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18 Mar 05
Unfortunately due to the lack of response to my request for stories I won't be updating today. Actually, that's not true. I just got hit hard by my seasonal allergies today. I feel rather like I have the hangover from a pan galactic gargle blaster without the pleasant lemon flavor.
I hope to feel more human soon. To keep you occupied this weekend (when not writing stories, of course), Voodoo Extreme is reporting that SWAT 4 is gold. They have demo's out at the Usual Suspects. Go whet your appetite. Don't forget, this is SWAT so overwhelming violence isn't always the best answer. If that doesn't float your boat, you could buy one of the new independent offerings out there and support a developer. Specifically, I'm thinking of Darwinia and Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich.
Jason
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17 Mar 05
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. The tiny bit of Irish in my blood did compel me to wear green today, but that's as far as it went. I'll probably break down and have some corned beef and cabbage this weekend.
I don't suppose I could beg anyone to write a story in the forum. It's been quiet since Unic's last campaign. I'd hate to go a whole quarter without a new story. I'd like to write one myself, but it on a list with another thousand things I'd like to do for the site. I'm sure someone out there is playing a game they're enjoying. Perhaps one of the contest winners?
Slashdot has again come through by pointing out this interesting High Definition (HD) editorial from Eurogamer. They make the interesting point that Microsoft's HD era isn't as close as claimed. I didn't know that Europe isn't even starting HD broadcast trials until next year. I guess I shouldn't complain about the lack of HD channels on my cable box.
Finally, Voodoo Extreme brings word that Titled Mill has released modding tools for Children of the Nile. That could be interesting. I'm probably missing something, but I can't think of another city building game with mod tools. Please correct me in the comments or the forum, they've been underused lately.
Jason
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16 Mar 05
Well, it looks like the US version of Silent Hunter III does have Starforce copy protection according to players from Subsim. That's too bad. I realize that most people have no problem with Starforce either as a practical matter or a philosophical one. I only had minor CD writing issues, but it was enough that I didn't want it on my system. I'm sure once again that the fanboys and boycotters will butt heads. I really hate to see what appears to be quality games lose sales over this, but the publisher must think they will make it up in gained revenue from thwarted pirates. Sigh.
Thanks to Slashdot for pointing out that issue one of Gamer's Quarter is out. Any ezine that starts out with an article proudly proclaiming not to be a review of Metal Gear Solid 3 has my interest. I have a lot of thoughts on the future of gaming journalism, but I'll try to work some coherence into them before foisting them on you. Also if you like the ezine, here's another article you might like. We're combining a new medium in gaming with a new medium in the web. We shouldn't be stuck with the same old thing.
Jason
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15 Mar 05
I wonder about the gaming industry at times. Logic doesn't seem to matter at all. EA is now claiming that they were the victim in their exclusive licensing deal with the NFL. The NFL came up with the idea, and EA was just defending itself from being squeezed out of the market. Ok. And no, I'm not in the market for any bridges.
Then we have Macrovision, an antipiracy company, claiming that their study showed that 21 percent of console gamers have pirated games. What? I think you'd have a hard time finding 21 percent of console gamers who even would have a clue on how to start looking for information on pirating a game. Their study was from a random selection of visitors to various game related web sites. I'm sure they randomly selected the web sites as well just randomly happening upon xboxmodworld.com and modchipcentral.com. Those are names I just made up. My apologies if any real sites have those names.
There are reports that the European version of Silent Hunter III ships with Starforce copy protection. I'll try to post if there's any definitive word on the US release.
Finally, I'd like to point out something obvious (if I couldn't point out obvious things, I'd have nothing to write about). Nintendo has confirmed backwards compatibility for the next generation. Sony has said they would have backwards compatibility (though they did hedge this statement a little). There are reports that Microsoft is working on backwards compatibility for the next generation. Microsoft can't afford to be the only one in the next generation without this feature (regardless of its relative importance). Therefore, the Xbox 2 will be backwards compatible in some form. Cheers.
Jason
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14 Mar 05
Today's the first anniversary of when I got the News section up and running. Overall I think it's added to the site. I'm still open to your opinions. I mostly like it because it makes searching for something on the site easier, but there are many cool features. Comments on stories and columns haven't been a big success, but I like having that option there.
I think it's taken for granted that now that we have a baby in the house, I don't have much free time. Recently, a lot of that free time has been spent upgrading the home theater. I say home theater, but what I have there now probably barely qualifies. What I had there before was a TV.
Obviously upgrading you HT on a tight budget is tough. I think I found a a good start though. AV123 has a Rocket Tyke 5.1 bundle. They give you four satellites, a center channel and a sub woofer. Then they throw in a Kenwood VRS-7100 receiver. It comes in at $499 before tax and shipping. Considering the receiver lists at that price (generally it can be found around $300 online), it's a pretty sweet deal. The speakers need some time to break in, but already I'm impressed. If anyone is interested, remind me in a few weeks, and I let you know how they're doing. Link for any interested parties Here.
In case you're wondering, running and routing cables still sucks. I think I've burned out my enthusiasm for upgrading for a few years. That will probably make my wife happy.
Since we already featured Dangerous Waters, this week's game is its prime competition. It's Silent Hunter III (official site) from Ubisoft Romania. Once again you command a German sub in World War II. It sports a shiny new game engine, a partially dynamic campaign, historic missions, and a mission editor. You get to command Type II, VII, IX and XXI subs with a persistent crew that gains skill with experience. Silent Hunter III is due to be released this month.
Jason
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