411 Games Fact or Fiction 11.23.09: N64, Pandemic, 3D Games, More

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 11.23.2009

Would you swap out your TV for a new 3D compatible one so you can play games like Avatar? Would the N64 have dominated its generation if it used CDs? Would you be up for playing a new version of Oregon Trail for nostalgia? Find out what Shylo Elliott and Greg Bruno have to say in this week's Fact or Fiction.



Alright here we go with another round of Fact or Fiction. This week we welcome back Shylo Elliott who's been either LOST with Jack, Kate, Locke and Co. or just getting out of prison from his insistence on snorting coke at the library (I kid!). Also Greg Bruno of the 'What If?' column (where the hell is it by the way?) joins us again to talk about some games and what not. So let's do this thing!

Round 1: You're certain that a group of Pandemic developers will reform a new company.

Greg Bruno: FACT - That's how things work in the video game business.  Pretty much every time a studio closes, a select group of former employees begins a new venture.  While a good portion of them will go to other companies (like EA), it's a good bet that you'll see a new studio rise from the ashes that was once Pandemic.  At least, I hope so.   There is definitely a lot of talent in that group and it would be a shame to see it go to waste.

Shylo Elliott: FICTION - Due to technicalities. I'm not certain that
they will reform a new company, but there's a good chance that if a set of developers really liked working together, and one or more of them have the entrepreneurial spirit to take a chance on a venture, then I could see a new company being formed.

Score: 0 for 1 - Let's hope all of those guys can land on their feet!


Round 2: Had the N64 used CDs instead of cartridges, it would've dominated its generation.

Greg Bruno: FICTION - I don't think the format has anything to do with winning or losing.  I mean, hell, look at the situation with this generation of consoles.  Sony has been using the Blu-Ray format while Microsoft and Nintendo are still employing the DVD format.  Now, we all know the benefit of Blu-Ray over DVD, so let's not start that argument, but Sony is hardly leading the race.  It's all about the games and the offerings, as it should be.  The N64 had some great titles, but Sony had better ones.  I don't think it had anything to do with the way the games were inserted into the system.  By the way, it's time we developed a bacon format.  That way we can just eat our old games instead of selling them for a fraction of what we paid to own them.

Shylo Elliott: FICTION - Nintendo had a working relationship with many
developers in the days of the SNES, however, some of them, Square and Konami, for example, bolted to Sony or chose to develop more games for Sony due to the companies' choice of format for their new systems. If the Nintendo 64 used CDs, I doubt they would go to Sony. Would Final Fantasies 7-9, Chrono Cross, Metal Gear Solid, and Suikoden turn the tide in the war? Except for Suikoden, which American consumers treated like playing it gave you H1N1, they would help turn the tide. Both systems being CD-based would ensure more third party support for Nintendo, and maybe a bit less for Sony. The ability to have CG cut-scenes and CD-quality sound would make non-exclusives more even. Sony did make some ridiculous decisions during the PS1 era, for example, trying to discourage 2D games. The reason I say FICTION though, is because even though Nintendo might have won, I don't think they would have dominated.

Score: 1 for 2 - I guess the N64's RAM Expansion wasn't enough was it?


Round 3: Warcraft 2 was the best game in the series.

Greg Bruno: FACT - I've never played any of the Warcraft titles, so this question is wasted on me.  I'll go ahead and give it a fact because my brother said "Yea, it was cool."

Shylo Elliott: FICTION - World of Warcraft is what allows Blizzard
executives to light their Cuban cigars with $100 bills. If a game is able to insert itself into the mainstream like WoW did, then it must be doing several things right. I've played Warcraft 2, it wasn't very fun, granted, it was the PlayStation version. I preferred Age of Empires. If you don't count WoW, then Warcraft III, even though I've never played it, has to be better than Warcraft 2. I just didn't care for Warcraft 2.

Score: 1 for 3 - You both suck ass. Warcraft 2 kicked ass and although I cannot STAND World of Warcraft and was underwhelmed with WC3, I still go back and play this RTS gem.

SWITCH


Round 4: You think the Oregon Trail would make for a cool downloadable game if it was spiffed up with new graphics and a more thought out story

Shylo Elliott: FACT - Who doesn't love the Oregon Trail and dying from dysentery? It would give people an excuse to play it again, and I'm sure the nostalgia factor would make it a popular buy.

Greg Bruno: FACT - Without a doubt.  I remember being in Jr. High (Grissom class of '98 REPRESENT!) and going to "computer class" and getting to play this after we finished our typing lessons.  Oregon Trail was a blast.  I think half the fun was waiting to see who was going to die of what. "Greg was bitten by a snake and died".  Sometimes you felt bad...but more times you laughed, and carried on knowing you wouldn't have to feed as many people.  Not that a casualty would stop you from slaughtering as many rabbits as you could find.  There's been a remake for the iPhone that's been a little updated, but I'd love (and pay for) an XBLA or PSN version  of this classic

Score: 2 for 4 - I remember looking forward to going to the library each week to get in on some Oregon Trail action on those green screen Apple CPUs.


Round 5: 3D compatible games are enough to convince you to upgrade your TV.

Shylo Elliott: FACT - 3D compatible games? Haven't we had them since 1993 or so? *inaudible speech from offstage* 3D COMPATIBLE games, not 3D games. I see now/ Oh, you mean like the stuff with the glasses. (I can't get the iconic image of the cheesy red and blue glasses out of my head.) The PS2 is still state-of-the-art in my room, so there isn't going to be any upgrading of televisions any time soon.

Greg Bruno: FICTION - No way.  No how.  I literally just bought a 42' HDTV within the last six months.  The 3D tech isn't a huge deal to me, nor is it to gaming developers.  Sure, Sony is all over it and it will make Blu-Ray movies and games look more amazing than they already are, but it's not going to warrant me buying a new television any time soon

Score: 2 for 5 - I did get to play Avatar in 3D with a compatible TV and it was pretty sweet. I'll have a preview up later this week.


Round 6: You've caught yourself blowing on your DS card slot NES-style just out of custom.

Shylo Elliott: FACT - I don't have a DS, but I have played DS games
numerous times, and I've never had a problem getting them to work. On the other hand, I've blown on my PS2 memory cards when I've had trouble getting the system to read them!

Greg Bruno: FICTION - Maybe Fact or Fiction should have a screening process.  I don't have a DS.  Why?  Because I already have an iPhone and don't need something else to bring with me into the bathroom.  However, if you want to get detailed information on the blowing process, I suggest you contact Mark Salmela.

Zing!

Final Score: 2 for 6 - No DS's? Epic fail from both of you!

--------------------------------------

Now it's time to turn it over to you guys. Fact or Fiction? Let us know your thoughts!