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What follows are some general ramblings by me on the state of the gaming industry based on my limited knowledge of it. These ramblings are intended to stimulate debate and are not grounded in deep research but conclusions I have come to through my own experiences.
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
In the ever competitive market of computer games it seems some of the mavericks are losing out and dying or have already passed away.
*takes a brief look*
THE DEAD:
Fighters Destiny (Game) -
Ever heard of it? Developed by Genki and published by Ocean this game is held up as one of the best beat-em-ups ever. Rounds were scored on points, you got different points for takedowns (grapping an opponent to the ground), Knockouts (reducing their energy bar to zero), ringouts (koncking them /off the arena) and specials (knocking them down with a special).
One of my friends at university had recently found a liking for Tekken, he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. One go on Fighter's Destiny, however, and he pronounced that it was better than Tekken: after ONE go.
Fighter's Destiny 2 never made it out of Japan.
The possible future:
Genki are still going. Luckily for us the worked on Phantom Crash and their originality, quality of design and attention to detail and gameplay shine through in this title.
Don't hold your breath for Fighter's Destiny 3 though as the market is overcrowded with clones of 'lesser beat-em-ups'.
3DO.
BattleTanx-
Fat is cruel people fate is very cruel. Just as the technology gets to a level for BattleTanx to become fully realised and the company which makes it, 3D0, dies a terrible death due to it's Army Men franchise.
Given adequate time to develop an Xbox battleTanx release would easily have been preferable to Mech Assault. It's difficult to see how 3DO could mange to screw that up.
The possible future:
The owner of 3D0 was adamant a few of their anticipated titles would still makes it onto store shelves through other companies.
THE ONES WHO ARE PROBABLY DEAD:
Atlus: They made snowboard kids. It was good, think the SNES version of Mario Kart but with snowboarding. I think they are now gone however as Snowboard Kids two faltered.
THE ONES WHO NEED TO MAEK UP THEIR MIND:
Hudson - Are they going to churn out 'cookie-cutter' games of are they knuckling donn to make original games?
THE ONES WITH UNCERTAIN FUTURES:
ACCLAIM: When a maker of original, challenging and fun games is in trouble you know things are wrong in the gaming world. The company has fallen on hard times which is odd considering its Burnout, BMX and Turok licences.
This company's trouble is the battle within itself between originality and mediocre crap. Legends of wrestling is terrible, if reviews are to be believed then Roadkings is also dire. The company has made a poor go at creating sports/extreme sports/wrtestling titles for the next-gen consoles.
This is sad as a company which has had the guts to pour oney try different and original things. These include Forsaken 64, Iggy's Wrecking balls (I liked it!), Armorines (liked by my half-life loving friends) and Shadowman.
Possible future:
Unfortunately originality does not always pay the bills so we've had to put with LOW, ECW/WWF, Bust-a-move and various other franchises where Acclaim have churned out the same old thing.
If they go it will never-the-less be a sad time for the industry as this company likes to shake things up (for better or worse!)
WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?:
Where the hell are Midway? :D
THE BRIGHT FUTURE:
Surprisingly it appears EA, THQ and Microsoft can now, more than occasionally, recognise a good game and are even *gasp* making good games despite they have a licence which will sell anyway!
Nintendo - Masters.
Ubi Soft - wOOt.
Vivendi - Have yet to prove themselves in the long term.
ATARI - owned by a film company, only seems to be going for sure things. Has learnt some lessons since the ATARI disasters of the 80's. Time will tell.
CONCLUSION:
So in reflection it doesn't look that bad. As the companies with the cash are currently forced to make good games for a demanding market and seem to be listening to those who love games rather than the the quick-buck brigade. But spare a thought for those good games which have fallen along the way.
And remember if it doesn't have a licence, it's still probably a darn good game! :D
What follows are some general ramblings by me on the state of the gaming industry based on my limited knowledge of it. These ramblings are intended to stimulate debate and are not grounded in deep research but conclusions I have come to through my own experiences.
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
In the ever competitive market of computer games it seems some of the mavericks are losing out and dying or have already passed away.
*takes a brief look*
THE DEAD:
Fighters Destiny (Game) -
Ever heard of it? Developed by Genki and published by Ocean this game is held up as one of the best beat-em-ups ever. Rounds were scored on points, you got different points for takedowns (grapping an opponent to the ground), Knockouts (reducing their energy bar to zero), ringouts (koncking them /off the arena) and specials (knocking them down with a special).
One of my friends at university had recently found a liking for Tekken, he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. One go on Fighter's Destiny, however, and he pronounced that it was better than Tekken: after ONE go.
Fighter's Destiny 2 never made it out of Japan.
The possible future:
Genki are still going. Luckily for us the worked on Phantom Crash and their originality, quality of design and attention to detail and gameplay shine through in this title.
Don't hold your breath for Fighter's Destiny 3 though as the market is overcrowded with clones of 'lesser beat-em-ups'.
3DO.
BattleTanx-
Fat is cruel people fate is very cruel. Just as the technology gets to a level for BattleTanx to become fully realised and the company which makes it, 3D0, dies a terrible death due to it's Army Men franchise.
Given adequate time to develop an Xbox battleTanx release would easily have been preferable to Mech Assault. It's difficult to see how 3DO could mange to screw that up.
The possible future:
The owner of 3D0 was adamant a few of their anticipated titles would still makes it onto store shelves through other companies.
THE ONES WHO ARE PROBABLY DEAD:
Atlus: They made snowboard kids. It was good, think the SNES version of Mario Kart but with snowboarding. I think they are now gone however as Snowboard Kids two faltered.
THE ONES WHO NEED TO MAEK UP THEIR MIND:
Hudson - Are they going to churn out 'cookie-cutter' games of are they knuckling donn to make original games?
THE ONES WITH UNCERTAIN FUTURES:
ACCLAIM: When a maker of original, challenging and fun games is in trouble you know things are wrong in the gaming world. The company has fallen on hard times which is odd considering its Burnout, BMX and Turok licences.
This company's trouble is the battle within itself between originality and mediocre crap. Legends of wrestling is terrible, if reviews are to be believed then Roadkings is also dire. The company has made a poor go at creating sports/extreme sports/wrtestling titles for the next-gen consoles.
This is sad as a company which has had the guts to pour oney try different and original things. These include Forsaken 64, Iggy's Wrecking balls (I liked it!), Armorines (liked by my half-life loving friends) and Shadowman.
Possible future:
Unfortunately originality does not always pay the bills so we've had to put with LOW, ECW/WWF, Bust-a-move and various other franchises where Acclaim have churned out the same old thing.
If they go it will never-the-less be a sad time for the industry as this company likes to shake things up (for better or worse!)
WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?:
Where the hell are Midway? :D
THE BRIGHT FUTURE:
Surprisingly it appears EA, THQ and Microsoft can now, more than occasionally, recognise a good game and are even *gasp* making good games despite they have a licence which will sell anyway!
Nintendo - Masters.
Ubi Soft - wOOt.
Vivendi - Have yet to prove themselves in the long term.
ATARI - owned by a film company, only seems to be going for sure things. Has learnt some lessons since the ATARI disasters of the 80's. Time will tell.
CONCLUSION:
So in reflection it doesn't look that bad. As the companies with the cash are currently forced to make good games for a demanding market and seem to be listening to those who love games rather than the the quick-buck brigade. But spare a thought for those good games which have fallen along the way.
And remember if it doesn't have a licence, it's still probably a darn good game! :D
Found out Atlus are doing the conversion of Double Dragon to the GBA.
Assuming it's spelt Atlus and not Atlas
Assuming it's spelt Atlus and not Atlas
I would say Vivendi have already proven themselves with Half-Life.
3Do's death is more likely associated with their ill fated console, tons of cash sank into it and no return.....
Midway still exists and have several games in development.
Midway still exists and have several games in development.
i think Rockstar are doing quite well at the minute. And Sci seem to be doing ok.
This is FOG:Chat right? :D
Anyone got any other Companies they wish were still around?
Or any companies you'd like to see change their approach to gaming quality?
Or any companies you'd like to see change their approach to gaming quality?
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------
What follows are some general ramblings by me on the state of the gaming industry based on my limited knowledge of it. These ramblings are intended to stimulate debate and are not grounded in deep research but conclusions I have come to through my own experiences.
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
In the ever competitive market of computer games it seems some of the mavericks are losing out and dying or have already passed away.
*takes a brief look*
THE DEAD:
Fighters Destiny (Game) -
Ever heard of it? Developed by Genki and published by Ocean this game is held up as one of the best beat-em-ups ever. Rounds were scored on points, you got different points for takedowns (grapping an opponent to the ground), Knockouts (reducing their energy bar to zero), ringouts (koncking them /off the arena) and specials (knocking them down with a special).
One of my friends at university had recently found a liking for Tekken, he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. One go on Fighter's Destiny, however, and he pronounced that it was better than Tekken: after ONE go.
Fighter's Destiny 2 never made it out of Japan.
The possible future:
Genki are still going. Luckily for us the worked on Phantom Crash and their originality, quality of design and attention to detail and gameplay shine through in this title.
Don't hold your breath for Fighter's Destiny 3 though as the market is overcrowded with clones of 'lesser beat-em-ups'.
3DO.
BattleTanx-
Fat is cruel people fate is very cruel. Just as the technology gets to a level for BattleTanx to become fully realised and the company which makes it, 3D0, dies a terrible death due to it's Army Men franchise.
Given adequate time to develop an Xbox battleTanx release would easily have been preferable to Mech Assault. It's difficult to see how 3DO could mange to screw that up.
The possible future:
The owner of 3D0 was adamant a few of their anticipated titles would still makes it onto store shelves through other companies.
THE ONES WHO ARE PROBABLY DEAD:
Atlus: They made snowboard kids. It was good, think the SNES version of Mario Kart but with snowboarding. I think they are now gone however as Snowboard Kids two faltered.
THE ONES WHO NEED TO MAEK UP THEIR MIND:
Hudson - Are they going to churn out 'cookie-cutter' games of are they knuckling donn to make original games?
THE ONES WITH UNCERTAIN FUTURES:
ACCLAIM: When a maker of original, challenging and fun games is in trouble you know things are wrong in the gaming world. The company has fallen on hard times which is odd considering its Burnout, BMX and Turok licences.
This company's trouble is the battle within itself between originality and mediocre crap. Legends of wrestling is terrible, if reviews are to be believed then Roadkings is also dire. The company has made a poor go at creating sports/extreme sports/wrtestling titles for the next-gen consoles.
This is sad as a company which has had the guts to pour oney try different and original things. These include Forsaken 64, Iggy's Wrecking balls (I liked it!), Armorines (liked by my half-life loving friends) and Shadowman.
Possible future:
Unfortunately originality does not always pay the bills so we've had to put with LOW, ECW/WWF, Bust-a-move and various other franchises where Acclaim have churned out the same old thing.
If they go it will never-the-less be a sad time for the industry as this company likes to shake things up (for better or worse!)
WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?:
Where the hell are Midway? :D
THE BRIGHT FUTURE:
Surprisingly it appears EA, THQ and Microsoft can now, more than occasionally, recognise a good game and are even *gasp* making good games despite they have a licence which will sell anyway!
Nintendo - Masters.
Ubi Soft - wOOt.
Vivendi - Have yet to prove themselves in the long term.
ATARI - owned by a film company, only seems to be going for sure things. Has learnt some lessons since the ATARI disasters of the 80's. Time will tell.
CONCLUSION:
So in reflection it doesn't look that bad. As the companies with the cash are currently forced to make good games for a demanding market and seem to be listening to those who love games rather than the the quick-buck brigade. But spare a thought for those good games which have fallen along the way.
And remember if it doesn't have a licence, it's still probably a darn good game! :D
What follows are some general ramblings by me on the state of the gaming industry based on my limited knowledge of it. These ramblings are intended to stimulate debate and are not grounded in deep research but conclusions I have come to through my own experiences.
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
In the ever competitive market of computer games it seems some of the mavericks are losing out and dying or have already passed away.
*takes a brief look*
THE DEAD:
Fighters Destiny (Game) -
Ever heard of it? Developed by Genki and published by Ocean this game is held up as one of the best beat-em-ups ever. Rounds were scored on points, you got different points for takedowns (grapping an opponent to the ground), Knockouts (reducing their energy bar to zero), ringouts (koncking them /off the arena) and specials (knocking them down with a special).
One of my friends at university had recently found a liking for Tekken, he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. One go on Fighter's Destiny, however, and he pronounced that it was better than Tekken: after ONE go.
Fighter's Destiny 2 never made it out of Japan.
The possible future:
Genki are still going. Luckily for us the worked on Phantom Crash and their originality, quality of design and attention to detail and gameplay shine through in this title.
Don't hold your breath for Fighter's Destiny 3 though as the market is overcrowded with clones of 'lesser beat-em-ups'.
3DO.
BattleTanx-
Fat is cruel people fate is very cruel. Just as the technology gets to a level for BattleTanx to become fully realised and the company which makes it, 3D0, dies a terrible death due to it's Army Men franchise.
Given adequate time to develop an Xbox battleTanx release would easily have been preferable to Mech Assault. It's difficult to see how 3DO could mange to screw that up.
The possible future:
The owner of 3D0 was adamant a few of their anticipated titles would still makes it onto store shelves through other companies.
THE ONES WHO ARE PROBABLY DEAD:
Atlus: They made snowboard kids. It was good, think the SNES version of Mario Kart but with snowboarding. I think they are now gone however as Snowboard Kids two faltered.
THE ONES WHO NEED TO MAEK UP THEIR MIND:
Hudson - Are they going to churn out 'cookie-cutter' games of are they knuckling donn to make original games?
THE ONES WITH UNCERTAIN FUTURES:
ACCLAIM: When a maker of original, challenging and fun games is in trouble you know things are wrong in the gaming world. The company has fallen on hard times which is odd considering its Burnout, BMX and Turok licences.
This company's trouble is the battle within itself between originality and mediocre crap. Legends of wrestling is terrible, if reviews are to be believed then Roadkings is also dire. The company has made a poor go at creating sports/extreme sports/wrtestling titles for the next-gen consoles.
This is sad as a company which has had the guts to pour oney try different and original things. These include Forsaken 64, Iggy's Wrecking balls (I liked it!), Armorines (liked by my half-life loving friends) and Shadowman.
Possible future:
Unfortunately originality does not always pay the bills so we've had to put with LOW, ECW/WWF, Bust-a-move and various other franchises where Acclaim have churned out the same old thing.
If they go it will never-the-less be a sad time for the industry as this company likes to shake things up (for better or worse!)
WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?:
Where the hell are Midway? :D
THE BRIGHT FUTURE:
Surprisingly it appears EA, THQ and Microsoft can now, more than occasionally, recognise a good game and are even *gasp* making good games despite they have a licence which will sell anyway!
Nintendo - Masters.
Ubi Soft - wOOt.
Vivendi - Have yet to prove themselves in the long term.
ATARI - owned by a film company, only seems to be going for sure things. Has learnt some lessons since the ATARI disasters of the 80's. Time will tell.
CONCLUSION:
So in reflection it doesn't look that bad. As the companies with the cash are currently forced to make good games for a demanding market and seem to be listening to those who love games rather than the the quick-buck brigade. But spare a thought for those good games which have fallen along the way.
And remember if it doesn't have a licence, it's still probably a darn good game! :D