Are The Gaming Masses Brainwashed Today?

I don't get it. Here we have a hot priced next generation system with built in modem with some pretty hot, cool and unique offerings as well as some traditional crossover titles and yet the gaming masses seemed to be mesmerized and STILL waiting for a system that most folks will not be able to play until sometime in March of 2001. And this new system is also one that has failed to meet the expectations of many gamers that were lucky enough to get one.

Having been a multi-system gamer ever since there was more than one system I have always found it odd and downright narrow-minded that some folks seem get "branded" into their buying decisions when it comes to video games. They'll do anything to justify their stand. Company X sold me a bad game 5 years ago, Company Y pulled the plug on my favorite system, Company Z only makes kiddy games. I know that many of you have heard these and many other excuses from gamers that simply refuse to give a system a chance, believing instead that no system can possibly be as good as the one that they chose to buy, the one that they seem to identify with, for whatever reason. The bottom line with every company is that they want your money, they want your support, and they want to please the consumer. That said, sometimes they fail. Sometimes it is the market itself, other times it is due to a general lack of support from the timid gamer or over cautious developer, product delays, shortages and many things that cannot be controlled.

In case you have not already figured out what systems I'm talking about this round they are the Sega Dreamcast and the Sony PlayStation 2. I've got both. Frankly, I spend more time playing Dreamcast games than I do PS2 games even though the PS2 is the newest addition to my collection of video game systems. This is a 1st for me as I usually spend a lot of time with a shiny new piece of technology. Why hasn't this system taken over my life? Today, the Sega Dreamcast has better offerings in the software department, that's why.

I think that the PS2 launched with some really terrific titles. Included in my short list are SSX, Madden 2001, Smuggler's Run, Midnight Club and Tekken Tournament. But why haven't I been 100% dedicated to this new system and its new games. Well, let's see. I've played a lot of Madden 2001 (PSX) and the PS2 version is a graphically better version of that game but not much more. Tekken Tournament is still basically Tekken. Midnight Club is similar to Midtown Madness, a game that I've played a lot on the PC. Smuggler's Run is a "rural" version of Crazi Taxi with cops thrown in this time. SSX is another snow boarding game - one of the best I might add. Many of the others that I have played are lacking originally. Games like Moto GP, Ready 2 Rumble 2, Ridge Racer 5, look great but are nothing new. Nascar 2001 was just butt ugly. Wild Wild Racing is fun but very unpolished. I have not looked at the RPG offerings.

On the other hand, Sega and its third party developers have opened up the software floodgates! One of the reasons that I'm having trouble playing Madden 2001 is due to the fact that I'm completely sold on Sega's NFL2K1. Why? On line play. It is awesome. Then there is Quake III Arena - I like the fact that there are only 4 opponents in the online game. It makes the game tenser for some reason. NBA2K1 is the best Basketball game available and it too supports online play. But that's not all. So many top shelf games have been released recently that it is becoming increasingly hard to keep up with them all. Jet Grind Radio, Tony Hawk 2, Test Drive Le Mans, Red Dog, Shenmue, Sega Marine Fishing, Capcom vs. SNK, F355 Challenge, SF Rush 2049 have all shipped recently and every one is a quality effort, worthy of both your time and money. Many folks are having a great time with 4X4 EVO due to the online play option.

Just to set the record straight, I'm not biased towards any brand or system. I couldn't care less what system it is played on. To me, it makes sense if at all possible for a gamer to own all systems. That way one can pick and choose and get the best game available in any genre regardless of the limiting platform factor. I do realize that this is not realistic for some folks but if you can afford to own multiple systems that is the way to go my friend.

Today, we have the Sega Dreamcast. It is a bargain. I do believe that Sony will get its act together, so will it's 3rd parties. but not in 2000. It is really a shame that a lot of people will be bypassing the amazing little machine with the swirl because of their belief that Sony is the one. Well, the XBox and GameCube is on the way later next year my friend, there will not be "one" perfect console. There will, however, be excellent games for each system.

Submitted by: tiptonium