Todd's columns have appeared in many publications such as GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, PC Gamer, and Electronic Games. Todd is a founding member of GiN and speaks from an "old school" gamer's perspective. Embracing the notions of all classic gaming, game soundtracks, and the original "hardcore style," he also shuns the trends he feels are ruining the game industry, such as the embracement of 3D, the over-saturation of MMOs, and misleading game advertising.
Over the past few years I have never been shy of my preference to playing games on a console in comparison to a PC. Originally my beef about PC gaming was the extensive cost of maintaining equipment. After all, look at both nVidia and ATI forcing gamers to pay upwards of $400 for their top-of-the-line video cards designed mostly for games that won’t be released until two years from now. And that is not to mention the fact that these upgrades result in many gamers thinking that budget cards are total crap. But still this notion does not compare to … Continue reading Consoles Beat PCs→
Usually I write my E3 wrap up on the last day. However I decided it would be better for me to take some time off, collect all my thoughts (as well as all my press kits and movie downloads) and decide on what I felt were the strengths and weaknesses of this year's E3. I should probably start with all the meetings I had at the start of Day 3. My key meeting that day was with Sony. I was only interested in half of the lineup they had (because I swore I would not touch Final Fantasy XI based … Continue reading E3 Wrapup→
The last Indiana Jones game I played was the Infernal Machine on the PC. While it was a good game, it seemed a little too much like Tomb Raider for me. The Collective’s latest Indiana Jones reincarnation might follow in the same Tomb Raider vein, but they were able to capitalize on the success caused by Buffy the Vampire Slayer to create an enjoyable adventure title that the Xbox surely needed, plus was a lot of fun on the PC. Taking place before the movie trilogy even starts (in 1935), Emperor’s Tomb has Professor Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. in search … Continue reading Indy strikes back→
The first full day for this year's E3 was quite a momentous one for me. Right off the bat I had the opportunity to check out the exclusive footage of Half Life 2. As the sequel to one of the greatest first person titles of all time, it had a lot to follow up to, and I was not disappointed. Based on Valve's new SOURCE engine, I witnessed an amazing display of HL2's vivid character expressions and wide open environments that could only be dreamt of back when HL1 was released. Team AI, both involving human and even alien allies … Continue reading E3 Rolling Along→
My first account into this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo leads me all the way to Mann's Chinese Theater, where I am currently freezing my sorry butt off waiting to be picked up. Why am I at Mann's, you may ask? Well it's not to see the premiere of The Matrix: Reloaded (I can only wish), but rather to wait to be picked up after attending a party hosted by nVidia which showcased their new GeForce FX 5900 card. The night was very enjoyable, but having to wait over an hour to be picked up almost ruined the whole experience. I … Continue reading Opening Day→
I will admit that I have had very little experience with Codemasters’ racing titles. Most of the racing that I have done on consoles has either been through Gran Turismo on the PS1 and 2 as well as EA’s excellent NASCAR Thunder series. I know Codemasters has a strong track record with both their Colin McRae Rally and TOCA Championship series, but this is the first title I have been able to try out. Pro Race Driver is actually the latest in the TOCA series (in fact it is called TOCA Race Driver in Europe, but for this version, a … Continue reading Racing with a Story→
My original plan was to carry out this preview next week (right before E3), but my commentary schedule requires me to write it now. Over the last few weeks I have been trying to think up some shocking events that might turn out at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. However, it appears that some of the predictions I have made have already come true. As everyone may recall, I was the one who mentioned the possibility of a GameCube remake of the original Metal Gear Solid, thanks to a very credible source (thanks, Snake!). Earlier this week, Konami has come … Continue reading E3 Preview 2003→
When Xbox Live debuted last November, I wrote a commentary about my disdain for the local high speed internet providers and their lazy, "we'll install it when we feel like it" attitude. I was sick of tired of being stuck with a slow dial-up connection, which made Xbox Live, and its broadband-only setup, impossible for me. My biggest complaint was toward my town's cable provider, Adelphia. Night after night I had to deal with that stupid ad saying their PowerLink service is "coming soon to Leesburg." This was broadcast for over a year, and I gave Adelphia my ultimatum of … Continue reading Cable, Just Kiss It!→
The last two weeks have been difficult for me. As many of you know I have renounced my old name of General Hardcore out of respect for the brave men and women who are fighting in Iraq. I am still in support of our troops, and am very proud of what they have done so far. Just a few days ago Special Forces troops rescued one of our POWs, and to them I send a special commendation. These people should be praised for bringing one of ours back from captivity, and I wish that the peaceniks protesting all over the … Continue reading The Hardcore’s Rebirth→
During the time this review is being written, I am listening to a radio broadcast of today’s game between the Pirates and the Red Sox. It may only be the preseason until Monday, but I am already looking forward for this season to start. Despite only winning 72 games last year, I feel that it was still a successful campaign from the previous year’s 100-loss disaster. What I have seen last year was a significant improvement on pitching (thank Kip Wells and Josh Fogg for that, not to mention a save record season for closer Mike Williams) and defense (who … Continue reading Play Ball!→
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