Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

If I recall it right, MM would be using the next few games to develop and test systems to be used in SpaceEmpires V.

[ June 14, 2003, 18:28: Message edited by: General Talashar ]

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

Just a note that whatever happens and whatever good will the consoles be, do not forget that PC has advantages when talking about serious fps or strategy games. Strategy games is what realy keeps the PC on. Ok, so imagine the SEIV goes for consoles. Now what? How exactly would you add your own "Traushignty Imperium" racestyle to the game? Or how would you mod it to your heart's content? or even just make the AI a little smarter?

The PC has the power of customization. Nothing would ever beat it. plus, i think that the PC proccessing unit allows for more artifical intilligence capabilites for the games than consoles could ever reach. Ok, so you played a game, finished it, whats now? The AI in those consoles is dumb thing that does as it was programmed, nothing else.

To finish the post i'll give another example, Quake series. It would never have such a large community simply because you couldnt record demos, create models/skins. And no bots. Nothing.

Console is like a headache. It comes, it passes, and you forget it.

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Taera Hive Imperium:

The PC has the power of customization.
Console is like a headache. It comes, it passes, and you forget it.<hr></blockquote>

... That would change in about 10 years estimate. Since more and more Consoles are looking for more power, they are turning to people who manufacture PC hardware for their stuff instead of going it alone or getting second rate wares. With this, more and more similarities are sufacing from consoles that relates to PCs. Pretty soon, we are going to have Consoles that can acess the net at broadband speeds and PCs that already have emulators installed in the system.

Side Note: Xbox doesnt count since its just "Windows in a box"

and sadly, it comes, it passes, then another one makes to the stores causing a double headache with all the hype that will be completley defunct in 2 years, tops.

Ah, the sad life of consoles.

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

Another sign of the way the PC game industry is going is what happened to Sir-Tech, the makers of the Wizardry series of RPGs. I had played the early Wizardry games on my old Apple II+, then lost track of the series. When I heard that Wizardry 8(!) was coming out, I knew I had to get a copy. Well, they couldn't find a publisher (having sold off their own publishing arm years ago), that would take a risk on the non-mainstream game (at least at a price that would allow Sir-Tech to stay afloat).

Finally, they worked out a self-publishing arrangement with EB and got the game out, but they are finished as a company. It is another sad story of one of the industry's early innovators going under because they stayed true to the game format that they wanted to produce.

As an aside, if you like the classic RPGs (such as the Wizardry and Might & Magic series), pick up Wizardry 8. It is true to the stat heavy, non-linear, hack/slash/incinerate RPG style, with a decent story line and very good (not great, but very good) graphics. If you like this style of game (as I do), the game play is great and you will be lost in it for many, many hours.

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Hadrian Aventine:
Next month I'm posting an interview with MM (I just now got around to it...) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

MM said the next game might be using RTG style graphics.

EDIT-

If I recall it right, MM would be using the next few games to develop and test systems to be used in SpaceEmpires V.
I haven't looked at the interview for a while, so let me get back to you on that next month when I prep the the interview for posting.

[ 23 February 2002: Message edited by: Hadrian Aventine ]<hr></blockquote>


You are going to post it here? or a link to it? I will be interested in seeing what is comming with SEV this is one of the best games I have (I have A Lot too)The support that MM and Arron (and Forum) make this one game that I recamend to anyone playing

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

I myself got an X-box recently, and I think its really fun. As far as I understand it, X-box is not Windows in a box, the hardware is customized from the standard stuff. (It is close I bet, but its not like you can pry the MB from the X-box and use it in a PC)
the only games I have so far are Halo and a football game. I admit the lack of a keyboard mouse combo made adapting to Halo tough. But I got used to it and its really awesome.
Consoles are better suited for some types of games, you have to admit. A console is easier for multiplayer games (2 or more player games for the PC, on one PC that is, are so very rare anymore).
Any graphics on my PC are pretty much blown away by the X-box. Graphics aren't the only thing, but it is a major part. I mean, pong was revolutionary, but its really ugly now. I am sure PC's will remain a market for games.
One note though... I remember some of the dumbest stupid idiotic games were made for the PC. Like swamp mud racing (hey its the official game of the louisiana mud racing association and all...). How can these ideas get off the ground? Maybe they shouldn't have blown their money on crappy games like that.
I intend to buy both X-box and computer games. Dark age of camelot looks really good, even if its subscription based. Serious Sam is for you all shootemup types, or Unreal Turny 2 is coming out (before the Unreal Championship comes out for console, which is just UT 1.5 or something) Neverwinternights is another game I want, but its not ever going to come out! Ugh

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

"Dark age of camelot looks really good,"

It's not.

Phoenix-D

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

The same reason why I don't buy an X-Box is the same reason why I don't by Grade X Food at the store. If I recall right, under certain conditions, X-Box has the blue-screen of death. hmmm... I wonder if they'll ever fix it...

[ June 14, 2003, 18:27: Message edited by: General Talashar ]

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

Let's see, hmm, the only two games that I've bought in the Last 18 months are: Space Empires IV and Space Empires IV: Gold. The only other game I still play besides SEIV is NHL 2000, you know just because I'm a hockey crazed Canadian. Honestly I couldn't care less for most of the games they put out today. The Last console I bought was Super Nintendo about ten years ago, I figure they're a waste of time and money since they always change and the games feel so much more limited than on a PC.

Re: Off Topic: A Sad Note About PC Games
 

My opinion only, over the years, what I've seen in regards to PC's is that companies hurried production on their games without proper testing. When they came out they usually had so many bugs, that a lot of players eventually just didn't trust them any more and became more selective in what they purchased. This in turn hurt the companies in their pockets. Granted, game companies have to get them out fast in order to obtain $$ but this hurt them in the long run. In addition, there currently is a larger market for the X-box, Nintindos, Play Stations, etc, then there is for PC games. Younger players buy them like crazy. The PC games are usually found among older type players and the PC has now become used for the internet, games are secondary in relation to the internet Users. Thus, the game market is directed where the money is, toward the younger generations, thus the x-boxs etc, have become more popular and thus generates more money. Most PC only companies are hard pressed to compete in this type of market. (my opinion only)

just some ideas mac