there may be the device itself, since the PCMCIA card in my laptop gets a good signal two rooms away, or even outside the house; both cards are from the same manufacturer, though, and there isn't much difference between them besides the interface method.)
I have two mobile phones, and don't use the web at all on either one. Well, i would on one of them except that i can't seem to get an account working with the incompetent provider, but that's beside the point; it isn't an important feature to me. Yet, i do use Flickr and Google Maps (and/or similar apps) quite frequently from my desktop. Personally, i think catering to mobile phones is a step backward for the Internet. Phone manufacturers and programmers should be the ones doing the catch-up work and adding capabilities to the equipment and software, not expecting the Internet to downgrade itself.
I think the "Troll" label can be removed from this comment. It's a perfectly valid argument against what i agree is a dumb comment in the original post. Maybe it wasn't worded too politely, but since when has Slashdot had a reputation for people being nice to each other?;-)
Unless there is some other meaning for "gapless" that i'm not understanding, i have to say that i've never noticed any artefacts using PC software. Winamp and XMMS have both always played lists seamlessly for me (and i've been using Winamp since the 1.xx days, although i can't recall for sure what gaps were like way back then). I believe it was version 3 (or was it even earlier?) that introduced crossfading--a "negative gap" if you will. I don't see how there's a problem inherrent in the algorithm if it's so often and apparently easily worked around.
If i'm confusing my defenition of "gapless" for something else, please clue me in, someone. Forgive me if i'm stubbornly OT about this; i've just never heard of it before, and i'd like to be clear on it.
How does MP3 not handle gapless playback by design? I thought that was up to the software. I've seen many things that will play MP3s with no gaps (mostly PC software), whereas my car stereo doesn't handle it. But i have seen head units that do support gapless playback.
Please note that i'm not arguing, just looking for clarification.
I've always been a bigger fan of games heavier on storylines, and i agree that a weak story is often worse than no story. I also agree that over-reliance on cutscenes can ruin an otherwise good game, but nearly all story-based games need to utilize cutscenes or something like them to a certain degree. If not an actual video scene, then larger amounts of text than most games (RPG style). For example, the Fallout games are examples of very good storytelling without long video sequences, but the game itself contained lots of textual dialogue. On the same token, many FMV games, which by definition are heavily cutscene oriented, have used cutscenes very well to create an interesting (but admittedly not seamless) experience. And, then again, there have been games that try to add stories that relied totally on cutscenes, mainly FPS games (Quake 2 comes to mind), and failed miserably.
In most cases, though, i think it's very difficult (though certainly not impossible) to tell a story without words.
The thing that bugs me is the different ways to take "casual." They're defining a "casual game" as one with "simple controls" that doesn't require a long-term commitment. But there are so many different ways to interpret that. And what's simple to one gamer might not be so easy for another. I think what they're really getting at is "entry-level gaming," meaning a game that a non-gamer can pick up and play with minimal instruction and/or a knowledge of whatever pre-existing game or skill it might be based on (i.e. solitaire, sudoku, etc.). When someone says "casual," i think of something you might be able to play at the office. But that could be taken different ways as well. Some people may only be able to get away with card games or perhaps Tetris. I have a friend who works in a call center where they regularly play whatever they want on the third shift (including WoW and numerous RPGs). And i'm sure we can recall when the original Quake was at its height and took up residence in cubicles as often as solitaire.
Anyway, basically, i agree with you: it's just a buzzword used in the industry, not a clearly defined market.
I'd heard it wasn't that great, but never any specifics. That's a pretty discouraging description. I loved Diablo as much as the next guy, but i can't imagine it being much fun if it were even more mindless.;-)
Good calls. I hadn't even thought of the FMVs and other adventure games. Myst and even moreso Riven should be up there as well. Sanitarium comes to mind as well (it's been a long time, but i seem to remember it being pretty well-done visually.
I forgot about FF4 for GBA...still haven't picked up a copy of that. I had not heard that 5/6 were in the works. Do you have a source handy for that info? My source on the development for 3 was the upcoming games list in the June issue of Nintendo Power, and that list doesn't say anything about 5/6....It does have some other intriguing titles listed, though, such as two different Dragon Quest-related games and "Children Of Mana," as well as FF Crystal Chronicles, which i never got around to playing for GCN. I'm glad i have a DS.:-)
My sentiments exactly. Fallout was one of those games that instills a complete experience in the player. Most of it is due to the story and other RPG-like elements that many RPGs share, but a lot of it comes from the general atmosphere, which is almost entirely created by the visual environments. A true classic, to say the least.
Yeah, it was supposed to be the "Top 5," indicating to me that they mean the "best" ones. And no one's going to ever agree on more than one or two things from anyone else's top 5 list. (That said, i definitely have to give you credit for listing Fallout...i hadn't thought of it, but it's definitely worthy.)
I see. So instead of building existing hardware into the new console, they're giving the new console the "capability" to emulate its predecessor. Nice. As powerful as the 360 supposedly is, they probably still have to push it to its limit for that. Besides which, the fact that it's an emulation makes it pretty obvious why it doesn't work with every game. That should do well...way to go, MS.
Ah, like i said, i'm not familiar with the PSX version, so i didn't know if it included any visual upgrades or not. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of what you're describing in a DS version, though; the release of the first two games for GBA was a pretty good step up graphically speaking, and there is a DS version of FF3 in development, so who knows? You may have your wish if they decide to keep going. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll at least do the fourth game as well.
Lunar: The Silver Star is probably my favorite RPG of all time. I think i even like the original Sega CD version better than the PSX version. But as for there not being any more, it is still possible. In Vic Ireleand's last post on the Working Designs website, he mentions that he and other members of the staff would be working for other publishers, and who's to say they won't bring some already hatched ideas to the table? I assume that Lunar: Dragon Song for the NDS is something along those lines, since it comes "from the original creators" and is published by Ubisoft. It's not at the same level as TSS or Eternal Blue, but a very good game nonetheless. If you have a DS i'd call it a must-own.
I thought 6 was one of the ones released for PSX? On FF Anthology. I haven't played it though, so i don't know if it fits the criteria you're suggesting.
I have never seen this in the time (what, 5 years?) i've been running XP. Ever. I've had my copy installed on 4 or 5 different machines (multiple installations on each, of course...the only solution for some problems), and if i've activated too many times, the activation program just tells me so, and that i have to call customer service. I do, they reactivate my serial number, and it's good for another 4 or 5 installations or so. Not that big of a hassle, even if it is a bit annoying.
But i have never once seen Windows react that way to changes in hardware. I can take the Windows hard drive out of my machine and put it in a 100% different machine and it won't make me reactivate. I have done this more than once.
Mind, not that i don't believe you...it seems perfectly typical of Microsoft to implement such a thing. Just that i've never seen it before, and judging from your description of the circumstances, i'd think i damn well should have by now.
...of the backward compatibility issues (i don't keep up on XBox news). Why is it so complicated, anyway? I mean, does anyone know of any PSX games that don't run on PS2, for example?
Also, try used book stores if you'd rather have an actual book. Or the library. You're likely to be limited to older editions, but i've seen D&D books being sold for $3 or less. In fact, the one D&D book i own (i'm not a player, but i've always been interested...just never took the time) is the main "Player's Handbook," and i paid something like 50 cents at a local thrift store.
I see a number of people saying they've had broadband since 1998-99. In 2000, i had AT&T@home, and i was paying $40/mo for 512KB (yes, kiloBYTE, up and downstream; up was changed to 256KB after a while). That was in Peoria, IL; when i moved back to WI a year later, i couldn't even get broadband at all until late 2001/early '02 through Charter. The service i had at that time was 512Kb (kiloBIT) for the same fucking price. I was furious, but it was the only option. Now it's 3Mb for $55, and they offer 5Mb for $60 (which i refuse to upgrade to since i know it won't actually improve my service anyway...i'm lucky to get 1.5MB on the 3Mb plan).
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The other major bonus of a wire that you didn't touch on is the reliability factor. You did mention wireless traffic being a problem, but what about signals being physically blocked? I have a wireless router on top of my desk's hutch, and a second computer in the opposite corner of the room with a wireless PCI card in it. The only objects between them are a magazine file and a paper tray next to the router, and i can't get a decent signal to save my life. I finally just ran a 30-foot network cable along three walls to a device that's 8 feet away. (Of course, i think my problem there may be the device itself, since the PCMCIA card in my laptop gets a good signal two rooms away, or even outside the house; both cards are from the same manufacturer, though, and there isn't much difference between them besides the interface method.)
I have two mobile phones, and don't use the web at all on either one. Well, i would on one of them except that i can't seem to get an account working with the incompetent provider, but that's beside the point; it isn't an important feature to me. Yet, i do use Flickr and Google Maps (and/or similar apps) quite frequently from my desktop. Personally, i think catering to mobile phones is a step backward for the Internet. Phone manufacturers and programmers should be the ones doing the catch-up work and adding capabilities to the equipment and software, not expecting the Internet to downgrade itself. I think the "Troll" label can be removed from this comment. It's a perfectly valid argument against what i agree is a dumb comment in the original post. Maybe it wasn't worded too politely, but since when has Slashdot had a reputation for people being nice to each other? ;-)
Unless there is some other meaning for "gapless" that i'm not understanding, i have to say that i've never noticed any artefacts using PC software. Winamp and XMMS have both always played lists seamlessly for me (and i've been using Winamp since the 1.xx days, although i can't recall for sure what gaps were like way back then). I believe it was version 3 (or was it even earlier?) that introduced crossfading--a "negative gap" if you will. I don't see how there's a problem inherrent in the algorithm if it's so often and apparently easily worked around. If i'm confusing my defenition of "gapless" for something else, please clue me in, someone. Forgive me if i'm stubbornly OT about this; i've just never heard of it before, and i'd like to be clear on it.
How does MP3 not handle gapless playback by design? I thought that was up to the software. I've seen many things that will play MP3s with no gaps (mostly PC software), whereas my car stereo doesn't handle it. But i have seen head units that do support gapless playback.
Please note that i'm not arguing, just looking for clarification.
Also, i thought that Replaygain uses ID3v2?
In most cases, though, i think it's very difficult (though certainly not impossible) to tell a story without words.
Anyway, basically, i agree with you: it's just a buzzword used in the industry, not a clearly defined market.
Huh...that does kinda sound like crap. I'll steer clear of it; thanks.
I'd heard it wasn't that great, but never any specifics. That's a pretty discouraging description. I loved Diablo as much as the next guy, but i can't imagine it being much fun if it were even more mindless. ;-)
Good calls. I hadn't even thought of the FMVs and other adventure games. Myst and even moreso Riven should be up there as well. Sanitarium comes to mind as well (it's been a long time, but i seem to remember it being pretty well-done visually.
I forgot about FF4 for GBA...still haven't picked up a copy of that. I had not heard that 5/6 were in the works. Do you have a source handy for that info? My source on the development for 3 was the upcoming games list in the June issue of Nintendo Power, and that list doesn't say anything about 5/6. ...It does have some other intriguing titles listed, though, such as two different Dragon Quest-related games and "Children Of Mana," as well as FF Crystal Chronicles, which i never got around to playing for GCN. I'm glad i have a DS. :-)
Ha...you saw screenshots? :-P
My sentiments exactly. Fallout was one of those games that instills a complete experience in the player. Most of it is due to the story and other RPG-like elements that many RPGs share, but a lot of it comes from the general atmosphere, which is almost entirely created by the visual environments. A true classic, to say the least.
Yeah, it was supposed to be the "Top 5," indicating to me that they mean the "best" ones. And no one's going to ever agree on more than one or two things from anyone else's top 5 list. (That said, i definitely have to give you credit for listing Fallout...i hadn't thought of it, but it's definitely worthy.)
I see. So instead of building existing hardware into the new console, they're giving the new console the "capability" to emulate its predecessor. Nice. As powerful as the 360 supposedly is, they probably still have to push it to its limit for that. Besides which, the fact that it's an emulation makes it pretty obvious why it doesn't work with every game. That should do well...way to go, MS.
Ah, like i said, i'm not familiar with the PSX version, so i didn't know if it included any visual upgrades or not. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of what you're describing in a DS version, though; the release of the first two games for GBA was a pretty good step up graphically speaking, and there is a DS version of FF3 in development, so who knows? You may have your wish if they decide to keep going. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll at least do the fourth game as well.
Lunar: The Silver Star is probably my favorite RPG of all time. I think i even like the original Sega CD version better than the PSX version. But as for there not being any more, it is still possible. In Vic Ireleand's last post on the Working Designs website, he mentions that he and other members of the staff would be working for other publishers, and who's to say they won't bring some already hatched ideas to the table? I assume that Lunar: Dragon Song for the NDS is something along those lines, since it comes "from the original creators" and is published by Ubisoft. It's not at the same level as TSS or Eternal Blue, but a very good game nonetheless. If you have a DS i'd call it a must-own.
I thought 6 was one of the ones released for PSX? On FF Anthology. I haven't played it though, so i don't know if it fits the criteria you're suggesting.
I have never seen this in the time (what, 5 years?) i've been running XP. Ever. I've had my copy installed on 4 or 5 different machines (multiple installations on each, of course...the only solution for some problems), and if i've activated too many times, the activation program just tells me so, and that i have to call customer service. I do, they reactivate my serial number, and it's good for another 4 or 5 installations or so. Not that big of a hassle, even if it is a bit annoying. But i have never once seen Windows react that way to changes in hardware. I can take the Windows hard drive out of my machine and put it in a 100% different machine and it won't make me reactivate. I have done this more than once. Mind, not that i don't believe you...it seems perfectly typical of Microsoft to implement such a thing. Just that i've never seen it before, and judging from your description of the circumstances, i'd think i damn well should have by now.
Yeah, someone else mentioned Symphony of the Night earlier. I have to agree, at least one Castlevania game should have been on that list.
I've always thought Popful Mail for Sega CD was really beautiful for its time. Another platformer that stands out to me as unique was Wild 9 for PSX.
...of the backward compatibility issues (i don't keep up on XBox news). Why is it so complicated, anyway? I mean, does anyone know of any PSX games that don't run on PS2, for example?
Also, try used book stores if you'd rather have an actual book. Or the library. You're likely to be limited to older editions, but i've seen D&D books being sold for $3 or less. In fact, the one D&D book i own (i'm not a player, but i've always been interested...just never took the time) is the main "Player's Handbook," and i paid something like 50 cents at a local thrift store.
I see a number of people saying they've had broadband since 1998-99. In 2000, i had AT&T@home, and i was paying $40/mo for 512KB (yes, kiloBYTE, up and downstream; up was changed to 256KB after a while). That was in Peoria, IL; when i moved back to WI a year later, i couldn't even get broadband at all until late 2001/early '02 through Charter. The service i had at that time was 512Kb (kiloBIT) for the same fucking price. I was furious, but it was the only option. Now it's 3Mb for $55, and they offer 5Mb for $60 (which i refuse to upgrade to since i know it won't actually improve my service anyway...i'm lucky to get 1.5MB on the 3Mb plan).