Digital Walk-about
2005 will be the year of the Handheld Console War. In one corner we have the Nintendo DS; in the other corner the Sony PSP. I believe that the victor of this event will the system with the better software. Gamers game. It doesn't matter how sleek the system is or how powerful it is, the quantity and quality of the gaming library will define its importance and marketability. Remember the PS1, a 32-bit system that dominate the gaming market over other 64-bit systems. Here is my perspective on each side.
The DS offers something new and innovative with its use of dual screens and touch capability. Nintendo can really capitalize on this and make a slew of new, creative games that can redefine, reinvigorated gaming life. This can also allow us to overlook its graphics, which are superior to the GBA but inferior to the PSP.
The PSP is geared towards a more adult audience. Hopefully all this talk concerning the age of the average gamer being 29 is true. Sony has greated a juggernaut of a machine that incorporates gaming, music, photo, and film into one package. The main obstacle will be how well all these functions perform. Sony has been notorious for its use of ATRAC proprietary software for music; hopeful this won't be the case for the PSP. Battery life might also be an issue with the PSP. Fortunately, Sony has created a removable, rechargeble battery. This battery might be replaced in the future when something with a longer charge-time comes along. The use of the memory stick is a nice touch because you can incorporate other devices (like the clie and cybershot) with the PSP.
After looking at these factors, the winner is difficult to call. Nintendo caters to the certain gamer while the PSP is attractive to another group. We'll just have to wait and see who is spending more.
Review: Robotech: Invasion
I really wanted to love this game. Of the 3 Robotech sagas, the New Generation is my favorite. As a child, I was in love with the Cyclones and Alphas. While it lacked the love triangle of the Macross Saga, it was clever (for my then 10 year old perspective) in the interactions between the characters. Upon reviewing the series on DVD, I feel that the character development is the core of the series (with the exception of the Southern Cross series but that's another story), and it is the of any real characters that hurts Robotech: Invasion.
I just didn't care about the characters (Locke and Tasha) that much. The previous Robotech game for the PS2, Robotech: Battlecry, had memorable character and dialogue that made you want to progress the narrative. This was the case with R:I. I felt there was a rift with the continuity. After watching NG, I had the sense that there were few resistance fighters, but R:I depicts a world saturated with rebels. There was also the problem with the Cyclones. They shot missiles is cycle mode but not when used as body armor. The lack of the playability of the Alphas was also problematic. I was also hoping for more cameos from NG cast. Finally, the lack of any extras really hurt this title. Now to the positive.
The Cyclone handled like a drive, and I must have admit that blasting the Invid was pure joy. The locking system was a plus. While the gameplay was repetitive, it was still fun. The shift in graphics from cell animations was refreshing, and the music definitely helped with the tone of the game (giving it an Alien Nation / V feel).
Overall, I feel that R:I is a good rental. If you're a devote fan of the series, you might want to get a copy when the price drops down to $20 (as Battlecry did).
