Tensei

I think the Linux-based OS will probably only be the back end, I can imagine that the dashboard will just look like a streamlined version of Steam. By far the most interesting aspect to me is the supposed modular nature: is it really going to be as easy as plugging in a new video card/additional RAM? That could actually be huge. Other than that, I'm curious about the specs vs. the price. On one hand it would probably have to fall somewhere close to the next gen consoles in terms of price (<$500?), but it would also have to run modern PC games at 1080p (that's basically what Big Picture is for). Finally, if it actually gets marketed as a console, and Valve has actually figured out a way to port a substantial portion of its Steam library, that would mean that it has a launch lineup of hundreds if not thousands of games. That's a pretty significant plus too.

Codenamed Piston, though Steam Engine or Gabecube work too. http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/7/3849284/piston-valve-steam-box-xi3 It basically looks like a portable mini PC optimized to hook up to large screen TVs, with a linux OS, and (obviously) Steam support. It's supposed to be very modular as well, so adding RAM or a new video card should be quite easy. My only worry is the Linux OS, since the library of Linux-compatible video games is very small, but maybe Valve will use some black voodoo magic to somehow make Windows games run well on it too. That, or encourage developers into porting their games to Linux. For reference, these are the specs of one of the companies other Mini PCs, which sells at $1100. I assume the Piston will be cheaper, but also more streamlined towards gaming.

Yeah, I think in order to properly enjoy this game you have to play through it once, because that will maintain the illusion of choice. If you're looking for a game that actually branches out to a ridiculous degree, look no further than Alpha Protocol. As an example, one of the antagonists in that game can only be killed in a relatively obscure way. Basically he has to get pissed off enough to want to kill you. In order to do that you have to be very suave, faux-James Bondlike in your conversations with him, because he hates that. HOWEVER, if you only specifically start acting like that when you first meet him, he will actually see through you and call you out on deliberately trying to piss him off by acting like that. So to do it properly, you have to establish your character as a smug fucker from the very beginning of the game.

Nah, I wasn't being serious. From what I understand Planescape is kinda weird and not really anything like what people expect out of D&D.

w.r.t. the setting, I won't settle for anything less than Planescape.

There's also this http://roll20.net/

GlaDOS...you know, from ? The cake is a lie?Also, the voice isn't synthesized at all. They specifically got the same voice actress and use very similar fx processing on it, which is what kinda bothers me, because it's SO iconic that a lot of people instantly associate it with Portal.

I like how a reference to a shitty spinoff of a japanese sentai series would somehow make this movie interesting in your eyes.

It's on like Donkey Kong, I'm in.

Wait, so why is it you don't have high hopes for this movie? Del Toro isn't exactly a lightweight when it comes to directing movies, and there are a lot of nifty little details about the movie that indicate it will be more like a big loveletter to the mecha/kaiju genre (the monsters are even specifically referred to as 'kaiju') than a generic Michael Bay style explosion flick.

They have hilarious engrishy names too, such as STRIKER EUREKA or GIPSY DANGER. I'm not sure about the use of GlaDOS' voice, but overall this movie looks like Godzilla meets Lovecraft meets Evangelion. Which is awesome.

Ah, yes, of course, that's where we should drag the festering corpse of JRPGs, browser games!

Yeah cause if there's one thing you want on a console that struggles to run a game at 30 fps, it's splitscreen.

Except nobody is saying Nintendo fucked up.

The thing about the ports is that modern console game devs typically have to 'cheat' by upscaling from a lower resolution and skimping on AA/textures to get an 'acceptable' framerate (which can go as low as 20) for their games. My assumption was that the Wii U, while not strictly a next gen console, would at least be able to run the current ports at a much more acceptable pace (i.e. 720p and at least a steady 30 FPS if not more). I'm not asking for PC-level graphical fidelity, but as of now there doesn't really seem to be any indication that a Wii U can handle ports much better than its 6 year old competitors. I think that's the issue people are having.

Makes me sad that you discount Far Cry 3 without even trying it. GOTY material right there and pretty much everything Skyrim tried to be.

There will no doubt be 500 billion shitty F2P spinoffs of this game.

Nintendo literally is at a disadvantage by having lower tech specs though. I wasn't trying to argue whether or not it will be a commercial success, as that's a poor metric of quality anyway. What I'm saying is that when the next PS/Xbox come around, 3rd party developers will start using those specs as a standard, which means that the Wii U will, again, be stuck with mediocre ports or spinoffs of big 3rd party games. That is an issue and a disadvantage to me.

Slark is like Riki squared in the sense that he will completely waltz over you without detection and wards, but is more or less useless if you use it properly.

I can't help but feel like this is the console that Nintendo should've released 6 years ago. Right now things look pretty peachy with full feature ports of big hitters like CoD and AC3, but once the next console gen is out, it will be back to severely neutered ports/shovelware, such as what happened with the Wii. Maybe the first/second party exclusives will tip people over though, as Nintendo is wont to do. Actual modern games are better played on a PC anyway.

Legend of Zelda, being partially based on Miyamoto's own childhood memories, actually incorporates a lot of activities that are stereotypically associated with boys. I think the idea here is that by effectively changing Link's gender, it'll teach the daughter that it's okay for girls to enjoy traditionally 'masculine' outdoor activities such as climbing trees, fishing, exploring the countryside, etc.

Why would Samus count? The only time they made any kind of characterization effort we ended up with Other M.

Sheik never actually does anything aside from playing a few songs and giving vague exposition.

Thread hijack for a legitimately good kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/obsidian/project-eternity

Dark Souls has a deliberately sparse soundtrack (music only plays during boss fights and a few particular areas) and a heavy emphasis on . Then you make it to the final boss fight and plays.