Something smells
This is the biggest pile of bullshit I've ever seen.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Books
I read 30 books last year. Actually, I read 28 different books, but re-read two of them.
My top five, in no particular order:
1. The Golden Age. This trilogy by John C. Wright was some of the best sci-fi I've read in years. If you like your futures gritty, with stark depictions of human depravity and social injustice... then these books are not for you. One of the most brightly imagined tales to come along in a while.
2. Generation Kill. Evan Wright's book about the assault by Recon Marines into Iraq is the best embed account of the war to emerge so far. The book will whip you between moments of hilarity and utter terror in this grunt's-eye-view of battle.
3. The Life of Pi. Beautifully written story about a boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Not only does Yann Martel's tall tale actually come off as believable, but it actually turned out to be highly disturbing, despite the light tone sustained through most of the book.
4. Carlucci. Really three separate stories now wrapped into one volume, this book by Richard Paul Russo follows the travails of cop in a grim, near-future San Francisco that is teeming with any sort of deviant behavior you can imagine, and many that you can't. Russo is every bit the stark stylist that William Gibson is, and the stories left me aching.
5. Hmm. I'm not sure what to put in at number five. The first four were so clearly a cut above the rest, but I'm not sure that any others on my list make that high grade. I have a bunch of sort of second-tier books that weren't quite in the same league as this bunch, but I hesitate to pick just one. If forced, I guess I'd pick The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene. It's a great primer on the current state of string theory, of which Greene is a major proponent. The book is amazingly readable for the layman, and I actually found it clearer and more informative than Stephen Hawking's books, such as The Universe in a Nutshell.
Runners-up include Simon Winchester's The Map That Changed the World, a charming biography of one of the fathers of the science of geology, William Smith; Victor Davis Hanson's Carnage and Culture, which attributes Western military superiority to a variety of cultural factors such as a tradition of democracy and respect for the individual; Altered Carbon, Richard Morgan's military noir sci-fi adventure (stay away from the sequel, Broken Angels; and Moneyball, Michael Lewis's fun examination of how the Oakland A's assembled a kick-butt team by scouring the market for undervalued assets in much the same way that an investor might pick up a promising penny stock that has been overlooked by others. I wasn't totally convinced by his arguments, but it was an incredibly fun read.
My top five, in no particular order:
1. The Golden Age. This trilogy by John C. Wright was some of the best sci-fi I've read in years. If you like your futures gritty, with stark depictions of human depravity and social injustice... then these books are not for you. One of the most brightly imagined tales to come along in a while.
2. Generation Kill. Evan Wright's book about the assault by Recon Marines into Iraq is the best embed account of the war to emerge so far. The book will whip you between moments of hilarity and utter terror in this grunt's-eye-view of battle.
3. The Life of Pi. Beautifully written story about a boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Not only does Yann Martel's tall tale actually come off as believable, but it actually turned out to be highly disturbing, despite the light tone sustained through most of the book.
4. Carlucci. Really three separate stories now wrapped into one volume, this book by Richard Paul Russo follows the travails of cop in a grim, near-future San Francisco that is teeming with any sort of deviant behavior you can imagine, and many that you can't. Russo is every bit the stark stylist that William Gibson is, and the stories left me aching.
5. Hmm. I'm not sure what to put in at number five. The first four were so clearly a cut above the rest, but I'm not sure that any others on my list make that high grade. I have a bunch of sort of second-tier books that weren't quite in the same league as this bunch, but I hesitate to pick just one. If forced, I guess I'd pick The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene. It's a great primer on the current state of string theory, of which Greene is a major proponent. The book is amazingly readable for the layman, and I actually found it clearer and more informative than Stephen Hawking's books, such as The Universe in a Nutshell.
Runners-up include Simon Winchester's The Map That Changed the World, a charming biography of one of the fathers of the science of geology, William Smith; Victor Davis Hanson's Carnage and Culture, which attributes Western military superiority to a variety of cultural factors such as a tradition of democracy and respect for the individual; Altered Carbon, Richard Morgan's military noir sci-fi adventure (stay away from the sequel, Broken Angels; and Moneyball, Michael Lewis's fun examination of how the Oakland A's assembled a kick-butt team by scouring the market for undervalued assets in much the same way that an investor might pick up a promising penny stock that has been overlooked by others. I wasn't totally convinced by his arguments, but it was an incredibly fun read.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
It's a ball-poppin' good time!
To learn about the secret world of "ball-popping" and "decanting", read this.
On second thought, you might be happier if you didn't.
On second thought, you might be happier if you didn't.
One extra-large helping of blues rock, extra crunchy, please
I spent a good portion of this past weekend just listening to my new musical discover, The Black Keys.
The band consists of two twentysomething dudes from Akron. Although comparison with The White Stripes are inevitable, there's not much similarity musically, though I suspect that, like me, fans of the Stripes will dig the Keys, and vice versa.
The Black Keys are straight-up blues rock. Singer/guitarist Dave Auerbach turns the fuzz dial to 11 and proceeds to pump out gritty licks that recall Cream-era Eric Clapton with a dash of Jimi Hendrix and pinch of Stevie Ray Vaughn. I swear, this kid has no business sounding so convincing, like not only has his woman done run off with his best friend, but he's three months down on the rent and is down to his last bottle of whiskey.
Patrick Carney pounds the skins with the energy of a John Bonham. And his 4-track production makes it feel like you're sitting in the shadows of a smoky dive bar.
My favorite line from a reviewer (I forget which publication): "They're not cool, they're just brilliant".
I'm just a little bummed that it took me until their 3rd album -- "Rubber Factory" -- to discover them, and then only after it popped up on an Amazon recommended list. I mean, crap, even "Time" has written about them.
Incidentally, I bought all three albums on MSN Music over the weekend. Songs are 99 cents a pop, but if you spring for the whole album it will cost you less than $9. The files are WMA encoded at about 160 kbps, and you have unlimited syncing and CD-burning rights. I've bought several from them now and I've been pretty satisfied with the whole experience, though I'm still a little nervous about not having a CD hard copy as backup.
The band consists of two twentysomething dudes from Akron. Although comparison with The White Stripes are inevitable, there's not much similarity musically, though I suspect that, like me, fans of the Stripes will dig the Keys, and vice versa.
The Black Keys are straight-up blues rock. Singer/guitarist Dave Auerbach turns the fuzz dial to 11 and proceeds to pump out gritty licks that recall Cream-era Eric Clapton with a dash of Jimi Hendrix and pinch of Stevie Ray Vaughn. I swear, this kid has no business sounding so convincing, like not only has his woman done run off with his best friend, but he's three months down on the rent and is down to his last bottle of whiskey.
Patrick Carney pounds the skins with the energy of a John Bonham. And his 4-track production makes it feel like you're sitting in the shadows of a smoky dive bar.
My favorite line from a reviewer (I forget which publication): "They're not cool, they're just brilliant".
I'm just a little bummed that it took me until their 3rd album -- "Rubber Factory" -- to discover them, and then only after it popped up on an Amazon recommended list. I mean, crap, even "Time" has written about them.
Incidentally, I bought all three albums on MSN Music over the weekend. Songs are 99 cents a pop, but if you spring for the whole album it will cost you less than $9. The files are WMA encoded at about 160 kbps, and you have unlimited syncing and CD-burning rights. I've bought several from them now and I've been pretty satisfied with the whole experience, though I'm still a little nervous about not having a CD hard copy as backup.
The government is your friend, really
Robert, the insane, right-wing gun-nut firearms enthusiast over at Backroad Blog, has some alarming stuff about a proposal in Washington state to ban "assault weapons", which of course actually means "scary-looking guns that aren't actually used in a lot of crimes but, well, just look like they could be".
If it passes, something Robert thinks is likelier than not, several things will happen. 1) Licensing and background checks will be required on a yearly basis, for a fee of course. 2) The guns can only be fired at a licensed range and not on public lands. 3) They cannot be sold or given away. The only legally way to dispose of them post-ban will be to destroy them, without compensation.
Robert is debating whether or not to sell the several guns he owns whose use would be severely curtailed by the ban.
Although I should be used to this by now, it struck me as pretty shocking that government meddlers are on the verge of making a legal activity so restrictive and costly so that thousands of law-abiding citizens face the destruction of their hobby and significant financial losses.
If it passes, something Robert thinks is likelier than not, several things will happen. 1) Licensing and background checks will be required on a yearly basis, for a fee of course. 2) The guns can only be fired at a licensed range and not on public lands. 3) They cannot be sold or given away. The only legally way to dispose of them post-ban will be to destroy them, without compensation.
Robert is debating whether or not to sell the several guns he owns whose use would be severely curtailed by the ban.
Although I should be used to this by now, it struck me as pretty shocking that government meddlers are on the verge of making a legal activity so restrictive and costly so that thousands of law-abiding citizens face the destruction of their hobby and significant financial losses.
Need an edjumacation?
Garfield Ridge mentions a post by Wuzzadem wondering who the heck would actually buy anything from spammers using atrocious spellings in their pitches.
It's funny because I was looking in my junk folder the other day and saw one with the subject line, "Get a deigree".
At first I was like, "Am I going to want to get a degree from people who can't even spell the word 'degree'?"
And then I thought, the people who would fall for diploma spam probably aren't any wiser...
It's funny because I was looking in my junk folder the other day and saw one with the subject line, "Get a deigree".
At first I was like, "Am I going to want to get a degree from people who can't even spell the word 'degree'?"
And then I thought, the people who would fall for diploma spam probably aren't any wiser...
Finance minister or relief pitcher?
France's minister of finance is named Herve Gaymard. That is all.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Razors
So Procter & Gamble are buying Gillette for $57 billion.
That is a lot of dough for a bunch of disposable razors, even if they are Mach 3 Turbos.
That is a lot of dough for a bunch of disposable razors, even if they are Mach 3 Turbos.
$50 x 6 million = first Xbox profit
Microsoft's games unit turned a profit of $84 million in the latest quarter, reversing a loss of nearly $400 million a year earlier.
In three months, Microsoft sold more than 6 million copies of "Halo 2" (one of them to me). That's $300 million in fat-margin revenue from one game alone.
Analysts quoted in the Times article caution that a "Halo 2" doesn't come along every quarter, and Microsoft CFO John Connors said he didn't expect the business to reach sustained profitability until 2007.
In three months, Microsoft sold more than 6 million copies of "Halo 2" (one of them to me). That's $300 million in fat-margin revenue from one game alone.
Analysts quoted in the Times article caution that a "Halo 2" doesn't come along every quarter, and Microsoft CFO John Connors said he didn't expect the business to reach sustained profitability until 2007.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Conservative movies
Dave, normally of Garfield Ridge but moonlighting at Ace of Spades (I guess that makes him Dave of Spades), wonders what movies readers think are "conservative". I tried to contribute but my comment was denied due to "questionable content". Obviously the Man trying to keep me down.
Anyway, what was my contribution? Someone had already mentioned "The Incredibles" but I also think "A Bug's Life" is, if not conservative, at least unabashedly pro-individualism, pro-industry, and anti-socialist.
Flik, the hero, is the one ant in the colony who dares to think differently. And not in a wears-birkenstocks-and-burns-incense sort of way, either. No, Flik is an industrialist insect whose inventions hold the promise of catapulting the colony into an uprecedented age of leisure and comfort. Yet the rest of the ants, bowed by a tradition of conformity, reject Flik's technological advances.
The colony is also utterly dominated by a band of maruading grasshoppers who rely on thuggery and brute force to cow the ants into accepting their tyrannical rule. Interestingly, the grasshoppers are fully aware that their elevated status depends making the ants believe they are weaker than they actually are and naturally belong on a lower rung than the grasshoppers.
The ant colony eventually sends Flik on a fool's quest to find a way to defeat the grasshoppers. Ever the optimist, Flik mistakingly believes a traveling insect circus is actually a band of fierce warriors. Although the truth comes out and all despair at the grasshoppers' impending arrival, Flik's ingenuity saves the day and the ants awaken to the true power they possess as individual acting together to overcome tyranny.
Not bad for a cartoon about bugs.
Anyway, what was my contribution? Someone had already mentioned "The Incredibles" but I also think "A Bug's Life" is, if not conservative, at least unabashedly pro-individualism, pro-industry, and anti-socialist.
Flik, the hero, is the one ant in the colony who dares to think differently. And not in a wears-birkenstocks-and-burns-incense sort of way, either. No, Flik is an industrialist insect whose inventions hold the promise of catapulting the colony into an uprecedented age of leisure and comfort. Yet the rest of the ants, bowed by a tradition of conformity, reject Flik's technological advances.
The colony is also utterly dominated by a band of maruading grasshoppers who rely on thuggery and brute force to cow the ants into accepting their tyrannical rule. Interestingly, the grasshoppers are fully aware that their elevated status depends making the ants believe they are weaker than they actually are and naturally belong on a lower rung than the grasshoppers.
The ant colony eventually sends Flik on a fool's quest to find a way to defeat the grasshoppers. Ever the optimist, Flik mistakingly believes a traveling insect circus is actually a band of fierce warriors. Although the truth comes out and all despair at the grasshoppers' impending arrival, Flik's ingenuity saves the day and the ants awaken to the true power they possess as individual acting together to overcome tyranny.
Not bad for a cartoon about bugs.
Are games overpriced?
GameSpy columnist Raymond Padilla has been debating this issue recently. Here's a copy of a letter I just wrote him on the matter.
You have raised some interesting questions recently concerning game pricing. Obviously, consumers of any stripe chafe at having to pay more for their favorite products. For many gamers, the idea that A-list PC or next-gen console titles will be going for $55 or even $60 doubtless brings to mind visions of publishing executives sitting in dimly lit rooms, cackling maniacly while lighting fat cigars with $100 bills.
Yet we can take a peek at the income statements of a few major game companies to tell us exactly how much dough they are raking in.
For example, Electronic Arts has a profit margin of 18.5 percent. That means that for every dollar they bring in in sales, they spend 81.5 cents on R&D, operations, sales and marketing, etc. Activision has a profit margin of about 10 percent, and Take Two's is less than 6 percent (all of these figures were taken from Yahoo! Financial pages).
Now, I'm no financial analyst, but those figures aren't exactly Robber Baron material. Admittedly, things get a little more complicated as you drill into the figures. EA's net income (basically the end-all, bottom-line profit applicable to shareholders) more than quintupled, to $578 million in fiscal '04 from $101 million in fiscal '02. But revenues only climbed about 50 percent in that time, and rose only 20 percent in the last year, so they were obviously doing a great job of keeping costs down.
Other publishers haven't had nearly the same success, though. Activision's net income went from $52 million in '02 to $78 million in '04. And Take Two's actually fell in that time, from $71 million to $65 million.
Two final thoughts on pricing. First, it's ridiculous to think there is an "appropriate" price for something that you can arrive at by calculating production costs and then factoring in a "suitable" profit for the maker. The market just doesn't work like that. The price of something is what people are willing to pay for it. If you sell a used car, you offer it at the highest price you think a buyer will accept, regardless of the impact that may have on the used car market as a whole. You try to maximize your gain, and that's what every company, including EA, is doing as well.
Second, there's some term in economics that I forget now that refers to the phenomenon of demand for a product actually increasing as the price goes up. Usually this concerns luxury goods like BMWs and Rolexes, where part of the allure of the product is its exclusivity -- if everyone could afford a BMW, would you want one too? I wonder if the same effect might be applicable, albeit in a limited way, to A-list titles like Doom 3. If Doom 3 was $20, would it necessarily sell a crapload more copies?
Saturday, January 22, 2005
What I'm reading
Pattern Recognition by William Gibson. I'm only a few dozen pages in, but it's quite good so far. You know, I never finished his previous book, All Tomorrow's Parties. It just didn't grip me.
One thing for sure, Gibson can write. I expect I will get through this only slowly because I will be taking the time to savor his prose.
I do wonder, however, how this book will hold up over time. It really is about branding, marketing, and consumer culture. How well will the Apple Cube and Tommy Hilfiger references hold up in 20 years?
One thing for sure, Gibson can write. I expect I will get through this only slowly because I will be taking the time to savor his prose.
I do wonder, however, how this book will hold up over time. It really is about branding, marketing, and consumer culture. How well will the Apple Cube and Tommy Hilfiger references hold up in 20 years?
An IM Conversation Concerning Video Games
Scott says: I say, it appears that "Splinter Cell 3" is due to be released in March! I find the timing of this to be most fortuitous, as I have only to dispatch a trio of troublemakers to complete "Splinter Cell 2." I must say it seems as if the developers have taken it upon themselves to make several interesting additions to the sequel.
Michael says: You don't say. I must confess I have not read much information concerning the aforementioned product. What, pray tell, are they adding?
Scott says: Well, my good man! To the best of my understanding there will be enhanced cooperative play, enabled either through a high-speed Internet connection or through bisection of a single screen, thereby allowing two gentlemen, such as yourself and I, to play on the same television.
However, it must be noted that the actual content of the game will be enhanced to better exploit the possibilities offered by the scenario in which two players, not just one, work through the missions. These enhancements go beyond the mere addition of enemies. Indeed, there will be an extensive array of new motions that can only be peformed by two players acting in concert. Said motions include the ability to vault over walls that would be too high for a single player to scale; the ability for one player to dangle his comrade by his legs, allowing him to reach down and, with an expert application of rotary force, snap the neck vertebrae of unwitting opponents.
Scott says: In addition, there will be specific tasks, the resolution of which requires the close cooperation of two individuals. For example, the two might have to defuse an explosive device set to detonate at a specific time by each severing a different electrical wire simultaneously.
Michael says: I say! How intriguing! Here I might mention my view that more cooperative titles should be developed, brought to market, and publicized.
Scott says: If I might add one last point, it is this: word has it that the missions are significantly more open-ended, that is to say, more non-linear, in the mould of the classic title, "Deus Ex." I admit to a high degree of excitation concerning this development.
Michael says: I confess I have not availed myself to play in recent days. However, I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of a certain package sent by my brother through the postal system...
Michael says: To wit, he is sending me the new version of Sid Meyer's Pirates!, which has been updated to take advantage of the significant strides in graphic technology.
Scott says: Most excellent! That game would appear to be highly entertaining.
Scott says: May I ask if the version you are receiving will be for the personal computer or Xbox?
Michael says: For the personal computer. I must inquire of you: is it even available for Xbox?
Michael says: According to information I have recently received, I understand the superior method of playing the game is by utilizing the numerical keypad on your keyboard input device. Indeed, this is similar to how the classic version was best appreciated.
Scott says: Much to my chagrin, I had, until recently, been continually thwarted in my attempts to complete a section of the final level in "Splinter Cell 2". Without exaggeration, I can tell you that I made no fewer than 15 attempts to complete it! Finally, last evening, after ensuring that my son was fast asleep, I succeeded in playing almost to the utter conclusion of the story.
Scott says: I can indeed confirm that Pirates! will be coming out for the Xbox as well. Yet I must confess my ignorance in one regard, that being that the game is a remake of an earlier title.
Michael says: I have a confession as well. Namely, that I have never played the original. If I am not mistaken, it was released in the waning years of the 1980s.
Scott says: May I inquire as to whether you have had the opportunity to investigate the images of the upcoming "Age of Empires III". I do believe that this may be one of my most anticipated games of the year.
Michael says: I can confirm that I did indeed observe at least two, perhaps three of those images. They were all the more remarkable for apparently being images taken from actual gameplay, and not pre-rendered video for demonstration purposes.
Scott says: I am sure that you share my hopes that the game plays as well as its predecessors.
Michael says: Despite my love for "Homeworld 2", I still do not consider myself much of an afficianado of the real-time strategy genre.
Scott says: Ah yes, I recall now that you are in fact not particularly fond of the genre.
Michael says: Oy, did I inform you that I finally played the demonstration level for "Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War"? I raise this seeing as how we are now discussing real-time strategy games
Scott says: I am pleased to inform you that my parents are visiting next month and I am debating whether to have them obtain and deliver to me a copy of "Rome Total War".
Scott says: I say, I was just now on the verge of inquring if you had seen "Warhammer 40k". Again, the images of in-game play appear fantastic.
Michael says: It is most excellent. In truth, I am a bit weary of real-time strategy games after completing "Homeworld 2", so I do not expect to purchase it.
Scott says: Indeed.
Michael says: Anyhoo, the title's exquisitness is revealed in the details, for example, watching your dreadnoughts pick up orcs and fling them with violent force across the field of battle.
Scott says: Say, did I ever relay to you the news that we are now a mixed household? Saint Nicholas presented Tala with an Apple iBook for the Christmas holiday.
Michael says: I do believe you have previously mentioned this development. But please remind me which model you now possess.
Scott says: I seem to recall one review of "Warhammer 40k" discussed how virtual warriors, upon being impaled on a dreadnaught's vicious spikes, continue to twitch for a period lasting several minutes.
Scott says: The iBook model we have acquired is simply the one with the 12" screen, which is also, not coincidentally, also the cheapest model. It is equipped with a G4 processor running at 1.2 gigahertz, and 256 megabytes of random access memory.
Scott says: I must inform you that the little machine is incredibly fun and is marked by a high degree of polish in terms of its industrial design, operating system and software. I admit to a heightened degree of appreciation for Apple products. Their unveiling of the Mac mini last week induced in me excess production of saliva, which then proceeded to flow in copious quantities, out of my oral cavity.
Michael says: I concur that Mac minis are indeed sweet, as well as rather reasonably priced. I would appear as though they will be a viable alternative to a personal computer-style laptop. By this I mean that the machines provide an attractive choice for people who are considering purchasing a laptop, but feel that their utility does not justify the expense.
Scott says: They also provide an extraordinary value for people currently in possession of a personal computer based on an Intel chip architecture, had considered switching to Apple's Macintosh-based machines, but were repulsed by the high prices associated with Apple products. Indeed, if you already possess a monitor and keyboard, the modest expenditure of $500 cannot be considered excessive for such an attractive and diminutive device.
Michael says: I actually have in my possession a hard drive, a drive capable of playing digital video disks, and 512 megabytes of random access memory. These components are not currently associated with a complete computer, and frankly I am somewhat at a loss as to how to dispose of them.
Michael says: These components are from a personal computer that unfortunately experienced catastrophic failure of other hardware. It is theoretically possible for me to construct a new personal computer from these parts, but to be quite honest with you I fear such a machine, in my household, would be redundant.
Scott says: I say old chap, you do not have to actually have utilize a personal computer to justify the effort expended in assembling it, do you? Could you not sell it?
Michael says: It has occurred to me to assemble a miniature personal computer, sheerly for the pleasure of doing so, but I dare say such a project would essentially amount to but a rather expensive model aeroplane kit.
Scott says: If I may venture a suggestion, you should do it for fun. You should attempt to make it extremely small. In addition, you could perform a variety of fashionable modifications to the casing.
Michael says: I suppose I could indeed sell it, however, I harbor many doubts that it would fetch a reasonable amount of money. Frankly I'm incapable of imparting much additional value to such a machine because, as you may have observed, the populace here is not particularly deficient in the art of assembling of personal computers from a collection of components.
Michael says: Nonetheless, I am sorely tempted to try out VIA Technologies' Cyrix
processor and one of their miniature motherboards. Incidentally, the symbol denoting this company's stock, which one may publicly trade on the Taiwan stock exchange, is 2388.
Scott says: You impress me with your knowledge corporate ticker symbols, and your ability to relay this information instantly, without consulting a database or other aide commonly employed to obtain such data.
Michael says: A considerable number of people use those aforementioned components to assemble highly customized personal computers. One popular modification is to fashion the computer in the shape of a cigar box.
Michael says: As long as our conversation lingers on the topic of small personal computers, Sony is producing an incredibly impressive sample of the genre. Although it is in fact a full-fledged personal computer, its size approximates that of a somewhat bulky personal digital assistant.
Michael says: By "full-fledged" I mean that it is capable of running Windows XP and many related products, and it is equipped with a viewing screen that is incorporated into the body of the device.
Scott says: Would this perchance be one these "palmtops" of which I occassionally hear?
Michael says: Of course, you must realize that a keyboard input device and optical drive such as one capable of reading compact discs or digital video disks must be attached externally to the device. Yet, the viewing screen is touch-sensitive, capable of responding to commands issued by bringing a finger, stylus, or other suitable tool into contact with its surface.
Michael says: On a different but not unrelated topic, I found it interesting that Sony chose not to use the Windows XP Tablet edition. Indeed, I have heard rumors that many of Microsoft's customers are of the opinion that the company charges excessively for the product, which is one reason the tablet hardware devices have failed to attain sales numbers that would mark them as truly mass-market devices.
Scott says: I concur with your view and can confirm to you that I have heard similar rumors.
Scott says: It is also looking increasingly likely that, based on a variety of media reports, that Xbox 2 will come to market near the end of this year. As far as I understand such matters, it seems the most recent hint appeared nowhere but in marketing notification concerning the autocar racing title "Need for Speed Underground". The notice stated that the next title in the series would be available for purchase at the end of the year in concert with the Xbox 2.
Michael says: Alas, I fear these developments are occurring at velocities too high for my brain to properly process.
Scott says: I, too, admit to a certain degree of surprise with regards to the launch schedule of Xbox 2. I had considered it perhaps more reasonable for its designers to schedule production for the end of 2006, allowing them to take advantage of the full five-year time span widely considered to be the appropriate life cycle for video game consoles.
Michael says: I am sincerely of the desire that developers of video games will not be investing all of their time, money and talent in the next generation of machines just yet, and that excellent titles will still come out this year for the Xbox.
Michael says: I am of the opinion that the success of the PlayStation 2 has convinced those involved in production and marketing of video game consoles that the first mover will go on to dominate that generation of machines.
Scott says: Yet I would have thought that, because Sony seems to be experiencing difficulties with its so-called "Cell" chip that forms the heart of PlayStation 3, Microsoft would have quite a bit of extra time to, firstly, continue to earn money on its existing platform and, secondly, to optimize Xbox 2 so as to deny to Sony any technological edge they might have obtained by released PlayStation 3 at a later date.
Michael says: I am not convinced by your line of reasoning. Is not Nintendo's "Revolution" console rumoured to be unveiled, albeit not launched, at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo?
Scott says: Were I a Microsoft executive involved in launching the next iteration of Xbox, I would be highly concerned that potential customers will postpone purchases of the Xbox 2 in order to see what exactly the PlayStation 3 will offer. This hesitation to buy may be especially present if rumors prove true that this generation of machines will initially go on sale at a price higher than the $300 that has been traditional for new consoles.
Scott says: You are correct that "Revolution" is rumored to be displayed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. But it is also true that Nintendo is in dire need of engineerings its salvation, given that the GameCube is increasingly being snubbed by customers as well as game developers.
Michael says: What you say is undoubtedly true, but I would remind you that a significant portion of Nintendo's business is in handheld video game devices, and that their DS is more than a worthy competitor to Sony's PlayStation Portable. That is despite the fact that, despite initial expectations that it would sell for approximately $300, the PlayStation Portable in the end was actually quite reasonably priced.
Michael says: I also venture that you imbue console buyers with uncharacteristic concern for technological details. The majority of buyers are indubitably youthful, perhaps even juvenile in comportment, and they care little for technical specifications, but rather desire the console with the superior games.
Michael says: Indeed, upon further reflection, far from belittling such an approach, I reckon it is probably the wisest method of determining which console to purchase.
Scott says: Yes. If you are a Zelda enthusiast, or have formed an addiction to the Final Fantasy series, your choice of machine is clear. Yet, consider that the Xbox has demonstrated that technological sophistication is clearly linked to a superior gaming experience. Consider that 90 percent of games are sold for more than one machine. Someone trying to decide which console to purchase will surely pick the one that delivers the most visually pleasing graphics.
Scott says: In addition, almost every reviewer agrees that games such as "Grand Theft Auto", "Splinter Cell", etcetera, possess better graphics on the Xbox than the PlayStation 2. Xbox is acquiring the reputation of being the superior platform. You are correct in your assertion that technology means little without good games, but Xbox has delivered its share of exclusive titles, as well. To wit: Halo 2, Full Spectrum Warrior, etcetera.
Michael says: True, yet I must point out that those titles are very much centered on the tastes of U.S. video game enthusiasts.
Scott says: One factor I failed to mention just now is the capability to establish a high-speed Internet connection. This function was designed into the Xbox from the beginning and played a significant role in their ability to quickly build momentum for the Xbox Live online service.
Scott says: You are correct in asserting that gaming tastes are wildly different in Japan than in the United States and Europe. In fact, I do not even pretend to comprehend Japan's gaming market. Or indeed its entire culture.
Michael says: My doubts will be fully laid to rest if something as odd and inventive as
"Katamari Damacy" is released for the Xbox.
Scott says: Indeed. The catalogue of Xbox games is generally weak in the platformer genre as well. I personally am curious when Microsoft's purchase of Rare, the formerly Nintendo-focused development house, is going to begin yielding results. Rare did produce "Grabbed by the Ghoulies", but then not much else. That is a meagre showing for the $300 million Microsoft paid for them.
Michael says: Listen here, because what I am about to say is rather shocking. From what I understand, the game market in Japan is undubitably large, but, unlike the United States, it is actually in a state of DECLINE.
Michael says: Apparently Japanese gamers are becoming rather jaded in their appreciation of new games.
Scott says: Is this the truth? I must confess my utter ignorance on the topic. How intriguing.
Scott says: I am of the opinion that video game buyers in the United States are becoming more inured to price, due largely to the fact that the average age of gamers is getting older. Those of us who spent our childhoods with beloved Atari 2600 machines are now gainfully employed, a state of affairs which makes a $300 purchase almost a matter of whim. In fact, a growing number of us will have the means to afford more than one console.
Michael says: Aye, this is true, so true. I am sure you are aware of talk that the latest A-list titles will sell for $60 instead of $50.
Michael says: Oh, since we are now speaking of Asian gamers, I will take the opportunity to go off on a tangential subject, namely that I am SHOCKED at the abuse, low quality and poor customer service they endure on a daily basis.
Scott says: Please enlighten me.
Michael says: What I mean is simply this: most of the popular massively multiplayer online games in Taiwan and South Korea (and probably in China as well) are actually two-dimensional, or at most run three-dimensions in a fairly blocky fashion, and they are plagued with what can only be described as horribly boring level grinds.
Michael says: Indeed, by all reports, "Lineage 2" is the worst of the new-generation massively multiplayer online titles.
Michael says: I am of the sincere desire that "World of Warcraft" connects foot to posterior in a widespread fashion when it is released in South Korea. By all accounts it is simply the most fun massively multiplayer online game in existence. It is certainly the only one I would be tempted to purchase.
Scott says: Verily, I too felt emotions of deep surprise at the poor quality of "Lineage" and its Chinese bretheren. Given the widespread popularity I had rather expected something of an extremely high graphical caliber.
Michael says: My brother-in-law frequently plays massively multiplayer online games. He resides in Toronto but prefers to play the games through connections to servers based in the Asia region. One phenomenon he has encountered is zones dominated by professional gamers supposedly operating out of China. These professionals mindlessly slaughter beasts to obtain virtual gold they can subsequently sell in the real word to other gamers. Among their odious practices is the murder of any player character who interferes.
Michael says: This news fills me with indignation. Is it possible to conceive of a U.S. game company that would not take immediate and decisive measures to end such reprehensible behavior.
Scott says: In addtion, there appears to be a real addiction problem among certain youth. These youngsters frequently appear on television talk programs along with weepy family members lamenting such obsessive activity.
Michael says: Here I will make yet another tangential observation. One can frequently observe a wide variety of television advertisements for massively multiplayer online games here, but the interesting thing is that virtually NONE of them show actual gameplay. I speculate that this is because the games are actually of extremely poor quality.
Scott says: The gaming problem you referenced a moment ago perhaps in some way reflects the gray-area capitalism that pervades Chinese society. By this I mean the general lack of rules defining acceptable behavior, and, when such rules actually exist, the failure on the part of authorities to enforce them.
Scott says: To change the topic yet again, are you aware of the upcoming game "Battlefield 2"? It is the modern-day successor to "Battlfield 1942". The other day I obtained a video demonstrating the games features, and I must say it is nothing short of amazing.
Michael says: If I may I may one concluding remark on massively multiplayer online games, I will say that one of their more intriguing aspects in this region of the world is the social one. People tend to emphasize the ability to make and meet friends much more than in massively multiplayer online games designed and marketed in the United States.
Michael says: I have indeed read about "Battlefield 2", but the most recent information in my possession is several months old. Please remind me as to the details.
Scott says: The game is essentially a military simulation based on the current military forces of the United States. It boasts modern tanks, helicopters and other vehicles. But beyond the impressive array of modern weaponry, the game's true innovation appears to be in vastly expanded competitions carried out over the Internet.
Scott says: If I remember correctly, the game will support battles in which each side has 64 soldiers. However, I may be mistaken and each side may be able to field only 32 soldiers -- still an impressive number. In additoin, players may choose from a variety of soldier types, such as rifleman, engineer, medic, etcetera. The game will employ a point system that rewards players not only for killing the enemy, but also for assisting others in doing so, and for performing class-specific duties such as healing wounded soldiers if you are playing as a medic.
Scott says: Apparently each side will be further organized into smaller squads, and the player with the highest point ranking can opt to play as the commander. The commander possesses special abilities, such as viewing the battlefield as though from the eye of a bird. He may also direct artillery fire and can order logistical and support crews to deliver fresh supplies and ammunition to particular points on the map. Commanders can also issue orders to the squads and serve to coordinate their movements in order to orchestrate more successful attacks.
Michael says: A system to reward more than just kills is indeed impressive. Such a system should help to reduce the dick-slappery that appears to be prevalent on these kinds of
games.
Scott says: I beg your pardon? Dick-slappery?
Scott says: I must say the graphics appear to be quite sophisticated. If I may venture an comparison, I would say they resemble "Full Spectrum Warrior". The physics model also appears quite advanced and capable of mimicking how real-world objects behave in response to the application of gravitational, explosive, and other other forces.
Michael says: Surely you are no stranger to this vocabulary! Ass-hattery, spawn camping, wallhacking, cheating, whining, etcetera.
Scott says: I daresay I rather guessed the definition of the word, which I admit provoked an audible outburst of laughter from me. But what, pray tell, is wallhacking?
Michael says: Wallhacking refers to the underhanded practice of covertly employing computer code that bestows upon the player the ability to see through walls. This is apparently a widespread vexation in "Counterstrike".
Scott says: You don't say? That is a dishonorable practice.
Michael says: I must confess that I have no first-hand experience with these matters, seeing as how I have never played a game over the Internet, assuming that does not include Xbox system link gatherings. I am sure I have previously informed you that I do not really fancy playing with people whose identities are totally hidden from me.
Scott says: I acknowledge your concerns and can say to you that I myself have but a minimal amount of experience in playing games over the Internet. Such as they are, my experiences have been limited to a handful of matches in "Far Cry" and "Doom 3". However, it should be noted that this would undoubtedly increase should I be in possession of a faster Internet connection.
Scott says: Perhaps some recent developments will go a ways towards easing your reluctance to play against strangers. To wit, "Halo 2" has a so-called "clan" system that, from what I have heard, sounds immensely entertaining. Apparently you can organize a group of your closest acquaintances, and maintain the cohesiveness of the group for as long as you are all connected.
The system performs this function automatically, allowing your group to advance from match to match without losing contact with one another.
Scott says: I would like to return briefly to our earlier discussion. I conjecture that any decline in Japan's gaming industry may be due partly to demographic factors. Here is my reasoning. It is well known that Japan is an "ageing society", meaning that young people are making up a smaller proportion of the overall population. Now, and here is where I make what is admittedly a rather wild conjecture, I wonder if, that as Japan's gamers enter adulthood grow up, there is not more social pressure to secure regular employment, start a family, and abandon things regarded as more suitable to the realm of childhood, in this case, video games. Of course, I acknowledge that Japan is also known for its widespread affection, at all layers of society, for comic books and Hello Kitty merchandise, things that in the United States are still widely regarded as suitable only for children.
Michael says: You make some valid points but I must profess ignorance on the topic. Conceptions of what amounts to childish behavior or desires may be quite different in Japan. I visted Japan not long after the launch of the GameBoy Advance SP. I observed quite a few salarymen playing with the device, which I must admit does have a design that appeals more to adults.
Scott says: Indeed.
Michael says: You don't say. I must confess I have not read much information concerning the aforementioned product. What, pray tell, are they adding?
Scott says: Well, my good man! To the best of my understanding there will be enhanced cooperative play, enabled either through a high-speed Internet connection or through bisection of a single screen, thereby allowing two gentlemen, such as yourself and I, to play on the same television.
However, it must be noted that the actual content of the game will be enhanced to better exploit the possibilities offered by the scenario in which two players, not just one, work through the missions. These enhancements go beyond the mere addition of enemies. Indeed, there will be an extensive array of new motions that can only be peformed by two players acting in concert. Said motions include the ability to vault over walls that would be too high for a single player to scale; the ability for one player to dangle his comrade by his legs, allowing him to reach down and, with an expert application of rotary force, snap the neck vertebrae of unwitting opponents.
Scott says: In addition, there will be specific tasks, the resolution of which requires the close cooperation of two individuals. For example, the two might have to defuse an explosive device set to detonate at a specific time by each severing a different electrical wire simultaneously.
Michael says: I say! How intriguing! Here I might mention my view that more cooperative titles should be developed, brought to market, and publicized.
Scott says: If I might add one last point, it is this: word has it that the missions are significantly more open-ended, that is to say, more non-linear, in the mould of the classic title, "Deus Ex." I admit to a high degree of excitation concerning this development.
Michael says: I confess I have not availed myself to play in recent days. However, I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of a certain package sent by my brother through the postal system...
Michael says: To wit, he is sending me the new version of Sid Meyer's Pirates!, which has been updated to take advantage of the significant strides in graphic technology.
Scott says: Most excellent! That game would appear to be highly entertaining.
Scott says: May I ask if the version you are receiving will be for the personal computer or Xbox?
Michael says: For the personal computer. I must inquire of you: is it even available for Xbox?
Michael says: According to information I have recently received, I understand the superior method of playing the game is by utilizing the numerical keypad on your keyboard input device. Indeed, this is similar to how the classic version was best appreciated.
Scott says: Much to my chagrin, I had, until recently, been continually thwarted in my attempts to complete a section of the final level in "Splinter Cell 2". Without exaggeration, I can tell you that I made no fewer than 15 attempts to complete it! Finally, last evening, after ensuring that my son was fast asleep, I succeeded in playing almost to the utter conclusion of the story.
Scott says: I can indeed confirm that Pirates! will be coming out for the Xbox as well. Yet I must confess my ignorance in one regard, that being that the game is a remake of an earlier title.
Michael says: I have a confession as well. Namely, that I have never played the original. If I am not mistaken, it was released in the waning years of the 1980s.
Scott says: May I inquire as to whether you have had the opportunity to investigate the images of the upcoming "Age of Empires III". I do believe that this may be one of my most anticipated games of the year.
Michael says: I can confirm that I did indeed observe at least two, perhaps three of those images. They were all the more remarkable for apparently being images taken from actual gameplay, and not pre-rendered video for demonstration purposes.
Scott says: I am sure that you share my hopes that the game plays as well as its predecessors.
Michael says: Despite my love for "Homeworld 2", I still do not consider myself much of an afficianado of the real-time strategy genre.
Scott says: Ah yes, I recall now that you are in fact not particularly fond of the genre.
Michael says: Oy, did I inform you that I finally played the demonstration level for "Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War"? I raise this seeing as how we are now discussing real-time strategy games
Scott says: I am pleased to inform you that my parents are visiting next month and I am debating whether to have them obtain and deliver to me a copy of "Rome Total War".
Scott says: I say, I was just now on the verge of inquring if you had seen "Warhammer 40k". Again, the images of in-game play appear fantastic.
Michael says: It is most excellent. In truth, I am a bit weary of real-time strategy games after completing "Homeworld 2", so I do not expect to purchase it.
Scott says: Indeed.
Michael says: Anyhoo, the title's exquisitness is revealed in the details, for example, watching your dreadnoughts pick up orcs and fling them with violent force across the field of battle.
Scott says: Say, did I ever relay to you the news that we are now a mixed household? Saint Nicholas presented Tala with an Apple iBook for the Christmas holiday.
Michael says: I do believe you have previously mentioned this development. But please remind me which model you now possess.
Scott says: I seem to recall one review of "Warhammer 40k" discussed how virtual warriors, upon being impaled on a dreadnaught's vicious spikes, continue to twitch for a period lasting several minutes.
Scott says: The iBook model we have acquired is simply the one with the 12" screen, which is also, not coincidentally, also the cheapest model. It is equipped with a G4 processor running at 1.2 gigahertz, and 256 megabytes of random access memory.
Scott says: I must inform you that the little machine is incredibly fun and is marked by a high degree of polish in terms of its industrial design, operating system and software. I admit to a heightened degree of appreciation for Apple products. Their unveiling of the Mac mini last week induced in me excess production of saliva, which then proceeded to flow in copious quantities, out of my oral cavity.
Michael says: I concur that Mac minis are indeed sweet, as well as rather reasonably priced. I would appear as though they will be a viable alternative to a personal computer-style laptop. By this I mean that the machines provide an attractive choice for people who are considering purchasing a laptop, but feel that their utility does not justify the expense.
Scott says: They also provide an extraordinary value for people currently in possession of a personal computer based on an Intel chip architecture, had considered switching to Apple's Macintosh-based machines, but were repulsed by the high prices associated with Apple products. Indeed, if you already possess a monitor and keyboard, the modest expenditure of $500 cannot be considered excessive for such an attractive and diminutive device.
Michael says: I actually have in my possession a hard drive, a drive capable of playing digital video disks, and 512 megabytes of random access memory. These components are not currently associated with a complete computer, and frankly I am somewhat at a loss as to how to dispose of them.
Michael says: These components are from a personal computer that unfortunately experienced catastrophic failure of other hardware. It is theoretically possible for me to construct a new personal computer from these parts, but to be quite honest with you I fear such a machine, in my household, would be redundant.
Scott says: I say old chap, you do not have to actually have utilize a personal computer to justify the effort expended in assembling it, do you? Could you not sell it?
Michael says: It has occurred to me to assemble a miniature personal computer, sheerly for the pleasure of doing so, but I dare say such a project would essentially amount to but a rather expensive model aeroplane kit.
Scott says: If I may venture a suggestion, you should do it for fun. You should attempt to make it extremely small. In addition, you could perform a variety of fashionable modifications to the casing.
Michael says: I suppose I could indeed sell it, however, I harbor many doubts that it would fetch a reasonable amount of money. Frankly I'm incapable of imparting much additional value to such a machine because, as you may have observed, the populace here is not particularly deficient in the art of assembling of personal computers from a collection of components.
Michael says: Nonetheless, I am sorely tempted to try out VIA Technologies' Cyrix
processor and one of their miniature motherboards. Incidentally, the symbol denoting this company's stock, which one may publicly trade on the Taiwan stock exchange, is 2388.
Scott says: You impress me with your knowledge corporate ticker symbols, and your ability to relay this information instantly, without consulting a database or other aide commonly employed to obtain such data.
Michael says: A considerable number of people use those aforementioned components to assemble highly customized personal computers. One popular modification is to fashion the computer in the shape of a cigar box.
Michael says: As long as our conversation lingers on the topic of small personal computers, Sony is producing an incredibly impressive sample of the genre. Although it is in fact a full-fledged personal computer, its size approximates that of a somewhat bulky personal digital assistant.
Michael says: By "full-fledged" I mean that it is capable of running Windows XP and many related products, and it is equipped with a viewing screen that is incorporated into the body of the device.
Scott says: Would this perchance be one these "palmtops" of which I occassionally hear?
Michael says: Of course, you must realize that a keyboard input device and optical drive such as one capable of reading compact discs or digital video disks must be attached externally to the device. Yet, the viewing screen is touch-sensitive, capable of responding to commands issued by bringing a finger, stylus, or other suitable tool into contact with its surface.
Michael says: On a different but not unrelated topic, I found it interesting that Sony chose not to use the Windows XP Tablet edition. Indeed, I have heard rumors that many of Microsoft's customers are of the opinion that the company charges excessively for the product, which is one reason the tablet hardware devices have failed to attain sales numbers that would mark them as truly mass-market devices.
Scott says: I concur with your view and can confirm to you that I have heard similar rumors.
Scott says: It is also looking increasingly likely that, based on a variety of media reports, that Xbox 2 will come to market near the end of this year. As far as I understand such matters, it seems the most recent hint appeared nowhere but in marketing notification concerning the autocar racing title "Need for Speed Underground". The notice stated that the next title in the series would be available for purchase at the end of the year in concert with the Xbox 2.
Michael says: Alas, I fear these developments are occurring at velocities too high for my brain to properly process.
Scott says: I, too, admit to a certain degree of surprise with regards to the launch schedule of Xbox 2. I had considered it perhaps more reasonable for its designers to schedule production for the end of 2006, allowing them to take advantage of the full five-year time span widely considered to be the appropriate life cycle for video game consoles.
Michael says: I am sincerely of the desire that developers of video games will not be investing all of their time, money and talent in the next generation of machines just yet, and that excellent titles will still come out this year for the Xbox.
Michael says: I am of the opinion that the success of the PlayStation 2 has convinced those involved in production and marketing of video game consoles that the first mover will go on to dominate that generation of machines.
Scott says: Yet I would have thought that, because Sony seems to be experiencing difficulties with its so-called "Cell" chip that forms the heart of PlayStation 3, Microsoft would have quite a bit of extra time to, firstly, continue to earn money on its existing platform and, secondly, to optimize Xbox 2 so as to deny to Sony any technological edge they might have obtained by released PlayStation 3 at a later date.
Michael says: I am not convinced by your line of reasoning. Is not Nintendo's "Revolution" console rumoured to be unveiled, albeit not launched, at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo?
Scott says: Were I a Microsoft executive involved in launching the next iteration of Xbox, I would be highly concerned that potential customers will postpone purchases of the Xbox 2 in order to see what exactly the PlayStation 3 will offer. This hesitation to buy may be especially present if rumors prove true that this generation of machines will initially go on sale at a price higher than the $300 that has been traditional for new consoles.
Scott says: You are correct that "Revolution" is rumored to be displayed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. But it is also true that Nintendo is in dire need of engineerings its salvation, given that the GameCube is increasingly being snubbed by customers as well as game developers.
Michael says: What you say is undoubtedly true, but I would remind you that a significant portion of Nintendo's business is in handheld video game devices, and that their DS is more than a worthy competitor to Sony's PlayStation Portable. That is despite the fact that, despite initial expectations that it would sell for approximately $300, the PlayStation Portable in the end was actually quite reasonably priced.
Michael says: I also venture that you imbue console buyers with uncharacteristic concern for technological details. The majority of buyers are indubitably youthful, perhaps even juvenile in comportment, and they care little for technical specifications, but rather desire the console with the superior games.
Michael says: Indeed, upon further reflection, far from belittling such an approach, I reckon it is probably the wisest method of determining which console to purchase.
Scott says: Yes. If you are a Zelda enthusiast, or have formed an addiction to the Final Fantasy series, your choice of machine is clear. Yet, consider that the Xbox has demonstrated that technological sophistication is clearly linked to a superior gaming experience. Consider that 90 percent of games are sold for more than one machine. Someone trying to decide which console to purchase will surely pick the one that delivers the most visually pleasing graphics.
Scott says: In addition, almost every reviewer agrees that games such as "Grand Theft Auto", "Splinter Cell", etcetera, possess better graphics on the Xbox than the PlayStation 2. Xbox is acquiring the reputation of being the superior platform. You are correct in your assertion that technology means little without good games, but Xbox has delivered its share of exclusive titles, as well. To wit: Halo 2, Full Spectrum Warrior, etcetera.
Michael says: True, yet I must point out that those titles are very much centered on the tastes of U.S. video game enthusiasts.
Scott says: One factor I failed to mention just now is the capability to establish a high-speed Internet connection. This function was designed into the Xbox from the beginning and played a significant role in their ability to quickly build momentum for the Xbox Live online service.
Scott says: You are correct in asserting that gaming tastes are wildly different in Japan than in the United States and Europe. In fact, I do not even pretend to comprehend Japan's gaming market. Or indeed its entire culture.
Michael says: My doubts will be fully laid to rest if something as odd and inventive as
"Katamari Damacy" is released for the Xbox.
Scott says: Indeed. The catalogue of Xbox games is generally weak in the platformer genre as well. I personally am curious when Microsoft's purchase of Rare, the formerly Nintendo-focused development house, is going to begin yielding results. Rare did produce "Grabbed by the Ghoulies", but then not much else. That is a meagre showing for the $300 million Microsoft paid for them.
Michael says: Listen here, because what I am about to say is rather shocking. From what I understand, the game market in Japan is undubitably large, but, unlike the United States, it is actually in a state of DECLINE.
Michael says: Apparently Japanese gamers are becoming rather jaded in their appreciation of new games.
Scott says: Is this the truth? I must confess my utter ignorance on the topic. How intriguing.
Scott says: I am of the opinion that video game buyers in the United States are becoming more inured to price, due largely to the fact that the average age of gamers is getting older. Those of us who spent our childhoods with beloved Atari 2600 machines are now gainfully employed, a state of affairs which makes a $300 purchase almost a matter of whim. In fact, a growing number of us will have the means to afford more than one console.
Michael says: Aye, this is true, so true. I am sure you are aware of talk that the latest A-list titles will sell for $60 instead of $50.
Michael says: Oh, since we are now speaking of Asian gamers, I will take the opportunity to go off on a tangential subject, namely that I am SHOCKED at the abuse, low quality and poor customer service they endure on a daily basis.
Scott says: Please enlighten me.
Michael says: What I mean is simply this: most of the popular massively multiplayer online games in Taiwan and South Korea (and probably in China as well) are actually two-dimensional, or at most run three-dimensions in a fairly blocky fashion, and they are plagued with what can only be described as horribly boring level grinds.
Michael says: Indeed, by all reports, "Lineage 2" is the worst of the new-generation massively multiplayer online titles.
Michael says: I am of the sincere desire that "World of Warcraft" connects foot to posterior in a widespread fashion when it is released in South Korea. By all accounts it is simply the most fun massively multiplayer online game in existence. It is certainly the only one I would be tempted to purchase.
Scott says: Verily, I too felt emotions of deep surprise at the poor quality of "Lineage" and its Chinese bretheren. Given the widespread popularity I had rather expected something of an extremely high graphical caliber.
Michael says: My brother-in-law frequently plays massively multiplayer online games. He resides in Toronto but prefers to play the games through connections to servers based in the Asia region. One phenomenon he has encountered is zones dominated by professional gamers supposedly operating out of China. These professionals mindlessly slaughter beasts to obtain virtual gold they can subsequently sell in the real word to other gamers. Among their odious practices is the murder of any player character who interferes.
Michael says: This news fills me with indignation. Is it possible to conceive of a U.S. game company that would not take immediate and decisive measures to end such reprehensible behavior.
Scott says: In addtion, there appears to be a real addiction problem among certain youth. These youngsters frequently appear on television talk programs along with weepy family members lamenting such obsessive activity.
Michael says: Here I will make yet another tangential observation. One can frequently observe a wide variety of television advertisements for massively multiplayer online games here, but the interesting thing is that virtually NONE of them show actual gameplay. I speculate that this is because the games are actually of extremely poor quality.
Scott says: The gaming problem you referenced a moment ago perhaps in some way reflects the gray-area capitalism that pervades Chinese society. By this I mean the general lack of rules defining acceptable behavior, and, when such rules actually exist, the failure on the part of authorities to enforce them.
Scott says: To change the topic yet again, are you aware of the upcoming game "Battlefield 2"? It is the modern-day successor to "Battlfield 1942". The other day I obtained a video demonstrating the games features, and I must say it is nothing short of amazing.
Michael says: If I may I may one concluding remark on massively multiplayer online games, I will say that one of their more intriguing aspects in this region of the world is the social one. People tend to emphasize the ability to make and meet friends much more than in massively multiplayer online games designed and marketed in the United States.
Michael says: I have indeed read about "Battlefield 2", but the most recent information in my possession is several months old. Please remind me as to the details.
Scott says: The game is essentially a military simulation based on the current military forces of the United States. It boasts modern tanks, helicopters and other vehicles. But beyond the impressive array of modern weaponry, the game's true innovation appears to be in vastly expanded competitions carried out over the Internet.
Scott says: If I remember correctly, the game will support battles in which each side has 64 soldiers. However, I may be mistaken and each side may be able to field only 32 soldiers -- still an impressive number. In additoin, players may choose from a variety of soldier types, such as rifleman, engineer, medic, etcetera. The game will employ a point system that rewards players not only for killing the enemy, but also for assisting others in doing so, and for performing class-specific duties such as healing wounded soldiers if you are playing as a medic.
Scott says: Apparently each side will be further organized into smaller squads, and the player with the highest point ranking can opt to play as the commander. The commander possesses special abilities, such as viewing the battlefield as though from the eye of a bird. He may also direct artillery fire and can order logistical and support crews to deliver fresh supplies and ammunition to particular points on the map. Commanders can also issue orders to the squads and serve to coordinate their movements in order to orchestrate more successful attacks.
Michael says: A system to reward more than just kills is indeed impressive. Such a system should help to reduce the dick-slappery that appears to be prevalent on these kinds of
games.
Scott says: I beg your pardon? Dick-slappery?
Scott says: I must say the graphics appear to be quite sophisticated. If I may venture an comparison, I would say they resemble "Full Spectrum Warrior". The physics model also appears quite advanced and capable of mimicking how real-world objects behave in response to the application of gravitational, explosive, and other other forces.
Michael says: Surely you are no stranger to this vocabulary! Ass-hattery, spawn camping, wallhacking, cheating, whining, etcetera.
Scott says: I daresay I rather guessed the definition of the word, which I admit provoked an audible outburst of laughter from me. But what, pray tell, is wallhacking?
Michael says: Wallhacking refers to the underhanded practice of covertly employing computer code that bestows upon the player the ability to see through walls. This is apparently a widespread vexation in "Counterstrike".
Scott says: You don't say? That is a dishonorable practice.
Michael says: I must confess that I have no first-hand experience with these matters, seeing as how I have never played a game over the Internet, assuming that does not include Xbox system link gatherings. I am sure I have previously informed you that I do not really fancy playing with people whose identities are totally hidden from me.
Scott says: I acknowledge your concerns and can say to you that I myself have but a minimal amount of experience in playing games over the Internet. Such as they are, my experiences have been limited to a handful of matches in "Far Cry" and "Doom 3". However, it should be noted that this would undoubtedly increase should I be in possession of a faster Internet connection.
Scott says: Perhaps some recent developments will go a ways towards easing your reluctance to play against strangers. To wit, "Halo 2" has a so-called "clan" system that, from what I have heard, sounds immensely entertaining. Apparently you can organize a group of your closest acquaintances, and maintain the cohesiveness of the group for as long as you are all connected.
The system performs this function automatically, allowing your group to advance from match to match without losing contact with one another.
Scott says: I would like to return briefly to our earlier discussion. I conjecture that any decline in Japan's gaming industry may be due partly to demographic factors. Here is my reasoning. It is well known that Japan is an "ageing society", meaning that young people are making up a smaller proportion of the overall population. Now, and here is where I make what is admittedly a rather wild conjecture, I wonder if, that as Japan's gamers enter adulthood grow up, there is not more social pressure to secure regular employment, start a family, and abandon things regarded as more suitable to the realm of childhood, in this case, video games. Of course, I acknowledge that Japan is also known for its widespread affection, at all layers of society, for comic books and Hello Kitty merchandise, things that in the United States are still widely regarded as suitable only for children.
Michael says: You make some valid points but I must profess ignorance on the topic. Conceptions of what amounts to childish behavior or desires may be quite different in Japan. I visted Japan not long after the launch of the GameBoy Advance SP. I observed quite a few salarymen playing with the device, which I must admit does have a design that appeals more to adults.
Scott says: Indeed.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Elektra sounds less than electrifying
Well, nuts. I had had lofty hopes for the "Elektra" movie. The comics (a 4-part miniseries culled from her various appearances in "Daredevil", and a later, amazing, 8-part series beautifully illustrated by Bill Sinciewicz) were among my favorites as a kid, and the casting of Jennifer Garner gave me hope that the silver screen adaptation would be reasonably good. But I have yet to read a single positive review. It sounds like Rob Bowman really cocked it up.
My favorite line so far comes from Keith Phipps of The Onion AV Club:
Ouch.
My favorite line so far comes from Keith Phipps of The Onion AV Club:
Garner's main opposition comes from Will Yun Lee, playing a baddie with the superhuman ability to speak only in clichés. "We meet again!" he exclaims when they meet again. "It ends now!" he shouts shortly before the film ends. If only he'd thought of that one sooner.
Ouch.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
More iShuffle thoughts
In thinking more about Apple's new music player, the iPod Shuffle, it looks like they are betting this will be a great way to drive wider adoption of Apple computers.
A hundred clams for half a gig of storage wrapped in a pretty Apple skin and thoroughly rubbed down with lots of iPod sex appeal is a pretty good deal for those who haven't yet jumped on the digital music bandwagon, so to speak.
Sure, the margin on the players themselves have to be wafer thin. But look at the other big Apple announcement today, the Mac mini. This is a sleek little 'puter that is basically an iBook dressed up like a desktop, but for half the price.
The scenario Apple has to be hoping for is this: potential customer, let's call him Bill, says, "Wow. I've been hearing about these iPod things and they sound pretty cool, but I don't want to spend $250 on one, even though they are kinda pretty. Woah, look at this. You mean I can get in on this iPod action for just $100? That's kinda cool."
Bill walks into the Apple store. After pausing to enjoy the rarefied air and admire the heavenly glow radiating from the staff and customers, he picks up his iPod Shuffle and heads for the checkout. He digs the other Apple products but knows the glittering widescreen G5 and the silvery G4 PowerBooks are out of his league.
But then he sees the Mac mini. Holy smokes, that thing is smaller than the fruitcake tin his grandma sends him every year! And at $500, well, that's about the same as a budget PC. A real deal. He's been thinking about getting a new machine. Nothing firm, but his is getting slow and clunky. And this Mac mini sure is purty!
A couple weeks later, Bill is back, walking out the door with a Mac mini tucked under his arm. A new customer has been created, one that, hopefully, will be upgrading to higher-end Apple gear down the road.
Pretty clever.
A hundred clams for half a gig of storage wrapped in a pretty Apple skin and thoroughly rubbed down with lots of iPod sex appeal is a pretty good deal for those who haven't yet jumped on the digital music bandwagon, so to speak.
Sure, the margin on the players themselves have to be wafer thin. But look at the other big Apple announcement today, the Mac mini. This is a sleek little 'puter that is basically an iBook dressed up like a desktop, but for half the price.
The scenario Apple has to be hoping for is this: potential customer, let's call him Bill, says, "Wow. I've been hearing about these iPod things and they sound pretty cool, but I don't want to spend $250 on one, even though they are kinda pretty. Woah, look at this. You mean I can get in on this iPod action for just $100? That's kinda cool."
Bill walks into the Apple store. After pausing to enjoy the rarefied air and admire the heavenly glow radiating from the staff and customers, he picks up his iPod Shuffle and heads for the checkout. He digs the other Apple products but knows the glittering widescreen G5 and the silvery G4 PowerBooks are out of his league.
But then he sees the Mac mini. Holy smokes, that thing is smaller than the fruitcake tin his grandma sends him every year! And at $500, well, that's about the same as a budget PC. A real deal. He's been thinking about getting a new machine. Nothing firm, but his is getting slow and clunky. And this Mac mini sure is purty!
A couple weeks later, Bill is back, walking out the door with a Mac mini tucked under his arm. A new customer has been created, one that, hopefully, will be upgrading to higher-end Apple gear down the road.
Pretty clever.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Do the iPod shuffle
Apple's new flash-based iPod Shuffle looks pretty cool. It certainly has the right pricing -- $150 for a gigabyte of storage. All wrapped up in the kind of sleek design Apple is famed for. I guess they can hit that lower price point by eliminating a screen altogether. Me, I need a screen.
Oh, but there's this little gem tucked in among the fine print at the bottom of the Web page: "Do not eat iPod Shuffle".
Oh, but there's this little gem tucked in among the fine print at the bottom of the Web page: "Do not eat iPod Shuffle".
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Head-poppin' fun for the whole family!
The new Resident Evil 4 game sounds pretty freakin' cool. I don't have a GameCube and will probably never get one, but comments like this, from GameSpy, kinda make me want to:
"The game has surprisingly accurate locational damage detection making it possible to shoot weapons from an enemy's hands, drop them with a shot to the kneecap, and finish them with a bullet to the head."
And this:
"Resident Evil 4 is without a doubt one of the finest looking titles available on the GameCube. Put simply, you've never seen heads pop like this before. It's digital violence presented at its finest."
It would have to pretty good to top the gory detail in Doom 3, where your shotgun can blast the flesh off an undead soldier, leaving his bare skeleton exposed for a fraction of a second before it falls to the ground and disintegrates.
"The game has surprisingly accurate locational damage detection making it possible to shoot weapons from an enemy's hands, drop them with a shot to the kneecap, and finish them with a bullet to the head."
And this:
"Resident Evil 4 is without a doubt one of the finest looking titles available on the GameCube. Put simply, you've never seen heads pop like this before. It's digital violence presented at its finest."
It would have to pretty good to top the gory detail in Doom 3, where your shotgun can blast the flesh off an undead soldier, leaving his bare skeleton exposed for a fraction of a second before it falls to the ground and disintegrates.
"Let us trim our hair in accordance with socialist lifestyle"
This is at once hilarious and utterly frightening.
Think about it for a second. What must it be like to live in such a society? Your one overriding emotion would be constant fear. Over your haircut and shoes.
"The programme allowed men aged over 50 seven centimetres of upper hair to cover balding." Got that? Only 7 cm. Not 8 cm. At 8 cm, you're obviously a capitalist roader and an enemy of the people.
Scary stuff.
Think about it for a second. What must it be like to live in such a society? Your one overriding emotion would be constant fear. Over your haircut and shoes.
"The programme allowed men aged over 50 seven centimetres of upper hair to cover balding." Got that? Only 7 cm. Not 8 cm. At 8 cm, you're obviously a capitalist roader and an enemy of the people.
Scary stuff.
Wouldn't this be a Jeep Spherical?
So the new Jeep Hurricane concept has not one but two V8 Hemi engines. The Chrysler CEO said this is "Hemi squared". But when I told one of my colleagues, he said, "Wouldn't that be one V16 Spherical?"
Anyway, the thing pumps out 670 ponies and can move sideways. No word on whether it eats H2s for breakfast.
Anyway, the thing pumps out 670 ponies and can move sideways. No word on whether it eats H2s for breakfast.
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