The Spot 081501

By Shane Satterfield

Sorry the Monday edition was MIA, but I was down in LA checking out some games. So please forgive me, your humble servant. On the positive tip, you didn't have to read me moaning about another Monday. So The Spot is back and in full effect. Drop us some knowledge or ask for some by clicking here. Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacle that is The Spot.

08/15/2001

System Wars Has Him Blue

To the editors:

I find it strange that you already designated the GameCube a winner over the Xbox in the "Future Prospects" page of your System Wars feature. Isn't it a bit early to be designating a system a "winner" when neither one of them are out yet? Also, how can you compare the immobile PS2 with the portable Game Boy Advance? Apples and oranges, if you ask me.

Now, I don't mean to sound like a crazed system fanboy (I actually think the Xbox will bomb, too) but I do think you guys need to be a bit more objective.

Sincerely,

-Henry Wong


We base our decision upon the feedback we receive from our readers in the form of polls, e-mails, and letters to The Spot. Every editor and A/V guy also casts a vote for game of the month for each platform, system wars overall winner, and, yes, future prospects. First, we're lucky enough to be in a pretty good position to detect the general pulse of the industry. And second, we base our decisions on the systems and games themselves. We've played games for both of these systems and we at least think we have an idea of which console's software seems stronger. The Game Boy Advance is in the system wars because it's not about the kind of graphics a system can display. The System Wars are about how much enjoyment you get out of a platform. Granted, things haven't been that exciting recently on the System Wars front. But it will be heating up very, very soon. And for the record, we do not think the Xbox will "bomb."

PS2 on the Fritz

Hi. Your site is great. I've only read it two times but I was hooked up quickly. I just need some help. My PS2 has only been with me for less than a month. I have three games: GT3, Red Faction, and Twisted Metal: Black. While I was playing that last game with a friend it froze so I restarted to play again but the game didn't load. So was the case with the other two games. When I go into the browser it tries for a while then finally tells me disc read error. Audio CDs and original PS CDs work fine. I don't know what the problem is and am in great need of answers or solutions.

-Vitamin_o


Looks like you're going to be making friends with the customer assistance department at Sony. Your PS2 can no longer read DVDs. Have you tried playing a movie? Considering your console is just a month old, it's likely not a dust issue. Get on the horn and pester Sony's customer service. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you'll probably have to send your console in for repairs.

Capcom Contradiction

Is it me or is Capcom contradicting themselves with their statement of the GameCube being a kid's machine? They say Devil May Cry may not do well on Nintendo's machine but why the hell are they releasing Resident Evil 0?

-Anonymous


When was the last time you heard Capcom say it was still going to release Resident Evil 0 for the GameCube? I don't want to be a pessimist, but I'm starting to wonder if we'll ever see it. Space World should tell all next week.

The Horde

Hi there,
Long-time reader, first time writer. I was hoping you could shed some light on NHL 2K2 for me. When I purchased my Dreamcast, it was primarily for the 2K series, especially hockey. After mediocre reviews I finally came to my senses and agreed that NHL 2000(1) by EA Sports was far superior. What is the outlook for NHL 2K2? I'm pretty sure Visual [Concepts] is doing it, as well as NCAA 2K2 football, which, according to EGM anyway, looks impressive. In your opinion, will NHL 2K2 feature many of the same options as NCAA 2K2 or NHL 2002? I would love to see the dynasty mode from NCAA 2K2 in NHL 2K2. It would dramatically alter the game if nothing else at all changed in a positive direction.

-Pyre

The Horde wants you!


NHL 2K2 is actually not in development by Visual Concepts directly. VC has farmed the game out to another studio. We haven't seen hide nor screenshot of NHL 2K2, so I'm beginning to think it might be a pipe dream. I've already waited so long for an online hockey game that another six months won't kill me. If it does finally get released, I hope it lives up to the standards set by VC's other Dreamcast sports games.

Fighting Evolution

Hi y'all. I have been reading GameSpotting and there was [a piece] about the next evolution in the fighting genre. So I was thinking, why couldn't they make a game with a Soldier of Fortune type of gore? Or make them more realistic like Bushido Blade? Like you hit the guys in the right place and he dies instantly.

So I agree that video games are becoming lame for everything being stereotyped so what do you guys think about how we could evolve the fighting genre altogether? And I don't mean graphics...because when it all boils down only the gameplay matters.

Peace

-Ash Mahbub

PS Nice work on the site. It's less confusing now to navigate!


There are already plenty of gory fighting games, and one-hit kills make fighting games boring. I still think a fighting game with true 3D combat à la Ocarina of Time would be fairly fun. But we already have that in mutated form thanks to Virtual On. The fighting genre has been worked over, so it's tough to find new things to do. Otherwise Namco, Sega, and Tecmo would be releasing something new instead of Tekken 4, Virtua Fighter 4, and Dead or Alive 3, respectively.

All About the Benjamins

I'm not one to bash any specific company just because I own a rival company's product, but I must make an exception. Nintendo has become very hypocritical as of late. This isn't to say other companies aren't, but with only a few months away from launch, I don't think it's a good idea for Nintendo to say things it doesn't mean. Anyway, my questions are:

     1. Nintendo has said sequels are killing the game industry, yet many of their upcoming games will be sequels, so why did Nintendo make that remark?

     2. Nintendo has also stated that they want the GameCube to be solely a gaming system, yet they have given the go-ahead to release a GameCube with a DVD player. Why?

-Tyrant316


     1. I'm not sure if Nintendo was talking about sequels or companies copying ideas from other games and diluting the market with a glut of copycats.

     2. Because Nintendo wants to make money and dominate the video game market.

Disappointed in Soul Reaver

Hello Shane:

I've seen Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver consistently rated as one of the top games for the Dreamcast. I bought the game for the PlayStation (didn't know it was available for the DC) a while ago, and it didn't really hold my interest that much.

Is the DC version much different than the PS version graphically? I've seen it pretty cheap in the stores and wouldn't mind picking up a DC copy if I thought it made much of a difference.

-Bob


The graphics in Soul Reaver for the Dreamcast are incredible. But as far as gameplay is concerned, it's the same exact game as the PlayStation version. If you're into block-pushing puzzles, get yourself a copy of the Dreamcast version and have at it.

Still Playing Trilogy

Shane,

Hey how's it going? I was just wondering if anyone else thought that Mortal Kombat 3, MK Trilogy, or Ultimate MK were outstanding games. I read in a couple of places that MK Trilogy wasn't playable on the PlayStation 2. Well, it is on mine. Are people having problems getting MKT to work on the PS2? If there is anyone out there who hasn't hooked up MKT to a flat-screen TV and surround sound, they should totally do it. So Shane, what do you think of Mortal Kombat Trilogy?

-Rodney McEwen


The PlayStation version of MKT is tops but the Nintendo 64 version is another story. I still enjoy playing MKII more than any other Mortal Kombat game, but Trilogy is a close second.

Insomniac Getting Some Sleep?

Hi -

First off, I want to say how much I look forward to reading The Spot. It's the only good source of thoughtful Q&A related to video games. All the other Web sites have letter sections that always have stupid questions about boobs and mostly answers consisting of, "I don't know."

OK--here's my question: What is Insomniac Games up to? I haven't heard a peep about what their next PS2 project is. Spyro 3 is my all-time favorite PS game, and I'm really excited about what they would be able to produce on the PS2.

Thanx a lot!

-Jeff


Insomniac no longer makes the Spyro games. It decided to move on and work on an entirely new project on the PS2 that has yet to be revealed. Universal Interactive has the Spyro license and has secured another developer to work on the next-generation version, but we're still waiting for its first showing. If you're a big Spyro fan, you should definitely check out Season of Ice for the Game Boy Advance. It holds true to the franchise and is very pretty.

Dynasty Modes

As a sports game fanatic, I figured I'd lob some random wishes at you:

     1. Any chance of either of these two games, which redefined their genres, being released on the GBA--Tecmo Bowl or Baseball Stars? I grew up with these games, as I know many other sports fans did, and I would love to see them again.

     2. I now consider quality dynasty modes (like that of Madden) an absolute must in sports games, but I have been impatiently waiting for a good baseball game. Is World Series Baseball going to be worth it or another waste of money? I think we deserve a game with a minor league system (even if they're fake players) that you can maneuver around. I seem to enjoy the off-season as much as the games in Madden and the great NCAA 2002, and I would like to see this in other games.

-Greg Williams


I would kill for Super Tecmo Bowl (well, not really) on the Game Boy Advance, but all we've heard about thus far is a PS2 version. A new version of Baseball Stars hasn't been released for years, so I doubt we'll be seeing a next-gen version anytime soon. World Series Baseball has a franchise mode, but there's no farm system to manage. Our full review of the game went up today. And I agree that all sports games should have a franchise mode like Madden. Bringing players over from NCAA Football 2002 is one of the coolest things to happen to sports games since Sega brought them online.

A Match Made in Heaven

I was wondering if you could list some of the best Web sites to buy and/or sell games on.

-GameBuyer01


GameBuyer01, meet GameBuyer.

Around the Back

Hi,

Would it be possible for Square to publish games under the EA brand for the GBA even if Square couldn't get a license from Nintendo?

-Anonymous


Good question! It's not like Nintendo won't know which company made the game, but would it sever its ties with EA to keep Square's products off its platforms? I doubt it. But at the same time, EA wouldn't want to do anything to disrupt its relationship with Nintendo, so it's highly unlikely.

Tiny 13-Inchers and the Xbox

I have only two TVs that I would be allowed to put a game console on. The downstairs TV will be reserved for my PS2, which I will be buying sometime before November (MGS2 for life). But I have a TV in my room I would like to hook up to an Xbox if I were to buy one. So my question is, will the Xbox have an RFU adapter for my tiny 13-incher with no A/V jacks? I looked and the PS2 doesn't have one so I was afraid that the next-gen consoles would be ignoring this important (for me) accessory!

-Disco_stu


Even if Microsoft doesn't make an official adapter, a third-party peripheral maker like InterAct will likely make one. I believe there are already RFU adapters for the PS2 if you look hard enough.

Online Apprehension

I always check out GameSpot for the latest news and reviews. It's better than any other site that I've checked out. I have a couple of questions:

     1. Is Alien Front Online a good game to play online? I have Phantasy Star Online, but after reading a long cheat at GameFAQs, I decided not to go online with PSO. I do not want my VMU to become corrupted or to lose all my PSO data. Is AFO safe to play online? Because the only reason for buying this game is to play online and I won't play online if my VMU can be corrupted or if people can cheat.

     2. After companies stop making things for the Sega Dreamcast, will people still be able to play games online (like Alien Front Online)?

     3. Is House of the Dead 3 coming out on the Sega Dreamcast in the US or Japan? I heard that it is coming out on the Xbox. but will it come out on any other systems?

     4. Is Death Crimson OX, for the Sega Dreamcast, worth buying? I have not found any reviews for the US version of it. Will GameSpot be reviewing this game? I love shooting games like House of the Dead 2, but I heard that the previous Death Crimson games were horrible. Would you recommend getting Death Crimson OX for the Sega Dreamcast?

     5. A long time ago, I played a Jurassic Park arcade game where you shot the dinosaurs with a gun (like House of the Dead 2). I was just wondering if that Jurassic Park game is out on any system or if it is going to come out on a system in the future?

Thanks for your time,

-AML


     1. Alien Front Online won't corrupt your VMU. Neither will PSO. I can't believe you've been playing PSO offline this whole time. Ouch.

     2. Yes, Sega's servers will still be up. It's been speculated that Sega's network may come in handy for online games on other platforms.

     3. As far as I know, House of the Dead 3 is only coming to the Xbox so far.

     4. We have yet to receive a single copy of Death Crimson OX, but we put up some new screenshots not that long ago. I would hold off on purchasing the game until we review it.

     5. Yeah, that game is great. But it hasn't been released on any consoles yet.

Land of the Rising Xbox

Do you think the Xbox can succeed in Japan? I think its success in the console wars depends on how it does in Japan. If the Xbox does bad in Japan, Japanese developers will be less likely to develop for it. If that happens, many US gamers may not want to buy an Xbox. That would make the US sales slump, which means American developers may develop less for the Xbox and more for its rivals. Before you know it, the Xbox is screwed. Of course that's a lot of ifs, but they are possible. I'm assuming that Xbox will do relatively well in America for at least the beginning of its life cycle. I hope Microsoft launches the Xbox in Japan before the end of the year. If not, not only will Sony have a very large lead in Japan, but the GameCube will also have a large lead. That would definitely be bad. What do you think?

Keep up the great work.

-Chris L. Nieves


I'm not sure if it will succeed or not. It would definitely help if Microsoft got it out for this Christmas in Japan, but I don't think that's going to happen. I must admit that I'm surprised at the Japanese developmental support of the Xbox. But if things don't go well at launch, I wouldn't be surprised to see them jump ship rather quickly. Japan is Microsoft's big X factor (pardon the pun), but so far the Japanese seem less than enamored with it.

Looks are Everything

Dear Shane:

I am a gamer who is currently monitoring the system wars very closely. Like most gamers, I am planning on buying a next-generation console in the next few months, and like most gamers, I can only afford one out of the three that will be available. Due to my financial restriction, every aspect of the systems has become important. With that said, I am worried about the physical size of the Microsoft Xbox. In your description of the system, you refer to it as " the largest video game console ever." I am curious as to exactly how large it is, as compared with the other systems being offered (GameCube, PlayStation2). Do you have any comparative photos of the Xbox alongside the GC or PS2? Any help on this would be appreciated, as I don't really want an outdated-looking, VCR-size system sitting among my home theater setup.

Thanx for your time.

-Mat Wiebe


If you don't want an outdated-looking, VCR-size system, you would do well to stay away from the Xbox. In my opinion, that's exactly what it looks like. However, if you actually care about what's inside the casing (as you should), the Xbox is a great deal on hardware.

Salty

I'm sorry but i thought i asked for wisdom which obviously isn't your strength. I'm hard pressed to understand how the people at gamespot let you speak when obviously you shouldn't for everyones safety. First off you compare the WNBA with men's middle school basketball c'mon give me a break most if not all these women could stomp you one on one. Secondly you don't speak for everyone when you say no one wants to watch it because people do watch. I love the line where you said "No offense to the ladies, but the game just isn't as advanced or exciting as the mens". Did you ever stop and think how much of an ass that line makes you, you basically insulted the fact that women are women. To the women out there that play basketball i'm sure their prowess as atheltes isn't determined by whether or not they equal the mens level of play or your witless comments. Of course its a different level of play just as is mens college basketball that doesn't reduce it worth. Lets do away with mens college basketball it's just not up to par with the NBA. Lastly never did i say that the WNBA was successful just said it was growing which would indicate some kind of a market. I still can't get over the fact that they let you do what you do.

-Charles Coon
splittinghairs@hotmail.com


How fitting that your e-mail address is splitting hairs. As for the skill level of the WNBA, when I played middle school basketball, there were a few kids in our division who could dunk. I think I've seen maybe one or two dunks in WNBA history. I didn't insult the fact that women are women. I simply stated that women's professional basketball isn't as exciting to watch as the NBA. I would venture to guess that even the smallest of Division III men's college teams could defeat or at least compete with most WNBA teams. Now that you mention it, I can't get over the fact that they let me do what I do, either.

Preorder Time

Shane,

Gotta tell you, this site simply demolishes ass. Anyway, let's get to the point here. Last year, on October 25, I spent eight or nine hours (the longest damn hours I've ever seen yet) camping out on the harder-than-steel floors of my local Wal-Mart waiting for the digital equivalent of Jesus to appear (PlayStation 2 folks). Although I now know I would've been better off just waiting for the "PlayStation 2 Hype" to slowly wither away in order to be able to easily buy one of these. I don't regret camping out at all. I love my PS2. My question is, will the Xbox and GameCube force me to do this once again? Can't our friend Bill and whoever the hell runs Nintendo make sure that there are enough systems in the flow? Sounds impossible...I know. But c'mon. What are your predictions? Will these things reach astronomical prices on eBay yet again? If so, then let me know now cause I've got to make plans on what tactics I should use this time (other than violence) to ensure that I make it to the front of the line. Anyway, thanks for your time man.

-Rome0Rome0


I would get out there and preorder as many consoles as you can. Not that I'm condoning this sort of behavior, but there will be a pretty penny to be made from rich parents who procrastinate this holiday season. Both consoles will be in short supply, so if you don't preorder you might find yourself camping out for two days in the first week of November. And it won't be warm, either.

GameSpot Going Print?

Hey Shane (if that's your real name). After reading your magazine letters in the latest edition of The Spot, I had an interesting idea. You are EGM's Web site. I mean, you're the biggest/best Internet video games site, and EGM is the biggest and best video game magazine. You both have the same kind of writing style. It seems kinda obvious that you guys' favorite 'zine is EGM (and I don't blame you), though you deny time after time. Now why would you deny something like that? I think it is because you don't want people like me suspecting you. I'm on to you. If my accusations are wrong, you guys really should make a monthly magazine. You could have The Spot, GameSpotting, reviews for the latest games, sweet previews, and codes of the month. Of course, some of your fans would want you to continue the Web site, but I and many others would gladly pay $20 for a year subscription of "GameSpot Monthly."

-Dane


Heh. Thanks for the props but we'd rather deliver the stuff to you when it happens. The gaming mags do an excellent job with their deadlines and sneaking things in at the last minute, but if you're really serious about games, you'll almost always find information online first.

A Rare Appearance

"All magazines are 70 percent ads?" American magazines, maybe--I've just flicked through a few random UK games magazines from different publishers and the advertisements make up 7 percent, 13 percent, 16 percent, and 10 percent of the page totals. Including house ads. I've read plenty of US mags in my time and I can safely say that the number of ads is absolutely shocking--the contents page is about halfway through most of the time. OK, so they have to do far bigger print runs than their UK counterparts, but they've also got far more buyers...

-Leigh L.


Touché. You're absolutely right. UK mags are both less ad-riddled than US magazines and feature a much slicker-arsed design. It's good to see mags that refuse to sell out to adverts. But Future Publishing isn't exactly churning out the euros, either. It's a shame that there's not enough support for UK mags for them to be profitable, because from a design and printing standpoint, they're at the top of their class.


We've reached the end of the line for today, crew. Please be sure to tune in for our regularly scheduled broadcast this Friday, where you'll choose which GameSpot editor will take my place next week while I'm at Space World. Until then, rock on!

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