The Spot 072701

By Shane Satterfield

I'd like to personally thank all our readers who were kind enough to send me more than 100 e-mails with viruses. A big, hearty thanks to all of you! Luckily, our mail servers caught it and nuked it. The weekend is here, and with it comes yet another monumental installment of The Spot. If you've got questions or comments, feel free to send them in by clicking here. If you want to have your name withheld, please mention it in your e-mail. Let's rock!

07/27/2001

Price Drop Again

Hey, with the Xbox and GameCube coming in just a few months, I was wondering: Is there any sign or behind-the-scenes information that the PS2 will be dropping in price to take on these new competitors? If not, I'm thinking it could be a long year for Sony. Long live Metroid!!!

-Joe S.


I answered this a week or so ago, but I'll answer it again, because you ladies and gentlemen keep asking. No, there are no plans for Sony to drop the price of the PlayStation 2. Sony has a boatload of huge games coming to the PS2 before the end of the year, so it would be crazy for the company to drop the price when it doesn't even know if people will buy its competitor's consoles. If Sony is going to drop the price, it will be early next year--after it has seen how well the Cube and Box do.

Mega Move

Hey, awesome site, guys. This is something that has been bugging me for a long time. In Marvel vs. Capcom, when you beat the game with Mega Man, it says that you get magnetic shockwave, one of Onslaught's attacks. Is there any way to pull this move off, or is it just thrown in the game to confuse the crap out of me?

Thanks,

-Marklar


Miguel Lopez is our resident Capcom fighting game expert. He's got the answer.

Miguel responds: We're sorry to report that you cannot, indeed, perform the magnetic shockwave. That sequence, as you probably know, is an ode to the 2D Mega Man games. You see, whenever Mega Man beats up an enemy, he also jacks his special attack. When you are presented with the move, a sequence like the one at the end of Marvel vs. Capcom plays, depicting Mega Man performing the attack. So sorry--you're stuck with the rebounding soccer ball. Peace!

RAM Explained

Could you please tell me the advantages of 1T-SRAM? Could you please answer? I visit this Web site almost every day, and you did not answer my last letter. I do not know if my letters are reaching you.

-John Johnson


Sam "Tech Money" Parker is all over this one.

Sam responds: 1T-SRAM has much less latency than other types of memory, including the RDRAM in the PlayStation2 and the DDR SDRAM in the Xbox. Latency measures how long the system has to wait between reading and writing to memory, and this can be a huge factor for performance in games where there's so much real-time action. The 24MB of 1T-SRAM that the GameCube uses for main memory has a sustained latency of 10ns, and the 3MB used for graphics memory is rated at only 5ns.

There's a big difference in the way the GameCube's memory is designed. SRAM means static RAM, in contrast with the more common dynamic RAM or DRAM. While DRAM needs to periodically refresh the electrical signal that keeps data stored in memory, SRAM doesn't need to take the time to do this. While SRAM has traditionally taken up much more space than DRAM, 1T-SRAM uses just one transistor per bit, so it's much cheaper to produce. The GameCube is perhaps the first time this kind of memory has made it into a consumer device, and it's one of the console's strongest technical features.

If you really want to learn about stuff like this, visit Sam over at GameSpot Hardware.

More Games!

Back in the days I could not finish a game before there were five or six already out that I wanted to buy. Nowadays, you can finish a game, and it's three or four months before something fresh is out. There are considerably more development companies in business now, but still no games to play. Why does it take so long for games to be developed? We see a game announced, complete with movies and screenshots, and then the game comes out two years later. That's ridiculous. How does this whole process work, and why does it take so long?

-Andre


I know that it seems like once a video game's graphics engine is running, it's ready to go. But that's just the beginning. That's why you see screenshots for games that won't come out for another two years. Developers must still work out the gameplay, AI, camera, level design, music, voice acting, FMV...I hope you're starting to see the picture. Creating video games isn't easy, and the expectations have grown immeasurably since the 16-bit 2D games. There was no such thing as a camera back then, and navigating 2D space is far easier than making a 3D game. Things should be better with the GameCube and Xbox, however. Most of the GameCube games have barely been in development for a year and are fairly polished. So things are improving already.

More on Monthly Fees

First of all, I gotta say that this site is awesome. I'm not trying to be a brownnoser (although it might seem like I am). But this site has been the source of gaming news to me for more than a year. Anyway, over the past couple of weeks, I have been reading about a lot of massive multiplayer online RPGs. Every single one, it seems, from Anarchy Online to Everquest, makes you pay a monthly fee to play. It's bad enough people have to pay 50 bucks or more for games, but then be charged a monthly fee to play. My question: Are there any worthwhile online multiplayer RPGs out there that don't charge you a monthly fee to play? Thanks.

-Nick


Thanks for being one of the regulars, Nick. We appreciate it. Unfortunately, I have some bad news. Most online RPGs will likely require a monthly fee from here on out. Multiplayer RPGs require server maintenance, so companies have to hire people to support the players when they have problems. There's also the cost of providing the servers to play on. Sega tried to keep things free with Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast (it's still free), but the cost outweighed the profits and therefore, PSO Version 2 will require $15 for three months. You can expect a similar pricing for online RPGs like Final Fantasy XI. If you want to play a free online console RPG for free, your only option is PSO, I'm afraid. But it's better than nothing, right?

Optical Cables

I have a PS2 and a nice home theater setup. My home theater has 5.1 capabilities; however, it does not have an optical input. I am interested in hooking up my PS2 to my 5.1 input, but I can't find the right cable. I have contacted Sony about this and they told me that currently, the only way to use 5.1 with the PS2 is to have an optical input. Do you know of anyone who makes or will soon be making a PS2 cable that has a coaxial or S-video output and the appropriate 5.1 coaxial outputs as well? Just hoping against hope...

-Eric C. Baur


Monster makes PlayStation 2 optical cables, and you can pick them up at virtually any Best Buy or Circuit City. They'll run you around $30.

Capcom and Nintendo

Yo!! You guys are doing a great job with the site. I just need to say that I'm having to wear nappies to keep myself in check as I wait desperately for the UK release of SSF2X: Revival on the GBA! In light of that, though, I have never understood why Capcom never gave N64 owners a Street Fighter game, while the PlayStation has several. Can you explain? I just hope Capcom sees the light and brings the series to the GameCube.

PS: I heard SSF2X: Revival will be released in the US sometime in October. Could you please tell me when Europe will get it?

PSS: Nintendo must do anything it takes to convince Konami to bring Metal Gear Solid 2 to the GBA and GameCube.


Capcom never really supported the N64. It made a Tetris game with the Disney license and it let Left Field do an excellent job porting Resident Evil 2 to the N64, but that's about it--unless you count the mediocre Mega Man 64. It does seem somewhat stupefying that a Street Fighter game never came out on the N64, but I'd imagine that it had something to do with the perception of the N64 as a kid's machine. I would imagine you're not the only one hoping Street Fighter comes to the GameCube, either. Capcom's European reps stated late last year that all Capcom franchises would come to the GameCube, but Resident Evil 0 is the only game the company has announced. We should hear about the GameCube's Japanese support next month at Space World. We don't have an official European release date for SSF2X for the GBA, but it will likely be released at the end of this year. I don't know if there's anything that Nintendo can do to get MGS2 on the Cube. Konami doesn't seem too convinced that older players will buy it.

Does Size Matter?

Hello, The Spot!

I have one question about Final Fantasy X. With all the information the game contains (textures, polygons, FMV, audio, etc.), will FFX be as long as any other FF? I know the DVD format can hold up tons of info (around 4.7GB, but the quality of screenshots and movies I've been seeing lately makes me wonder if there will be enough gameplay time...

Thanks again, as always!

-Lord Sagacyte -- Luis Pinto


The size of the storage medium has nothing to do with how long the game will be. Even if there were too much data for one DVD, Square would just add another one. I've received letters from people claiming that a small storage medium, like the GameCube uses, makes a console inferior, but it has nothing to do with console performance. Most games won't even come close to using 1.5GB of storage space, and even if they did, Nintendo would just release the game on multiple discs, just like most high-end PlayStation and Dreamcast games.

Projection Question

I remember back in the day when you couldn't play video games on projection TVs, but since the PS2 works as a DVD player, can you also play games on a projection TV? My second question is about a little-known game called Poy Poy. Poy Poy was released on the PSOne and was the most fun multiplayer game ever. A few years back, I heard there was a sequel--is this true?

Thanks,

-Mad Mardigian


You have always been able to play games on projection TVs. The problem is that it's easy to permanently burn images into them. Video games compound this problem because certain portions of the graphics (like health bars and ammo counts) stay in the same spot for hours at a time. This can burn the image into your projector permanently. The fact that the PS2 plays DVDs has nothing to do with it. You can watch movies on your PS2 through your projection TV, but I don't recommend playing games on it.

Next-Gen Battletoads

I am a huge fan of classics games like Battletoads for the NES. I was wondering if there are any plans to redo the game in 3D on a PS2 version or GameCube version or any other console? Thanx for your time!

-Anonymous


Battletoads was a great game, but there are currently no plans for a next-generation version. The game was made by Rare, so if a new game does eventually come out, it will be for the GameCube.

Duh!

Editors of the Spot,

I write to you in search of reason. I am afraid--no, not to any real degree--for my PlayStation 2. With the upcoming Xbox, I worry if my PS2 will lose esteem in the gaming world. The Xbox is intruding where it does not belong. It has conquered the computing industry, and I can only wonder why it must invade the little world I have concocted in my head that is "Video Games."

What bothers me more than anything is the support it gets from companies. I fear that my favorite software companies will betray my beloved PS2 (Squaresoft, Capcom, Midway, Namco) and join the Xbox. I know all of this is very childish of me, and I sound especially weak for the stereotypical 16-year-old, but is my fear justified? Do I have reason to believe that my PS2 will falter and shrink in face of the almighty Xbox? Help me, please. Thanks for just reading--and even more for replying.

-Anonymous


My question to you: Why do you care what people think about the PS2? If you like it, then who cares if the companies you listed make games for other consoles? I'll never understand this sort of thinking. Think for yourself! If you're really that concerned about other companies "intruding" on your video game industry, why are you supporting Sony instead of Nintendo and Sega?

Xbox Browsing

Is it true that the Xbox's Ethernet port and hard drive will be used only for the games? I read that Microsoft has no plans to release a Web browser disc, keyboard, or mouse for the Xbox. This factor alone will be my decision on whether I get a PS2 or Xbox this Christmas. And if I can't browse the Web with the Xbox, I'm going to get a PS2--and a lot of other people will too. Xbox sounded like the perfect system. But I guess Microsoft would rather sell PCs than beat Sony in the console wars. If this is true, a lot of people are going to be disappointed--and so will I.

-Dean


Yes, you're right. Microsoft wants to distance itself from its PC reputation for the Xbox, so there will be no Web browsing, no keyboard, and no mouse. As far as your comment about Microsoft wanting to sell only PCs: Isn't that what Sony is trying to turn the PS2 into? I admire Microsoft for wanting the Xbox to be a video game console. I have a PC already.

Madden Keeping It Old School?

Just a quick note to ask if Madden 2002 is being made for the PSOne--or is it over and must I buy a PS2? Also, how about the EA franchise for Tiger Woods golf for the PSOne? Your Web site is the absolute best!

-Carlton


Madden will be released for both the PSOne and Nintendo 64 this year. No Tiger Woods, I'm afraid.

Poll Omission

And why isn't JSRF on the poll of the day? You didn't even have THPS3 on the PS2 poll. Do you not like me or something? You'll probably leave Rogue Leader off the GameCube poll just to spite me.

-a PRoUD Son of maLKAV


Nothing personal, we just thought the other games would be more anticipated. However, you can rest assured that Rogue Leader will be on the GameCube poll.

PS2 RPGs?

Hi, I was just wondering if there are going to be any more action RPGs on the PlayStation 2. I was just wondering because turn-based fighting RPGs are all that seem to be out there. If there are, can you tell me what the titles are and when they are coming out? If there aren't going to be any more, can you at least tell me what RPGs are coming out for PS2? Thanks for your time.

-Chris W.


Dark Cloud was recently released, and it's fairly good, though not spectacular. Evergrace 2 is coming out fairly soon in Japan, but the original was pretty poor. And there are hardly any turn-based RPGs for the PlayStation 2, so I don't know what you're talking about.

FFX Rating

What is the rating for the Japanese version of Final Fantasy X?

-Steven


The Japanese version of FFX is rated T for Teen. The game has some violence, which keeps it from getting an E (Everyone).

Streams of Downloads

Hey Guys,

First of all, I'd like to say I love the great job you guys have been doing. I especially love those new video previews (and reviews) you've been posting. I used to watch pretty much every video you guys would post. But lately, you guys have begun making your media available only as streaming video. I don't have broadband, so trying to view streaming media is pretty much a waste of time. Why have you stopped posting MPEGs?

With the help of download managers (like Download Accelerator Plus), I was able to download pretty much any video posted...even that huge video preview of MGS2. Unfortunately, I've missed out on the last couple of video previews because of the streaming format. I hope you guys will begin to post your media as MPEGs again. Thanks.

-Daniel


I would assume you're talking about Ico and NCAA Football 2002 for the PlayStation 2. We were having problems with our FTP on the days those videos were put up, and that's why there are only streams for them at the present. There should be downloads for both of them by the end of the day today. We're glad you like our video reviews and previews. GameSpot Live! kicks some major arse, doesn't it?

That's it for this week, y'all. Have a great weekend, everyone, and keep sending in those questions (which I hope are virus-free). But before I go, I just wanted to leave you with this.