Welcome to the Home of Game Strategies and Stories
10 Dec 04
Our newest member, unic, has jumped right in and started putting up a rather comprehensive after action report from a Massive Assault game in the story section of the forum. You'll have to forgive me, but I still get a childlike glee whenever someone puts up a new interesting story. I like to think my ramblings here on the front page add something to the gaming dialogue. I think there's some good stuff in the news section of the site. But really I'd be quite satisfied if people just stopped occasionally and checked out the stories in the forum.
Of course, that implies that people are constantly adding new stories. When I get my life back, perhaps Eric and I can write up his crushing defeat of me in Warhammer 40k. I'd also like to see some people commenting on the stories and the strategies people use. I try not to be too critical myself since I don't want to scare anyone away, but that shouldn't be a limit on you. If you see a strategy being used that is fatally flawed, don't be afraid to comment on it. You can either use the story thread or if you feel it's more appropriate, start a new thread for comments.
I know some people don't like writing long posts since they don't like writing without their spell checker. Here are some tools I use. When I use Internet Explorer, I use IEspell. With Firefox or Mozilla, I use Spellbound. They both allow you to spell check a text entry field such as a forum text box. That's one less excuse you have for not posting. Thanks to everyone who has contributed. Remember if you need web hosting for your story's screenshots, drop me a line.
Jason
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9 Dec 04
Interesting thing last night. I had a user who couldn't receive emails from the site. Since you get your password via email, that represents a problem. It turns out that my hosting provider's outgoing email server has been put on a spam blacklist. I did check a database of spam blockers. Fortunately, my mail server is only blocked by one of them. Anyway, if you can't get email from me, drop me a line (mail to me isn't blocked). I'll find an account to get a response back to you. Maybe someone should send me a gmail invite so I can set up an account for these kinds of problems.
There were a couple of interesting links on Slashdot today. The first, Here, points out that each major online gaming success puts pressure on ISP's to improve their gaming support. Lag, port blocking, latency and even speed caps are affected by games such as Halo 2. When customers start demanding more from their ISP, they either adapt or get replaced. Hopefully, this will mean a little more upload on most connections soon. I guess this means that gamers are vocal customers. Who would have guessed?
The second article, Here, deals with the EA/Sega sports battle. Apparently, Sega is looking to go back to premium pricing for the next generation of consoles. In a way that makes sense. A new console (or console generation) demands a whole new game engine to take advantage of the power of the new system. That can certainly justify the increased cost. If they stick to that, only premium pricing for a whole new game engine, I think they could get some support. I'm not so sure about the rest of their argument that early adopters aren't as cost conscious. Perhaps to a certain extent, but I don't think that means that your game is automatically included in that category. The early adopter still has to really want your game to ignore inflated prices.
Jason
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8 Dec 04
Well, I've finished a small project I've been working on forever. I've added all the links in the mentioned on pages to the weblinks archive in the news section. It give you another option if you're looking for a game. There's also an interesting random feature. If you go to web links, there's a "random" link near the top. Hit that and it will take you to a random page in the archive. Kind of fun if you're bored and feel you need a "game of the day."
Of course, to update all that I was wading through the archives myself. Actually it's pretty amazing the wide spectrum of stuff I've covered thus far. Even with the baby gap, it's been a pretty good first year for the site. If you're new to the place or just missed some updates, check out the archives or use the search function. I suppose someone should go through and list the foolish or incorrect things I've said, but since I'm not going to do it, it'll have to be one of you. Don't all volunteer at once.
While you're looking through the archives, don't forget to check out the forum. There may not be as much content as bigger sites, but there are some great stories. If you read them all, I'll bet you feel a pang to buy or play one of the games. Insidious isn't it.
For those keeping score at home, David is now over five pounds. He's growing fast and getting stronger everyday. Once again thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers.
Jason
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7 Dec 04
Did you catch tonight's O'Reilly Factor? They spotlighted the JFK Assassination simulator. It's sad that once again the gaming community is painted as bloodthirsty because of the actions of a few sensationalists. It's not like gamers are rushing out to buy a $10 game to relive an event most wish had never happened. Heck most gamers wouldn't even download that as a free mod.
Once again, I'd like to thank the Penny Arcade guys for trying to combat this. The Child's Play Charity is still collecting money. Let's make this year worthy enough of some positive news stories. The community surely needs it.
Jason
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6 Dec 04
I mentioned that my gaming time is limited and divided into short chunks. That means I haven't been playing much in the deep strategy genre. I've been trying to get a little tactical time in. Mostly I've been playing a little Hidden and Dangerous 2, but it's already been a highlighted game. Also I've been exploring all the mods for Unreal Tournament 2004 (official site) from Epic Games. Since there are so many ways to play UT 2004, I'm going to make it the game of the week.
Epic has done an amazing job with supporting their fanbase and it's paid off. With mods and mutators, you can literally play UT any way you want. I'm not going to go into everything out there under the sun, but to put it shortly, you can play a simple deathmatch, a sporting event, a vehicular ground engagement, aerospace engagements, or tactically based team games. There are even some RTS mods out there. You could probably put a solid year of gaming in just on UT 2004. That's pretty good bang for the buck. Unreal Tournament 2004 is available now in regular and editors choice editions.
I'll probably write more tomorrow when I'm awake.
Jason
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3 Dec 04
Hello, it's the holiday shopping season. Since in January we'll celebrate our first year anniversary, it'd be nice to have some money in the coffers to have a nice contest. To do that, I'd appreciate it if you'd consider using the shopping links provided here. As usual, I'm not asking anyone to start shopping some place they're not comfortable with, but many of us have used EB and Amazon, etc. So if you're doing any seasonal shopping, consider using the links. I'm not sure if anyone outside North America can use the links. It's possible that Amazon might work, but I'd need someone to confirm that.
Just a reminder that using the shopping links only works for the session right after you click. So if you use the link, but don't buy anything and come back the next day, Talk Strategy won't get credit. Just remember whenever you're ready to purchase, that's when you use the links.
So what's the point? Well we've had two contests here and given out six games. With only sixty or so members that's a pretty impressive ratio. I'd like to have a couple of choice games for the anniversary at the end of January, but I can't count on publishers to come through so I'd like to have a little in the coffers. It doesn't cost you anything but a few extra seconds of time. Thanks for the support.
Just to point out, I don't take any donations here. If you really feel you must contribute something, but can't use the links, I'd suggest writing something for the site. However if you have your heart set on giving money away, may I suggest Child's Play charity. It is run by the Penny Arcade guys and sends games and gaming systems (oh and some regular toys too) to children's hospitals around the United States. You can choose the hospital and the gift you want to give. It doesn't hurt that it also puts a positive face on gamers, a community usually painted as depicted as rabid psychopaths in the media. Anyway, I'd personally recommend supporting the Houston Children's Hospital. While my son didn't have to go there, I did get to meet some people who work there. They are really wonderful people who work with heartbreaking stories each day.
I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season.
Jason
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