Gaming GameCube's First Online Game

[James]

[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.

[Cecil]

That sounds great. I've been looking forward to PSO for a long time. It will be my first time playing online so it's gonna be a change.

I always thought that GCN would probably be the last system to be online, lol.

The split screen sounds interisting. Although I wouldn't see the point of playing online if everybody's sitting in the same room.

I really hope that the customization is as big as they say it is. I have yet to see a game that would let me make a ssj Gohan, and a super deformed version of my brother, lol.

Have you heard anything about the price? The only reason I'm not really looking forward to FFXI right now is probably because of the $100 plus price I'm gonna have to pay including the price of the network adapt and such. Any info about it would be greatly appriciated.

[James]

[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]

[Charles]

I guess that this further demonstrates Sonic Team's commitment to the GameCube.

Though I had a Dreamcast, I have never experienced this game, so it would be a real treat. Especially, since I've heard many good things about it.

Perhaps Phantasy Star Online will serve the purpose that Final Fantasy VII did so long ago, only in a different way. Although the GameCube is not hyped to house the most significant online gaming community, I'm positive that if Phantasy Star Online is a big success, the flood gates will be open, so to speak.

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Hmm... I've heard about PSO: Episode I & II some, but not much... Actually, I haven't heard much about any of the PSO games.

I'm pretty sure I heard that the US release of the game was going to be in Fall, along with the 56K Modem and Broadband Adapter. I'm very excited to see how the GCN fares in the online market, and from the sound of it it's going to do decently. I wonder if PSO: Episode I & II will actually do better than FFXI?[/color]

[James]

[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]

[Guest ProudClod]

Phantasy star online and final fantasy 11 will undoubtedly be different in terms of payment, GC need to compete with their rivals ps2 and xbox in order to keep it running, so it will be a good idea for them to drop the character subscription fee, or lower the price if there is one.

I think that square can learn a lot from PSO, like being able to create and name your own character, personally, PSO is a much better online game than FF11. Square and sony should re-think theyre whole strategy in online gaming, in costs and gameplay.

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Well, never having played either PSO or FFXI (it's not even out in the US), I can't really make a comparison between the two. I don't think you should say that PSO is better than FFXI, though, when FFXI isn't out yet. Wait till you play both PSO: Episode I & II and FFXI before you compare the two, because I think the only way to get a real idea of an online game is to play it yourself. I'm most likely going to be getting FFXI, and if PSO: Episode I & II desn't have a monthly fee I might get it, too. Until I play both of them, though, I'm not going to try and compare them to one another.

I would like to learn more about the PSO games, though. From the little I've heard about the games, they sounded fun. If anyone could tell me about PSO, it'd be much appreciated. :)[/color]

[James]

[color=coral]Well, the gameplay is really fundamentally different (athough FFXI is significantly more advanced in gameplay, in terms of huge teams and persistent worlds).

Having said that, PSO performs better online so far. Its framerate remains smoothe and it manages to avoid lag to a largest extent (whereas so far, FFXI is plagued with it).

Nonetheless, I'm sure both will be good games respectively -- especially when they are both available in all territories (and when bugs have been fixed)[/color]

[Turkey]

I'm ready to buy this beauty the day it arrives. I played the original to dead and I'm ready to lose my social life once again!
I heard that the tentative fee will be $11 for 3 months, which is an amazing deal for a game that deserves twice that fee.
Highly recomended.

[RicoTranzrig]

I've never gotten the chance to play PSO for DC...though I wonder how the broadband adapter's compatability would be for a DSL modem linked to a wireless gateway.

Sega/Sonic Team has had tons more experience with online gameplay than most of it's competition...I think starting with their own cable service a while back...

[Guest ProudClod]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Desbreko [/i]
[B][color=indigo]Well, never having played either PSO or FFXI (it's not even out in the US), I can't really make a comparison between the two. I don't think you should say that PSO is better than FFXI, though, when FFXI isn't out yet. Wait till you play both PSO: Episode I & II and FFXI before you compare the two, because I think the only way to get a real idea of an online game is to play it yourself. I'm most likely going to be getting FFXI, and if PSO: Episode I & II desn't have a monthly fee I might get it, too. Until I play both of them, though, I'm not going to try and compare them to one another.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

Final fantasy will be my most favourite running rpg title until death do us apart (unless they have it in hell!). I have only ever played the DC PSO once at my cousins house, and have only witnessed the online mode. It looked very cool and like a lot of fun.
True, I have never played ff11 before, but what Ive heard about it has put me off it a lot, like not being able to play against other people around the globe, you can only team up with them. PSO allows you to do that, which is why I prefer that much more.
It is also a good value for money online as Smoky Joe said, it should be something along those lines for us UKers.

[Red]

[B]PSO online on the Dreamcast was brilliant, with a text translation system (although I don't know if that was just in v2). Nintendo has said that the broadband adaptor will cost roughly 30$ and £25 in the UK. The 56k adaptor will cost 21$ in America and £15 in the UK.

I'm glad that PSO is being released on the GC, it was a brilliant game on the DC, but it wasn't shown it's full online potential due to a general lack of interest in the game... I hope it does far better this time round.[/B]

[kizu]

Well, I have been wondering about online gaming lately. And I now have a few questions.

1) There are 2 types of modems that you can use to connect to the internet for online gaming. The broad ban and the 56k. Well because of where I live (the middle of nowhere) I think I can't get the broadban. And then I have a 56k modem on my computer but it runs at 28,800 bps and sometimes at 33,300.

2) As some of you might have heard me say before I have an imported "Q". And I was wondering if that would affect my online capabilities.

[ZeroBlade]

I have another question to add to Kizu's question:
-Can you use exsisting ISP accounts we use on our PC's (or Mac's)to go online as well? I really hope this monthly fee isn't really some kind of ISP for the game.

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]1. If you live out in the middle of nowhere, then your connection is probably just slow... It probably doesn't have anything to do with the modem... 56K is just the maximum speed that the modem can get.

2. I really don't know if you'll be able to use a US modem/broadband adapter with a Q... Possibly...

3. Yes, you'll be using the same ISP for both online gaming and getting on the net using your PC. You'll be paying the fee for your ISP, and for the online game... :([/color]

[James]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by ZeroG214 [/i]
[B]I have another question to add to Kizu's question:
-Can you use exsisting ISP accounts we use on our PC's (or Mac's)to go online as well? I really hope this monthly fee is really some kind of ISP for the game. [/B][/QUOTE]

[color=royalblue]Nope. That's not how it works.

It really depends on how the different companies approach the provision of online services for games.

If you wanted to play PSO, for example, you would probably need to have a SegaNet account.

However, it also depends on whether or not you are using cable or dial up. If you're using dial up, it's likely that you'd need to be a part of SegaNet or a game specific server.

But if you are using cable, it becomes unnecessary...and you simply log in to SEGA's services from an in-game environment.[/color]

[Guest Shift]

[size=1][color=crimson]This is great! Muhahha, *thinks* damn I have to get my GCN somehow connected to AOL....[/size][/color]

[ZeroBlade]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i]
[B]

[color=royalblue]Nope. That's not how it works.

It really depends on how the different companies approach the provision of online services for games.

If you wanted to play PSO, for example, you would probably need to have a SegaNet account.

However, it also depends on whether or not you are using cable or dial up. If you're using dial up, it's likely that you'd need to be a part of SegaNet or a game specific server.

But if you are using cable, it becomes unnecessary...and you simply log in to SEGA's services from an in-game environment.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, I have Verizon DSL. I think I still have a SegaNet account but on their free membership part instead of their ISP. Dial up wise, as far as I know you need to have some kind of ISP that doen't run on a program like AOL. This is true because I was able to use my old ISP account on my Dreamcast back when I was using my 56k. (My last ISP was a free internet service). I was wondering if you can just enter your screen name, password and etc. info on the GCN it'll let you do the same....

[James]

[color=royalblue]Well, it depends.

I think the most likely option is that you won't need an ISP at all. You may just be able to dial up to SEGA and sign in...and either pay-to-play or play for free (SEGA has so far commented that there will be no charges to play PSO).[/color]

[Sephiroth]

let's hope there will be no charge to pay like PSO V2 on the DC, where if you have unlimited internet access then all you need to do is put in your isp....

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Wait a minute... I was sure there was a fee to play PSO v2... I remember reading somewhere that people were mad, because they hadn't had to pay a fee for v1, but then they did for v2.[/color]

[ZeroBlade]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Desbreko [/i]
[B][color=indigo]Wait a minute... I was sure there was a fee to play PSO v2... I remember reading somewhere that people were mad, because they hadn't had to pay a fee for v1, but then they did for v2.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

Last time I checked it did. You need a credit card to sign up and all. Its just for playing the game and isn't some ISP. This reason alone keeps me from getting this game. (Or maybe cuz I don't wanna use my 56K :rolleyes: )

[James]

[color=royalblue]You must be talking about the Dreamcast versions. The GameCube version is "Episode 1 & 2" and from what I've heard, there are currently no plans to charge users to play.[/color]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Yeah, I am talking about the DC versin of PSO v2... Sephiroth said that there was no fee to play it... I remember that there was a fee, though...[/color]