I go on retro console forums sometimes, and one thing you almost never see is a post regarding a dead cartridge-based console.
Completely agree. Most startling example I've seen of this was when I was visiting seaside arcades for Retro Gamer. In 2004, I went to one in North Wales (think it was Towyn) and I found a generic cab playing... Sonic the Hedgehog 1. Did a double take. It was definitely the Mega Drive version. Took some pictures and the arcade owner came over (I think at first he thought I was from Sega or something and I was going to deliver a legal beatdown lol).
He told me that when Sonic first came out, he'd created 10 custom cabs. Basically each one had a MD inside the cab, wired up to the controls and monitor, and with a timed feature so that when you entered 10p or whatever, you got X minutes of play.
He'd sold nine to other arcade operators, and kept one in his own arcade. This one had been running, pretty much all day every day, since 1991. And he told me that he'd never had to even look at the MD.
If I went now, assuming his arcade is still operating, I bet it's still going.
Completely agree. Most startling example I've seen of this was when I was visiting seaside arcades for Retro Gamer. In 2004, I went to one in North Wales (think it was Towyn) and I found a generic cab playing... Sonic the Hedgehog 1. Did a double take. It was definitely the Mega Drive version. Took some pictures and the arcade owner came over (I think at first he thought I was from Sega or something and I was going to deliver a legal beatdown lol).
He told me that when Sonic first came out, he'd created 10 custom cabs. Basically each one had a MD inside the cab, wired up to the controls and monitor, and with a timed feature so that when you entered 10p or whatever, you got X minutes of play.
He'd sold nine to other arcade operators, and kept one in his own arcade. This one had been running, pretty much all day every day, since 1991. And he told me that he'd never had to even look at the MD.
If I went now, assuming his arcade is still operating, I bet it's still going.
I remember actual Sega arcade machines that did that, they were called Megatech I think? I don't know if they just had a megadrive in them or a custom board which held multiple carts/cartridge innards. Because there was a button to let you switch games, and there were about 10 games loaded onto it. I distinctly remember Altered Beast, Ghouls n' Ghosts, and Space Harrier 2 being on there.
You got something like 2 minutes play for your credit, and I have no idea if it was a design flaw but you could hit the game change button near the end of your time and you could play another game on the list with a fresh 2 minutes.
I think these were out in 89, possibly before the Megadrive actually hit the market? maybe they were something made in Japan to test the console out before it was launched? Because really these machines seemed quite pointless as a regular arcade machine, and I remember seeing a few as late as 1992 with newer games on them, Sonic and Streets of Rage to name a couple.
Whatever. I bet it can't run Manic Miner on a Spectrum Emulator running in UAE running in a Linux emulator running in Windows 3.11 emulator running on a Playstation emulator.
I bet it can't even load Castlevania Symphony of the Night.
I remember actual Sega arcade machines that did that, they were called Megatech I think? I don't know if they just had a megadrive in them or a custom board which held multiple carts/cartridge innards. Because there was a button to let you switch games, and there were about 10 games loaded onto it. I distinctly remember Altered Beast, Ghouls n' Ghosts, and Space Harrier 2 being on there.
I have one of those. It was found near a dumpster 10 years ago. I guess someone went out of business and tossed it. I think it holds five cartridges. A few were still in the slots.
You're right about AI, too, of course. Another problem with it is that you don't tend to notice it when it's done well, you only really notice the AI when it's bad. And no one buys a game for it's AI, it's graphics that attract the droves of eager purchasers, sadly.
It's not sad if you can draw. It's green. Oh so very green.
But then, by the time you play them they will be ancient you wouldn't have enjoyed them at the same time everyone else does. You want to be like everyone else and fit in, don't ya?
I'm really not sure I want a next gen console just yet. I think it's a bit early for the next ones as this gen is just coming to a peak! Just look at the big games from the last year or so and compare how they look/play to the first games that came out for them. They look brilliant. With another year or so, they.could be even better. My fear is that the new hardware will be rushed again (RROD...) and games for the current systems will dry up fast. The original Xbox software died off within 6 months or so of the Xbox360 being released.
I'm really not sure I want a next gen console just yet. I think it's a bit early for the next ones as this gen is just coming to a peak! Just look at the big games from the last year or so and compare how they look/play to the first games that came out for them. They look brilliant. With another year or so, they.could be even better. My fear is that the new hardware will be rushed again (RROD...) and games for the current systems will dry up fast. The original Xbox software died off within 6 months or so of the Xbox360 being released.
Having said all that earlier on, I've just seen this video and now I really want a WiiU :lol:
I'm really not sure I want a next gen console just yet. I think it's a bit early for the next ones as this gen is just coming to a peak! Just look at the big games from the last year or so and compare how they look/play to the first games that came out for them. They look brilliant. With another year or so, they.could be even better. My fear is that the new hardware will be rushed again (RROD...) and games for the current systems will dry up fast. The original Xbox software died off within 6 months or so of the Xbox360 being released.
Yup! I still think the new gen should sod off for another year or so.
Up and coming games like Watch Dogs look pretty special, and Capcom have obviously spotted the Watch Dog footage ripped off the style and decided to take their own route with it.
Check out the vids online for Remember Me, this is the first game in literally 10 years (or maybe more) that I think I'd be willing to buy at launch, no matter if it even does cost $60 looks effin' fantastic (well that and The Last Guardian, if it ever sees the light of day....almost 3 years late...thank you Phony :roll:)..
I am surprised how many people over here actually play games on the PCs... All that bull**** about how PCs outperform consoles, upgrading and all that... The fact is, the consoles are very much like ZX Spectrum used to be... the software is optimized... thing you never ever get on the PC, that should really be just collecting dust in case of gaming...
I am surprised how many people over here actually play games on the PCs... All that bull**** about how PCs outperform consoles, upgrading and all that... The fact is, the consoles are very much like ZX Spectrum used to be... the software is optimized... thing you never ever get on the PC, that should really be just collecting dust in case of gaming...
Like I said before I haven't upgraded my PC in at least 2 years and it outperforms any console. Plus I like the flexibility of the PC. Being able to use it for a lot more than a console is a big plus.
I am surprised how many people over here actually play games on the PCs... All that bull**** about how PCs outperform consoles, upgrading and all that... The fact is, the consoles are very much like ZX Spectrum used to be... the software is optimized... thing you never ever get on the PC, that should really be just collecting dust in case of gaming...
What?!
My PC blows my PS3 out of the water, and you'll find a lot of console games (particularly multi-plat games) are very badly optimised because they're using generic frameworks rather than coded specifically to the host platform - like Spectrum games were. The likes of God Of War and Uncharted look spectacular on PS3 because the dev concentrates solely on PS3. Skyrim was a poor port on PS3 because Bethsesa led on Xbox/PC.
I am surprised how many people over here actually play games on the PCs... All that bull**** about how PCs outperform consoles, upgrading and all that... The fact is, the consoles are very much like ZX Spectrum used to be... the software is optimized... thing you never ever get on the PC, that should really be just collecting dust in case of gaming...
I am confident that my laptop (with dedicated graphics card) will out perform any console let alone my gaming PC. With the exception of a few platform exclusive titles, which are getting fewer and fewer, console titles are coded for the lowest common denominator and don't take advantage of a consoles full power. Add to that that PC games commonly have mods available (both studio and fan provided) and you frequently end up with a far superior product, look at Skyrim running at 100+ fps on my gaming rig when its got all the graphics options on max with the hi-res texture pack and it makes the console ports look like a Spectrum game.
Of course you carefully ignore the fact that many PC games cannot run on consoles because of the compromised control systems (flight sims, RTS games, God games, management games ect) and this can also be seen by the way that many cross format multi-player games, especially fps games, have to have separate servers for PC players because they would slaughter console players due to better and more responsive controls.
I suppose its not worth mentioning that the best resolution any console can get is 1920 x 1080 where as gaming PC's can run at 5760 x 1080 if you like the nice panoramic view.... and, although I admit its a worthless gimmick in my opinion, 3D.
this can also be seen by the way that many cross format multi-player games, especially fps games, have to have separate servers for PC players because they would slaughter console players due to better and more responsive controls.
that and also because its far easier to install cheats into pc online games meaning all you ever get is 12 year olds hacking all over the map.
that and also because its far easier to install cheats into pc online games meaning all you ever get is 12 year olds hacking all over the map.
there are things to stop that, the name escapes me.. but they are short lived. (edit : punk buster)
new consoles = p!ss poor build quality + high price for "games" that are mainly cut scenes + online charges + gobby 14 year olds mouthing off / idiots spawn killing on fps's etc. .. makes me stick to pc gaming the rare time I do...
sadly titles from 1983 show far more playability a lot of the time.. says a lot for progress :)
a friend, I showed call of duty on the pc vs the original xbox.. he said it was a world of difference *BUT* he didn't wanna game on a pc after working on one the rest of the time at work
I used to like playing soldier of fortune on pc, the old activision games.. some of the hax some players used to do were pretty clever.. but sly. e.g. slowing down the pc to 1/3 , to get perfect aim
when MS got into consoles I dunno.. would love to have seen sega still in the game
that and also because its far easier to install cheats into pc online games meaning all you ever get is 12 year olds hacking all over the map.
And the consoles have not suffered from this? Rubbish! Online Modern Warfare, to give one example, was completely ruined with hacked game files giving the user unbeatable benefits.
And the consoles have not suffered from this? Rubbish! Online Modern Warfare, to give one example, was completely ruined with hacked game files giving the user unbeatable benefits.
yes they have suffered, hardly to the same extent though, hence the words in my post :o
very badly optimised because they're using generic frameworks rather than coded specifically to the host platform - like Spectrum games were..
Yes, but in the times of PS2 the situation was quite different. Today when Sony gave up and are bringing PC architecture to their console, the situation will be even worse... On PS2 unique architecture they had to code hard to get things moving...
Sony should have continued in PS2 architecture even with PS3... PS2 was a great design with great potential, outperforming PC graphics cards around 2000
Sony should have continued in PS2 architecture even with PS3... PS2 was a great design with great potential, outperforming PC graphics cards around 2000
Then the original Xbox outperformed the PS2 just a year later...
Reminder: The next generation Xbox (Xbox Infinity?) will be revealed at 6pm UK time tomorrow. You can watch the live stream on your 360, or at sites like www.cvg.co.uk
Reminder: The next generation Xbox (Xbox Infinity?) will be revealed at 6pm UK time tomorrow. You can watch the live stream on your 360, or at sites like www.cvg.co.uk
I'll give it a couple of hours. Someone's bound to have done a piss-take of it by then.
Comments
Also, the "Xbox Gold" reveal looks likely in April: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/392950/industry-expects-microsofts-response-to-ps4-in-april/
Completely agree. Most startling example I've seen of this was when I was visiting seaside arcades for Retro Gamer. In 2004, I went to one in North Wales (think it was Towyn) and I found a generic cab playing... Sonic the Hedgehog 1. Did a double take. It was definitely the Mega Drive version. Took some pictures and the arcade owner came over (I think at first he thought I was from Sega or something and I was going to deliver a legal beatdown lol).
He told me that when Sonic first came out, he'd created 10 custom cabs. Basically each one had a MD inside the cab, wired up to the controls and monitor, and with a timed feature so that when you entered 10p or whatever, you got X minutes of play.
He'd sold nine to other arcade operators, and kept one in his own arcade. This one had been running, pretty much all day every day, since 1991. And he told me that he'd never had to even look at the MD.
If I went now, assuming his arcade is still operating, I bet it's still going.
I remember actual Sega arcade machines that did that, they were called Megatech I think? I don't know if they just had a megadrive in them or a custom board which held multiple carts/cartridge innards. Because there was a button to let you switch games, and there were about 10 games loaded onto it. I distinctly remember Altered Beast, Ghouls n' Ghosts, and Space Harrier 2 being on there.
You got something like 2 minutes play for your credit, and I have no idea if it was a design flaw but you could hit the game change button near the end of your time and you could play another game on the list with a fresh 2 minutes.
I think these were out in 89, possibly before the Megadrive actually hit the market? maybe they were something made in Japan to test the console out before it was launched? Because really these machines seemed quite pointless as a regular arcade machine, and I remember seeing a few as late as 1992 with newer games on them, Sonic and Streets of Rage to name a couple.
But by then they really were pointless.
I bet it can't even load Castlevania Symphony of the Night.
I have one of those. It was found near a dumpster 10 years ago. I guess someone went out of business and tossed it. I think it holds five cartridges. A few were still in the slots.
It's not sad if you can draw. It's green. Oh so very green.
Having said all that earlier on, I've just seen this video and now I really want a WiiU :lol:
Yup! I still think the new gen should sod off for another year or so.
Up and coming games like Watch Dogs look pretty special, and Capcom have obviously spotted the Watch Dog footage ripped off the style and decided to take their own route with it.
Check out the vids online for Remember Me, this is the first game in literally 10 years (or maybe more) that I think I'd be willing to buy at launch, no matter if it even does cost $60 looks effin' fantastic (well that and The Last Guardian, if it ever sees the light of day....almost 3 years late...thank you Phony :roll:)..
Like I said before I haven't upgraded my PC in at least 2 years and it outperforms any console. Plus I like the flexibility of the PC. Being able to use it for a lot more than a console is a big plus.
What?!
My PC blows my PS3 out of the water, and you'll find a lot of console games (particularly multi-plat games) are very badly optimised because they're using generic frameworks rather than coded specifically to the host platform - like Spectrum games were. The likes of God Of War and Uncharted look spectacular on PS3 because the dev concentrates solely on PS3. Skyrim was a poor port on PS3 because Bethsesa led on Xbox/PC.
I am confident that my laptop (with dedicated graphics card) will out perform any console let alone my gaming PC. With the exception of a few platform exclusive titles, which are getting fewer and fewer, console titles are coded for the lowest common denominator and don't take advantage of a consoles full power. Add to that that PC games commonly have mods available (both studio and fan provided) and you frequently end up with a far superior product, look at Skyrim running at 100+ fps on my gaming rig when its got all the graphics options on max with the hi-res texture pack and it makes the console ports look like a Spectrum game.
Of course you carefully ignore the fact that many PC games cannot run on consoles because of the compromised control systems (flight sims, RTS games, God games, management games ect) and this can also be seen by the way that many cross format multi-player games, especially fps games, have to have separate servers for PC players because they would slaughter console players due to better and more responsive controls.
I suppose its not worth mentioning that the best resolution any console can get is 1920 x 1080 where as gaming PC's can run at 5760 x 1080 if you like the nice panoramic view.... and, although I admit its a worthless gimmick in my opinion, 3D.
that and also because its far easier to install cheats into pc online games meaning all you ever get is 12 year olds hacking all over the map.
there are things to stop that, the name escapes me.. but they are short lived. (edit : punk buster)
new consoles = p!ss poor build quality + high price for "games" that are mainly cut scenes + online charges + gobby 14 year olds mouthing off / idiots spawn killing on fps's etc. .. makes me stick to pc gaming the rare time I do...
sadly titles from 1983 show far more playability a lot of the time.. says a lot for progress :)
a friend, I showed call of duty on the pc vs the original xbox.. he said it was a world of difference *BUT* he didn't wanna game on a pc after working on one the rest of the time at work
I used to like playing soldier of fortune on pc, the old activision games.. some of the hax some players used to do were pretty clever.. but sly. e.g. slowing down the pc to 1/3 , to get perfect aim
when MS got into consoles I dunno.. would love to have seen sega still in the game
And the consoles have not suffered from this? Rubbish! Online Modern Warfare, to give one example, was completely ruined with hacked game files giving the user unbeatable benefits.
yes they have suffered, hardly to the same extent though, hence the words in my post :o
Yes, but in the times of PS2 the situation was quite different. Today when Sony gave up and are bringing PC architecture to their console, the situation will be even worse... On PS2 unique architecture they had to code hard to get things moving...
Sony should have continued in PS2 architecture even with PS3... PS2 was a great design with great potential, outperforming PC graphics cards around 2000
Then the original Xbox outperformed the PS2 just a year later...
I'll give it a couple of hours. Someone's bound to have done a piss-take of it by then.
Why wait?
http://kotaku.com/imagine-if-this-was-how-microsoft-revealed-their-new-xb-508855934
Well I posted it in the XBONE thread, might as well post it here too :D