Latest Retro Gamer

[beaker]

Though these days it's mostly optional with a lot of games (particularly smaller ones) exclusively as download.  I don't bother with discs myself these days and replaced most of my PS3 and PSP games with the digital versions where available.

I have a rubbish internet connection so still prefer using good old discs I've downloaded a few games on the Playstation Plus account but I tend to find I never play them, whereas if I see something on the shelf, I have more incentive - weird hey?

After you mention PS1 not being retro there's a really obvious exception (problem?) as the nintendo 64, using cartridges, came out almost 2 years after the playstation one, which used CDs. So by your reckoning the newer N64 would be retro and the older PS1 would not!

People try and approach it from a chronological order whereas I prefer to think of it from a design aspect, so yes. Nintendo were derided for using cartridges instead of CD ROM technology as it was seen as a bit of a throwback even at the time and hurt the games (such as Square going to Sony due to the poor storage and cost of cartridges) and sales. Even Atari released a CD ROM attachment for the Jag before the end of its life. The Saturn had a cartridge slot but it was really only used for backup, RAM and cheating devices AFAIK.

[Carnivius]

I have a rubbish internet connection so still prefer using good old discs I've downloaded a few games on the Playstation Plus account but I tend to find I never play them, whereas if I see something on the shelf, I have more incentive - weird hey?

Am opposite.  While I do have a few discs left I hardly ever touch them and in fact Uncharted 3 is almost permanently in the disc drive as it's my fave game and my 'go to' multiplayer game and only really ever comes out of there if I need to put in a Blu Ray movie and even then the disc has never been back in it's own case, simply borrowing that of whatever disc is very shortly in the PS3 drive at the time   I hate disc swapping.  When I actually feel like sitting down and playing a game or watching a movie it's cos I'm too tired to do anything more active and so even getting up off the couch to swap discs just puts me off and I prefer playing one of the hundreds of games I've got installed on the PS3 hard drive, or as mentioned play Uncharted 3 since it's already there, or watch something on Netflix, or streamed from my laptop via the router.  Add to that the fact I often carried my PS3 Slim in my back pack to my friend's house when I would stay with them which is made far easier by not having to carry discs then yeah I really wouldn't care if discs were just done with altogether.   Friend of mine said the same thing when a house fire destroyed his PS3 and he simply bought a new one and redownloaded all his games and save files off PSN.   I know some people like a physical product for the shelf but I just find it to be clutter these days. 

Thing is my internet connection isn't brilliant either but it still seems capable of even streaming in '1080 Super HD' as Netflix seems to call it. 

[beaker]

A picture is worth a thousand words and all that 

[Carnivius]

A picture is worth a thousand words and all that 

What picture?  If you mean the boxart I never really saw them cos when they on shelf all you see is the spine.

[beaker]

My 1.94Mb download speed 

[AMSDOS]

Mmm well in wintel/ibm pc land I more or less think anything that isnt ATX is vintage  but the ATX standard is almost 20 years old so I might not be able to use that as my definition in the long run, other more interesting computers well none of them really exist unless you play with SPARC or something but thats not really for playing games so I could claim all home computers are vintage at this point unless there is something I don't know

Pretty much, around 2000 I was playing around with 386/486 systems that people were giving me. I had some 486 DX2x66Mhz Boards and made a system from that which was quite a nice system with OS/2 Warp on it until the Hard Disk was Dead in the Water, it probably wouldn't have lasted with the Dial Up Internet I had, but it was fun while it lasted   


At the time I remember seeing some ATX boxes for ATX boards, though I kind of got away from that before getting involved, and was looking for work and couldn't just keep going on doing hobby stuff.    I won't ever know if I could of got a job which involved just building computer systems all the time though.

[arnoldemu]

Latest retro gamer is ok.

Nice minority report about pcw.
They like the CPC version of Roadblasters (loved that game in the arcade at Butlins, loved the cpc version).

But they're getting a bit lazy with their editing. In the minority report, one heading says "vic-20". It's a left over from the previous article. In one place they say something like "another screen shot from sorcery" when it's clearly strangeloop.

They need somebody to give it a once over and correct these little mistakes. We saw similar mistakes in the cpc article.

But good to see the pcw games mentioned for the first time??

[mr_lou]

For some reason I missed this entire thread, and just read through it loosely just now.

I have to say that I'm a bit surprised about the negative reaction towards TFM's post about contributing to RG.
As far as I can see, that's generally what we do already. When we're not happy with something, we then either help out, or make something we are happy with.
That's why we have the new R-Type and the new Bubble Bobble.
Not happy with RG? Then you have two choices: Contribute with the stuff you feel it's missing, or make your own magazine that does make you happy.

Not that you can't complain about something of course. I'm a big fan of complaining. I complain all the time. (Mostly about things I can't really change though, like e.g. stupid ass politicians and their stupid ass low IQ decisions. Seriously, the day they ban red cars because they can see that it's generally red cars that are speeding, I won't be the slightest bit surprised).

I stand completely with Carnivac when complaining about the "retro" label being slapped on way too many games. And I vote that all game-developers make more true retro games. I'd love to make a CPC game myself, but this big machine we live in sadly gives me no time for such things. 

[Gryzor]

What you seem to forget is that, for most, this is precisely one thing you can't do anything about but complain and offer criticism. Should I have writing skills and the time to write articles in order to complain? Really? Let alone creating a new magazine

[beaker]

Seriously, the day they ban red cars because they can see that it's generally red cars that are speeding, I won't be the slightest bit surprised).

Revolution will there be! 

[ralferoo]

Not happy with RG? Then you have two choices: Contribute with the stuff you feel it's missing, or make your own magazine that does make you happy.

That's true in an idealistic hippie way. However, what you're forgetting is that RG is a commercial product. If less and less people buy it, eventually they'll have to stop making it. If more people buy it, they'll make more money and their shareholders will be happy.

Now, if they continually have bad standards of journalism, factually incorrect material, and that puts people off, the solution isn't to just make our own magazine. If we could do that, we'd probably already be doing that. No, we're paying for something that's close to what we want, but lacking.

Now, we could just put up with it and keep buying. They'll think everyone's happy and carry on the same.

We could keep buying, but moan about it. They'll keep making money and just see us as moaners they can ignore.

We could just stop buying it and say nothing. They'll think the retro market is diminishing and eventually decide it's not economical to produce and stop.

Or, we could stop buying and make it clear the reasons why. They can continue to ignore us while they still have a decent market size, but eventually there will be a point when they realise they could earn a lot more money just by doing the thing the love... but doing it better.

[mr_lou]

No, we're paying for something that's close to what we want, but lacking.
...eventually there will be a point when they realise they could earn a lot more money just by doing the thing the love... but doing it better.

You still need to tell them what it is you feel is lacking.
Moaning about it on a forum won't get you anywhere.
You need to contribute, minimum with ideas and opinions. Writing a small article on a topic you feel is missing, can't be such a big problem either (if you have the time). I'm sure they have editors to correct whatever spelling errors you have, and so forth.

[Trebmint]

That's true in an idealistic hippie way. However, what you're forgetting is that RG is a commercial product. If less and less people buy it, eventually they'll have to stop making it. If more people buy it, they'll make more money and their shareholders will be happy.

Now, if they continually have bad standards of journalism, factually incorrect material, and that puts people off, the solution isn't to just make our own magazine. If we could do that, we'd probably already be doing that. No, we're paying for something that's close to what we want, but lacking.

Now, we could just put up with it and keep buying. They'll think everyone's happy and carry on the same.

We could keep buying, but moan about it. They'll keep making money and just see us as moaners they can ignore.

We could just stop buying it and say nothing. They'll think the retro market is diminishing and eventually decide it's not economical to produce and stop.

Or, we could stop buying and make it clear the reasons why. They can continue to ignore us while they still have a decent market size, but eventually there will be a point when they realise they could earn a lot more money just by doing the thing the love... but doing it better.

If its not what you want why worry if it ceases to exist? The truth is that the internet is supplying a lot more CPC info, news and gossip each day than RG will in a year, so is the actual issue that people just want their hobby in print? Everytime there is a CPC article we make a thing out of it, but then moan cos we already know the stuff it says especially when its a little wrong. Without RG concentrating on spectrum / c64 and cpc I dont think anyone here will be satisfied

[CraigsBar]

I for one enjoy RG although I am no longer a subscriber that has more to do with time to read it than content. That and the fact that I got the full year of magazines in one go that I was swamped and several issues went unread.

[ralferoo]

You need to contribute, minimum with ideas and opinions. Writing a small article on a topic you feel is missing, can't be such a big problem either (if you have the time). I'm sure they have editors to correct whatever spelling errors you have, and so forth.

They provide a service which we pay for. The money is the incentive for them to produce what customers ask for, not the customers writing articles for them.

An example that isn't computer related: I don't take my car to the garage and then show them how to fix it, then pay them for their time. I pay them to fix the car so that I don't have to.

[mr_lou]

I don't take my car to the garage and then show them how to fix it, then pay them for their time. I pay them to fix the car so that I don't have to.

You don't take your car to the garage and say: "It's broke. Fix it".

You have to tell the garage what is broke (or what you think is broke). Or what you want done with it.

So you say: "Brakes don't work", or you say: "Install an ash-tray".

Likewise, if you're unhappy with RG, you could as a minimum write them feedback.

[AMSDOS]

Making a Magazine isn't an viable option unfortunately and 20 quid is a lot of money for something which comes with no bundled software and your more or less only reading to get Tom, Dick & Harry opinions on all the old games, and the new ones as they emerge. It was nice to know I had a 6128 PLUS Tape the other month. 


Which begs the question do they take Disk Images and publish Programs in their magazine as they get them. If they were so concerned that people were going to send in other people's work, then don't pay for Program contributions.


EDIT: There probably isn't any real point to sending them programs because you're more likely to post them here and the whole becomes a waste of space exercise if programs get posted on the Internet and even if they were published they would only annoy those people which use another computer. 

[mr_lou]

Making a Magazine isn't an viable option

Why not?

Because it's an expensive and long process?
Then compromise. Make it an electronic-only magazine.

I'm not encouraging anyone to compete with RG, or even make their own magazine. I'm just asking "Why can't you?"
I'm just a big fan of "Never say never" and "Thinking outside the box".

Of course we could make our own magazine. Especially considering all the CPC discmags that's been created in the past.
We just have to be prepared for people complaining about it on some forum....

Making it is easy, Just takes time. Making money on it, is the difficult part. Probably even impossible part.

Besides, there used to be an electronic magazine like that actually. It was called "Retro Gamer CD" and can be found at RGCD
It came on a CD (which of course you just downloaded), and came with a lot of (imo) great articles and reviews. Well written.
They only made about 5 issues though, and obviously they aren't new anymore - but that's what's great with Retro Games. It doesn't have to be new! 
So go download. 

[Trebmint]

Personally I'm not sure why people want a printed magazine anyway.  Now we have Youtube having stuff in print seems like a 2nd choice medium really. For instance gaming has moved on and who's the biggest player in games media... IGN.


Yes I know people put CPC/Speccy/c64 vids up all the time, but mostly they are just lists or play-throughs with a little commentry Now thats fine, but why only this? Do a video magazine. You only have to watch something like the old consolevania to see how cool but cheap to make this sort of thing would be.

[Gryzor]

As I said in another thread, having grown up reading tons of books, digital magazines and books just don't compare. Not to mention that e-readers are not even there yet (only e-ink is a viable solution for reading for hours on end, and it can't show colours or graphics well). And reading an e-magazine on the beach, for instance? Yeah, no soap.

[mr_lou]

Personally I'm not sure why people want a printed magazine anyway.  Now we have Youtube having stuff in print seems like a 2nd choice medium really.
...
Do a video magazine. You only have to watch something like the old consolevania to see how cool but cheap to make this sort of thing would be.

I think there'll always be people who simply prefer reading.
As there'll also always be people who just prefer writing, rather than making a video.

I like watching YouTube videos of retro games, especially the ones Xyphoe makes.
But they can never replace the written word. To me, they're two different things, and I see no reason not to have both.
I'd like to watch Xyphoe's videoes and read Retro Gamer CD. (No, not at the same time wiseguy).

To me, the Discmag-like magazine is for reading 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there - on your phone or tablet, when on the train or bus etc, or sitting in the waiting room at the dentist. I wouldn't be reading on my phone for hours in a row. I don't think anyone would.
But reading a single article or chapter at a time on your phone or tablet - sure. I think lots of people does exactly that with the various software eBook readers out there.

[ralferoo]

Making a Magazine isn't an viable option

Why not?

Because it's an expensive and long process?
Then compromise. Make it an electronic-only magazine.

You're missing the point totally.

The reason I don't make a magazine myself is that I already have a full time job, lots of other demands on my time, and somehow I manage to fit in a few crumbs of time for my actual hobbies. So, I like reading a magazine in the small amounts of time I have spare, but I certainly don't have time to make a magazine. Especially not one that's better than one with some full time staff.

Actually, that's not the only reason. Another reason is that there are other things I'd enjoy far more, such as working on my other projects.

Making it is easy, Just takes time. Making money on it, is the difficult part. Probably even impossible part.

Time is a scarce resource for most people. Making money, on the other hand, is clearly possible or there wouldn't be a Retro Gamer mag in the shops right now.

[mr_lou]

You're missing the point totally.

The reason I don't make a magazine myself is that I already have a full time job, lots of other demands on my time, and somehow I manage to fit in a few crumbs of time for my actual hobbies. So, I like reading a magazine in the small amounts of time I have spare, but I certainly don't have time to make a magazine. Especially not one that's better than one with some full time staff.

Actually, that's not the only reason. Another reason is that there are other things I'd enjoy far more, such as working on my other projects.

Time is a scarce resource for most people. Making money, on the other hand, is clearly possible or there wouldn't be a Retro Gamer mag in the shops right now.

Hopefully we all have different priorities.
I didn't say that everyone would/could join the team. I just said that of course it is possible for us (the CPC community) to make our own magazine.
It just takes time.
Retro Gamer CD was the same deal. 5 issues before he had to stop making them, because of lack of time / other things taking priority.
So naturally such a magazine would have to take priority for whoever is making it. It would have to be the sparetime project that you love doing. And naturally it can't be for everyone. That would be kinda boring if we all urged to do the same things.

I would love to make an Amstrad CPC game - but I also have other things taking priority. Other projects.
If someone were to make a CPC oriented Discmag, I would probably contribute with an article or two for each issue (except that when my own current project is done, I won't really have any more CPC stuff to write about). But I wouldn't want any responsibility - because other things takes priority for me.

But do you really believe that within the whole CPC community, a CPC magazine wouldn't take priority for a few guys?

I do agree with you completely that time is a scarce resource. That is exactly why I say that people will only read 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there - and because of that, their cellphone or tablet will do the job nicely. Reading for hours in a row, is for people who has time. Personally I don't know any such people.

[Gryzor]

But do you really believe that within the whole CPC community, a CPC magazine wouldn't take priority for a few guys?

Absolutely not. A fanzine, maybe, and this would only run for a few issues, far between.

[CraigsBar]

Absolutely not. A fanzine, maybe, and this would only run for a few issues, far between.

Indeed, too many projects never get finished already. Anyone still waiting for BTL5 or Palatine.