Lots of talk about "Azn skills" just now.  What is that?  WoW talk?  Or are we talking about the AZN television network?  Or is there something we asians do that's in high demand in the chat room? :lol:

[08:23] gellar|bidnez: ?? azn
[08:23] Answerbovine: azn: Asian, for people who can't spell.

I'm part asian, so they were yelling at me to come into WoW and play.

If you ever have a question about IRC lingo while in there, just ask the bovine by entering '?? <word>'

gellar

?? peacedogging in particular is funny.

/steps away from the fire

Word.

Though my favorites are people's definitions.  For Example... wbkim's:

[08:27] gellar|bidnez: ?? wbskim
[08:27] Answerbovine: wbskim: 1. Some guy 2. Frog 3. Fucks guard dogs!

gellar

Lots of talk about "Azn skills" just now.  What is that?  WoW talk?  Or are we talking about the AZN television network?  Or is there something we asians do that's in high demand in the chat room? :lol:

[08:23] gellar|bidnez: ?? azn
[08:23] Answerbovine: azn: Asian, for people who can't spell.

I'm part asian, so they were yelling at me to come into WoW and play.

If you ever have a question about IRC lingo while in there, just ask the bovine by entering '?? <word>'

gellar

Just responding to someone who seems to have a problem with me for no reason. I'll say nothing more.

Fair enough, I just figured we covered the whole genesis of the thing on OO well enough for long enough Everyone remember Slambie's little explosion?  :shock:

That may well have been one of my favorite OO moments ever, actually.

I was laughing quite hard at that one... thanks for the reminder

gellar

Don't knock it till ya try it.

I tried it, and even got some laughs out of it. Especially when I said I didn't like beer. That was some good funny.

You mean we didn't ban you after you committed such an atrocity?

gellar

First... Percy has little to no social issues, and I find it amusing that someone who knows very little about him would choose to even say that.  "Ceh" is a well adjusted dude who does, from what I can tell, just fine socially.  He certainly doesn't make up aliases over the internet, that's for sure.

Second, I'd like to extend anyone a welcome into IRC.  We're actually a friendly bunch, despite what some people (who've never been in there, AFAIK) may think.  We are different from OO and CG (though less so CG, IMHO) though in that we are not bound by a CoC.  If you're being a jackass, we'll call you one.  More importantly though, the IRC group is far more tight knit than CG or OO, being that there is a group of regulars who are pretty much in there on a daily basis and are in constant communication.  It's much like a neighborhood bar.  We look out for our own, and if you feel like an outsider... well, just stick around and I'm sure eventually you'll feel in.  There have been quite a lot of new folks lately (particularly with the popularity of our Tony Danza server), and some (Tals, Kymlaar, TwoSheds, Woober) have fit in very well and very quickly.

Again, it's a fun place.  It's my favorite place on the internet, full of people who are genuine, even if they are genuinely an asshole.  No presumption, no rules, just IRC.  Don't knock it till ya try it.

gellar

The controls in 2k5 were awesome until you went into "OMGZ CHAIN ANIMATION MODE" where you lost control of your player for a good 2-5 seconds while he went through umpteen different preprogrammed animations, none of which you really wanted.

It looked pretty cool, but was pretty damn annoying when all you wanted to do was go left.

gellar

That depends on which RB you are using.  If you try to make a quick cutback with a guys like Steven Davis or Corey Dillin you got a lot of that.  But with a small  back with high agility like Dunn or Quentin Griffin you could make some nasty cutbacks without all the hesitations.  That's one of the great things about 2K IMO.  The agility and body type of the back matters, not just speed like in Madden/NCAA.

That might explain it.  I played mostly with Rudi Johnson (Cincy) and Kevan Barlow (Frisco) and both of them aren't exactly shifty backs.  It's still damned annoying though.

As far as the game goes... you really need to get into the Dynasty.  ESPN does a single game (especially vs another player) incredibly well, but for long term vs CPU action, the EA series has it beat.

gellar

I can only compare it to the NFL 2K series, but the controls seemed a more responsive, the player animations smoother,

Hmm.  I find the conrols in NCAA much less responsive than 2K5.  To me it still seesm like you are running on marbles.  The momentum just seems off to me.  NCAA 2006 definatly feels more responsive than 2005 (not saying much), but still lags way behind 2K5 to me.  I'm not saying you are wrong.  But it's funny how two people can see things completely opposite.  :shock:

I believe this game controls better than 2k5.  I thought 2K5 almost felt floaty... but hey, just another opinion.  Just to take things in another direction, I love the animations in this game, some of the tackles are downright brutal!

I believe 2k5 controls way better than NCAA 2006.

Just keeping things going...

The controls in 2k5 were awesome until you went into "OMGZ CHAIN ANIMATION MODE" where you lost control of your player for a good 2-5 seconds while he went through umpteen different preprogrammed animations, none of which you really wanted.

It looked pretty cool, but was pretty damn annoying when all you wanted to do was go left.

gellar

Just when I thought Michael Bay couldn't suck any more, he goes and outdoes himself.

gellar

My PSP has helped me through many an airport wait and boring flight.

gellar

Who plays CTF.  

this sums it up perfectly

[17:38] Orpheo: heh
[17:38] Orpheo: they dumped deathmatch, etc
[17:38] Orpheo: and ctf
[17:38] Orpheo: good for them, nobody ever played that shit
[17:39] gellar|bidnez: BF had those?

And why you need a coop mode?  Maybe I'm understanding what you mean, but isn't this game basically coop, meaning you can team up with your friends and kill AI enemies or player controlled enemies

Word Naednek. Exactly how I feel. I think the three flavors of size for each map is why there are only 12, and I also think that playing the different sizes is going to create vastly different games-different tactics, choke points, hot zones, the whole nine yards. I am in like flint either way though.

Pretty much.  My IRC line from above is pretty telling, considering I've probably played more BF1942 and BF:V in the past 2+ years than any other game in my collection (except maybe WoW).

Conquest is where it's at yo.

gellar

And the jack holding the car up doesnt seem to be the most stable thing in the world.  Were it one of those big ass jacks, it wouldnt be a big deal...

Winner.  A single jack with zero jackstands = DON'T GET UNDER THE MFING CAR, DUMBASSES.

gellar

Yeah... was fun, but the server got insanely laggy and we had to quit out. Joined back up 30 mins later and it was still pretty bad.

Whoa...I'll have to look into that.  My machine is due for a format, but I should NEVER see lag on my connection.

I shuold have counted people when it was getting bad, somewhere between 12-16 players and it got pretty much unplayable. Excellent game though and thanks for putting up the server!

I joined up later in the night and there were about 6 of us.  It was still unplayable due to lag/stuttering.

gellar

Yeah... was fun, but the server got insanely laggy and we had to quit out.  Joined back up 30 mins later and it was still pretty bad.

gellar

Nope - because it's squat and ugly Smile If I'm gonna pay $30K plus for a car, it's gotta look like I paid $30K plus for it.

Priceless! Well said.

Yeah I'm the total opposite.  Couldn't care less what it looks like, would rather I enjoy myself in it.

I drive the EVO's competetor, the WRX STi, which is marginally better looking, if that.

gellar

I'm surprised the Lancer Evolution is so high on the list (or on the list at all)... It just strikes me as a squat, ugly car.

You've clearly never driven one.  Such, such fun.

gellar

Guys... DVI can be converted to HDMI with a simple cable.

gellar

DVI is so old school.  Will it support HDMI?

DVI -> HDMI Cable FTW!

gellar

I think the "Others" did light the fire. There were no footprints in the sand because they lit it from the boat. Danielle thought that by bringing the child to them, she could get her own child back.

With a really fucking long match, or with a flare gun?

Either way, that's a pretty damn inefficient way to light a fire.

gellar

Brinstil in #gg irc

 [22:00] Brinstil|Lost: Lost is like the biggest cocktease ever

Didn't like it.  No payoff whatsoever.

Definitely not worth two hours.

gellar

Hard to say... they're both pretty good but not without glaring flaws.

Forza is a better designed game.  It flows (from series to series, race to race) really well.  You tend to always have a goal and are working towards it.  Online scoreboards are AWESOME.  However, the AI is just godawful.  I hate it worse than GT4's AI now.  It has zero collision avoidance.  The AI has no idea how to avoid your car.

GT4 does everything well, but some things not quite to the extent that Forza does.  The game design for Forza blows GT4 away, but GT4 has a much nicer variety of cars (older models, just more cars period).  The physics engine in Forza is better than GT4s, but GT4 feels better when I get to use my Logitech Wheel.  GT4 has fairly wooden AI, but at least it won't absolutely ruin your race and cause you to hurl your controller.

All that being said, I play Forza more now.  I feel like I have a purpose for racing, though the AI does drive me to a maddening rage at times.  Also, since my wheel is hooked up to my PC in the other room, I have less motivation to pull it out for GT4.  Right now my most frustrating option is to a) play at Medium difficulty and walk away with every race, but not get ram-pwn3d by the AI, or b) play at Hard difficulty and have a good race, but risk the chance of getting punted.  Not a great option, but hell... I'm still playing.

gellar

Yeah... I'm about 25% of the way through the game and still find the Hard AI to be a fair challenge, with the Medium AI as a cake walk.

I haven't run a Championship yet though.

gellar

I'm beginning to think my AI issues are because I run the game with "Hard" AI.  Unfortunately, it's not very challenging for me at Medium... so I'm hosed either way.

gellar

At least thats where the live scoreboards sure come in nice and handy!  

Yeah... but for a lot of the earlier races at least, you've gotta spend a lot of money on a car that TOTALLY OUTCLASSES THE COMPETITION because that's what everyone else on Live uses.  But I guess if I'm going to run away with the race, I might as well totally run away with the race.

Still a fun game though.

gellar

I'm beginning to think my AI issues are because I run the game with "Hard" AI.  Unfortunately, it's not very challenging for me at Medium... so I'm hosed either way.

gellar

I've heard rumors that the AI picks up traits from drivatars, try going through the drivatar training and show it how it should be done perhaps?

Worth a try.  At the very least, I need to train my drivatar to run those races where the AI likes to run me off the road.  That way I won't want to toss my controller though my TV.

gellar

I'm beginning to think my AI issues are because I run the game with "Hard" AI.  Unfortunately, it's not very challenging for me at Medium... so I'm hosed either way.

gellar

Well, to be fair... I am comparing it to GT4 running at 1080i as opposed to 480p.  I'm also comparing it to high end PC sims.

It's about the same as say Midnight Club 3 or NFSU2.

gellar

What i dont see, is the bad turning that Gellar is seeing.  I havn't noticed big pileups or missed turns on those tracks/corners you listed, Gellar.  Not saying you havn't, i'm just saying...they're turning really good for me in those spots.  I see the AI keep me fighting for time in those turns by doing quite well with only the occasional miss.

I think it might have a lot with me running "Hard" difficulty.  The AI is really, really aggressive and apparently, overly so.  I'd moved it down to medium and they are far less stupid, but also a lot slower, allowing me to run away with the race.

I wish there was a nice spot in the middle.

gellar

I just bought this today.  You are so done...

Bring it, foo.  The Elise is a fun car

gellar

[+]

Time for my final, detailed impressions on this one:

What the game does well:
+ Simulates driving with a controller better than any other console game I've ever played.  I still prefer just about any game with a quality wheel, but this is some pretty good work right here.  I'm particularly impressed with the way they let you countersteer with the thumbstick.  It feels right and is very intuitive.
+ Sounds effects.  While not quite 100% accurate, and the modified parts are a bit overdone, it's still very very good.  The sound effects are leagues better than Gran Turismos.
+ Customization.  Seems technically accurate.  The Horsepower jumps aren't *too* ridiculous (still overstated, but I can understand why), and I really like the whole engine swap idea for some cars.  Very neat.  I also like the real life body kits.  Now while this normally isn't my cup of tea in a game, it's still a very nice part of Forza.
+ XBox Live Integration.  Makes the game, IMHO.  Seeing scoreboards gives you that arcade "just one more quarter and I can beat the top score" feeiling.  Very, very nice.
+ Game Flow.  You can tell the designers spent a lot of time trying to avoid the "what do I do now?" feeling that Gran Turismo gave a lot of gamers.  They succeeded.  The flow of the game is great, and you're never short on credits so the need to repeat races just for money is gone.   Then there are the "classes" of cars, so you know just how equally matched your car is vs every race you're in.  No guessing like in Gran Turismo.  Very, very well done, and might well be the best and most overlooked part of this game.

What the game doesn't do well:
- AI.  My number one gripe with the game.  Sorry guys, the AI is bad.  It's bad in a different way than Gran Turismo's AI is bad, but it's still bad nontheless.  Want an exercise in frustration?  Go into a race where you're equally matched with the AI in Tokyo.  You cannot finish the damn race without getting beaten into submission by the AI.  The game, quite simply, has zero idea on how to make a tight, low speed turn.  Want comedy?  Start at the back of the pack in Tokyo and watch the AI take turn one.  75% of the cars wipe out and overdrive the turn every single time.  It's not just this track either, it's absolutely any track with a low speed hairpin.  Final turn (11) of Laguna Seca?  Check.  Final chicane of Road Atlanta?  Check.  Damn near any 90 degree turn in NYC?  Check.  You name it, if it's slow and tight, the AI will butcher it.  I nearly chucked my controller in frustration at the race I'm trying to finish right now: Tokyo with the Lightweight stock cars.  Everything is so equally matched, and the race is 4 laps.  I cannot survive 4 laps with the AI, my car is a heaping wreck by the end.

- Track variety.  Just not enough tracks.  Really could have used more, as even 20% of the way through the game, you start to feel as though you're repeating things.

- Music.  Ugh.

- Car graphics.  Ugly.  Really ugly.

Overall thoughts:
Fun game.  Most "sim" like I've played on a console.  Nothing close to PC sims, but still very good in it's own right.  Fun online.  Fun when not getting run over by the AI.  My disappointment is the AI.  The game just isn't fun on tight tracks.  It's an exercise in frustration.  I've had to resort to turning the AI down from hard to medium or easy just so I can get enough of a lead to where the jackasses won't plow into me.  The game might be a hair better than Gran Turismo.  Certainly worth a purchase, but not without its flaws.  8.5/10.

gellar

The AI is my only gripe with the game right now.  In low speed corners (Road Atlanta, NYC & Laguna Seca come to mind), the AI seems to drive all Gran Turismo on you and try to bounce off you or the wall to make the turn.  Really frustrating.

Other than that, I love the game.  It hasn't gotten a lot of playtime due to my enthrallment of GTR, but I'm really very impressed.  Live Scoreboards are key.

gellar

GBA emulator = more games and only having to carry one system on an airplane.  I get enough strange looks from security guards with just the PSP.

gellar

so can someone explain to me how people are making those designs?  I've looked in the decal section, and I'm not seeing anything remotely similar to what people are making.

Like I said, very powerful, very primitive tools. I'd rather just slap on some vinyl's ala NFSU, hence my forza cars are all just one solid paint color.

Winnar.  Though I have been picking the most obnoxious colors I can find, and adding in a lot of their "carbon fiber look" paint on the hoods.

gellar

Cone race?

Cone race = autocross
In the free race mode or whatever, (not career,) in the point to point section there are a bunch of autocross runs that you can do.

Found it .

Driver, your time has been defeated

gellar

Being able to see the track times of people in your friends list is a little thing that goes a long way.  Not many friends play it, but I beat a couple of Driver's times.  w00t!

Completely agree.  Right now I think all I have are driver and naednek, but it is fun to see how much I pwn naednek

gellar (xbox live tag: tehgellar)

i hardly call 2 seconds pwn.  Besides, yesterday you told me you beat me, I go back and checked, and I still see I'm up by 5 seconds.  I'll have to check again since I havne't checked since late last night after you telling me you so called shattered me

I think you're looking at something else, since I have you by nearly 10 seconds in RWD hill climb 1, and 8 seconds in RWD hill climb 2 (including a spin ).

gellar

Being able to see the track times of people in your friends list is a little thing that goes a long way.  Not many friends play it, but I beat a couple of Driver's times.  w00t!

Completely agree.  Right now I think all I have are driver and naednek, but it is fun to see how much I pwn naednek

gellar (xbox live tag: tehgellar)

Driver wasn't even trying.  When I looked yesterday, I was #8 on the leaderbaord for the first cone race (the airport course).  Beat that!  

Cone race?

gellar

Being able to see the track times of people in your friends list is a little thing that goes a long way.  Not many friends play it, but I beat a couple of Driver's times.  w00t!

Completely agree.  Right now I think all I have are driver and naednek, but it is fun to see how much I pwn naednek

gellar (xbox live tag: tehgellar)

[definitely]

Eh, I caved and bought it since I have nothing better to do tomorrow.

Impressions after about 30 mins of playing:
1)  The game is pretty good.
2)  The car models are definitely worse than GT4.  By a significant margin.
3)  The environments are way, way better than GT4.
4)  Lots of cool real world tracks, best as I can tell.  Neat.
5)  The tire breakaway model is seemingly a bit too dramatized.  Brakes lock up ridiculously quickly, and drifting through a turn is a common appearance in a RWD or AWD car.  Of course, none of the cars that I've driven in the game are cars I've driven in real life, so I can't judge on the actual 'realism'.  It does *feel* wonky though.
6)  Controls pretty well by controller.  You can tell the cars have quasi realistic physics.  It's better than GT4 by controller, but worse than GT4 with the force feedback wheel.
7)  The music BLOWS HARDCORE.
 I really dislike the way they handle a manual transmission.  First, they penalize you for over-reving the engine even in the slightest.  In 99% of production cars today, you can bounce it off the rev limiter fairly frequently and never have any problems.  Apparently, NO cars in Forza have a rev limiter.  Also, they don't have an option to use the X/A button as Up/Downshift.  I don't like any of the configurable options.  These two have led me to drive with an automatic, and that just feels wrong.
9)  AI at medium difficulty is slow.  Even on a 2 lap race, I've won by as many as 8 seconds.
10)  For my driving style, the racing line doesn't work.  I drive faster with it off.  Seems like a cool idea for the newer drivers though.

Overall, it's a damn fine game.  I wish I had a wheel for it.  Forza with a controller >> GT4 with a controller, but it's definitely not better than GT4 with the Logitech wheel.  Still though, for the XBox, it's a great option.

gellar

I may get this and re-up to Live just so I can school you mofoz in the ugliest car I can possibly create.

gellar

NOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

gellar

I'll Gamefly it sometime down the line, but I certainly don't feel compelled to buy it.

gellar

I just took my '99 Subaru 2.5 RS, swapped in a WRX STi engine, then took it into a Lancer vs. Impreza hill climb on a Japanese mountain road.  Come on now, you want this game.

Meh... stuff like that doesn't matter to me.  I modify my car cause it's... my car.  In games, all I want to do is drive.

The ideal racing game would be one where they took one single car, get the physics on it absolutely PERFECT, let me change realistic configuration options (really just suspension settings), and let me drive on real world tracks.  The closest there is to this is GTR right now.  Of course, I'm also a very small portion of the market, so I definitely understand the appeal of a Forza

gellar