Relive your video game youth (for a small subscription fee)
On demand entertainment is popping up everywhere. Now it’s hit the joystick with Time Warner’s Gametap subscription service. The monthly service allows users to choose from more than 300 games that originated on several platforms including, Atari 2600, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, Sega Dreamcast, Sega 32x, Commodor
e 64, Aracde, Windows, DOS, and Intellivision. A selection of games that are sure to please the nostalgic game player but may turn off today’s generation of video game players.
Although, there are a few somewhat current titles available on the Gametap network such as the Splinter Cell series, most titles come from the decade between 1985 and 1995. If you were one of the few who had a Sega Master System you’ll be happy to find such obscure games like The Ninja and Kenseiden. Other Master System titles include the popular Alex Kidd in Miracle World and the original Phantasy Star. Phantasy Star II and III are available in the Sega Genesis area of the service. One of my favorite games of all time, Gunstar Heroes, is available on the network as well.
However, for those who just enjoy playing games will find everything from Pong to Zork to Pac Man to Burger Time to Space Quest to Sonic to Splinter Cell. Visit Gametap’s game title list to see all the current offerings.
Most of the games on the network have been available to play on your PC, if you were willing to go the illegal route and risk getting a virus on your PC by downloading an emulator from some third world country. But, Gametap will test the market on just how many are willing to pay to play video games on a subscription basis. In the past subscription based services haven’t done so well, but with their current assortment of games and with 700 more titles on the way, they might be able to pull it off. The only downside is the heavy requirements for downloading the Gametap software.
Minimum System Requirements
· GameTap is not supported in Windows 98
· Windows-based PC's more than four years old may experience difficulties
· Apple Macintosh computers are not currently supported (but they're working on it)
· Internet Connection:
· Broadband service: DSL, DSL light, or cable modem (minimum 384k)
· Hardware, Software, and Other Requirements:
o Windows 2000/XP
o Pentium IV or AMD Athlon 800MHz or better
o 256MB RAM
o 5GB available storage (for application)
o Video Card: 3D-capable video card with 32MB VRAM or greater
o DirectX 8.X and OpenGL 1.1
Casual PC users may need to upgrade their graphics card before downloading and using the Gametap portal. I tried testing the software on two computers that were just over a year old and they couldn’t run it.
I recommend at least trying the free two week trial and see if it’s for you. If not, then stick to your emulated ROM’s. At least those are free.
e 64, Aracde, Windows, DOS, and Intellivision. A selection of games that are sure to please the nostalgic game player but may turn off today’s generation of video game players.Although, there are a few somewhat current titles available on the Gametap network such as the Splinter Cell series, most titles come from the decade between 1985 and 1995. If you were one of the few who had a Sega Master System you’ll be happy to find such obscure games like The Ninja and Kenseiden. Other Master System titles include the popular Alex Kidd in Miracle World and the original Phantasy Star. Phantasy Star II and III are available in the Sega Genesis area of the service. One of my favorite games of all time, Gunstar Heroes, is available on the network as well.
However, for those who just enjoy playing games will find everything from Pong to Zork to Pac Man to Burger Time to Space Quest to Sonic to Splinter Cell. Visit Gametap’s game title list to see all the current offerings.
Most of the games on the network have been available to play on your PC, if you were willing to go the illegal route and risk getting a virus on your PC by downloading an emulator from some third world country. But, Gametap will test the market on just how many are willing to pay to play video games on a subscription basis. In the past subscription based services haven’t done so well, but with their current assortment of games and with 700 more titles on the way, they might be able to pull it off. The only downside is the heavy requirements for downloading the Gametap software.
Minimum System Requirements
· GameTap is not supported in Windows 98
· Windows-based PC's more than four years old may experience difficulties
· Apple Macintosh computers are not currently supported (but they're working on it)
· Internet Connection:
· Broadband service: DSL, DSL light, or cable modem (minimum 384k)
· Hardware, Software, and Other Requirements:
o Windows 2000/XP
o Pentium IV or AMD Athlon 800MHz or better
o 256MB RAM
o 5GB available storage (for application)
o Video Card: 3D-capable video card with 32MB VRAM or greater
o DirectX 8.X and OpenGL 1.1
Casual PC users may need to upgrade their graphics card before downloading and using the Gametap portal. I tried testing the software on two computers that were just over a year old and they couldn’t run it.
I recommend at least trying the free two week trial and see if it’s for you. If not, then stick to your emulated ROM’s. At least those are free.
posted by Daniel M Silverman at 3:23 PM
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