Category Archives: General

Finally, Someone Gets It!

Deep down inside, I know there is an eloquent writer just waiting to be heard. Since my subconscious iD seems to have squashed that little guy like EA squashes independent game studios, I have no choice but to let others do my speaking for me.

Enter David Wong. His article, Life After the Video Game Crash covers his impressions of E3 and the brewing console wars. In it, he highlights what happened in the mid 80s when the first gaming crash occurred. He even predicts that crash is about to happen again. I agree with him, but I want to add one more thing to his great article. The more games that are made for PCs in conjunction with consoles, the further down into the pit of hell PC gaming will slip.

Case in point.

History says otherwise. History says that youd eventually get bored with the machine even if there wasnt a better one to replace it.

Lets take this a bit further.

Which brings us to today. Weve now advanced from realistic 3D to slightly prettier 3D and… even slightlier prettier 3D with slightly better reflection effects and slightly better animated water ripples and – oh, look! This game has the most realistic fog yet!

See the problem?

What does an art form that relies on novelty do when it can no longer offer up anything novel?

Does any particular PC game come to mind? Yea, pick one. Battlefield 2142194268-72, Quake MMMMCDXIX, UT2069? Bueller? Bueller?

Battlefield 1942 was popular because it was different from anything else out there. Battlefield 2142 is the same old wolf in sheeps clothing. It is this exact reason that I predict BF2142 will ultimately be the worst selling of the franchise.

I know… I know… You think I am just EA bashing. Well…. Ok, so I am. Can you blame me? Every time a company develops a hot property that breaks the mold, they buy it up and run it into the ground. To make matters worse, when was the last time EA developed a unique, original game?

Im saying both Sony and Microsoft will wind up losing money on their consoles this time around. Nintendo wont, because they quite frankly dont seem to have that much invested. I think the pool of gamers, for the first time in 20 years, will shrink.

If I remember correctly, EA lost money last quarter because of the delay of the next generation of consoles. EAs fate is inevitably tied to the guys mentioned above. As a gamer, and an older gamer at that, I am ready for my next fix. I dont count on these guys to provide it.

Or even worse, I may get to where I have to practice a game, working to make my skills sharper and sharper so I can rub victory in the face of annoying teenagers Ill never meet, feeling the pressure to log more and more hours in the game so I dont embarrass myself in matches. I dont want to do that. I want to relax. I want to play.

….I want something new, exciting, innovating and entertaining….! Not a rehash of the same crap with better water, fire and fog.

Can I get a Hallelujah, Amen Brother David!

Are CRPGs Making A Comeback?

Based on the Top Selling PC Games for March 2006, it really looks like it.

1. The Sims 2 Open For Business Expansion Pack
2. Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
3. Star Wars: Empire At War
4. Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach
5. Lord of the Rings: Battle For Middle Earth II
6. World Of Warcraft
7. The Sims 2
8. Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Collectors Ed
9. Lord of the Rings: Battle For Middle Earth II Collectors Ed
10. MS Age Of Empires III
13. Battlefield 2

*List is based on units sold by more than 70 channel partners, representing 90% of the U.S. retail consumer market.

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey Trailer Available

Press Release

Durham, USA — February 9, 2006 – Funcom announces the release of a new trailer for the highly anticipated adventure game ‘Dreamfall: The Longest Journey’. The game is scheduled for a Windows and Xbox release this spring. For the first time Funcom also offer an iPod version of the trailer, as well as a version for cell phones*.

‘Dreamfall: The Longest Journey’, winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began in the award-winning The Longest Journey, considered to be one of the finest adventure games ever made. In Dreamfall, players are taken on an epic journey of exploration and adventure as they venture through a thrilling and emotional storyline. ‘Dreamfall’ features a fully interactive world where beautiful music, stunning graphics, fascinating characters and unparalleled gameplay variety promises to bring the adventure genre into a new era. Prepare for a spiritual, fantastic and powerful gaming experience.

The trailer, screenshots and more information can be found on the official website:
http://www.dreamfall.com

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Funcom Brings SpeedTree RT Into Age of Conan

Press Release –

Durham, NC – Funcom, a leading developer of multi award-winning games like Anarchy Online and The Longest Journey, has licensed SpeedTree®RT for their upcoming Online Action RPG Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures.

“The partnership with IDV and SpeedTree helps us ensure that Funcom can continue its tradition of creating visual excellence in games,” said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom.

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