NBS Review EP9: The Next Generation
Topics This Week:
Vista Beta 2
US’ ESRB (versus a government regulated system like in Britain)
Vapourware Games
Show Comments:
I hope you enjoyed my loose Star Trek opening parody. I did promise in episode 8 I would do one. I realise my “Wil Shatner” impression could do with some work, and in fact, that Wil Shatner was in the original star trek not the next generation, which was Patrick Stewart. But the title is also linked into the fact that Vista is “the next generation” of windows so the accuracy of the Trek universe comes second to my ingenious multi-levelled titles.
Thankfully someone fixed my home internet connection so I didn’t have to curb crawl for free Wifi at 11pm. I can’t imagine what that might have ended up like, visualising some “dark car” at the side of the road, a guy in it sporting headphones and a mic and merely the luminescence of a backlight allowing everyone around to question WTF was going on. I honestly don’t think you could breed an any more apparently dodgy situation, especially in small town middle England. Incidentally we’re using it as a topic in episode 10, so stay wired… or, out scouting for wireless; whatever floats your boat.
Hiren’s editing this week, so chose music from the awesomely mellow Soundfreak: You are the joy of my life. We’re having an ongoing argument about how long the music should be in the opening and ending. We’ve come to an arrangement of a 30 second intro and no more than a minute on the exit, and even then that was a struggle for me to achieve since I wanted full tracks leading out, but H wasn’t having anything of it, citing that people switch off after we finish talking. I find that kinda sad, but accept it may be the case. However, it seems this week he’s caved entirely and I’ve got plenty of music in it \o/ Please absorb the ending.
In addition, if anyone reads this, let us know what you prefer. Do you mind our random, free game music choices?? Or moody electronica? How long do you want to listen to music when opening and closing? I hope you’ve got a kick at least somewhere along the line from something you recognise.
Did you notice our, yet again, smoother running and greater conversation flow? With experience we’re getting the whole “internet radio” thing done right. See if you can notice where Hiren and Brett lead in questions for everyone, somewhat far better than my topic intros will ever be.
I think the ultimate conclusion from the gaming vapourware chat is that no one should ever announce a game. Ever. Until it’s done and on the shelf. Sort of like a nice suprise. Unless you can live up to the hype you create AND release it on time, which inevitably never happens for some reason or another. Usually because of gaming executives over-estimating how much they can crack their whips before their arms get tired.
I’ll grab some screenshots of Vista, shortly, to show everyone what we’ve been talking about.
Much respect to Mike Fethers for his time and effort as our guest this week 
Thanks dude!
- Richard
