Dear Future Gamer,

So as not to sound like the voice of repetitiveness, I'll just say that FG is a fab ezine. I also don't want to start an argument about 'My console is better than yours', because it's not something that can be defined, both the PlayStation and the N64 have their flaws and benefits.

What I do want to point out though, is how the PC seems to be behind in terms of the graphical and gameplay elements of games. Sure, GTA had heaps of gameplay and satisfactory graphics, but could us PC gamers call it our own? No, because the PlayStation also developed the game.

I know I'm drifting off my point a little, but bear with me. GoldenEye 64 is an astounding game as regards graphics, gameplay, level design etc. It not only combines a movie licence, but it also maps the levels as they were in the film, and it’s a joy to run around killing fluently modelled Soviets.

Is this game of pure excellence being converted to PC? No, period. Do we want it? Yes, though we'll laugh in our armchairs saying that we've got it just as good with Quake 2, SIN and Half-Life. The latter first two are completely mediocre in comparison, though Half-Life is a worthy contender. But it lacks the accessibility and passion that GoldenEye thrusts upon you.

The only PC game, in terms of first-person, that I have enjoyed recently is Thief: The Dark Project. It's a remarkable mover, but can I call it the PC's? No, it's also on the PlayStation. Which brings me to Gran Turismo - PlayStation game, good graphics, nice gameplay. Is it on the PC? No. Do we want it? I should think so, Colin McRae Rally may be good, so might TOCA 2, but they are relatively behind in terms of when Gran Turismo actually came out.

So what I'm trying to say is, why can't we have solid games like GoldenEye which don't require setting up, or at least a little tinkering? Why can't we have fluent animation and bug-free glitches in the gameengine? Why can't we have lots of gameplay to go with it, maybe even some longevity, damn it? The PC is the ultimate machine on which to make great games!

Why can't we give the consoles a run for their money? I'm sure we could if our developers would stop, look and concentrate on making a game WE want. If I could just use an analogy: The Offspring - everyone likes them now, or at least they say they do. After a childish number one for the (now) biggest punk band, everyone knows and likes them. The Offspring are cool. But wait a minute, I've had their albums for a couple of years now. No-one even batted an eyelid, in fact it's recorded that for 10 years they entertained crowds of 25 people! Why are they now popular? They went to number 1.

The Offspring are now betraying their long-running fans by going punk-pop. They’re not 'our' alternative music anymore, they’re in the mainstream, and they’re neglecting their real fans by releasing stuff people will buy to look good. Why? Because it's good money and publicity, that's why.

Think about it.

Robert Ataii

FG: I’m not sure I follow your point really. But maybe that’s the hangover. As you point out, the various machines all have their strengths and weaknesses. You can’t say there are no good games on the PC because that’s not true. The reason some PlayStation and N64 games have better graphics or whatever is often due to the actual dedicated hardware. Programmers worth their salt code a game using the machine’s specific hardware. As for whether a game ‘belongs’ to one machine or another, who cares? And again, The Offspring thing, every band wants to be popular – that’s why they’re in a band and if they change their music, image, whatever to achieve that, then who can blame ‘em?