The PlayStation2 Network Adaptor has been out for a while now, and I still don't have one. This seems to break precedent, I know. I mean, I'm *prepared* for it. First I hired a staff of architects to plan out how I could get ethernet strung throughout all three floors of our townhouse. Then I brought in a team of IT professionals to diagram a wireless network for 3 computers, 2 consoles, and 1 of those digital picture frame thingys. And on this episode of Designers' Challenge, the wireless team won.
So, eventually, I plan to set up Linksys EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router w/4-Port Switch. Perhaps a couple of them. It just hasn't happened yet, because my only motivation for getting my PS2 online is a bunch of so-so titles. Sure, SOCOM looks cool, but it's just another FPS, and I can do without that.
Plus, the world of online PC gaming has proven to me that human beings suck ass 90% of the time. So I'm more than a little leery of inviting that cabal of ravenous teenage thugs into my living room, seeing how they've already taken up residence in my computer room, dimmed the lights, and pantsed me while calling me a noob.
And that's even if it works. I've had more technical disappointments than I can count in the online multiplayer PC world.
Right now, there's only one rumored title that would immediately get me out to Circuit City in search of Linksys EtherFart Router Switch 4-Port Cable/DSLs... Pokemon Online. And if that even happens, it's a while away, so I'm just lurking in wait for the moment.
The Achilles Heel of online console games is that there's a gigantic pantheon of games and genres that DON'T require multiplayer. I'd be willing to argue that the current generation of PC games need human vs. human contact to make them interesting. How long would you play WarCraft 3 if it was only the single player campaign? Console games enjoy a greater diversity of content; not every game needs Random Asshole Matchmaking to add value. So until more interesting and different console games show off some cool online tricks, I have more than enough single-player and same-room-multiplayer to play.
That's a little chicken-and-the-egg, I know. It's entirely possible that the PC's gross lack of diversity has degenerated out of the dominance of online multiplayer and the evacuation of all the small time game developers. But however it happened, it's clear from the quick trip to EB that the modern PC market is no place for a Renaissance Gamer. I hope that online consoles manage their content a little better.
