Despite Pickle’s apparent distaste for all games on the PC and my lack of interest in the first Half Life, I can’t help but feel left out since I am probably the only person alive not playing it. It is almost as if I am that minority that didn’t get sucked into the hype surrounding Halo 2 and chose to ignore it’s release. I sit here and wonder what cool things I am missing out on. I have heard that the physics engine is absolutely fantastic.
Thus arises the 2 main problems with PC gaming. First off, my computer is showing it’s age. Sporting a 1.2GHz Tbird pretty much embarases me when the topic of system specs comes up in conversation. Secondly, gaming on the PC is such a solitary activity. Unless I were to acquire a 40″ HDTV capable of allowing me to share my experience with the others in my household, it wouldn’t be as much fun (primarily for them). While I can sit downstairs and engage in a game of Jak 3 just fine, confining myself to the office to play on a tiny 19″ screen doesn’t lend itself well to the current status of our house. You see, our son is like a well trained commando whose only mission is to seek out and explore the forbidden areas of the house at all costs. He ignores all danger and puts it all on the line. Of course this means freqently pausing the game and voluntarily moving this activity upstairs into the office where there are a plethora of things for him to get into is just not a good idea.
With that said, if anyone wants to give me a new computer or a 40″ HDTV I won’t be upset. Maybe I can check out HL2 when it hits the bargain bin and this generation of computers can be had for $100 and a pack of gum.
Nippon Ichi rules, massively. We got a new banner up for La Pucelle Tactics. Show your support for their awesome games. If you have never tried one of their games then leave work and go get one. Except for you kids at school, that shit is important, but after school go get it.
On the surface, Madden NFL 2005 represents the ideal of what a hand-held sports game should strive to be. It incorporates all the features that other systems’ Madden titles do, but the action has been streamlined to allow for short, simple excursions onto the playing field. The game modes are numerous and the implementation of these modes provides a decent showcase for the DS’s novel features. Unfortunately, the game itself is marred by poor execution and even poorer graphics.The biggest flaw here is in the visual presentation. The graphical quality is sub par, and this is especially seen when comparing it to other titles the Nintendo DS has to offer – Super Mario 64 DS for instance. The game looks far worse than most Nintendo 64 titles. It is without exaggeration when I say that after a short while the graphics actually began to make my eyes water, as the game is very blocky and generally fails to please the eye.
Madden NFL 2005 does make relatively good use of the system’s features; even more so than other launch titles. The bottom screen plays the role of the “planning” area. Using the stylus, players can select from available plays and formations which their team will set up for in the next down. As the play begins the bottom screen changes to a simplified overhead display of all players. If players have selected a passing play, the bottom screen tells them which button corresponds to which receiver. I found the planning stage to be a bit cumbersome and confusing, but overall most people will enjoy being able to use the bottom screen as a playbook. It is nice to be able to choose the play while watching the players scuttle out to the field and set up via the top screen.
For some players, the way the dual screens are utilized will be perfect. For others, it may seem a little pointless. After the ball is put into play, it is very easy to forget about the top screen, and the blocky graphics don’t do much to entice the gamer into watching the top at all. The bottom screen is much more convenient for planning a strategy. The top screen is essential for dodging an opponent, but only after the receiver catches the ball, or during running plays. It can be a bit frustrating when players finds themselves repeatedly sacked because they are too busy watching the bottom screen, trying to track your receivers, while blitzers are running unimpeded toward the quarterback.
This is a launch title, so it is somewhat understandable that it doesn’t solve the problem of utilizing both screens without forcing a player into simultaneously focusing on both. Some of the current DS games require that you shift your attention from one screen to the other frantically, and some do not. Madden is both – it depends on the play. Running plays necessitates looking at the top screen much of the time, whereas passing plays requires viewing both screens at the same time. This inconsistency is a large problem as the gamer never has a chance to become comfortable with a certain level of attention, unless he or she focuses on one type of play throughout the entire game.
Of course, this is only a temporary issue. There is a learning curve involved in figuring out not only how to attune your attention to the game but also in how to shift this from play to play. However this learning curve is far steeper than in other DS titles. But even the casual gamer can overcome this obstacle, given enough time. Beyond this issue lies a decent sports game. The graphics may be below-average, but the variety of modes and the excellent multiplayer offerings make this a worthwhile addition to any sports-lover’s portable gaming library.
The origin of today’s batch of A
I think what Pickle was trying to say is that HL2 is one of the most anticipated games of recent years aside from Duke Nukem Forever and you guys are no doubt going to have a blast with it. Early reports are that it is totally awesome. I am sure most of you that care are already playing so have fun.
