Overwritten.net
Games => General Gaming => Topic started by: Pugnate on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 01:11:06 PM
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http://pc.ign.com/articles/782/782423p1.html
We honestly weren't sure how much we'd like the keyboard controls. Having had some hands on time with the game at GDC, it felt more natural to use the gamepad. Now that we've had the chance to play through a lengthy portion of the game, we're actually finding that we prefer the mouse and keyboard controls. The game's still fun with a gamepad, but the precise aiming that the mouse allows more than makes up for the finger dancing required to access the rest of the commands on the keyboard. You can remap the keys to give you access to the actions you use the most but the default layout is very intuitive and convenient.
I am surprised to read a PC vet. like Butts say that. I thought it was pretty obvious he'd feel that way, I don't get it.
Halo 2's dual wield system is brilliant. Being able to pick up a second pistol or submachine gun in your off-hand makes you so much more lethal this time around. It's true that you won't be able to throw grenades while you're carrying two weapons, but you can more than make up for that by delivering twice the firepower. Switching and picking up additional weapons is just as easy as it ever was and you can also swap weapons out with your allies if they've got something you really want.
With one lone exception, the weapons are all much better this time around. The new submachine gun is terrific for in close fighting and the new and improved Needler finally makes it a worthwhile weapon to use in a firefight. Other neat alien weapons include the powerful carbine and an awkward but oh-so-enjoyable grenade launcher. The only weapon that really disappoints is the new pistol. It's deadly enough, to be sure, but it just pales in comparison to the sniper pistol from the original game.
The most powerful new weapon by far is the Covenant energy sword. Having been on the receiving end of this one for long enough, it's a real treat to be able to turn the tables and use it on your enemies. It has a limited charge but the amount of damage it does is just tremendous. This is particularly useful when you run into the uber-powerful enemies who won't go down with a simple smash to the back of the head.
Nice.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has requested that reviewers not post their own screens of the game, so we can't show you just what the game looks like on our systems until after the game is released. There are a number of graphical options that you can adjust to get the right balance of performance and quality but the high-resolution visuals definitely hamper the framerate. If you stick with the level of visuals seen in the Xbox version, the game runs much better. There are also some very noticeable hiccups in the transition between levels. While these are usually cleverly hidden by cinematic triggers, you can sometimes run into the stutters while in the middle of a fight.
That is such bullshit. The game is so old, it should be running smooth as butter no matter what the system. You'd think a Microsoft game would at least run smoothly with FULL visuals on Vista. Anything less than smooth is horrible advertisement for PC gaming.
The game also makes use of lots of bump and normal mapping. While it's a wonderful effect during the battles, it can be a bit too much during the cutscene close-ups. You'll sometimes feel as if you're watching a skin cream commercial starring Edward James Olmos and Morgan Freeman.
haha that's hilarious.
The Tray and Play feature seems to work okay once the game has managed to transfer sufficient data to your PC but the beginning of the game, particularly the tutorial, is a bit clunky. Happily, no one's actually shooting at you during the first minutes of play so this is more of a nuisance than an actual obstacle. Once the game gets enough information loaded, you won't have to worry with the clunkiness ever again. Even if you reboot your PC, the information is still present and readily accessed.
The only innovation for gaming provided by Vista doesn't work well, which is beautiful isn't it?
All the maps previously released for the Xbox version are included right out of the box with the PC version and there are even two new exclusive maps just for the PC. If that's not enough (and it probably should be), the PC version also includes a brand new map editor that allows players to create their own playing areas and game types. Additionally players can now host their own servers.
And it probably should be? Way to suck up IGN.
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So, ummm....when's it coming for Win XP as well??? :P
And for the Bargain Bin? :P
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XP version release will be on bittorrent around the time the game is released in stores.
The game will never hit the bargain bin. Halo 1 is still $20.
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Does any body care? Well I guess not everyone has played this but still its been so long in coming I've played this twice, once on XBox and the 2nd on the 360!
As for the Tray and Play feature what's the point? Are you telling me that people can't wait 10 - 15 minutes for the thing to install that they'd rather play the game at lower frame rates while the it's still installing?
Bah! I think you're right though Pug a game this old should run smooth but clearly they've added textures/code to improve the visuals and its those "improvements" that have crippled the game. Perhaps they shouldn't have waited so long to release it game in the first place? ;)
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/me tries to care less and cannot do so.
Halo 2 was a disappointment for me on so many levels. It's like they took Halo 1 and beat it with a hammer. They dumbed down the multiplayer so much- it has absolutely none of the finesse that the original had.
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And the first game kinda' blew, so... yeah. Color me as uninterested as uninterested can be.
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In one week I will have a 360 Elite! Just wanted to chime in and say that.
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.... that sweet black one? You BASTARD!
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"We are the resisty."
Yes, I will stick to my favoured KB+Mouse configuration. I definitely enjoyed Halo 1 way more on the PC, simply because I could actually aim. Halo 2 I've only ever played on the Xbox, but it was basically the same as the original with some enhancements.
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Halo 2 Vista vs Xbox:
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6169711/index.html?tag=topslot;title;2&om_act=convert&om_clk=topslot
OK I have to admit, it looks a lot better on Vista. But DX10 exclusive better? No. Anyway worth checking out the roll overs.
edit:
That final screenshot compares the 360 480p version to Vista, and the Vista one looks helluva lot better.
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Funny thing it, its not DX10. Its DX9. ITs only Vista exclusive due to an OS check. And the Live service is also Vista only.
Cant wait till I see Halo 2 XP pop up on the torrent sites, just like the "Vista exclusive" Geometry Wars.
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Yea I know. That's what I meant by DX10, I meant Vista.
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Funny thing it, its not DX10. Its DX9.
Wait....I thought it was going to ONLY support DX10 and its new technologies?
Are you saying the gamer can turn off some of the exclusive-DX10 graphical features for Halo 2 PC on Vista, if you want? (That probably would boost the framerate up, heh)
If that is the case, they should've made it also support XP, if that's the case!!
Wait...what are some of the graphical features/bells and whistles that are found only in DX10, which are NOT in DX 9.0C?
Cant wait till I see Halo 2 XP pop up on the torrent sites, just like the "Vista exclusive" Geometry Wars.
It's bound to happen.
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You can install and play DX9 games on Vista. That's how they have those benchmarks comparing game performances on both OSs.
Wait...what are some of the graphical features/bells and whistles that are found only in DX10, which are NOT in DX 9.0C
I am sure you can find a proper answer on google or wikipedia.
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It is my understanding that there are no special DX10 effects in the game at all.
Official product page (http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Games/Pages/Halo2forWindowsVista.aspx)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows Vista™
Processor: 2 Ghz Pentium 4 class processor (or x64)
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Drive: 7 GB
Video Card: DX9 graphics card: WDDM driver, PS 2.0/32BPP, At least nVidia 6000 or ATI x700 or above
Online Multi-player: Internet connection for Games for Windows – LIVE
Drive: DVD-ROM drive
Supposedly the only boost DX10 and a DX10 graphics card will give is better performance, not better effects.
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DX9 as a minimum requirement????
Oh, WTF??!?!!?
At least if it was DX10 as a minimum, then it'd not be so big of a deal...at least they'd be using new tech and stuff and making that the mininum, enhancing the game and all -- making at least more of a reason to try and sell Vista and its DX10 features.
That's even more bullshit w/ this game than I thought....
Shit, they could've put it on XP, if this is the case...
Supposedly the only boost DX10 and a DX10 graphics card will give is better performance, not better effects.
And that is supposed to give a reason for PC gamers to go get Vista and Halo 2 PC?
HA!!! What a joke.
They could've at least made DX10 the minimum, since they seemed to want to push Vista and its exclusives so much...
...I guess they really don't wanna push DX10, that much, eh?
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pfft who gives a toss really, do you really have to play it that badly? Does anybody still have to play this game that badly? There's plenty of other, none Vista exclusive and more up to date, games out there right now.
From what I understand it looks about as good as it does on the XBox (if not slightly better) so you're not getting anything more out of the game for being on the PC (that I know of). We've all heard about or experienced the repeating rooms syndrome so it’s not perfect or anything.
If they want to use this old game to push Vista, I say fine let them, it's their mistake and no great loss; you can always pick up a console on the cheap and give it a go if you really really had to play this (if you haven't done so already in the last 2 years!).
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Yeah, who cares. Go play a game that doesn't suck instead.
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3.5 stars from EvilAvatar (out of 5) (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?p=775738#post775738)
86% from GamingTrend (out of 100) (http://www.gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=828)
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66% from PCGamer (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=163876&skip=yes)
Halo 2 is a lazy port of a less-than-perfect sequel to an FPS that was pretty good on a console and only average on a PC.
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hahahaha
PCG have gotten vicious lately. I applaud them... remember my post about PCG losing it a few months ago, how they were sucking up to developers etc and stuff? They've started to change their ways. They gave scathing reviews to Dark Messiah, Double Agent, Ghost Recon (games they have perpetual hardons for).
Now this, a 66% is just great.
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hahahaha
PCG have gotten vicious lately. I applaud them... remember my post about PCG losing it a few months ago, how they were sucking up to developers etc and stuff? They've started to change their ways. They gave scathing reviews to Dark Messiah, Double Agent, Ghost Recon (games they have perpetual hardons for).
Now this, a 66% is just great.
Except for Dark Messiah (since it was made for the PC-only and all), this is a major "screw you" to all the companies making them console-to-PC ports very lackluster in the technical aspect for the PC. You'd think -- especially since this is an XBox game -- it'd at least be a technical marvel on a modern PC and all. You'd think they'd make it work on Win XP, as well.
Halo 1 PC I felt was very lackluster in not just the game itself, but also in, worst of all, the technical aspects. Looks like Halo 2 is more of the same, as expected...
Y'know, I wonder what PCG scored the original Halo 1 PC, myself....anyone know....?
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I think the article I linked to might be PCG UKs review. Not sure.
PCG US gave Halo 1 85%.
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The release has been delayed again. Now the release date is June 8. Except...Circuit City broke the street date and has been selling the game since last weekend.
Obviously its not game code they are working on. Sounds like Windows Live isnt up to snuff yet (shock and awe, right?).
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Now this is strange (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5757&Itemid=2)
Having played through Halo 2, I have no idea where there can even be nudity... unless it's alien nudity. Did they really make the Covenant models that detailed? Creepy.
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That's... weird.
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Thats...what Que said.
PS, fuck Halo.
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alsos fuck haylo +2
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ESRB explains the nudity thing:
"After the M (Mature 17+) rating assignment was issued for Halo 2 for Vista and just prior to the shipment of the game to retail, Microsoft notified ESRB about pertinent content found in a map editor tool that is being bundled with the game. The content in question, although likely to be inaccessible to the vast majority of users, displays a photograph of an individual showing his bare backside to the user when a particular error occurs, and thus warrants a 'Partial Nudity' content descriptor in order to alert consumers to its presence in the product. Microsoft has therefore applied stickers with correct ESRB rating information to the packaging of virtually all copies that will ship to retail in the U.S. and Canada. We have been advised by Microsoft that future runs of the game will be produced without the content in question, thus negating the need for the descriptor to be displayed on those versions.
"ESRB's job is to ensure that games are appropriately labeled, and that is precisely what we did in this case. We greatly appreciate Microsoft's cooperation in this matter." - Entertainment Software Rating Board
So someone at Bungie thought it'd be funny if the error message in the map editor would display someone mooning you, and thats what caused all this bother. I'm sure he's been given a very stern talking to.
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At the same time, how lame is that?
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ESRB explains the nudity thing:
So someone at Bungie thought it'd be funny if the error message in the map editor would display someone mooning you, and thats what caused all this bother. I'm sure he's been given a very stern talking to.
That still isn't enough to get the Halo 2 game to jump from M (17+) to an actual AO rating, so I dunno' what the fuss is all about here...
So the ESRB will add one additional mention of "partial nudity" content to the actual gamebox, which STILL warrants it the SAME exact rating of M (17+) as it would've originally been.
And this is causing the whole delay of Halo 2: Vista Edition? ? ? ? ??
How freakin' silly is that...
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It doesnt matter if its a rating change or not. Everyone is scared of another Hot Coffee incident. So they had to update the boxes to mention the partial nudity. You just know some mom/laywer would complain and sue MS...we'd have another inquiry and just waste a bunch of time over what is essentially nothing.
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Over an ass? I'm a prude and even I think that's really stupid.
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It doesnt matter if its a rating change or not. Everyone is scared of another Hot Coffee incident. So they had to update the boxes to mention the partial nudity. You just know some mom/laywer would complain and sue MS...we'd have another inquiry and just waste a bunch of time over what is essentially nothing.
Well, maybe the ESRB should do a better job of rating games accordingly.
Plus, the ESRB could've sent new M-rated stickers to all of the retailers for Halo 2 PC, adding the new "content" print-out to the list of game content.
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The ESRB is doing their job. It only came up because MS brought it to their attention. Why the fuck should the ESRB bother messing with the MAP EDITOR when rating the GAME?
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Don't know if this has been posted but Gamespot's review up, 7.0 (http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/halo2/index.html). Sounds about right.
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Don't know if this has been posted but Gamespot's review up, 7.0 (http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/halo2/index.html). Sounds about right.
And Gertsmann lays the smackdown on Halo 2 PC. Good.
And what's up Gertsmann mentioning some issues w/ the KB/mouse vs. the X360 gamepad -- especially in Multi?!?!?!?
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And Gertsmann lays the smackdown on Halo 2 PC. Good.
And what's up Gertsmann mentioning some issues w/ the KB/mouse vs. the X360 gamepad -- especially in Multi?!?!?!?
Yeah shock horror that there might be issues.
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From that gamespot review:
As a Games for Windows-branded game, Halo 2 has full support for the Xbox 360 controller. While the game plays just fine with a mouse and keyboard, playing with a controller is a bit closer to the original console experience, right down to force-feedback support. This creates some really weird and potentially unbalanced trade-offs in multiplayer. By default, a player with a mouse will be able to turn more quickly and, if that player is skilled, more accurately than a gamepad user. Gamepad players can increase the right-stick sensitivity to turn faster, but they also get another benefit that feels downright dirty. Like the console version, the PC game employs a certain amount of auto-aim when you're using a gamepad. This makes sticking to other players for up-close shotgun blasts or melee attacks significantly easier with the gamepad, and there doesn't appear to be any way to disable it or even detect that another player is using a pad. After pumping up the gamepad's sensitivity, we found ourselves doing more damage when armed with a gamepad, which makes the two control schemes feel unbalanced, is sort of crazy when you consider how tournament-focused the current Halo 2 Xbox scene is these days.
That is the most retarded shit ever, and really annoying. Is this a taste of things to come? Give the console children unfair advantages?
How the hell could PCG give this 85% ? ? ? ?
edit:
Idol PCG US gave it 67% while PCG UK gave it 66%.
But yea, where'd you get 85% from?
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That gamepad handicap is only the just the beginning of this PC vs console fps debacle. The shadowrun game intends to do the same thing, and I think most ridiculous of all, you have to pay more if you want to play multi-platform on multiplayer.
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Does MS want GFW to fail? Because both of their own GFW branded games feel like a board meeting discussed all the ways to make the games suck and then implemented them all.
Vista-only
2.5 year old console port
minimal updates to graphics
Huge system requirements despite the dated visuals
unbalanced multiplayer based on control method (pretty much kills multiplayer entirely)
Requires Live! subscription to get all the features
And then for shadowrun:
"balanced" controls by gimping KBM players
Only 9 maps
No map editor (which means the only new maps will be DLC that you have to pay for)
No dedicated servers
Again, Live Gold required for all features
vista only
console centric FPS
You know if MS just decided to release Gears of War instead I know more people would be all over this. I would be wanting Vista so bad just so I could get the game.
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The problem is Microsoft is taking this console games and -- well, keeping it very console-esque.
Last time I checked, this campaign of Microsoft's was supposed to be "Games For Windows", not "Console Games Emulated For The New Windows Console Orientated Operating System."
If Microsoft wants to do right by PC Gamers with porting console games to the PC, they need to look at all of the successful console game that became PC games, which got it right -- KOTOR PC, Jade Empire PC, just to name a few. All these games upgraded their graphics and modified their controls to really suit a PC gamers style of gameplay.
Barelu upgrading graphics and giving gamepads an edge will not make PC gamers happy. What Microsoft's goal should be is to find a way to make it an equalng field for KB/mouse games and control pad; and yeah, good luck w/ that endeavor...
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This is why I keep wondering if MS is just trying to kill off PC gaming entirely. Obviously they wouldn't spend money and effort to do that, but it just seems like what they're doing. I guess they're just trying to assert their control over the PC since they already had a marginal control over it already with Windows.
But I tell you what, this needs to be fought. Tooth and nail. There is no margin for interpretation - this is a power grab that will result in nothing but consumers having less control and paying more money. This has to stop, right along with all other systems that attempt to remove control from the user, ala STEAM. The consumer is losing this battle, and that's mostly because too many people are giving these companies the money to let them win it.
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This is why I keep wondering if MS is just trying to kill off PC gaming entirely. Obviously they wouldn't spend money and effort to do that, but it just seems like what they're doing. I guess they're just trying to assert their control over the PC since they already had a marginal control over it already with Windows.
Oh, I think Microsoft is spending the $ to try and make it look like so, w/ their new "Games For Windows" campaign, but they are asserting their authority over something they already have -- Gamers On Windows.
They're trying to do that more so w/ Vista than anything, but they keep failing to give us reasonable reasons to jump to Vista. They keep pushing Vista, yet there's nothing great and spectacular about it, really. And, it don't help that 3rd parties and supporting it to the fullest, either. And, it don't help that way too early, they're pushing Vista exclusives that really ain't worth your while. Halo 2 for Vista? C'mon now; gimmie a break. Idol's right -- they'd have a better chance w/ Gears of War for Vista as a Vista exclusive.
But I tell you what, this needs to be fought. Tooth and nail. There is no margin for interpretation - this is a power grab that will result in nothing but consumers having less control and paying more money. This has to stop, right along with all other systems that attempt to remove control from the user, ala STEAM. The consumer is losing this battle, and that's mostly because too many people are giving these companies the money to let them win it.
I like some of the things about STEAM, such as being able to buy games online and not need the CD/DVD after you do an install. But, you are right -- there's so much about STEAM that needs fixing. Forcing patches on users whether they like it or not and single-player games not working when STEAM goes down are just the starting point of that.
Y'know, it's nice that Valve is against the whole "Windows Live" idea and that if you buy a game, you get all content for it, so you won't get nickled and dimed for playing online and/or that if you want extra multiplayer maps or other little junk you'll have to pay up -- but, they have their own quirks and schemes, too. Their whole scheme to make HL2 owners and/or HL2: Ep One owners re-buy game(s) re-packaged in HL2: Orange is dumb. We don't need those games, if we already have them -- just bring back the HL2: Black Box. And I sure as hell don't want to just buy them off STEAM separately, either. Valve's methods always have been quite questionable -- and it shows.
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I don't have a problem with frontends or online distribution methods, either. But just take a look at the way Stardock did it with its Stardock Central frontend/storefront. The thing is completely unintrusive, does only what you want it to and no more, and you can still order a hard copy of their games for shipping while you download the online copy. They don't force you to use the program if you want to play one of their games either, though you can use it for patching and playing and whatever else also if you feel the need. I have nothing against that. I have everything against rights being taken away from the consumer.
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This is good, there's only going to be 3 games which are compatable with Windows Live set to be released in the whole of 2007.
Source (http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/games_winlive.asp)
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And Uno. Thats just...wow.
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I very much doubt that M$ are trying to kill PC gaming, but I think they are just being operated by a bunch of retarded monkeys.
But I agree it does look odd. Also it looks like Halo 3 will be about the same as Halo 2 -- which is insane. So how hard would it have been to port Halo 3 to Windows Vista? What better way to boost Vista sales?
What harm would there have been to have made Halo 3 a Vista exclusive alongside the 360 version?
Also I have a question. What the hell is it that Bungie are doing? They are basically releasing a game based on a modified version of a seven year old engine. Halo 2 didn't like all that better than Halo, and from the screenies it looks like Halo 3 looks only slightly better than Halo 2.
Hell even the weapons look the exact fucking same.
How is that even possible?
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"Y'know, it's nice that Valve is against the whole "Windows Live" idea and that if you buy a game, you get all content for it, "
Really? Fuck, I'm pretty sure my copy of HL2 didn't come with an ending. Should I bring it back?
Edit:
"
What harm would there have been to have made Halo 3 a Vista exclusive alongside the 360 version?"
I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that it would make no business sense for Microsoft to do so.
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It might have boosted the sales of Vista, if they are serious about the OS as a gaming platform.
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Yeah, while releasing Halo 3 on PC at the same time as 360 would have been a nice gesture, MS really has no reason to do so. Halo is a console series, and they know PC gamers generally aren't too thrilled with the series (mainly because MS has never given us a reason to care).
Halo 3 will sell a billion copies on 360 and they will release the PC version in 2010.
That said, if they had picked something like Gears to port they might get some excitement. Or...hell, show you really fucking care and make a title specifically for PC. Mechwarrior 5, a new Crimson Skies, Midtown Madness....something.
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Yea I have to say while I don't think MS are deliberately undermining the PC as a platform, it would be nice to get some obvious actions. A new Mechwarrior or Crimson Skies would be great.
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It might have boosted the sales of Vista, if they are serious about the OS as a gaming platform.
It would have boosted the short term sales of Vista, but without actually selling any additional units over the long run. If someone is going to run out and buy Vista now for Halo3, they're going to run out and buy it in a year or so for Gears of War or whatever else comes out that's Vista Exclusive.
Meanwhile, it's taking hardware sales away from them in a competive market in order to boost sales in a market that's not nearly as competitive. Microsoft is a large enough corporation to be able to sit back with a lower rate of return and wait in order to reap the rewards of a higher total return on that investment. They'll wait until they feel that Halo 3 has served its purpose as a system seller.
Edit: and I'd have to imagine that they'd take piracy into account and just figure that there'd be a general loss of total sales (xbox and pc) if they did that. Why buy an xbox for it when you can just buy an OS and then get the game for free?
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Yea you are prolly right. Time is on their side.
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I very much doubt that M$ are trying to kill PC gaming, but I think they are just being operated by a bunch of retarded monkeys.
But I agree it does look odd. Also it looks like Halo 3 will be about the same as Halo 2 -- which is insane. So how hard would it have been to port Halo 3 to Windows Vista? What better way to boost Vista sales?
What harm would there have been to have made Halo 3 a Vista exclusive alongside the 360 version?
Would've harmed XB360 sales for Halo 3.
Oh, no -- you know, Microsoft can't do that, you know...
What Microsoft should've done was sold a Halo 3: Collector's Edition for the PC, which for extras could've contained Halo 2 PC in the box.
Or...hell, show you really fucking care and make a title specifically for PC. Mechwarrior 5, a new Crimson Skies, Midtown Madness....something.
Oh, hell yes to a MW5 for the PC!!!!
Get goin', MS!!!!
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What Microsoft should've done was sold a Halo 3: Collector's Edition for the PC, which for extras could've contained Halo 2 PC in the box.
Huh what? Halo 3 isn't even out for the 360 yet and you wont see it on the PC until 2009!
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Huh what? Halo 3 isn't even out for the 360 yet and you wont see it on the PC until 2009!
Exactly my point -- in 2½ years, PC gamers won't care about Halo 3; so M$ might as well drop it for the PC and X360, simultaneously; yeah, when Halo 3 will actually be new.
But of course, that would defeat their plans of making Halo 3 sell to its max potential on the X360....
And obviously, when Halo 3 comes to the PC, some 2½ years or so from now, we might be actually playing something else much better -- oh, like say STALKER 2 or Monolith's FEAR 2.
Yeah, and we sure as hell won't see Duke Nukem Forever in 2009... ;)
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Exactly my point -- in 2½ years, PC gamers won't care about Halo 3; so M$ might as well drop it for the PC and X360, simultaneously; yeah, when Halo 3 will actually be new.
But of course, that would defeat their plans of making Halo 3 sell to its max potential on the X360....
And obviously, when Halo 3 comes to the PC, some 2½ years or so from now, we might be actually playing something else much better -- oh, like say STALKER 2 or Monolith's FEAR 2.
Yeah, and we sure as hell won't see Duke Nukem Forever in 2009... ;)
People will care about Halo 3 in 2 1/2 years as much as they care about Halo 2 now. What MS should do with Halo 3 (and shoud have done with Halo 2) is release the PC version much sooner ie 6 months - that still allows them to capitalize on the 360 sales first.
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But the thing is you can't even let people know you're planning on releasing it in the near future for the PC or else a lot of people will just wait for it. There's nothing immoral or unethical about the way they do this, it just makes sense for them to do so.
But yeah, people will still care in 2 1/2 years or else you guys wouldn't be talking about Halo 2 right now. Beyond that, if you limit yourself to only one gaming platform, obviously you're going to have to either miss out or wait for a lot of games.
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What MS should do with Halo 3 (and shoud have done with Halo 2) is release the PC version much sooner ie 6 months - that still allows them to capitalize on the 360 sales first.
A PC release of the game some 6 months afterwards would make more sense, if they want to catch the attention of the PC gaming crowd.
Usually, most games sell at their best straight off the "new release rack", as soon as its releases in the first few weeks and all.
But the thing is you can't even let people know you're planning on releasing it in the near future for the PC or else a lot of people will just wait for it. There's nothing immoral or unethical about the way they do this, it just makes sense for them to do so.
I held out for Jade Empire and Fable on the PC. C'mon, we all knew that w/ games being made by former PC companies (Bioware and Lionhead), so you knew it'd get a PC port....eventually.
And those two, they were done justice -- graphical upgrades, some extra content, tailor-made PC -style controls, etc etc.
But yeah, people will still care in 2 1/2 years or else you guys wouldn't be talking about Halo 2 right now. Beyond that, if you limit yourself to only one gaming platform, obviously you're going to have to either miss out or wait for a lot of games.
One of Halo 2 PC's biggest mistakes is being a Vista ONLY release. It'd probably make more sales, if it was coming to the Win XP and Vista, I'd bet. Not everyone's thrilled about Vista and wants to upgrade to it.....
And I don't think Halo PC's reputation is helping matters, w/ Halo 2 PC approaching. Most people knew this game for its technical issues (bad framerates), not-so-great PC graphics that never needed to support DX 9.0 Shaders in the first place, and repetitive "cut-n-paste" levels, and repetitive gameplay in the game's 2nd half....
And yes, wait I shall -- and even more so, for the games to hit the "Bargain Bin" rack and 'til I get Vista. That might be a pretty good while, from now.
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I held out for Jade Empire and Fable on the PC. C'mon, we all knew that w/ games being made by former PC companies (Bioware and Lionhead), so you knew it'd get a PC port....eventually.
Thankfully not everyone is like :P
But GP is right you have to appear not to be releasing it to PC even if its a bloody given, and you certainly can't give any kind of street date for the port either.
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And things get interesting.
Some company plans to bring Shadowrun and Halo 2 to Win XP, whether MS likes it or not.
I smell possibility of a lawsuit coming... (http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=78460)