James

[color=coral]There are many, many threads on religion. It's been pretty much covered.[/color]

[color=coral]Well, one of the biggest hurdles was a technical one. And this game, despite working on funky Japanese servers (and Japanese online games often seem to have problems) worked incredibly smoothly. In even then, it's only a beta. So at this point in time, GameCube is ahead of its competitors in the "online race"...which I personally find quite ironic lol But certainly, this will really allow Nintendo and others to see how successful a smoothe, easy to access online gaming service can be. I'm sure others will be watching these developments closely.[/color]

[color=coral]Well, PSO doesn't require a HDD (unlike FFXI). The BB Adapter is relatively cheap, though I forget the exact price. And as far as I know, you won't be paying a fee to play PSO...unless some sort of small monthly fee is arranged ($5 a month, for example).[/color]

[color=coral]Dozens of nuclear weapons have been discharged throughout history. It's unlikely that a nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan would cause a Nuclear Winter.[/color]

[color=coral]FFVIII's battle system was horrible. It was awkward, uninspired, boring and useless. It also drew so much challenge from the game. FFIX's battle system was much better...better even than FFVII's system. However, once again, the useless plot and often poor characters really sucked the enjoyment from that game...[/color]

[color=coral]FFIX was probably the single worst FF game ever created (simply due to lack of plot...the plot was so bad, that it screwed up the entire game). FFVIII would come in a close second for that title. The comments about FFX are strange to me, because [i]most[/i] people I've talked to believe that it's the best FF game ever produced. Even IGN and other major publications gave it very high scores. Perhaps it's the fact that it's fairly different...with a lack of overworld map and such.[/color]

[color=coral]Indeed, this is one of the few Xbox games demonstrated at E3 that really made any significant impact (the other would be Blinx: Timesweeper). This is certainly a long running series and the potential for an all-new 3D version is most welcome. I'm really looking forward to it. I was a little dissappointed that there was a lack of info at E3 regarding Panzer Dragoon 3 (a game which I'm [i]really[/i] looking forward to) and some other big SEGA titles that were previously announced. It's a shame that there are few (if any) good first party games coming up, but it's definitely nice to see some third party exclusive titles appearing on the horizon.[/color]

[color=coral]I don't think anyone is saying that The Harlequin believes that the loss of life was idiocy...but the war itself certainly wasn't idiocy, whichever way you choose to look at it. Patriotism can go a little far...but it isn't necessarily the belief that your country is better than all others. I'm fairly patriotic, but I believe that patriotism is the ability to analyse your country's faults as well as its achievements.[/color]

[color=coral]Yep, you read correctly. GameCube's first online game will be available very soon -- Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 & 2 is the game. :) I recently read impressions of the Japanese Beta Version on IGNinsider and I thought I would share some of the impressions with you.[/color] [quote][b]IGN:[/b][i]Remember how basic the character creation was in the original Phantasy Star Online? Not so here! Sonic Team has equipped Episode 1 & 2 with a seemingly infinite number of character creation possibilities that eclipse even Square's massively multiplayer Final Fantasy XI. [/i][/quote] [color=coral]I found this particularly interesting. Final Fantasy XI has touted some huge customization features as one of its main points. For those of you who don't know, FFXI launched in Japan only recently (with a USA release coming in 2003). However, the game went through some major problems: users were automatically disconnected, some users were charged double the normal fee for no reason, some users experienced "code corruption" (which basically means that their entire game becomes invalid) and more. As a result, Square's President announced that all services would be free until July. Furthermore, FFXI is said to run quite slowly (at only around 20 frames per second [Goldeneye runs at 30fps]). Yet, Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 & 2 appears to have absolutely no slowdown issues, [i]despite[/i] being narrowband only at this point (Nintendo will release the Broadband Adapter within a couple of months).[/color] [quote][b]IGN:[/b][i]In the Beta, you have available to you the three main character classes of old in four different forms apiece (the two new character classes promised for the GCN version of the game aren't in at this point). You can modify the default characters with different hair styles, skin colors, clothing styles and face styles, and can even change height and width proportions to your liking (or disliking). [/i][/QUOTE] [IMG]http://insider.ign.com/download/image/japanese/psobeta/chara_in.jpg[/IMG] [quote][b]IGN:[/b][i]As you've probably heard by now, the framerate remains consistent throughout this mode, even with the four way split screen. Given the four controller ports on the NGC and the Nintendo crowds' general acceptance of party gaming, the spit screen multiplayer mode could rival the Online mode in terms of use.[/i][/quote] [color=coral]Interestingly, it is possible to play in split screen mode whilst also playing online (although obviously, the GCN keyboard/controller isn't able to be used in four player situation).[/color] [quote][b]IGN:[/b][i]Once you've entered the server and room of your choice (as mentioned on previous pages, the beta allows for four servers with upwards of twenty rooms each), you can see all the live players in your area in real-time. You can chat with players using what seems to be an early version of the final chatting interface (things are somewhat confusing right now, but we trust everything will be cleaned up for the final). In order to actually get into a game, you need to form a so-called team by speaking to a computer-controlled receptionist in the lobby. A team can consists of slots for up to three members in addition to you. Once you've created a team, you can go into the game's neon city area which acts as your portal into the various fields of play and allows you to purchase items and equipment, take up quests, and so-forth. You're free to go down to the city by yourself once you've created the team, even if there's no one in the team but you. If your team is open to more than just one player, other players looking to join in a game will be able to join your team and enter your game to fight along side you. Of course, if you don't want other players to join in your game, or if you want only certain players to join in, you can set a password. The options you chose when setting up your team determine what you do while in the city. You can set your team up as either an Episode 1 or an Episode 2 team. The former gives you access to levels that were found in the DC version of the game while the latter gives you access to the new GameCube levels such as the gorgeous beach and mountain stages. We're not sure why this distinction has been made, as from what we know you won't be able to compete with Dreamcast owners through the GameCube game.[/quote][/i] [img]http://insider.ign.com/download/image/japanese/psobeta/battle_in.jpg[/IMG] [quote][b]IGN:[/b][i]Lag time, network disconnections and various other connectivity issues didn't feature all that much, if at all, in our play sessions with PSO, which spells good news for GameCube fans. And, of course, we're also happy to report that the game hasn't lost one bit of its appeal in the move to the GameCube. With Sonic Team having worked on the game forever now, we can't wait to see what the very final version holds. We'll see you Online on August 8th. [/i][/quote] [color=coral]This I found particularly interesting; despite being narrowband, the GameCube version (even in beta stage) is performing better than both PSO v2 for Dreamcast [i]and[/i] FFXI for PS2. I'm not sure if August 8 is the Japan or USA release (I presume it's the Japan release), but I am aware that Sonic Team will have this game available in the USA within 2002. This effectively means that GameCube is the first console to go online in any significant way (despite often being seen as a console which is lagging behind in the online stakes). I originally felt that a narrowband version would offer too much slowdown and problems...but clearly, even in beta stage, the game is performing above everyone's expectations. I'm particularly excited about this game, especially because it demonstrates that online gaming can work well on GameCube, despite it being something which probably won't be taken up in a mainsteam way for some time to come.[/color] EDIT: Sorry about the images; I forgot that Insider images won't link correctly from other sites. I will try to find alternatives for you.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by The Harlequin [/i] [B][font=gothic] Yes, the troops, as stated, fought their way through machine gun encampments. Why? They were told to. That was the most pointless waste of human life. Many lives would have been saved if the generals had invested something in artillery back up. I make no pretenses here, I believe that the entire war was a waste of life. To twist around a saying so arrogantly placed in here by several people, anybody who thinks otherwise has never placed themselves in an ANZAC veterans place.[/font] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=coral]Definitely, war is a waste of life. Any war is a waste of life. But the meaning of what the ANZACs did was very important. And if anything, it demonstrated that Australia was solidly behind the British and the rest of the allies. I am personally proud that Australia has been involved in every major conflict this century. Why? Simply because, despite war being a nasty and horrible thing, our involvement has demonstrated in no uncertain terms what side we are on -- the side which favors peace and democracy. And that is a very important message to send out. I would hate to be a citizen of a country that is constantly "neutral" to everything. Being neutral in some cases is fine, but sometimes, if you are neutral...you have already accepted defeat. As for the whole issue of Australians [i]not[/i] being technically outweighed (Cloricus), I'm afraid that's totally wrong. If you ever see [i]any[/i] movie based on the ANZACs (or read any book), you'll be aware that at Gallipolli, the Turks were utilizing semi-automated weaponry and our troops were not. Sure, we should have had such weaponry...and sure, the entire situation could have been organized in a better fashion. I don't deny that and I'm sure that any ANZAC would not deny that. But we cannot use these discrepancies to diminish the importance and value of what the ANZACs did and achieved at this point in history. Despite the huge loss of life at Gallipolli, the ANZACs achieved many important wins in other parts of the world -- wins that helped to turn the tables against the Nazis and others. Regardless of any disagreements about the war itself, I'm sure that as long as we recongize the ANZACs for their bravery and sacrifice...then surely that's the most important aspect of this discussion.[/color]

[i]Proteus walked into the APC's weapons bay, to double check his weaponry. He also wanted to make sure that his Data Cube would be able to transmit the weapon codes to his limbs quickly. He sat down and raised his right arm. And with a flick of the wrist, his hand morphed into a standard buster.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] Good... [i]He flicked his wrist again and this time, the buster doubled in size.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] Excellent... [i]And once more, he flicked his wrist. This time, each side of the buster opened up to reveal small homing missile ports (the missiles were only tiny, but could be used in conjunction with standard buster fire). Proteus smiled to himself. He felt more confident now. He flicked his wrist again and now, his buster extended and the opening at the end tightened up -- he'd created an Ice Buster. Proteus nodded and stood up. Now he was ready for anything...[/i]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by PiroMunkie [/i] [B][color=indigo]::Ahem:: Don't you mean, you won't embarass [i]him[/i], Jamesy? :smooch: Lol, don't think I haven't forgotten about those times in the chats ;)[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=coral]Errm...uhh...I don't want to comment on that, because I'd [i]hate[/i] for Queen Asuka to drag me to the Jerry Springer show... :blush: :blush: :drunk: [/color]

[color=coral]Well, Adam is my "love bunny"...but hell, everyone knows that! I also know of someone else here who is intensely attracted to me...but I won't embarass her. ^_^[/color]

[color=coral]The fact is, the industry isn't big enough to support another major console. So far, PS2 is way infront with about 30 million units worldwide. GCN comes in at about 4.5 million and Xbox at around 3 million. PS2 will probably take about 50% of the hardware market. From what's left over, GCN will take anywhere from 60%-80% and Xbox will take the rest. Even with a relatively small market share, game companies can still be profitable on Xbox. But if another company tried to move in...and took only say 5% of the leftover market...they simply wouldn't sell enough units to be profitable. The only way I can see this system doing well is if it opens up some sort of niche market...or if it only sells in a country like China, where it could be released very cheaply and appeal to local consumers only.[/color]

[color=coral]I was playing "Thunder Hockey" once (it's like ice hockey...you use the same sticks/puks, except that it's not actually on ice...)...and I was standing behind someone who was going to hit the puck...and he swing his stick back and hit me right in the jaw... It was SO painful lol He hit me so hard that I fell backwards...my entire face hurt for days on end. Although luckily, I didn't lose any teeth lol But at the time, I was hit so hard that I nearly blacked out...I didn't even feel pain, I was just competely dazed. lol So yeah, that's probably my worst sporting injury...[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Boba Fett [/i] [B]I am not exactly addicted to the net, more to these boards. I feel like I belong to something. People hear are great if you want an intelligent conversation. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=coral]Ahh, that's the most positive thing I've heard all day. :) That's why all these rules and stuff are necessary...and this one comment is nice to hear -- it shows us that things aren't as gloomy as some believe. ;) [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by (<AA>) [/i] [B] How do you have free internet? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=coral]Erm, it's a long story. :D :eek: :blush: [/color]

[color=coral]I guess I'm addicted to the net in some ways...it makes me feel more connected to the world, more in a professional sense than a personal one though. I'm actually getting the Internet for free now, so thankfully, I don't have to worry about Internet bills and such. ^_^ Still, I like to get away from the 'net whenever I can...to keep in touch with the real world. lol The 'net is great, but there is a lot that it just can't do. :)[/color]

[color=coral]To call ANZAC day "idiocy" is one of the most disrespectful and offensive things I can possibly fathom, as an Australian citizen. The main reason why so many died at Gallipolli, was the fact that the British (at that point), were sitting on another beach drinking tea while our men were being slaughtered by the Turkish Army (who had machine guns...our troops at the time merely had bayonettes). The issue is not whether or not the landing or the war itself was stupid. Many would say that America shouldn't have been involved in Vietnam. And many people do not hold the Vietman veterans (or the ANZACS) in high enough regard, purely because they felt that the situation itself was foolish or inapproprate. But that is completely irrelevant here. We are talking about men who died for their country. They died because their Government told them to go out there and fight for their British comrades. And despite the fact that they were facing overwhelming opposition (how can a bayonette compete with a machine gun?!), they still stood up and took their place...and they died doing so. If you yourself were put in that situation, you would know the horror and suffering that occurred. To make light, or to dismiss this important event in Australian history is not only un-Australian, but is also the absolute hight of rudeness and disrespect.[/color]

[color=coral]I personally tend to talk to people that I really trust, like my partner, for example. That allows me to know that I'm talking to someone who respects me and who will listen to my thoughts and feelings without being judgemental. Having said that, I don't always want to burden others with my deeper thoughts...and sometimes, it's good to listen to music or even just sit and think. Sometimes if I have a big issue on my mind, I tend to think alloud...and actually go through the problem myself. That tends to help me in some situations, because I can actually sit there and work out everything step by step. But really, everyone is different. And each of us has our own way of dealing with problems in our lives. I just hope that you find a way of dealing with your problems, where you feel comfortable doing so. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Desbreko [/i] [B] [color=indigo]I'm assuming you mean console first person shooters... Goldeneye isn't anything special compared to PC first person shooters, even back then... But that's exactly what I'm saying, though! If they don't change anything, I most likely won't buy it. They'll have to add a lot to the multi-player modes to get me to buy it without a rental first. If they don't change it much, I most likely wouldn't be worth buying. Maybe a rental or two, but I wouldn't buy it if it's not much different.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=coral]Goldeneye revolutionized [i]all[/i] first person shooters, even those on PC. In fact, you often find newer PC titles borrowing heavily from aspects created by Goldeneye. I won't list all the reasons for it now, but it even among game development communities, Goldeneye is considered to be one of the most important games of the last decade -- and the game's phenomenal sales and legendary status tend to go along with that. As for Mario Kart, I agree for the most part. The game definitely needs to bring something new to the table. For me personally, I'd be happy if this was just the same as the SNES version, but with next generation graphics. As I personally loved the original (and the GBA version)...and so, as long as there were all new tracks, but the same gameplay dynamics, I'd be completely happy. Having said that, I don't really feel confident that Nintendo will go in that direction. Mario Kart on GCN will be different. It will be different to its predecessors in several key ways. I don't know what those ways are yet, but based on conversations I've seen between the media and Miyamoto (and based on the "Nintendo Difference" concept being pushed really hard at this year's E3), I'm a wholly confident that Nintendo is preparing something significant here. [/color]

[color=coral]Selective breeding is something that has brought us countless species of dog/cat...and many thousands of species of flower. Just look at the "Pikmin" flower which was created only a couple of months ago...it is the direct result of some sort of bio-engineering. Though having said that, selective breeding in humans would [i]not[/i] be a good thing. As for Communism...it's fine to support the idea of socialism, as long as you understand that socialism isn't practical. In a communist society, everyone shares equally and everyone takes from the state. The problem is, nobody gives anything...they just take. There is no incentive in a communist society, as personal wealth cannot exist. And without personal wealth, you are somewhat limited to what you can achieve in your life. Capitalism certainly isn't perfect either...because those who are weaker get pushed to the bottom and they have NO way of living. However, that is why a capitalistic society needs a strong welfare net, to catch those people who fall through the cracks.[/color]

[color=coral]I'm going to close this. Why? Because despite being largely humorous (I'm sure that's what it was intended for), it's also something which doesn't really have any substance -- it simply bashes other consoles for no real reason. If you want to have a constructive discussion about Xbox, that's totally fine and we're more than happy to accept that. But let's try and keep the discussion at least reasonably intelligent.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Crazy White Boy [/i] [B] I have high hopes for this one. If it's not revolutionary on the gameplay end, then it'll be practically useless. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=coral]I wouldn't go that far. ~_^ So far it appears that Mario Kart is being developed by NST, with some input from EAD. Nevertheless, the N64 version was horrible -- it was a big dissappointment to MK purists. If the developer (whether NST or EAD) can recreate the same feeling as the SNES/GBA versions, while also adding a lot of new features and gameplay options, then it'll be just right. I don't think it needs to be revolutionary...it just needs to be what MK64 [i]should[/i] have been.[/color]

[color=coral]Fantasy doesn't have to mean old fashioned with dragons and stuff...fantasy can be anything otherworldly...space fantasy, for example. :)[/color]