New Forums? KOTOR and Jade Empire - Page 5

Thoran · 04-14-2005, 02:08 PM

Well there's subjective "pretty", that's definitely open for interpretations. I think the color palate that is used for the newest generation of games leads to more visually appealing games... and since all the newer generation of games are built to run on the XBox (usually first... with a later PC port) I agree that the xbox has some pretty games.

The problem I've got is the blocky, old looking models they use, the tiny texture size, the limited dynamic effects. My tolerance for endlessly repetitive textures and blocky graphics goes down every time I play a round of Halflife 2 or Far Cry. While the colors change, the XBox games can't hide the fact that they're limited to old hardware. I want to see RPG's that use dx9c and all it's bells and whistles, ones that give the new generation of graphics cards a workout. I think it won't be until XBox2 comes out that we'll see that happening, the market for console is just too big for developers to make pc only games (I definitely don't blame them).

Timber Loftis · 04-14-2005, 02:56 PM

Well, the reasons I have for liking console games often boil down to ease of use. I had NWN lock up something fierce on me -- just because I didn't know it wouldn't run with spysweeper running. I almost deleted and reinstalled!

With a console, I never have that worry. It requires less effort on my part. On the other hand, I don't mod my Xbox games, and would have only limited modding opportunities if I did.

Anyone who owns an Xbox and wants to see how pretty it can be tricked out -- check out Jade Empire. It's very attractive.

Another one that's not so repetitive, Thoran, is Ninja Gaiden. Sudeki is gorgeous, too. And, I haven't seen Fable for PC, but I can't imagine it's much better than on Xbox.

Thoran · 04-15-2005, 08:29 AM

Well consoles win hands down on reliability... I can't count the number of times I've bought a PC game to find the thing was full of bugs. VERY annoying.

And as far as gameplay I've got no gripes, XBox ports have been some of my favorite games over the last year (kotor/kotor2 come to mind).

I just wish the top console was a bit closer to state of the art, because I know what a difference there COULD be in graphics if it was.

Ok... here's two examples...

http://pcmedia.gamespy.com/pc/image/...8040635795.jpg
http://cerberus.gamershell.com/scree...50637_full.jpg

The Jade empire screenshot does look nice, good color and cool looking models. But there's probably an order of magnitude less polygon count in the Jade Empire shot a opposed to the HL2 one. The JE version has a comic book sort of look, smooth tones (because no bump mapping), the HL2 images have a gritty "reality" look to them.

I know some guys who prefer the comic book style, and that's cool, but technology wise HL2 is in a different class... the advantage of running on hardware that's probably 4 times faster and with more functionality.

I know XBox2 and the next Playstation aren't that far off, so hopefully the next KOTOR will be based on that system for a new generation of graphics quality... while maintaining the great gameplay of the first two (hopefully without the 'lets rush to market and not finish the game' mentality of KOTOR2)

Sir Goulum · 04-16-2005, 11:23 AM

http://www.xboxmagonline.com/xbox/do...eempire_02.jpg

Here's another Jade Empire screenshot. Does anyone know when this comes out? Or is it already?

[ 04-16-2005, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Sir Goulum ]

Link · 04-16-2005, 12:56 PM

Jade Empire has been released already, if I'm not mistaken. It's an XBOX only game, though.

Sir Goulum · 04-16-2005, 03:45 PM

Ooh, so it has. And only $60.00 too! Me must save!

Hivetyrant · 04-17-2005, 08:16 AM

Damn, I pre-ordered my copy yesterday of Jade empire, but unfortunantly we dont get it here in Australia for aaaaaaaagggges

Timber Loftis · 04-18-2005, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thoran:

The Jade empire screenshot does look nice, good color and cool looking models. But there's probably an order of magnitude less polygon count in the Jade Empire shot a opposed to the HL2 one. The JE version has a comic book sort of look, smooth tones (because no bump mapping), the HL2 images have a gritty "reality" look to them.

Okay, I'll admit that Jade Empire is "blockier" compared to the links you posted. However, it is easier to show 1 room at a time. If you check JE out, you will note that wherever you are in the game, the correct background is showing in the back. JE may be blocky, but the "far sight" element is there -- allowing a character to chart his/her way without constant reference to a map. And, it is this kind of quality that lends JE to the BioWare name.

Thoran · 04-18-2005, 01:34 PM

Some of the scenes in HL2 have mile long views...

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/ha....html?page=231

Maybe you're thinking of Doom 3? Doom 3 is a different beast entirely, it's polygon count is insane, but it does have limited view range as you mentioned.

http://www.gamershell.com/screenpop.php?id=1188

Incredible at rendering close in spaces and super detailed monsters... but since they didn't have any longer horizon areas, I bet it stinks at long distances (although maybe they're just waiting for graphcis cards to catch up to their amazing engine).

In any event I'll be getting JE when it hit's the PC, because Bioware is a known entity, and I've never known them to put out less than excellent titles. Looks like JE is no exception if your feedback (and the positive feedback I've read already about it) are any indication. And after that... I'll be waiting patiently for the Xbox2... not to buy one but to see what game developers will do with it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 04-18-2005, 01:35 PM: Message edited by: Thoran ]

04-14-2005, 02:56 PM	#42
Timber Loftis 40th Level Warrior Join Date: July 11, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11,916	Well, the reasons I have for liking console games often boil down to ease of use. I had NWN lock up something fierce on me -- just because I didn't know it wouldn't run with spysweeper running. I almost deleted and reinstalled! With a console, I never have that worry. It requires less effort on my part. On the other hand, I don't mod my Xbox games, and would have only limited modding opportunities if I did. Anyone who owns an Xbox and wants to see how pretty it can be tricked out -- check out Jade Empire. It's very attractive. Another one that's not so repetitive, Thoran, is Ninja Gaiden. Sudeki is gorgeous, too. And, I haven't seen Fable for PC, but I can't imagine it's much better than on Xbox. __________________

04-16-2005, 12:56 PM	#45
Link Jack Burton Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: The Netherlands Age: 40 Posts: 5,888	Jade Empire has been released already, if I'm not mistaken. It's an XBOX only game, though. __________________ Rowing is not a sport, it's a way of life Goal: Beijing 2008

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04-14-2005, 02:08 PM	#41
Thoran Galvatron Join Date: January 10, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Age: 57 Posts: 2,109	Well there's subjective "pretty", that's definitely open for interpretations. I think the color palate that is used for the newest generation of games leads to more visually appealing games... and since all the newer generation of games are built to run on the XBox (usually first... with a later PC port) I agree that the xbox has some pretty games. The problem I've got is the blocky, old looking models they use, the tiny texture size, the limited dynamic effects. My tolerance for endlessly repetitive textures and blocky graphics goes down every time I play a round of Halflife 2 or Far Cry. While the colors change, the XBox games can't hide the fact that they're limited to old hardware. I want to see RPG's that use dx9c and all it's bells and whistles, ones that give the new generation of graphics cards a workout. I think it won't be until XBox2 comes out that we'll see that happening, the market for console is just too big for developers to make pc only games (I definitely don't blame them).

04-15-2005, 08:29 AM	#43
Thoran Galvatron Join Date: January 10, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Age: 57 Posts: 2,109	Well consoles win hands down on reliability... I can't count the number of times I've bought a PC game to find the thing was full of bugs. VERY annoying. And as far as gameplay I've got no gripes, XBox ports have been some of my favorite games over the last year (kotor/kotor2 come to mind). I just wish the top console was a bit closer to state of the art, because I know what a difference there COULD be in graphics if it was. Ok... here's two examples... http://pcmedia.gamespy.com/pc/image/...8040635795.jpg http://cerberus.gamershell.com/scree...50637_full.jpg The Jade empire screenshot does look nice, good color and cool looking models. But there's probably an order of magnitude less polygon count in the Jade Empire shot a opposed to the HL2 one. The JE version has a comic book sort of look, smooth tones (because no bump mapping), the HL2 images have a gritty "reality" look to them. I know some guys who prefer the comic book style, and that's cool, but technology wise HL2 is in a different class... the advantage of running on hardware that's probably 4 times faster and with more functionality. I know XBox2 and the next Playstation aren't that far off, so hopefully the next KOTOR will be based on that system for a new generation of graphics quality... while maintaining the great gameplay of the first two (hopefully without the 'lets rush to market and not finish the game' mentality of KOTOR2)

04-16-2005, 11:23 AM	#44
Sir Goulum John Locke Join Date: February 7, 2002 Location: Edmonton, Canada Age: 36 Posts: 8,985	http://www.xboxmagonline.com/xbox/do...eempire_02.jpg Here's another Jade Empire screenshot. Does anyone know when this comes out? Or is it already? [ 04-16-2005, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Sir Goulum ]

04-16-2005, 03:45 PM	#46
Sir Goulum John Locke Join Date: February 7, 2002 Location: Edmonton, Canada Age: 36 Posts: 8,985	Ooh, so it has. And only $60.00 too! Me must save!

04-17-2005, 08:16 AM	#47
Hivetyrant Jack Burton Join Date: August 24, 2002 Location: Aussie now in the US of A! Age: 38 Posts: 5,403	Damn, I pre-ordered my copy yesterday of Jade empire, but unfortunantly we dont get it here in Australia for aaaaaaaagggges

04-18-2005, 01:34 PM	#49
Thoran Galvatron Join Date: January 10, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Age: 57 Posts: 2,109	Some of the scenes in HL2 have mile long views... http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/ha....html?page=231 Maybe you're thinking of Doom 3? Doom 3 is a different beast entirely, it's polygon count is insane, but it does have limited view range as you mentioned. http://www.gamershell.com/screenpop.php?id=1188 Incredible at rendering close in spaces and super detailed monsters... but since they didn't have any longer horizon areas, I bet it stinks at long distances (although maybe they're just waiting for graphcis cards to catch up to their amazing engine). In any event I'll be getting JE when it hit's the PC, because Bioware is a known entity, and I've never known them to put out less than excellent titles. Looks like JE is no exception if your feedback (and the positive feedback I've read already about it) are any indication. And after that... I'll be waiting patiently for the Xbox2... not to buy one but to see what game developers will do with it. [img]smile.gif[/img] [ 04-18-2005, 01:35 PM: Message edited by: Thoran ]

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