1) VGM Fan Club
2) Forum
3) Previous Releases
4) Upcoming Releases
5) FAQ
6) VGM Special: P2P Networking Debate (Emulators/roms – filesharing programs)
7) Next Issue Preview

 

1) VGM Fan Club

VGM Console News

Sony:

PlayStation 3 (PS3)
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So far there is no release date for the PS3.  It is rumored that the release date will be in late 2005 or early 2006, since the PS2 is still widely known and used by most people today.  However, Sony confirms that it may be as late as 2007 before the console is released to the public.  There’s plenty of competition out there amongst devloping companies trying to push the PS2 to the max in detail of graphics, story line, game play, data, etc.  The PS3 is rumored to contain a DVD Burner and the ability to record what ever images appear on your TV.  What ever you choose, whether you are watching a VHS tape, DVD, or just any old TV show, the PS3 is allegedly capable of somehow recording it.  It will also include all of the previous features of the PS2 (of course).  The price at launch time is unknown but suspected to be around $300, otherwise Sony wouldn’t make much profit, for gamers aren’t normally willing to pay more than this amount.  One great new characteristic that has been confirmed, is that the PS3 will contain new software in its’ hardware that will allow it to play all three versions of the Playstation.  In other words, you can play PS1, PS2, and PS3 games all on the same platform.

As for the power of the PS3, Sony has joined forces with Toshiba and IBM to form a processor chip known as the “Cell.”  The processor is actually a collection of smaller processors combined.  The PS3 is rumored to be about 1000x more powerful, and 50x more fast than its’ previous versions.  Online gaming capabilities will be accessible as was for the PS2.  Sony confirms that they were using the PS2 as a sort of test for the online gaming capabilities, and promise that the PS3s’ will be even better.  The “Cell” processing chip itself is a dual-core, 64-bit RISC IBM POWER derivative. Early versions of the chip will be 90-nm, with a change to a 65-nm process.  Unlike the PS1 and PS2, Sony has chosen to include publicly-available application programming interface technologies for the PS3.  A company called Elpida will be supplying the RAM used in the Playstation 3.  Elpida confirms that the Playstation 3 will utilize the 512 megabit version (64 Megabyte per RAM chip) of XDR DRAM, with Rambus' interface technology. Up to four RAM’s can be used for a single Cell chip, giving a maximum RAM stature of 256 Megabytes per Cell Chip.

Hype and excitement for the console launch is well under way.  As more and more gaming industries prepare for the console to be released; as rumors, gossping, and the trendiness of speculation continue amongst most all video gaming resources, people cannot wait for the release.  Sony has not officially released any of the systems’ designs or diaphrams yet, but Playstation fans and video gamers alone have created lots of fan art, of what they think the console might look like.  These pictures, and fan art images, float all over the web in what appears to be the most anticipated console-boom of gaming history.  The only believable pictures of the (might-be) PS3 are shown above (note that these may or may not be actual photographs of the PS3).  The console wars are well under way, once again.  Microsoft already plans to bring out there sequel to the Xbox, the Xbox 360, which is also under much speculation and anticipation.  No body has much info. on the Xbox 360 either, but it is rumored that it’ll be released before the PS3.  We saw an event much like this in the early 2000’s when all 3 the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube were released all closely at the same time.  This boom created a console war as rival industries Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo fought in battle for the bestseller and most recognition.  Although Nintendo hasn’t released any info. on plans for a new console anytime soon, the stage is set for another dosage of this very same incedent.     

Below is a list of games planned to be released for the PS3.  The list of games shown here may or may not officially be released when time comes for the PS3 launch.

1. Avalon - Climax           Alleged PS3 Graphics>
2. Broken Saints - Gnosis
3. Clown Combat - Eagle Claw
4. Condemned - Sega  
5. Devil May Cry - Project by Capcom
6. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Bethesda
7. Gran Turismo 5 - Polyphony Digital
8. Grand Theft Auto (PS3 Project) - Rockstar North
9. Heavenly Sword - Just Add Monsters
10. Need for Speed (New Generation Consoles Project) - Electronic Arts
11. S.T.A.L.K.E.R - THQ
12. The Getaway - Team Bondi
13. Spyro - Insomniac Games
14. Star Wars Galaxies - Lucas Arts (Project/Plan)
15. Tony Hawk's Underground 3 - Activision
16. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Sony
17. Final Fantasy XIII - Final Fantasy Project
18. Killzone 2 - Guerilla Games
19. Winning Eleven - Confirmed WE Series by Konami

Nintendo: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
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The newly anticpated game for the GameCube.  Nintendo may not be releasing a new console, but the new Legend Of Zelda (title in the making), is sure to provide some competition.  Those with out a GameCube will be missing out an importanat must-have game.  It’s sort of a tough choice when choosing between the PS3, Xbox 2 or buying a new GameCube with the new Legend Of Zelda.  Link has us addicted to his slick gameplay, yet the last few games were sloppy.  Straight from the records, the newer Zelda games have a much more poor report than the elderly ones.  The first ones every made (for the NES and SNES) were of course popular back then, but what about the N64’s versions?  The Ocarina of Time, and Majora’s Mask were the two biggest video games ever created, Ocarina of Time primarily.  The Ocarina Of Time revolutionized the entire view of Zedla games, making a record-breaking amount of sales from the time it was released until several years beyond then.  When the new generation of consoles were born (PS2, Xbox, GC), the N64 was left in the dust, but the memory of Link and his adventures lived on, for it weren’t two long before the games were transformed into a collector’s edition GameCube disc.  When the Zelda series evolved from the older 2-D format to the 3-D format, the series was set for long-term continuance.  Now, nearly 4-6 years later, we see games such as Legend Of Zelda: The Windwaker, which also evolved the perspective of Link and the Zelda storyline.  Seeing as how this new look and feel didn’t settle into place, Nintendo is going with the originally deisgned 3-D form of Zelda.  The new Legend of Zelda, will feature more matured looking character designs, environmental looks, and an overall graphical look and feel of the game (much like the original from the N64 versions).  Of course, since it’s release date is set for December 1st, 2005, you can expect this new edition to have even more detail than the older N64 versions, yet still the same feel.  The developers realized that no body likes the cartoonish look and feel of The Windwaker, and others like it.

Having said that, let’s get into more detail.  Giving that the game is a GameCube disc, there will obviously be much more graphical detail put into it than ever before seen on a Zelda game.  The graphics are more slick, the audio/video quality more digital, and of course, our beloved Link looks more matured.  As shown in the photos above and below, you can see how are new friend resembles past Link’s, yet has a newer look.  The same goes with Ganondorf, and other enemies that you face through out the game. 

Other pics are shown below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microsoft:

Xbox 2: the Xbox 360
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Firstly labeled the Xbox 2, the new edition to Microsoft’s next-generation console is officaily named the “Xbox 360.”  There’s not much info. on this console yet except that it’s to be released much sooner than we all think.  Resulting from the only known information about the system, it’s shaping up to look like a pretty decent sequel.  Microsoft’s new approach in terms of graphics are being taken in a more high-definition direction.  They claim that they’re encouraging the new platform’s game developers to create video games in high-definition resolution.  Of course, in order to be able to see the full effect of these kinds of games, you’ll first need a HDTV.  However if the gossip is true, the Xbox 360 will not support HD movies that we are seeing more and more of.  Microsoft also confirms that they’re “ridding of the wires,” which implicates to us that more than likely all controllers for the new Xbox will be wireless.  Microsoft is also taking on a whole new approach to online experience with the Xbox 360.  So many new features will be accessible on the new platform including music, digital photos, television, and other media features.  The Xbox 360 is reported for it’s trait of a digital media center as well as a video gaming platform, all in one.  The implication comes from a rumored removable hard drive with in the new Xbox.  One new feature of the online capabilities is something called the “gamer card.”  These are like video game ID card’s.  Used on Xbox Live, these cards contain information about you, your skills, defeats, trophies, mottos, time online, favorite games, etc.  All of this can be edited however you like it and formatted into one profile that can be used to seek out other gamers on Xbox Live with similar skills/rank and/or interests of the same gameplay as you.  Also a new aspect of the Xbox 360 that is being focused upon is the “marketplace” feature.  This has become a major factor in the improvement of the Xbox; some are for it, some are not.  The tool allows you to get online and log into certain game developing comapnies where you can then download different maps, levels, weapons, items, vehicles, and other gameplay content that you wouldn’t normally receive in the original game.  The companies can charge as little or as much as they please for this; Microsoft isn’t responsible for any charges while using the service.  The service is free with Xbox Live, it’s the companies who will have control over this option.  Like the original Xbox, you can upload any song on your hard drive into any gaming title played on the system.  It has been confirmed that all working Xbox 360 games will automatically include voice chat, and the Xbox Live friends list (customizable list of your favorite online gaming buddies).  All though un-confirmed, it has been rumored that one of the Xbox Live options will include a Microsoft Center for handling music downloads.  More information about this system will be released as it’s release date approaches. (Some other rumored versions of the Xbox 360 are shown below.  These images may or may not be fake, and may not be actual versions of the Xbox 360.)

 

VGM Cheats for the month

 

VGM Game of the month

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2
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Developer: Chris Sawyer - Infogrames
Console: Windows PC
Game Type: CD-ROM (Disc)
ESRB Rating: Everyone (E)
Date Released: October 2002
VGM Rank – Before and After: (description)
Addiction Level: High 
VGM Ratings: *********     9 out of 10      Gold Metal

 

VGM: "The Good Old Days" Game of the Month

Dune: The battle for arrakis
--------------------------------
Developer: Virgin Interactive
Console: Sega Genesis
Game Type: Cartridge
ESRB Rating: Dune 2: The battle for Arrakis
Date released: 1993
VGM Rank – Before and After:  This game takes us way back.  The first of the strategic gameplay of the early video gaming history involving warfare tactics.  You can spend countless hours playing this game, which made it well worth the price.   It invovles the strengthening and building up of your army, and then attacking and defeating your enemy or enemies.  In order to build up your army, you must create different building for your base.  To extend your wealth, you must build a refinery, and use combines to harvest spice, the revolutionary crop of the planet Arrakis.  To extend your power, create a large and defensive base by surrounding it with machine gun turrets, missile turrets, and concrete walls.  Build some of the strongest tanks and vehicles to use in you attack against your enemy.  Although the game be in 2-D display from an overhead view, the gameplay is solid.  It portrays futuristic vehicles, buildings, and overall battle.  The storyline behind the game goes well with the gameplay; 3 seperate armies fighting over who’s rewarded with total control of Arrakis, an un-inhabited planet in space.  The graphics and sound quality are great, featuring over 15 different soundtracks.  The option control is also perfect for a sega genesis game.  You can choose to turn the music on or off, turn the sound effects on or off, type in passwords that warp you to higher levels, etc.  The three armies, each with unique features consists of the Harkonnen (red team), the Atreides (blue team), and the Ordos (green team).  Each army has different rulers, who command you on your quest.  Each team also has possibilities unique to the others.  For example, each army has a unique vehicle/tank that they can build.  The Harkonnen have the Devastator, the most armored vehicle in the game, capable of self-destructing.  The Astreides have the Super Sonic, a tank that releases a powerful supersonic wave that does more damage than any other tank in the game.   The Ordos have a special Missile Launcher, that when fired at opponent vehicles, temporarily becomes their own.  Set aside the 3 playable armies, another secret army from with in the game contains all 3 of the armies powers.  The enigmatic army is known as no more than “The Emperor’s Forces (purple team).”  The armies name, rank, and involvement are a mystery, for they’re never released in the game, and you can not play as this army.  This army can build all 3 of the other armies special vehicles, and contains all of their unique abilities, making them a unique force of their own.  There are 9 different playable levels for each team making 27 different playable levels.  Each level involves 3 basic steps: 1. Build and strengthen your base 2. Create an arsenal to attack with 3. Attack and defeat your enemy.  As the levels get harder, you’ll start out withe more money, and stronger vehicles.  In the higher levels, you must destroy every single one of your enemies buildings.  Sometimes your enemy has two seperate bases, making it more difficult to win.  Another aspect of the higher levels, are the worms, or tremo-looking things that swallow up your vehicles that are off-land.  Be careful if you only have 3 spice harvesters, because these things die after eating only 3 vehicles, but can really get on your nerves and/or cost you a lot of money.  Each of these obstalces are what make the game so puzzling and strategic.  As you progress in the game, you’ll get more skillful and use to the feel of the game.  But each level will take more time, effort, technique and patience, which is what makes the game so fun.  It’s probably fairly hard to find a decent working version of this game anywhere anymore, but you can pick up your free rom download of it at emureactor.com or http://vgm-vgm.tripod.com that works on all compatible sega genesis emulators.

Addiction Level: High

VGM Ratings: **********      9 out of 10        Elite Metal

 

VGM “Holiday” pick of the month
Celebrate the holidays of the month by treating yourself, family, and/or friends
to a VGM “Holiday” pick of the month.

Holiday: Father’s Day
Date: June 19th

VGM editor shawn stone says:
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Clearly the ever-so-popular game father today fantasize about is “The Guy Game.”  It’s rating speaks for itself, for this is an all out get-away-from-mom vacation for fathers.  Gambling, drinking, nudity, and sexual influences are all that a guy could want.    The Guy Game is much like that of jeapoardy, wheel of furtune, family feud, etc.  But instead of winning money, you win live naked college women.  What more could you want?  Set aside the fact that your mother may not approve of your dad playing this game, or you buying it for him.  The Guy Game was created in Texas over spring break, so the ladies you’ll see in this game are real.  The game features over 60 college women, that are much like the one’s seen on shows such as Girls Gone Wild, or Real Sex.  Single player mode offers you four seperate options: 1. Foreplay 2. The Ballz Game 3. The TitWits Game and 4. Hottie Challange.  Each offers a number of different gameplay feautres.  Multiplayer offers you the ability to play with a total of 4 players (3 friends), which is the perfect game for a fun night of drinking and/or partying.  

VGM editor aaron stone says:
---------------------------------

 

VGM “Birthday gift” of the month (for those with a birthday this month)
Looking for the perfect gift to buy your family members and/or friends.  Perhaps, you want to treat yourself to a taste of excellent video gaming experience(s) on your birthday.  Whatever the case may be, VGM releases all the information on this month’s “birthday gift” pick of the month.  Allow us to provide for that perfect birthday surprise so that you will be the one with the best gift to give.

VGM editor shawn stone says:
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For Dad – Halo 2 (XB)
Your father works hard all year long to support you and your family.   Give to him a treat that he’ll find himself playing during most of his free time.  Buying dad this gift will force him to raise your allowance.

For Mom –

For Brother(s) – PSP (Playstation Portable)
The newly released pocket console will have your brother up in hype.  The moment he receives it, he’ll have a sudden adrenaline rush, like he just got done drinking a whole pot of coffee.

For Sisters(s) –

For Grandpa(s) – Playboy Mansion
By now, I’m sure that your grandpa is through having intercourse with your grandmother.  Give him something that he can look forward to for the rest of his life.

For Grandma(s) - GTA: San Andreas
This ought to change her view and perspective of the modern day world.  The heated gang wars, drugs, guns, prostitution, and gambling of San Andreas are sure to revolutionize your grandmother.

VGM editor aaron stone says:
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Anime & Entertainment

 

2) Forum

GC = Nintendo GameCube
Xbox = Microsoft Xbox
GBA = Nintendo Game Boy Advance
PS2 = Sony Playstation 2
PC = Computers
PSP = Sony Playstation Portable
NDS = Nintendo DS

 

Last Month's Hottest
1-10

VGM's Hottest
1-10

VGM Requests/Most Wanted
1. Another GTA before the launch of the PS3

 

Rumors

3) Previous Releases

Rating system
Silver – One of the worst games ever created. An insult to video gaming history’ should never even have been thought of.
Brass – A horrible game; Don’t even waste your time checking this one out.
Bronze – Not the greatest game. May have some good qualities for some parts of the game, yet worse with others parts.
Gold – Nice graphics, etc.
Elite – One of the best games ever created; perfect in all ways.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* - Terrible
** - Improvements are needed
*** - May have good qualities within a certain area of the game
**** - A very good game. Recommended that you rent this game and try it for yourself before actually buying the game.
***** - An absolute must have game. Probably one of the best games made. Buy with out hesitation.
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Addiction Levels:
High = Utmost extreme addictive level.  Very strong chance that you’ll spend most if not all of your free-time playing this game.
Medium-High = Very addictive.  May spend some time on other games but more on this one than others.
Medium = Stable addictive levels.  Normal addiction.  Feel free to play this with out getting glues to the screen and/or controller.  Safe to play if you are a hardcore gamer.
Medium-Low= Normal addictive levels.  Fun the first few times, but gets old and boring playing it too long.
Low = Recommended for children.  Games’ that will only seem great the first time it’s played.  Games’ that will piss you off, make you want your money back, or feel like the game is a rip-off.  Hardcore gamers will be disappointed that the game wasn’t what it was put out to be, or that the developers did not do a better job than they had.

PS2

1. Timesplitters: Future Perfect
General Settings =
Developer: Free Radical
Game Type: DVD Rom (Disc)
Description: This game delivers an acute sense of the first-person shooter genre.  With all the first-person shooters coming onto the market these days, it ranks no where near Halo 2 or Killzone, but still presents the same type of mood.  With a variety of futuristic weaponary, and technology alike, Timesplitters: Future Perfect earns its’ right to be called “future perfect.”  The intensified war-like action (trying to make the future perfect), and futuristic scenary gives one a feeling of actually being in the future.  You’ll see several characteristic that potray this: Several robots/androids, high-tech weapons, and smaller details such as solid concrete walls and steel flooring.  However, in contrast with other first-person shooters out there, you may want to reconsider before you purchase this game.  It’s stable and particualrily fun, but they are several others out there just like it, that you may find a bit better.
Game Play: The game play is another story.  As said before, the futuristic style of the game provides for an anxious urge to play the game, as do the weapons.  Weapons you see here, you wont see on any other title.  The combat and addictive action maintain constant ups and downs, for the action may slow down a bit, then intensify.  The balance between the fact that most of the action is accountable for, yet some levels are longer and harder than others like in Goldeneye: Rogue Agent, make T:FP an ok game. 

VGM Standards =
Graphics: ****
Audio & Video quality: ***
Addendum: A nice arsenal of weapons and items; not too hard to beat, yet a lineant gameplay.
Addiction Level: Medium
VGM Former Impression: Bronze
VGM Overall Rating: Brass

2. 25 to Life
General Settings =
Developer: Eidos
Game Type: DVD Rom (Disc)
Description: Thought of to be much like the GTA series or True Crime?  This game is much like these two except that you don’t have as much freedom.  This game is bent much like the Red Faction or Goldeneye series’.  Your objective is to compete online against other players in death match, raid, and robbery modes.  Deathmatch is the same as in all other shooting-action games, you simply gang up with up to 8 other players and shoot rival gangs and/or cops.  The gangsters are equipped with strong illegal firepower, while the cops have an arsenal of combat-like weapons.  Players have the choice of controlling either side of the law, the enforcers (police), or the breakers (criminals).  Raid mode allows you to play as the cops and bust into the gangsters’ property.  Raid mode allows you to play as the thugs, raiding places and hauling the treasure back to your base. 
Game Play: The sense of game play is awesome.  You’ll find your adrenaline pumping while your breaking the law in more ways than one playing as a gangster, and also from the fear of loosing your life in a raid against a crew of thugs ready to take you out playing as the cops.  The targeting system, although a bit hackneyed, and not near as versatile as GTA’s, provides excellent gameplay as do the selection of weapons for both teams of the game.

VGM Standards =
Graphics: ***
Audio & Video quality: *****
Addendum: Great game for those who are fans of Grand Theft Auto as well as online gaming.  Provides an extreme need for an anxiouseness to get home from school and play it.
Addiction Level: Medium-High
VGM Former Impression: Bronze
VGM Overall Rating: Bronze
 

Xbox

GBA

PSP

1. Ridge Racer

General Settings =
Developer: Namco
Game Type: Universal Media Disc
Description: I’ve always loved racing games and genres.  This game has incredible graphical detail.  Sharp, smooth images keep up with the speed of you car, and environmental details are extraordinary, which is a strong influence on any gamers’ decision to purchase a PSP.  The overall handling (driving technique) of most handheld racers can be difficult to control, but not for Ridge Racer (the game looks almost like Burnout 3). 
Game Play:  This game is loaded with all that you’d expect from a racing game.  Different racing modes will have you stuck playing the PSP for hours trying to unlock new cars and tracks.

VGM Standards =
Graphics: ***** (Excellent for a handheld!)
Audio & Video quality: ***
Addendum: Any arcade-racing game fan will want to buy this with out hesitation.  The extreme speeds with rewards and do-it-again challanges will have you hooked.
Addiction Level: High
VGM Former Impression: Bronze
VGM Overall Rating: Gold

NDS

GC

PS

 

4) Upcoming Releases

VGM First Impression Ratings
1 = Horrible; Never should’ve been thought of
2 = Not much better
3 = Graphics and/or audio could be very disturbing. Game Play or plot may also suck.
4 = Only slightly better
5 = May have this rating because one of the following: bad graphics, glitches, bad setting or some game play issues.
6 = May have good graphics but bad quality sound or vise versa
7 = A nice game. Might consider checking it out by downloading a freeware version off the internet or renting it at a video game retailer.
8 = A very nice and well laid out game. Graphics are usually excellent and have unique detail. Recommended that you rent this game before buying it.
9 = An outstanding performance in both all points of view. A must have game.
10 = One of the greatest games ever created. Buy game with out hesitation, if you don’t, you’ll be missing out on an important piece of gaming history.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Developer: Rockstar Games
Console: PS2
Release Date: October 19, 2004
Description: The latest in the Grand Theft Auto series set to be released in October 2004 looks to be the greatest one yet. High definition graphics and quality game play are just a few of the improvements made to this addition of one of the most life-like games ever made. This time, the game is set in three different cities L.A., Los Vegas, San Fransisco, and all of the country that lies between them. The game will be built upon a multi-layer DVD. The game is also going to be more focused on the shooting/driving part of the game. Newer clothes as well as access to more clothes, and ability to wield dual weapon types are a few of the many new characteristics of the game. They are more mini games involved as well. Graphical detail and live-like traits have been upgraded as vehicles will rust and dirty up as time goes by. Visiting a pay ’n’ spray will fix this right up. You also have the ability to actually do things that everyday normal people do, such as shop and get your hair cut. You can even choose what type of hairstyle you want to get cut. The plot of the game will be the same in that it will still be funny, yet the characters will still be serious. San Andreas is also rumored to be multi-player style. This has not been confirmed anywhere by anyone including Rockstar. The font styles contained in GTA: San Andreas will be fancy but not as fancy as in Vice City. Vice City focused primarily on fancy cars, snappy clothes, and money with all fonts in a very metropolitan/fancy way. San Andreas will contain all fonts and words displayed in Old English format. At first, San Andreas was rumored to be set in the 50’s, since Vice City was set in the 80’s lowered down from GTA 3. It has now been confirmed that the game will actually be set in the early 90’s closer to the timeline of GTA 3. Tommy Vercetti has also disappeared from the picture, for you play as a man known as Carl Johnson. You’ll also notice appearances and mentioning of previous GTA characters, realistic graphics (reflections and shadowing), ability to recruit gang members for missions, 4 person drive-bys, ability to rob houses, improved targeting system, ability to swim, improved car handling, more modes of transportation, and new melee combat animations in San Andreas. Missions will be made to suit you skill level, and your actions while not on missions will effect your position in the story line. You must eat to maintain health and stamina, you can go to the gym and work out, and new improved weapons, variety of weapons, and revamped previous weapons will also appear in GTA: San Andreas. The cities themselves will be more populated, more detailed, and contain a much higher vehicle population than in Vice City. Cities will also contain smaller details such as more characters, secrets, music, story line, architectural style, pedestrian actions, character accents’, mission types, and challenges than in Vice City. City features gets much more detailed then even this. For example the L.A. part of the game will feature crystalline lighting, quad speed-bikes, street basketball, hot sun, low-rider vehicles with hydraulics, and fully functional casinos. The draw distance has increased by twice as much in metropolis areas, and nearly four times as much in country-like areas. Even the speed of game play is great. The only "loading" time involved is a short pause when entering buildings; which they’re many more accessible buildings than before. The targeting system has been upgraded to this: If the target is green, then they have full health. If the target is yellow, they will have half of their full health, and if red is displayed, the person can be killed within 1 or a few shots depending upon the weapon being used. Even car jacking proves a much greater threat to you because now, your gang is involved. Although the cities involved in San Andreas are based upon the actual cities, some names have been changed. For example, Hollywood is known as Vinewood. Rockstar promises that the games’ difficulty will adjust itself invisibly if the player gets stuck, with out the player even knowing that it is happening. As we said before you play as Carl Johnson. He must eat at least once every few days. If you do not feed him, he will become weak and slow, yet then again feeding him too much will cause him to become fat and slow. Working out and bulking up at the gym too much will cause him to be strong yet slow. These differences will effect Carl’s weapon skills and accuracy, fighting skills (punching and hand-to-hand combat), weight, other physique, driving skills, and relationships. This is just a short description of how much detail there is in GTA: San Andreas, which is predicted to be the best-selling game within a 5 year, possibly 10 year period. The details and customization involved are stunning, unique, and absolute compared to older GTA games as well as any other driving/shooting based game.
VGM First Impression: 10 out of 10

 

5) FAQ
This part of VG double M (Video Gaming Monthly Magazine) is not yet in service.  If you have any questions or comments about VG double M, send us an e-mail with “FAQ - VG double M” in the subject header to video_gaming_monthly@yahoo.com  Be sure to include your name and email address. 

 
6) VGM Special: P2P Networking Debate

Overview
The debate between whether or not file-sharing should be allowed;  There’s no question, it is considered to be highly illegal  in the form of piracy.  With the continuance of free file-sharing amongst the internet, copyrights and patents are of no importance.  A copyright means that the material has been patenedted by the government, which is why illegal downloading of certain copryrighted files are considered to be such a major crime, yet over 60% of americans do it.  The other 40% of americans are against the aspect of illegal downloading.  To someone who’s against it, the term “hacker” comes to their mind.  Although they are downloading from other users with their permission, the keen view over all is hacking.  The files are copywritten and meant to be sold in the U.S. public, not freely accessed via the internet.  This issue has caused a worldwide dispute, and is contionously disrupting the telecommunications industry, but people are still doing it.

(News article: Kazaa 100% free) 

News articles like the one above give people the idea that file-sharing is ok, but the reality of it is that it’s merely the program that’s legal.  The program simply allows you to access the files, but downoading them is still illegal.  Larger files today are being used to track people down and fine them for up to as much as $300,000 per download.  The fee usually depends on what type of file they’re downloading or sometimes the court of law in which they’re being sentenced by.  A person can download a file for their first time and get caught, where as others could be downloading files for years, and never get caught.  This is why the factor is such a big deal amongst government officials and non-believers.

P2P File-Sharing Programs
They are several programs out there that will allow people to freely download different types of files.  In the early ages of file-sharing, starting primarily in the early 90’s, programs only offered audio or music file downloads.  Now, things have changed, and all types of files are offered for download.  Some programs still offer only audio downloads while others offer everything from videos (or movies), to images, to documents and software.  Anybody can easily allow for any type of file to be shared with others for an illegal download.  For example, anyone with a DVD rom drive installed on their computer, can allow for the movie to be permitted for download in 2 easy steps: 1. Insert the disc into your drive. 2. Copy or upload the entire movie onto a selected folder on your computer.  It’s as easy as that.  All the user has to do then is load up their file-sharing program.  Once loaded, they can select the filepath for that same folder to be shared for download on the file-sharing program (as shown in the picture), and walla, instant access to a free download-able movie that you would normally have to pay for.  The person on the other end of the line (the one who’s downloading), can then download that file and burn it to a blank DVD-R or DVD-RW disc, and they have the movie for free.  The same thing can be done for any type of file.  Given the person knows the names of the songs, they can download an entire album and burn it for free.  Anything can be copied to a disc or merely saved onto their computer and used for eternity if they wish, absolutely scotch-free.

Several types of file-sharing programs and their characteristics are listed below.

Name of Program Downloads Available Service Charge Ad’s Included
Morpheus Images, Videos, Software, Audio, Documents None Yes
LimeWire Audio None Yes
Kazaa Images, Videos, Software, Audio, Documents Choice of free or paid-for version Yes for free version, no for paid-for version
Kazaa Lite Images, Videos, Software, Audio, Documents None No

Kazaa Lite Resurrection/Revolution Images, Videos, Software, Audio, Documents None Yes
Kazaa Lite K++ Images, Videos, Software, Audio, Documents None No
Edonkey Images, Videos, Software, Audio, Documents None Yes
WinMx Audio None Yes
Napster Audio Yes Yes
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

More and more companies are beginning to charge for downloading files using their service, for prices of something like $0.10 per download.  But why would you want to pay for it, when you can get it for free using another service and/or program?  That is the ideal issue with illegal downloads.     

Emulators and Roms
With the use of illegal downloads comes another factor, emulators and roms.  These files can be obtained over a file-sharing program or through direct downloads.  In fact, many websites offer these types of files for free, some of which are entirley devoted to this specific topic.  The question is whether or not these types of files should be outlawed or not.  Emulators are console systems that emulate the actual thing.  They’ve been converted and formated into computer-friendly files.  Almost any old system can be found as an emulator on the internet, from NES, to Sega Genesis, to the N64.  Roms are the games that are used on the emulators.  Roms are simply put, games converted from the original cartridge/disc, into a computer-friendly file.  Almost any rom for any game can be found on the internet as well, and used on the emulator for the system that the game is formatted for.  On almost all emulator/rom websites, a disclaimer is posted before you are allowed to download anything, telling you that you must only obtain these files for backup purposes only, and that you are to officialy own the system or game itself.  Some will even say that they are used for educational purposes only.  But he cares about that, like anyone is going to really know if you have the system/game or not?  That’s how anyone can obtain any game or console for free.  Even though you may not find some the older systems for sale anymore, they cost a fairly steep price back when they were brought out, same goes for the games; and now, anyone can obtain these things for FREE via the internet.  The websites promoting these downloads have no way of actually telling or checking to see if you own the original system/game which makes the emulator or rom vulnerable for anyone to download.  That’s what people are telling themselves, and that’s why they beleive it’s ok.  Some of the newer systems such as the PS2, GameCube, and Xbox are very hard to find, if not impossible.  Several emulator/rom websites advertise it for download, but then are directed to a series of votes.  When directed here, they most go through 3-5 different steps where the site tells them that after voting, they may enter and access the download for the console, but then are told that the server is down, or something similar to this.  One video gaming theory is that having free-dwelling access to older systems/games is a good thing.  Even though the demand for better graphics and gameplay is strong is this modern-day age, nothing competes with classical gameplay.  Another theory is that it’s bad beacuse having unlimited access to older systems and games may cause people to look at today’s technology and realize how badly the older systems’ graphics and gameplay truely sucked.  This in turn would cause people to become bored with the older systems and games, therefore leaving them in the dust and causing a well-deserved fame and honor to be forgotten.

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