Think again - July 2, 2000 -
Andrew Kaufmann
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this column are those of
the participants and the moderator, and do not necessarily reflect those of the GIA. There
is coarse language and potentially offensive material afoot. Do you wear socks with sandals? Don't say we didn't warn you.
Props go to Jeremy for filling in last night. I could have done the column, but he offered to, so
I had a nice evening of having fun and songwriting.
| Will system wars ever end? |
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I disagree with you on your prediction of a dismal future for the
Sega@Dreamcast.
The author of the letter is right about Shen Mue, look at its graphics.
They're almost as good as FMV. When Sony's 3rd party developers get the hang
of the PS2 hardware, I really don't think we'll see that big of a difference
between a good PS2 game and Shen Mue.
As for Sega's 3rd party support, their 1st and 2nd party support is fine for
now. They have lots of killer apps to sell the system. 3rd parties can jump
on board any time, it's not like they can never develop for DC or anything
just because they're not doing it right now.
I don't think that the current situation of Dreamcast is indicitave of
what's to come. People assume that because they're the only 128-bit console
in town it should totally dominate the market. No way. Between the mass
market appeal of the PSX and N64 and the hype of Gods in boxes to come, it's
a wonder DC is selling as well as it is at the present. Check back in a year
or two when PSX and N64 have no more games, and PS2 has to stand on its own
without the benefit of anticipation blowing its capabilities out of
proportion.
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I actually agree with you (Jeremy, last night's substitute host, disagrees). While I think
that the PS2 has a lot going for it, a system's technical specifications don't necessarily
guarantee success. For example, Nintendo's Gameboy is light years behind as far technology
goes. Sega's Game Gear, a contemporary of the Gameboy, blew it out of the water. But we don't
hear much about the Game Gear anymore, do we?
Games make or break a system. And thus far, PS2's games are subpar considering the system's
incredible specs. I do think the PS2 will win the next round of system wars, because of
their impressive 3rd party lineup, but I don't think the Dreamcast will be blown away. The Dreamcast
has some nice games available right now, and some more on the way.
| A correction |
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Jeremy Steimel theorized that Eidos might be
brought on to EA in the event of a buyout as a
second-party developer. Er, correct me if I'm
wrong, but I got the impression that Eidos is
merely a publisher, not a game developer...
basically, that they don't produce anything aside
from hype, money, and crappy box art, all of which
EA has in abundance already. If that's the case,
I'm willing to bet that a buyout would spell doom
for Eidos as we know it. Not that I'd necessarily
mind, of course.
Matthew Schuele
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You are, as always, most correct, Mr. Schuele. Eidos does the publishing for dudes such
as Core, Kronos, and Ion Storm.
| A correction that's overridden |
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AK,
In regard to a letter yesterday:
The Dreamcast is NOT a 128 bit system! Dear gawd, I thought we all went over
this about a year ago. It's got two 64 bit processors, but you can't add
them together. It's a 64 bit system. Phew.
Oh, and AK, have you ever heard the band "Man...or Astroman?"? They're
great! A little funky, a little smooth, and a whole lotta kewl. (Especially
their rock remix of the MST3K theme...that just rules.)
-Aaron L.
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Well, I'm with Jeremy here... my understanding is that it has a Hitachi SH4, which is a
128-bit processor... but I could be wrong. Talk to Chris about it. Details, details!
Don't bother me with details!
Haven't heard of those funky cats. I need to start making a list of bands to check out...
my memory is faltering.
| Pity those Canadians |
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S'up Andy? Being the unfortunate Canadian that I am I just recently had the chance to play Vagrant Story. My question to you, supposing you have played the game, is: how long did it take you to finish it? I have heard that the game only takes six hours to beat, but I've also heard 20.
Secondly it seems to me that there must be some connection between playing RPG's and having a really good taste in music. Many of your letter wirters and yourself seem to enjoy the Smashing Pumpkins, possibly the best band in history. If you could bestow upon us your tomes of knowledge and tell me, what is your favourite Pumpkins album? Thanks!
-deathduck
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It's the standard length for an RPG... maybe
a bit short, but not much. It also has a high replay value, so you can chalk up an increase there. I'm
not a big fan of hour counts, because each person goes at a different pace... but it's more or less
your standard length.
My favorite Smashing Pumpkins album... oh my, that's a toughie. The conventional answer would be
Siamese Dream, because that's just an amazing album of solid rock and roll goodness, but Machina / The
Machines of God has spent more time in my CD player. I'm going to say Siamese Dream is my favorite,
but it's a close call. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is great too, with lots of really hard
rock tunes.
| Itchy feet |
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AK,
My feet itch. I think I have athlete's foot.
-Mikey B.
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I'm very sorry to hear that, Mikey. Now, there are several remedies for athlete's foot, the most
common of which being Tough Actin Tinactin. I've never had athlete's foot, so I can't vouch for
its effectiveness, but in their commercial a guy's foot is on fire, and Tinactin helps, so it must
be good. As always, if the problem persists, see your doctor. Doctors are your friend.
| Square, are you listening? |
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AK
I'm leaving today on a top secret mission. No communications are allowed,
so you'll have to live without me for almost two whole weeks! How can you
make it through the day without my words of wisdom?! I guess you'll just
have to suffer.
*begin patriotic music*
Where ever there's trouble, I'll be there. When ever a foreign country
threatens our freedom, I'll be there. And where ever there's a bunch of hot
chicks, I'll definitely be there! When you light your 4th of July
fireworks, remember that I'm out protecting the great US of A from
terrorists! Now, I'm off to fight for our country!
*end patriotic music*
-Agent X "peace out bro"
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My initial reaction to this letter was, "that's nice." I'm printing it anyway, though, for some reason.
Maybe because it really got my patriotic dander going. Either that, or I'm not in the mood to respond
to a letter that makes a point, because I'm a bit tired. You be the judge.
| Anti-aliasing info |
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Yo,
Just thought I'd let everyone who's interested in information on anti-aliasing know that there's a very informative and extensive article at IGN.com in their PS2 section.
SC
P.S. Those who want info on how to take advantage of the PS2's missile guidance capabilites will need to contact me on my secured line. (After depositing the dough in my off shore accounts)
-gab
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Thanks for the info. Oh yeah, expect an email from Sadaam Hussein, I hear he's into that kind
of stuff.
Closing Comments:
I think I've gone braindead. I'm going to give co-authorship props to Ed for tonight's column, because
I found myself constantly getting confused and having to ask him simple questions like, "is today Sunday?
Do I normally do the column on Sundays?" Ah well. Have a great week, everyone! And a great
4th of July!
-Andrew Kaufmann |
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