01/13/01

Jake's In your Face: In Your Face 2001

    Geez it seems like years since I sat myself down on the computer and actually got to typing the next master piece in writing. Well never fear, Jake is here! Personally the new millennium (2000) was quite possibly one of the best years in gaming history! You had the realize of great games like Chrono Cross, Shenmue, Majora's Mask, even good ol' Royal Rum....er.... No Mercy. It's not just about the games though, think about the systems! The PS2, the greatest, superior, all mighty, bestest machine ever made! aaaa not really, but hey it could have been. Then you have the introduction of Seganet, and the revealing of the three new great systems to top off years later. Well buddy, that's all water under the bridge now. Now it's time to look ahead, into the future, into 2001.

    Well just like the year 2000, 2001 is looking quite promising. With all new systems, games, even movies. 2001 has a line up that won't even let the littlest gamer down. So down below I showed the top 10 things I think will be major business in the year 2001. However my personal feelings seem to think that 2001 might just be a repeat of 2000. Think about it. The introduction of a overly hyped machine. In 2000 this was the PS2, my predictions seem to be leaning towards the X-Box to fill in this spot in 2001. Then you have the underdog. Last year it was Sega, in 2001 it's going to be Nintendo as they release the Gamecube. Then again things could change, Nintendo has been dominating the hand held generation. You don't see X-pockets in peoples pockets, no no, those are Game Boy Colors. With the introduction of the GameBoy Advance, things are looking on the bright side for Nintendo, handheld that is.

-Nintendo Gamecube: One of the biggest successes in the new year will quite possible be Nintendo's Gamecube. Unlike the N64 who had a tendency to scare away developers. The Gamcube will quite possible be the easiest system to design a game for, and that's good news. It's time for the Big N to get a break in the console wars and finally get it's teeth on a few good company's.  It's line up for this year looks um um nice. I'm pulling for Nintendo, they seem like they can do it, and believe me, I think they can do it!

-The X-Box: Microsoft has gone to the next level and through the cards out on the table and jumped into the console race. With the introduction of the X-Box, Microsoft will be a force of incredible strength. With over 150 developers under their belt, Microsoft seems like they can deal some serious damage to the big black PS2. Of course X-Box won't be the only system being launched this year, Gamecube could pull a fast one and steel some of Microsoft's thunder. We can only wait....

-Final Fantasy The Movie: THUD! You hear that? That's me falling onto the ground after seeing the scenes from Final Fantasy: The Movie. Yep, you played it, now you can watch it on the big screen. Believe me when I say this could quite possibly top the charts in the movie ratings. Watch out Cast Away, Final Fantasy is on its way!

-DVD Players: You see them here, and you see them there. Well today it seems ever system seems to be pulling out the extras and putting DVD players in their systems. What ever happened to a Game System? Now I see supreme entertainment packages! Hey, it's fine with me but Gaming seems to be more then just gaming today. The only system coming without a DVD player is Nintendo's Gamecube! If this trend keeps up, imagine a future where your Sony brand coffee maker can actual entertain you with its brand new DVD player!

-Phantasy Star Online: OH YA BABY!!!! Finally it's here! A RPG that you can actually play with other people. Sure there are a few RPG's out there that allow 2 player support, but none can match up to Phantasy Star Online. Phantasy Star Online allows you and your friends in Ohio, California, even Alabama to play in a epic adventure together via Seganet. This will top the charts when it releases, trust me.

-Conker 64: Well we heard about this foul mouth squirrel named Conker. He's friendly, has lots of cuddly friends, and packs one hell of a mouth! It appears Conker isn't scrapped after all! Look for this little creature to come out March 5, 2001. Also look for Nintendo's image of family friendly products to go down the drain. Take this one congress!

-PlayOnline.com: Well it seems Squaresoft is trying their best to pull a fast one and create the next biggest thing since the introduction of MP3's. Well right now PlayOnline.com seems to offering only strategy guides to Square Games. Matter a fact it's the only way you can get the complete FFIX strategy guide. However their planning to crank out the fixings and offer everything you want. I have a feeling next years top video game sites will have a new top leader.

- Game Boy Advance: Hey we all love Game Boy Color. It comes in handy in situations like math class, a long day in the office, even spending time at Game Hits. Well prepare for a new age in hand held gaming. Along with the launch of the Gamcube, Nintendo's pocket friendly pal Game Boy Advance will be hitting store shelves. The Game Boy Advance is looking beautiful, almost unchallenged, GBA will be the leader in all hand helds. Hey it's nice that 16 bit classics can be ported onto the GBA with no problems, imagine what the future will hold for this pocket sized machine.

- Twisted Metal Black: Ya ya I know what your saying. Twisted Metal surly has been going down the crappier as of late. When Singletrac sold the series to 989 Studios, it all went down hill from there. Yet now it's a new age, a new machine, and old pals. The people who designed the original Twisted Metal, and Twisted Metal 2 are back designing what looks to be a great hit. If you have seen the screen shots you know what I mean. Sweet Tooth turning into a blood hungry giant robot? Now that's entertainment!

- Seganet: Just like in 2000, Seganet will get its honors in 2001 just the same. With over 100,000 members already, Seganet will be the gateway into the future of gaming. Hey! with titles like Phantasy Star Online on the way, it's almost something you wouldn't be able to go on living without!

    Well there you have it. Jakes list of the big business in 2001. Who knows what will happen, maybe PS2 will become the supreme system still even with X-Box, Gamecube, and Seganet. Then again, Nintendo could pull a upset and set the markets a blaze and light up the competition with superior sales. Who knows, the only bad part is the fact that all this will happen towards the end of 2001.
                                                                         

                                         
-Jake

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