Double Agent
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?

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

AK,

My feet itch. I think I have athlete's foot.

-Mikey B.

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?

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"

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

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

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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