First off all ALL software from Notepad.exe to the latest AAA video game hast to load. Loading is simply the processes of taking assets off of the hard disk and putting them into ram*. This is done since memory is faster then the hard disk(any hard disk even solid state). This always takes some time, even if it's not noticeable in human terms.
One might incorrectly think that as computers get faster loading times should decrees but this is not the case in reality. The real 'case' is, as computers get faster, software becomes more demanding too take advantage of the faster hardware and loading times are about the same.
* It should be noted that for some software(and games) other things take place too, all to get the game 'ready' to be played.
But what about cartridge games? Systems that use cartridges have to load just as CD based systems due. The cartridges games systems use contain ROM which is incredible fast, so fast that you can't see the load times. You can see proof that things are loaded into RAM in some N64 games, in which the game will continue to try and keep playing if the cartridge is accidentally removed. It's not recommend that you try this on purpose as the removal of the cirdge while the system is on could damage the certidge.(most lickly the save game;)
APPEMEDMENT: Some games like Sonic Unleashed for Xbox 360/PS3 or more impressively for it's age(2001)Jak and Daxter for PS2, hardly load at all. This is done by 'streaming' the game, unloading assets no longer used behind the character after they no longer visible and loading assets in front of the character before they visible. If you die in these games far from where you hit the last checkpoint you will see a bit of a loading time.
You don't see this in too many games since it's probably a large programming headache. It also does not lend itself well to all forums of game play. (for example games that have a defenite level start and end).
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
The new game consoles FAQ
Q: What consoles and computers do you own?
A: PS2(slim), Xbox(2003), SNES, N64, Wii and Sega Genesis, I also play games on the computer I'm writing this on. I also have 2 laptops, a Proforma 6400("vintage" Mac), a Pentium 4 with Windows 98 and a Mac Mini from 2005. The Wii and genesis live in the basement, the rest of the consoles live in my bedroom. This list of tech is important in the ducstion that follows.
Q: Will you be buying one of the new consoles?
A: Since I am running low on room for my tech and am still "between" jobs, I am not. Not having enough space for everything is one issue. I also have to buy accessories for the consoles and make sure they are all working and with new consoles updated. I also half too buy games for them or else they just "sit on the shelf". These costs together make owning one of the new consoles too "expensive" for me at this time. Besides they are plenty of games for the conosles I own and at great pricses too.
Q: Why are two of the conosles in the basement?
A: I don't really have room for the genesis in my bedroom. One also needs more space for something like a Wii, especially if you "get in too" your games like I do.
Q: Do you use all those?
A: Yes.
Q: Often?
A: Some of them, like the old Mac(which is being overshadowed by the mini) not so much, but I still use it enough that I would miss it if I got rid of it.
Q: If you did get one of the new consoles, which would you get?
A: I would get a Wii U since I love my Nindento games. Yes it's not as "new" as the PS4 or Xbox One but I still consider it to be part of the same "generation" of consoles, just as the original Wii was part of the Xbox 360 and PS3 "generation".
Q: Will you upgrade your PC to the "next generation"?
A: PCs don't have "generations" since new hardware comes out a lot more frequently then ever 7 years. To answer this question yes, someday but at the moment I don't play enough current games to care to do so and I'm saving most of the money while a wait for a job.
That it for me for now. I thought up all those questions myself is "segways" into different things I wanted to discuss. If you do want to ask me a 'real' question post it in the comments and I will address it in a future blog article.
A: PS2(slim), Xbox(2003), SNES, N64, Wii and Sega Genesis, I also play games on the computer I'm writing this on. I also have 2 laptops, a Proforma 6400("vintage" Mac), a Pentium 4 with Windows 98 and a Mac Mini from 2005. The Wii and genesis live in the basement, the rest of the consoles live in my bedroom. This list of tech is important in the ducstion that follows.
Q: Will you be buying one of the new consoles?
A: Since I am running low on room for my tech and am still "between" jobs, I am not. Not having enough space for everything is one issue. I also have to buy accessories for the consoles and make sure they are all working and with new consoles updated. I also half too buy games for them or else they just "sit on the shelf". These costs together make owning one of the new consoles too "expensive" for me at this time. Besides they are plenty of games for the conosles I own and at great pricses too.
Q: Why are two of the conosles in the basement?
A: I don't really have room for the genesis in my bedroom. One also needs more space for something like a Wii, especially if you "get in too" your games like I do.
Q: Do you use all those?
A: Yes.
Q: Often?
A: Some of them, like the old Mac(which is being overshadowed by the mini) not so much, but I still use it enough that I would miss it if I got rid of it.
Q: If you did get one of the new consoles, which would you get?
A: I would get a Wii U since I love my Nindento games. Yes it's not as "new" as the PS4 or Xbox One but I still consider it to be part of the same "generation" of consoles, just as the original Wii was part of the Xbox 360 and PS3 "generation".
Q: Will you upgrade your PC to the "next generation"?
A: PCs don't have "generations" since new hardware comes out a lot more frequently then ever 7 years. To answer this question yes, someday but at the moment I don't play enough current games to care to do so and I'm saving most of the money while a wait for a job.
That it for me for now. I thought up all those questions myself is "segways" into different things I wanted to discuss. If you do want to ask me a 'real' question post it in the comments and I will address it in a future blog article.
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