Random Thoughts Thread

[BurningDoom]

This site could use some retro-PC articles...

I've been saying that for years. For some reason though, retro PC gaming has never taken off the way retro console gaming has. Good for prices, but bad for discussions.

Not as convenient, is why it's not as popular. Most consoles you just put in the game and press power. With classic PC games you have to have DOSboxes, compatibility modes, extra files or replaced files, and even then sometimes they still don't work and you have to research the problem.

I think if they included some these things in classic gaming "101" article, it would help a lot of people. As well as telling you what the trick is for each game reviewed/showcased.

[Menegrothx]

Not as convenient, is why it's not as popular. Most consoles you just put in the game and press power. With classic PC games you have to have DOSboxes, compatibility modes, extra files or replaced files, and even then sometimes they still don't work and you have to research the problem.

I think if they included some these things in classic gaming "101" article, it would help a lot of people. As well as telling you what the trick is for each game reviewed/showcased.

What I usually do is that I torrent/download the games and then later on buy the boxed copies. I haven't had any problems installing games from CDs thus far though so either way I haven't had any problems. Haven't tried installing any early 1990s PC games from a CD yet though, mostly 1997-2002.

But 1990s PC games aside, you wont really have any compatibility issues with Commodore games and with other older home computers. C64 even has a cartridge slot. An Amiga or a C64 isn't that far off from a console. You've got your joystick/controller port, you hook up the console to your TV, insert the game in and it loads up. The game either works or it doesn't, so there's no file searching, compatibility issues or anything like that.

[Erik_Twice]

The media is very American-centered so most of the availble information tends to dimiss computers. Just something to add into the mix.

[Menegrothx]

The media is very American-centered so most of the availble information tends to dimiss computers. Just something to add into the mix.

Sierra, Microprose, LucasArts, Id Software, Interplay, Origin systems, Looking Glass, Black Isle Studios, Valve, Blizzard etc... historically speaking majority of best PC games come from America, and majority of the best American games are PC games.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Isn't "retro computing" (C64, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, etc) much more popular in Europe though?

[Erik_Twice]

I never talked about designers in my post, just the media. Most big gaming sites are American and practically all tend to have a very American view of videogame history.

EDIT: @BoneSnapDeez

Yes. The computers you mention were also more popular over here by a wide margin.

[Michi]

There's a Joss Whedon sale on Amazon. $65 for the complete Buffy set is very tempting. Damn them for doing this so close to the holidays. There's too much stuff I want that's coming out and I needs to save money for presents >_<

Criterion Collection sale at B&N too.

Luke, I both hate you and love you right now.

The store had 3 rows of shelves filled with Criterion blurays. I was in movie heaven and it was really hard not to go overboard. Picked up Anatomy of a Murder, The Red Shoes and Seven Samurai on bluray.



Damn. Now I have to hold off on building those shelves I was planning on until after I get paid this month

[Luke]

Luke, I both hate you and love you right now.

The store had 3 rows of shelves filled with Criterion blurays. I was in movie heaven and it was really hard not to go overboard. Picked up Anatomy of a Murder, The Red Shoes and Seven Samurai on bluray.

Duder, great picks. I went to B&N for Christmas shopping and ended up only buying gifts for myself (glutton). GODZILLA and BLOW OUT are completely different experiences on Criterion Blu.

[Michi]

Luke, I both hate you and love you right now.

The store had 3 rows of shelves filled with Criterion blurays. I was in movie heaven and it was really hard not to go overboard. Picked up Anatomy of a Murder, The Red Shoes and Seven Samurai on bluray.

Duder, great picks. I went to B&N for Christmas shopping and ended up only buying gifts for myself (glutton). GODZILLA and BLOW OUT are completely different experiences on Criterion Blu.

That's usually what ends up happening to me, too. Luckily I've only got 3 people to shop for this year, and I've already got the one person covered. Now if my mom would just tell me what she wants this year instead of giving her default response of "a million dollars", I wouldn't have to worry

I contemplated getting Godzilla myself, but I've already got it on DVD and I've been trying not to buy duplicates of movies I already own, improved film quality or not. They had such an excellent selection though (and so conveniently organized in one spot, no less) that it was really hard for me to choose. If Roshomon had been released yet, or Haxan was on bluray, those would have been no brainers. Haxan is so old though, that I may end up having to settle for it on DVD.

[Luke]

I contemplated getting Godzilla myself, but I've already got it on DVD and I've been trying not to buy duplicates of movies I already own, improved film quality or not.

I'm the same way...but GODZILLA is worth it.

To me at least, and I'm not even a big Godzilla (or as my Grandmother calls him "Gonzales") fan.