"Tech" Thread: Blu Ray, HD-DVD, Video Games, HDTV

[AndyDursin]

BIOSHOCK got a 9.7 from IGN.

I can't wait!!

[Eric W.]

BIOSHOCK got a 9.7 from IGN.

I can't wait!!

I can't, either.

I think this is going to be another one of those "benchmark" games that people talk about for years afterwards and are imitated, built off of, etc.


Their last game, System Shock 2, which is kind of a spirtiual predecessor to this, is from 1994 and you'll still run across people talking about that game even now!

So the pedigree is super high with this thing and I think it's going to deliver!

[Eric W.]

Here's another uber glowing review.

Right now this is for the 360 version but I'm sure the PC version will get at least the same kind of raves:

Game Informer: 10/10

10
CONCEPT:
The creators of System Shock 2 have honed their craft to create an FPS that is as adventurous as it is powerful
GRAPHICS:
In almost every room, you’ll stop to carefully analyze the amazing detail applied to every surface and object. It’s one of the most beautiful games out there
SOUND:
The classic music, haunting voice recordings, and sound of insanity blend to create an eerie and intimidating array of sound. The surround sound support is also of a higher level than you usually hear
PLAYABILITY:
No matter what weapon or power you have equipped, you always feel like a god
ENTERTAINMENT:
The power to destroy has never been so varied and satisfying
REPLAY:
Moderately High

The headline of the review is: Masterpiece of Madness.

If you go to www.gamerankings.com right now and put Bioshock into the search engine, you'll see that it's on its way to having one of the highest net averages ever seen.



360:

IGN

8/16/2007

9.7 out of 10

97.0%
Site Profile GameSpy

8/16/2007

5 out of 5

100.0%
Site Profile Game Informer

9/1/2007

10 out of 10

100.0%
Site Profile Eurogamer

8/16/2007

10 out of 10

100.0%
Site Profile TeamXbox

8/16/2007

9.5 out of 10

95.0%
Site Profile 1UP

8/16/2007

10 out of 10

100.0%
Site Profile Official Xbox Magazine UK

9/1/2007

10 out of 10

100.0%
Site Profile GamePro

8/16/2007

5 out of 5

100.0%
Site Profile Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

8/16/2007

9.4 out of 10

94.0%
Site Profile GameSpot

8/15/2007

^^ Look at those scores!

The PC versions of games always take longer to get reviews out but those numbers are lining up the same way thus far.

This HAS to be one of the highest rated games I've ever seen, at least in recent memory!

[AndyDursin]

Last time we saw unanimous raves like that was basically RESIDENT EVIL 4 for this kind of game.

I'm glad I pre-ordered the LE -- it's going for $150-$200 on Ebay now. I may just crank back and keep the copy for a little bit and then see what I can get for it.

I'm disappointed that the soundtrack CD only has 3 remixed Moby tracks and no score on it. THAT'S kinda lame.

[Eric W.]

Last time we saw unanimous raves like that was basically RESIDENT EVIL 4 for this kind of game.

I'm glad I pre-ordered the LE -- it's going for $150-$200 on Ebay now. I may just crank back and keep the copy for a little bit and then see what I can get for it.

Heh, that's an idea, except I just can't wait to play this masterpiece.

I don't think I've seen any game get the kinds of uber high scores and such like I'm seeing for this. Certainly not in recent times, at least.

I'm disappointed that the soundtrack CD only has 3 remixed Moby tracks and no score on it. THAT'S kinda lame.

The descriptions I had seen for it were:

"Limited Edition includes Soundtrack CD featuring music of BioShock plus remixes of period music."

*fingers crossed*

[AndyDursin]

Those were the descriptions but the PR release they sent out called it an "EP" with three tracks.

I hope that's not the case...

[Eric W.]

Those were the descriptions but the PR release they sent out called it an "EP" with three tracks.

I hope that's not the case...

The score pieces I heard in the demo were outstanding. One way or the other, I'll be looking for a way to get that music someday.

[AndyDursin]

Those were the descriptions but the PR release they sent out called it an "EP" with three tracks.

I hope that's not the case...

The score pieces I heard in the demo were outstanding. One way or the other, I'll be looking for a way to get that music someday.

Yeah, what a disappointment, that CD is only 3 measily tracks.

Didn't they even say it was supposed to be a soundtrack CD??

[Eric W.]

Those were the descriptions but the PR release they sent out called it an "EP" with three tracks.

I hope that's not the case...

The score pieces I heard in the demo were outstanding. One way or the other, I'll be looking for a way to get that music someday.

Yeah, what a disappointment, that CD is only 3 measily tracks.

Didn't they even say it was supposed to be a soundtrack CD??

Yup.

[AndyDursin]

I don't know if there are any Directv folks out there but this is good news from the DBS Talk forum. FINALLY the wait will be worth it, though I'll have to reap the benefits of Sox games in HD next season (as our regional sports affiliate has only offered HD on the dish to the Boston market only...which is about to change thank god!).

The * means you have to have one of the receivers that can read MPEG4, which is good news I assume because it means feeds for ESPN, etc. will be improved from how they're broadcast now.

September 2007
A&E *265
Big Ten Network HD *220
Cartoon Network *296
Cinemax HD East *512
Cinemax HD West *514
CNN HD *202
Discovery HD Theater 76
ESPN HD 72, *206
ESPN2 HD 73, *209
Food Network HD *231-1
FSN New York HD *624
The Golf Channel HD (shared with Versus HD) *604
HBO HD East 70, 509, *501
HBO HD West *504
HDNet 79
HDNet Movies 78
HGTV-HD *229-1
The History Channel HD *269
Madison Square Garden HD *621
MHD (HD only) *332
The Movie Channel HD *544
NFL Network HD *212
National Geographic Channel HD *276
Showtime HD 71, 543, *537
Showtime HD West *540
Smithsonian Channel HD (HD only) *267
Starz Comedy HD *519
Starz HD East *520
Starz Edge HD *522
Starz Kids & Family HD *518
Starz HD West *521
TBS in HD *247
TNT HD 75, *245
Universal HD 74
Versus HD (shared with The Golf Channel HD) *604
The Weather Channel HD *362


October 2007
Animal Planet HD *282
Bravo HD *273
Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD 680 *640
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD 681, *629
Discovery Channel HD *278
Fox Business Channel HD *359
FSN Detroit HD *636
FSN Prime Ticket HD *653
FSN Southwest HD *643
FSN West HD *652
Fuel TV HD *612
FX HD *248
NBA TV HD *601-1
New England Sports Network HD 682, *623
The Science Channel HD *284
Sci-Fi Network HD *244
Speed Channel HD *607
SportsNet New York HD 683, *625
USA Network HD *242
Yankees Entertainment & Sports HD 684, *622

[Eric W.]

Hey! What do you think of Bioshock?

I thought it was amazing myself. I'm sad that I beat it the other day.

I don't know if there are any Directv folks out there but this is good news from the DBS Talk forum. FINALLY the wait will be worth it, though I'll have to reap the benefits of Sox games in HD next season (as our regional sports affiliate has only offered HD on the dish to the Boston market only...which is about to change thank god!).

About time we start seeing progress like that.

The * means you have to have one of the receivers that can read MPEG4, which is good news I assume because it means feeds for ESPN, etc. will be improved from how they're broadcast now.

Boy, I sure hope so. The term "HD-lite" came from some of the HD channels on DirecTV being so soft and bit starved to begin with.

September 2007
A&E *265
Big Ten Network HD *220
Cartoon Network *296
Cinemax HD East *512
Cinemax HD West *514
CNN HD *202
Discovery HD Theater 76
ESPN HD 72, *206
ESPN2 HD 73, *209
Food Network HD *231-1
FSN New York HD *624
The Golf Channel HD (shared with Versus HD) *604
HBO HD East 70, 509, *501
HBO HD West *504
HDNet 79
HDNet Movies 78
HGTV-HD *229-1
The History Channel HD *269
Madison Square Garden HD *621
MHD (HD only) *332
The Movie Channel HD *544
NFL Network HD *212
National Geographic Channel HD *276
Showtime HD 71, 543, *537
Showtime HD West *540
Smithsonian Channel HD (HD only) *267
Starz Comedy HD *519
Starz HD East *520
Starz Edge HD *522
Starz Kids & Family HD *518
Starz HD West *521
TBS in HD *247
TNT HD 75, *245
Universal HD 74
Versus HD (shared with The Golf Channel HD) *604
The Weather Channel HD *362


October 2007
Animal Planet HD *282
Bravo HD *273
Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD 680 *640
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD 681, *629
Discovery Channel HD *278
Fox Business Channel HD *359
FSN Detroit HD *636
FSN Prime Ticket HD *653
FSN Southwest HD *643
FSN West HD *652
Fuel TV HD *612
FX HD *248
NBA TV HD *601-1
New England Sports Network HD 682, *623
The Science Channel HD *284
Sci-Fi Network HD *244
Speed Channel HD *607
SportsNet New York HD 683, *625
USA Network HD *242
Yankees Entertainment & Sports HD 684, *622

Dumb question: The $10 a month HD Access fee...surely it isn't going to cover all that action.

I have to believe that rate would be going up, yes?


I was told by their reps that October would be when people who have the older HD hardware like me would be cut off as far as any of the newer HD channels are concerned.

You have to have at least an H20 receiver or its DVR brother, a BBC converter, and one of those big 36 by 36 5 LNB dishes.

Supposedly the hardware upgrades would be at minimal to no cost, but I know better than to believe that upfront.

As of now, I'm told January of 08 sometime is when the "hard cut off" happens where a person has to have the new hardware or NO HD whatsoever.

Knowing DirecTV, I suspect that deadline will get pushed back at least 2-3 more times before all is said and done.

[AndyDursin]

You have to have at least an H20 receiver or its DVR brother, a BBC converter, and one of those big 36 by 36 5 LNB dishes.

Supposedly the hardware upgrades would be at minimal to no cost, but I know better than to believe that upfront.

Yeah I updated last summer (06) -- they don't use those big AT9 dishes anymore, they use a slimmer line construction which I believe is the same size as the standard one. We have the older, bigger dish, which is fine because it sits low on the side of the house that nobody looks at, and presumably is better for "rain fade" (not that I've really ever experienced that much).

I don't think the upgrading is going to cost you much. I paid $99 for the dish installation by itself, and I believe their "official" rate is $299 for the dish AND the HD-DVR. Of course there are stories if you call customer retention they will give you a deal, but that's always been hit or miss from what I can tell

If you go with the H20s (the HD receiver, no DVR) I'm not entirely clear they cost anything, depending on what "level" account you have. (the receivers were free I believe; the DVR would cost me $199 so I've bypassed that option right now).

If you go that route, it's important to note that there are two kinds of H20's.

The H20-600 is, I believe, made by LG and is a piece of junk. I went through 3 of them that had re-sets and such and overheating issues.

When I exchanged them to DirecTV (for free -- you just call up and tell them it doesn't work, they send you a new unit, a replacement label, replacement box, etc etc) and received brand new H20-100's instead -- these are made by RCA in Mexico and are MUCH stabler, run cooler (though still hot), and I've had not one technical problem of any kind with them.

I believe they're referred to as the "good" H20 on many boards Though it's a kind of Russian roulette if they send you one or not...you can ask but they won't guarantee which model they'll send you. Definitely go with the H20-100 if you can though, or try buying one off Ebay that you activate yourself. (It's possible if DirecTV DOES charge you, buying an H20 independently may be the way to go).

As far as the stations go, yeah, we'll have to see. Looks like a lot of those will be "mirrored" but several, IF that line up is right, are supposed to be MPEG4 only (like the Smithsonian Channel, which I hadn't heard about!).

I think their quality has actually improved in the year I've had it. The HD channels that appear on MLB Extra Innings look sensational, better than ESPN or ESPN2. If the new MPEG4 channels are like the former (which I'd anticipate) instead of the latter, I think it'll be worth all the effort.

[AndyDursin]

Hey! What do you think of Bioshock?

I thought it was amazing myself. I'm sad that I beat it the other day.

I'm only about a 1/3 of the way in. I've got a little time later this week that I will devote to it

[Eric W.]

You have to have at least an H20 receiver or its DVR brother, a BBC converter, and one of those big 36 by 36 5 LNB dishes.

Supposedly the hardware upgrades would be at minimal to no cost, but I know better than to believe that upfront.

Yeah I updated last summer (06) -- they don't use those big AT9 dishes anymore, they use a slimmer line construction which I believe is the same size as the standard one. We have the older, bigger dish, which is fine because it sits low on the side of the house that nobody looks at, and presumably is better for "rain fade" (not that I've really ever experienced that much).

I had my system installed about two years ago now, about a year before year. I have the H10 receiver which obviously not work for the new stuff and I have what I would consider a "normal" looking DirecTV dish, probably what you're talking about.

Supposedly you and I both would be looking at dish upgrades, too, but I'm not 100 percent sure.

I don't think the upgrading is going to cost you much. I paid $99 for the dish installation by itself, and I believe their "official" rate is $299 for the dish AND the HD-DVR. Of course there are stories if you call customer retention they will give you a deal, but that's always been hit or miss from what I can tell

I notice that my customer retention number no longer works. Do you have a newer one?

If you go with the H20s (the HD receiver, no DVR) I'm not entirely clear they cost anything, depending on what "level" account you have. (the receivers were free I believe; the DVR would cost me $199 so I've bypassed that option right now).

If you go that route, it's important to note that there are two kinds of H20's.

The H20-600 is, I believe, made by LG and is a piece of junk. I went through 3 of them that had re-sets and such and overheating issues.

When I exchanged them to DirecTV (for free -- you just call up and tell them it doesn't work, they send you a new unit, a replacement label, replacement box, etc etc) and received brand new H20-100's instead -- these are made by RCA in Mexico and are MUCH stabler, run cooler (though still hot), and I've had not one technical problem of any kind with them.

I believe they're referred to as the "good" H20 on many boards Though it's a kind of Russian roulette if they send you one or not...you can ask but they won't guarantee which model they'll send you. Definitely go with the H20-100 if you can though, or try buying one off Ebay that you activate yourself. (It's possible if DirecTV DOES charge you, buying an H20 independently may be the way to go).

Thanks for warning me of this potential hassle.

As far as the stations go, yeah, we'll have to see. Looks like a lot of those will be "mirrored" but several, IF that line up is right, are supposed to be MPEG4 only (like the Smithsonian Channel, which I hadn't heard about!).

I think their quality has actually improved in the year I've had it. The HD channels that appear on MLB Extra Innings look sensational, better than ESPN or ESPN2. If the new MPEG4 channels are like the former (which I'd anticipate) instead of the latter, I think it'll be worth all the effort.

Yeah, some of the channels have gotten better.

We shall see. Enjoy Bioshock!

[AndyDursin]

In BIOSHOCK do I have to rescue every little sister (or harvest them)? I've got 2/3 on the level I'm at and I want to move on, but I can't find the last little sister. Can I just move forward or should i find it?