The "General Games Chat" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
This post is really me just thinking out loud so excuse me for babbling in places.
I'm going to get Deus Ex for my PC. Deus Ex requires very high specs which my PIII 500 with 128mb can handle, but to get the best out of the game, I'll need a decent graphics card. I can choose any of Voodoo 3,4,5 or a Hercules card, ranging from £119 to £400 in price. I can get away with a Voodoo 4 for around £120. The benefit of this is that Diablo II, Unreal Tournament Generations and all the other games in my collection that support 3Dfx should also benefit, so I feel £120 is worth it.
BUT, this would mean a major departure from console playing, because investing in this upgrade will mean that in future I will be looking at PC games first, PSX games second. Before, I would always go straight to the PSX section of a site or shop to browse.
For a hard core gamer like myself, this is a major switch, and an important one. For the first time, I am viewing my PC as the major source of gaming satisfaction rather than a console. The loser here is Sony.
Sega let me down in the past with the CD add-on and CDX fiascos, and I was toying with the idea of spending the £120 on a DC with maybe Perfect Dark and Shenmue as extras, but for 10 or so really great games that I would probably buy in the future, I don't feel the hardware investment would pay-off. Nintendo have never appealed to me on the games front, maybe if I were 20 years younger, then they might, and I can find no fault with their hardware, it's just the games I have never fancied have put me off.
Now there is Sony. I have been a Sony fan for 5 years, and they have been responsible for 95% of my gaming pleasure. But after the PS2 fiasco, I feel the time has come to shift my gaming to a more 'reliable' platform.
With the advent of more bug-free CD-Rom software, online patch availability should bugs slip through, and the excellent online multi-user gameplay options, the PC is looking more and more like a good alternative to the console. The PC games have much longer lifespans as well, especially with addons available to registered users for free online, like extra levels, designer packs, and the extra memory that is available to developers. And with an 0800 24/7 ISP, my online gaming will be very cheap indeed compared to using the DC online. So my choice has been made. I will be saying goodbye to my trusty PSX which is going next door to my nephew along with 42 games, and my PC collection will now start to expand exponentially.
I will miss console gaming, but with more and more spectacular titles coming out on the PC in the future, and with my PC geared up to play them to the full, I think my choice is a wise one.
(If it's the wrong choice, I can always nab the PSX back from next door.)
I'm going to get Deus Ex for my PC. Deus Ex requires very high specs which my PIII 500 with 128mb can handle, but to get the best out of the game, I'll need a decent graphics card. I can choose any of Voodoo 3,4,5 or a Hercules card, ranging from £119 to £400 in price. I can get away with a Voodoo 4 for around £120. The benefit of this is that Diablo II, Unreal Tournament Generations and all the other games in my collection that support 3Dfx should also benefit, so I feel £120 is worth it.
BUT, this would mean a major departure from console playing, because investing in this upgrade will mean that in future I will be looking at PC games first, PSX games second. Before, I would always go straight to the PSX section of a site or shop to browse.
For a hard core gamer like myself, this is a major switch, and an important one. For the first time, I am viewing my PC as the major source of gaming satisfaction rather than a console. The loser here is Sony.
Sega let me down in the past with the CD add-on and CDX fiascos, and I was toying with the idea of spending the £120 on a DC with maybe Perfect Dark and Shenmue as extras, but for 10 or so really great games that I would probably buy in the future, I don't feel the hardware investment would pay-off. Nintendo have never appealed to me on the games front, maybe if I were 20 years younger, then they might, and I can find no fault with their hardware, it's just the games I have never fancied have put me off.
Now there is Sony. I have been a Sony fan for 5 years, and they have been responsible for 95% of my gaming pleasure. But after the PS2 fiasco, I feel the time has come to shift my gaming to a more 'reliable' platform.
With the advent of more bug-free CD-Rom software, online patch availability should bugs slip through, and the excellent online multi-user gameplay options, the PC is looking more and more like a good alternative to the console. The PC games have much longer lifespans as well, especially with addons available to registered users for free online, like extra levels, designer packs, and the extra memory that is available to developers. And with an 0800 24/7 ISP, my online gaming will be very cheap indeed compared to using the DC online. So my choice has been made. I will be saying goodbye to my trusty PSX which is going next door to my nephew along with 42 games, and my PC collection will now start to expand exponentially.
I will miss console gaming, but with more and more spectacular titles coming out on the PC in the future, and with my PC geared up to play them to the full, I think my choice is a wise one.
(If it's the wrong choice, I can always nab the PSX back from next door.)
20gb is enough for me, i don't want to many games on anyeay.
Believe me, on the way to PC World today, I VERY nearly popped into Currys for the DC, but I'm glad I didn't now that the results are before my eyes.
Everything is so clear where before it was dark, no more jaggies, no more jerkies, no more jouncing around, the upgrade was worth 10 times what I paid for it. The only game I couldn't get which was on my wish list was Half-Life Generations, so I'm picking it up tomorrow.
I'll need a bigger hard disk soon....hence the expensive future of gaming title.
Everything is so clear where before it was dark, no more jaggies, no more jerkies, no more jouncing around, the upgrade was worth 10 times what I paid for it. The only game I couldn't get which was on my wish list was Half-Life Generations, so I'm picking it up tomorrow.
I'll need a bigger hard disk soon....hence the expensive future of gaming title.
Ahe, why did you say this?
-the £120 on a DC with maybe Perfect Dark and Shenmue as extras
-the £120 on a DC with maybe Perfect Dark and Shenmue as extras
Long post - but getting a DC the hardware investment would pay off if you only want ten great games:
You can get a Dreamcast mouse, microphone, arcade stick, wheel, the forthcoming web-cam, online play without time lag, email and internet facility - this will improve as a broadband modem is on it's way, and there are at least 20 must have titles for the Dreamcast either available now or due out soon!
· Sonic Adventure (superb visuals and game play what more do you want? Lots of sub games including a special Chao garden - virtual pet 'em up),
· Soul Calibur (the greatest weapon fighting game ever, with a huge mission mode, great storyline and music with many superb characters. brought to you from the masters of fighting Namco)
· Grand Prix 3 (out New year, and you know this'll be good),
· Metropolis Street Racer (2 years in the making, 250 + tracks, 40 + real life sports cars, superb graphics and car handling and a unique style of game play - MSR is a must),
· Shenmue (An Epic adventure that should be experienced by everyone. The 'game' features life like graphics, incredible detail and animation - stunning),
· Jet Set Radio (A mixture of Ton Hawk's and Crazy Taxi except a whole lot faster and much more exciting! Breathtaking visual effects and very funky music - the definition of cool)
· Quake 3 Arena (one of my personal favourites this year is this superb Online and offline multi player Frag 'em up. Better than the PC version offering no lag time online, a single player quest and great multiplayer fun. Essential!)
· Half Life (The best game ever? It may well be just that and its been improved for Dreamcast arriving in the New Year),
· Ferrari F355 Challenge Passione Rossa (Incredible difficult: an accurate representation offering real physics, highly detailed tracks, online races and much, much more!)
· Black & white (Control a virtual animal and pit it up against the rest of nature online! Out very soon),
· Toy Racer (All you need in an online racing game! Great fun and yet fiendishly simple and at only £5!),
· Crazy Taxi (arcade fun brought to Dreamcast in one of the most addictive and sensational games of all time. Great soundtrack, graphics and plenty of sub games to keep you happy for years (and I'm number 2 in the country at Crazy Flag :) this is so much fun!)
· Le Mans 24 (ok, so it may take 24 hours if you select this time period, but it's worth it - take shifts of 2 hours though or you'll be absolutely exhausted!)
· Ultimate Fighting Championship (has any game got more lif like graphics than this?),
· Phantasy Star Online (this will be so amazing I tell you: play online and progress through the game meeting new real people from around the world),
· Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (One of the best ever games has an even better sequel, which includes the option to make your own skate park! Better graphics, and even more new moves!),
· Samba De Amigo (the most ludicrous, but highly original games ever produced by the talented people at Sonic Team. It's got loads of superb Latin songs for you to dance to and will prove a fantastic way to get exercising and to help lose a few ponds after Christmas! It's costly, but it is definitely worth it.)
· Seaman (talk to virtual fish with human heads! What more could you want? Help them to grow into adult fish and feed them, shout at them and just have a laugh by hearing their responses!)
· Skies of arcadia (out in the spring I believe, and this will be one of the best RPG you've ever witnessed. Again, great graphics, superb promised game play, and undoubtedly loads of innovative ideas)
· Virtua Tennis (THE best sports game ever made without a doubt. Easy to pick up and play, at the same time as being incredibly challenging in the world circuit mode. Smooth graphics that are so far unrivalled in the sports genre
· NBA 2K1 (this basketball game has caused quite a stir in the USA due to it's online capabilities and wonderful graphics and game play. It seems as though all the faults of NBA 2K, although there weren't many, have been corrected!)
You can get a Dreamcast mouse, microphone, arcade stick, wheel, the forthcoming web-cam, online play without time lag, email and internet facility - this will improve as a broadband modem is on it's way, and there are at least 20 must have titles for the Dreamcast either available now or due out soon!
· Sonic Adventure (superb visuals and game play what more do you want? Lots of sub games including a special Chao garden - virtual pet 'em up),
· Soul Calibur (the greatest weapon fighting game ever, with a huge mission mode, great storyline and music with many superb characters. brought to you from the masters of fighting Namco)
· Grand Prix 3 (out New year, and you know this'll be good),
· Metropolis Street Racer (2 years in the making, 250 + tracks, 40 + real life sports cars, superb graphics and car handling and a unique style of game play - MSR is a must),
· Shenmue (An Epic adventure that should be experienced by everyone. The 'game' features life like graphics, incredible detail and animation - stunning),
· Jet Set Radio (A mixture of Ton Hawk's and Crazy Taxi except a whole lot faster and much more exciting! Breathtaking visual effects and very funky music - the definition of cool)
· Quake 3 Arena (one of my personal favourites this year is this superb Online and offline multi player Frag 'em up. Better than the PC version offering no lag time online, a single player quest and great multiplayer fun. Essential!)
· Half Life (The best game ever? It may well be just that and its been improved for Dreamcast arriving in the New Year),
· Ferrari F355 Challenge Passione Rossa (Incredible difficult: an accurate representation offering real physics, highly detailed tracks, online races and much, much more!)
· Black & white (Control a virtual animal and pit it up against the rest of nature online! Out very soon),
· Toy Racer (All you need in an online racing game! Great fun and yet fiendishly simple and at only £5!),
· Crazy Taxi (arcade fun brought to Dreamcast in one of the most addictive and sensational games of all time. Great soundtrack, graphics and plenty of sub games to keep you happy for years (and I'm number 2 in the country at Crazy Flag :) this is so much fun!)
· Le Mans 24 (ok, so it may take 24 hours if you select this time period, but it's worth it - take shifts of 2 hours though or you'll be absolutely exhausted!)
· Ultimate Fighting Championship (has any game got more lif like graphics than this?),
· Phantasy Star Online (this will be so amazing I tell you: play online and progress through the game meeting new real people from around the world),
· Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (One of the best ever games has an even better sequel, which includes the option to make your own skate park! Better graphics, and even more new moves!),
· Samba De Amigo (the most ludicrous, but highly original games ever produced by the talented people at Sonic Team. It's got loads of superb Latin songs for you to dance to and will prove a fantastic way to get exercising and to help lose a few ponds after Christmas! It's costly, but it is definitely worth it.)
· Seaman (talk to virtual fish with human heads! What more could you want? Help them to grow into adult fish and feed them, shout at them and just have a laugh by hearing their responses!)
· Skies of arcadia (out in the spring I believe, and this will be one of the best RPG you've ever witnessed. Again, great graphics, superb promised game play, and undoubtedly loads of innovative ideas)
· Virtua Tennis (THE best sports game ever made without a doubt. Easy to pick up and play, at the same time as being incredibly challenging in the world circuit mode. Smooth graphics that are so far unrivalled in the sports genre
· NBA 2K1 (this basketball game has caused quite a stir in the USA due to it's online capabilities and wonderful graphics and game play. It seems as though all the faults of NBA 2K, although there weren't many, have been corrected!)
This post is really me just thinking out loud so excuse me for babbling in places.
I'm going to get Deus Ex for my PC. Deus Ex requires very high specs which my PIII 500 with 128mb can handle, but to get the best out of the game, I'll need a decent graphics card. I can choose any of Voodoo 3,4,5 or a Hercules card, ranging from £119 to £400 in price. I can get away with a Voodoo 4 for around £120. The benefit of this is that Diablo II, Unreal Tournament Generations and all the other games in my collection that support 3Dfx should also benefit, so I feel £120 is worth it.
BUT, this would mean a major departure from console playing, because investing in this upgrade will mean that in future I will be looking at PC games first, PSX games second. Before, I would always go straight to the PSX section of a site or shop to browse.
For a hard core gamer like myself, this is a major switch, and an important one. For the first time, I am viewing my PC as the major source of gaming satisfaction rather than a console. The loser here is Sony.
Sega let me down in the past with the CD add-on and CDX fiascos, and I was toying with the idea of spending the £120 on a DC with maybe Perfect Dark and Shenmue as extras, but for 10 or so really great games that I would probably buy in the future, I don't feel the hardware investment would pay-off. Nintendo have never appealed to me on the games front, maybe if I were 20 years younger, then they might, and I can find no fault with their hardware, it's just the games I have never fancied have put me off.
Now there is Sony. I have been a Sony fan for 5 years, and they have been responsible for 95% of my gaming pleasure. But after the PS2 fiasco, I feel the time has come to shift my gaming to a more 'reliable' platform.
With the advent of more bug-free CD-Rom software, online patch availability should bugs slip through, and the excellent online multi-user gameplay options, the PC is looking more and more like a good alternative to the console. The PC games have much longer lifespans as well, especially with addons available to registered users for free online, like extra levels, designer packs, and the extra memory that is available to developers. And with an 0800 24/7 ISP, my online gaming will be very cheap indeed compared to using the DC online. So my choice has been made. I will be saying goodbye to my trusty PSX which is going next door to my nephew along with 42 games, and my PC collection will now start to expand exponentially.
I will miss console gaming, but with more and more spectacular titles coming out on the PC in the future, and with my PC geared up to play them to the full, I think my choice is a wise one.
(If it's the wrong choice, I can always nab the PSX back from next door.)
I'm going to get Deus Ex for my PC. Deus Ex requires very high specs which my PIII 500 with 128mb can handle, but to get the best out of the game, I'll need a decent graphics card. I can choose any of Voodoo 3,4,5 or a Hercules card, ranging from £119 to £400 in price. I can get away with a Voodoo 4 for around £120. The benefit of this is that Diablo II, Unreal Tournament Generations and all the other games in my collection that support 3Dfx should also benefit, so I feel £120 is worth it.
BUT, this would mean a major departure from console playing, because investing in this upgrade will mean that in future I will be looking at PC games first, PSX games second. Before, I would always go straight to the PSX section of a site or shop to browse.
For a hard core gamer like myself, this is a major switch, and an important one. For the first time, I am viewing my PC as the major source of gaming satisfaction rather than a console. The loser here is Sony.
Sega let me down in the past with the CD add-on and CDX fiascos, and I was toying with the idea of spending the £120 on a DC with maybe Perfect Dark and Shenmue as extras, but for 10 or so really great games that I would probably buy in the future, I don't feel the hardware investment would pay-off. Nintendo have never appealed to me on the games front, maybe if I were 20 years younger, then they might, and I can find no fault with their hardware, it's just the games I have never fancied have put me off.
Now there is Sony. I have been a Sony fan for 5 years, and they have been responsible for 95% of my gaming pleasure. But after the PS2 fiasco, I feel the time has come to shift my gaming to a more 'reliable' platform.
With the advent of more bug-free CD-Rom software, online patch availability should bugs slip through, and the excellent online multi-user gameplay options, the PC is looking more and more like a good alternative to the console. The PC games have much longer lifespans as well, especially with addons available to registered users for free online, like extra levels, designer packs, and the extra memory that is available to developers. And with an 0800 24/7 ISP, my online gaming will be very cheap indeed compared to using the DC online. So my choice has been made. I will be saying goodbye to my trusty PSX which is going next door to my nephew along with 42 games, and my PC collection will now start to expand exponentially.
I will miss console gaming, but with more and more spectacular titles coming out on the PC in the future, and with my PC geared up to play them to the full, I think my choice is a wise one.
(If it's the wrong choice, I can always nab the PSX back from next door.)