Welcome to the Home of Game Strategies and Stories
11 Nov 05
Happy Veteran's Day to everyone. There aren't too many holidays that actually celebrate me so I'm happy. Of course, I'm in one of the lowest classes of veterans. I didn't see combat or any hostile zone. All my TDY's were stateside. I didn't stay in for a career. I did serve my country and attain the rank of captain (in the Air Force). More importantly I got to work with some of the most professional, dedicated and patriotic people you'll find anywhere.
I should point out that the military is a good gaming environment. Obviously not in combat though I know some gaming has gone on in hot zones. There's a lot of down time and waiting in the military. Recently, the powers that be have taken a more generous view to gaming. Ships and subs have received donated game consoles. Various R&R areas have them too. When not deployed, it's easy to find a group of gamers around any base. Of course, we also have the military to thank for some flight sims, America's Army, Full Spectrum Warrior and Real War. I apologize for the last one. It was meant as a tool to encourage service members to study military doctrine. It was never a great game. Sorry it go foisted on the public.
Some of my friends actually designed a much better training tool while in the military. They were instructors (along with my wife) at the Aerospace Basic Course. The course taught new officers about the capabilities of the Air Force and how it fit in to the Joint Operations picture (among other things). These guys designed a Starcraft mod that helped students understand the implementation of the concepts. Not to mention it was a lot of fun. I should also point out the Blizzard was very helpful in their efforts.
So if you see any veterans, thank them for their service. You might also want to challenge them to a friendly game. Just don't be surprised if they choose to play as the good guys. They're used to it.
Jason
Read/Post Comments
10 Nov 05
This whole DRM (Digital Rights Management) issue is tearing up the internet chat rooms. Sony's getting both barrels. Both the one I mentioned yesterday for limiting distribution and the one with the rootkit install on their copy protected CDs. Here is the article that pretty much started the controversy about the latter. Perhaps it's sympathy for the devil, but after reading the article (and the follow up) I feel like Sony is getting burned for someone else's incompetence.
Yes, Sony is ultimately responsible for any software their product installs on a computer. However, since it doesn't sound like the company that sold the software to Sony (First 4 Internet) knows and understands the potential risks and problems (setting aside, for the moment, the ethics of the situation) associated with their method of copy protection. If they don't fully understand the Windows architecture driver problem, they couldn't have accurately represented themselves and their software to Sony. Now Sony gets to endure trial by fire for the problems First 4 Internet caused. I guess Sony learned that if it sounded too good to be true, it is. Of course, Sony might have known the truth all along, but usually big companies aren't brave enough to risk this type of backlash.
Speaking of copy protection, here is another site covering Starforce. It has an updated list of games. I should point out again, that I had problems with earlier versions of Starforce interfering with my (legitimate, of course) CD burning. I avoided SF for over a year. Then, to play Space Rangers 2, I tried again with the latest version. I've experienced no ill effects. I've since burned both CDs and DVD's. Clearly, they've solved some of their earlier problems. I'm not a fan, but I'm no longer boycotting.
Finally, if you've been holding off on upgrading to a DVD drive or burner, it's time to make the commitment. I've had multiple games the last couple months with 4-5 GB installs. I've been through this before with floppies and CDs. Critical mass has been reached. You can get a dual layer +/-R, +/-RW burner for well under $100. Don't get left behind. I've finally seen dual layer media on store shelves (still ridiculously overpriced). The market has matured. It's time for the hold outs to jump in.
Jason
Read/Post Comments
9 Nov 05
I should mention that an apology/postlogue has been put up on the Gone Gold site. Take it for what you will. Of course, I'm willing to forgive and move on. I've made enough mistakes that I need to be pretty forgiving.
There have been rumors that Sony has patented a new DRM that will kill the used/rental games industry. It makes no sense for general implementation. My guess it's for review copies and preview materials they don't want spread around. I do my share of rampant speculation, but some of this is ridiculous.
Some people have been shocked that Chris Sawyer has made over $30 million from Rollercoaster Tycoon. He's suing for another $5 million. I don't know why this confuses people. He did most of the work on the games (until 3) himself. It's something like a $600 million franchise. The original game had three people listed on the development team (it took four to write the manual). The suit itself could have interesting implications for the industry.
I've mentioned before how the Air Force can spend so much money on things like wrenches. I have to say I'm a little disappointed in their recruiting. They're running a 'win an Xbox 360' contest Here. That's not such a bad idea. You get some names with interest in technology. The prize package isn't bad, premium console, extra controller and five games. So how many are they giving away? One. What? Yes, one. I'm proud of my service, but that's just weak. I've seen the Air Force budget (and the waste). What happened to excellence in all we do? I guess we're an Air Force of One (Xbox 360). Weak. I expected better.
Jason
Read/Post Comments
8 Nov 05
I apologize for any incoherence today. David had his first rough night in a while last night. Then he napped at times when I couldn't rest. So I'm down on sleep.
I'm working on two software and one hardware reviews for you. Assuming I get some gaming time in to finish them, most of them should be up shortly.
I also have some impressions/thoughts on games I'd like to share with you regardless of whether they get a more formal review later. Off we go:
SWAT 4 -- If you recall my mini review/impressions, you'll remember that I said if you don't mind the non lethal mind set of police work, SWAT 4 is one of the best tactical shooters around. That's still true. I wanted to add that I finally got my Dad to play. Big deal you say? Well, he's a deputy sheriff among other things and is on an emergency response team. He pretty much only plays tactical shooters. SWAT 3 was his previous favorite. His verdict? SWAT 4 is superior in nearly every way. If the genre interests you at all, grab yourself a copy or put it on your holiday list.
Burnout Revenge -- I played this on the Xbox. There's still something cathartic about driving near crazy out of control and causing accidents in a game. I would agree with reviews that it's generally easier than Burnout 3, it's just as fun. Overall it's hard to say it's better. It has some improvements, but also some new negatives. I'd say the user interface has taken a step backwards. At times it is more fun, but it's also harder to get into to play exactly what you want. This one probably shouldn't become a yearly series. If they take their time on the next one and make it a true next generation title, it'll be a day one purchase again. If they make just this level of changes again in the next iteration, it'll be an easy pass.
Shadow of the Colossus -- I admit I'm not very far into this one, but I can safely say it's something every gamer should experience. I'm not saying you have to buy it or finish it or necessarily even play it, but you should at least watch someone playing it. It's so different from anything else out there. The descriptions in reviews are intriguing, but they don't capture the feel of the game. If you spend time with it, Shadow will change some of your notions about gaming. Make sure you check it out somehow.
After all that, I think we should end with a light game of the week. It's the tactical action game Dynasty Warriors Advance (official site) from KOEI. Yes, the mindless hack and slash gets a little less mindless when ported down to the handheld Gameboy Advance. You choose from 13 warriors and 200 weapons add in some lite mission planning and plenty of special moves to carve your way to victory on over 180 maps. Dynasty Warriors Advance is available now.
Jason
Read/Post Comments
7 Nov 05
I'm a notorious game hoarder. I like to hold on to my games. Even with a big backlog and little time, I'm not good at culling the herd. There are some games I keep for sentimental reasons. Some I keep for replay value. A lot are just in the category that I'd like to finish someday, or give it a little more time.
Of course, a good strategy or tactical game can keep you occupied for weeks or even months. Strategy RPG's can last even longer if you are in a completist mood. Then there are the open ended games that never run out of gameplay. Sadly, I have to admit that there are games that I'm just not going to get back to.
It doesn't look like there's going to be a budget this year for another contest. I'll try to hit up some publisher for some games to give away, but it's a busy time for them too. I'm not holding my breath. Perhaps we could try something different.
I know some people frown on used games, but most of us just like a good game. Here's a link to my collection up at IGN. I'm sorry if IGN offends some people, but they were one of the first to offer such a feature. I've tried to keep it updated ever since. I don't think there are errors, but one or two might have crept in over the years.
Here's the idea. Look over my collection. Pick your top five games you'd like to see given away in a contest here. List them in order in an email to contests@talkstrategy.com by the Xbox 360 launch date, November 22. First we'll see if there's enough interest to hold a contest. If there is, we'll see which games are the top vote getters. From that I'll make a prize list and we'll hold another story contest.
I should note that there are some games I just can't give up. There are some games I haven't played at all due to time constraints. Those won't be put up as prizes. I'm not going to tell you which ones they are since guessing will add a layer of strategy to your submissions. Please only send in one list of five per person. Please include your first and last name with your list. We'll see what happens.
Jason
Read/Post Comments
© Talk Strategy 2005