During the keynote presentation at MWSF, "iCEO" Steve Jobs presented arguably
the single biggest innovation in Mac gaming from Connectix; the Virtual Gaming Station,
or CVGS. This groundbreaking software, is actually a hardware emulator for the #1
gaming hardware device, the Sony PlayStation (PSX) which according to Sony, on average
sells about one million units per month. After the keynote we stopped by the Connectix
booth to wade through the people to pick the GM to see what it's all about.
The way the CVGS works is the software actually intercepts the hardware command calls
to the PSX, and translates them into readable G3 code that in turn is presented in
a full screen view on your monitor. We had to run out and pick up a few new PSX games
to test this out on, so we took the evening off and hit the streets of San Francisco
looking for a few new toys. When we got back to the hotel we were ready to install
the software, making sure to read all of the included ReadMe files that came on the
CD. Unless you have the latest ATI drivers and updates, even if you don't have any
ATI hardware in your machine, you needed to do a driver install and update, ignoring
all warnings (as stated in the documentation). We rebooted and were ready to go.
One of our first impressions of CVGS was that it was definitely not out to win any
artwork awards. It comes up with a simple splash screen that asks you to insert your
PSX game of choice. First time users will have to hit the 'ESC' key to get to the
hidden task bar where  you can customize the individual control
keys. The 'Preferences' screen is well thought out, and simple enough for the novice
gamer to navigate. Now for the best part of the whole program…the ability to create
and swap in and out memory cards. The virtual memory cards, which emulate the 15
block versions, max out at 158kb. So, sharing your memory cards with friends is as
easy as sending them e-mail. Just recently, companies like InterAct
introduced it's DexDrive, a hardware solution that allows you to back up your memory
cards to your PC from your PSX or N64. In this case, the coding format remains the
same, so you can swap virtual memory cards freely among other CVGS users.
Gameplay
We tried CVGS out on three games, Crash Bandicoot Warped, Metal Gear Solid, and Andretti
Racing. All three games worked with no problems, yet we are still playing through
Metal Gear to test the ability of CVGS to recognize the need for a disc change. We'll
update you as soon as we play though. We tested the software out on two systems,
an upgraded PowerMac 8500 (G3-250), and a G3 desktop (G3-300). Gameplay was marginally
smoother on the new G3 desktop, and the only problems that we noticed were in games
where there was full motion video (FMV) and CD audio playing at the same time, CVGS
seemed to give priority to the FMV. The audio was choppy, but for the most part bearable
to listen to. During the actual gameplay, action was fluid, and control response
was precise. As we mentioned before, the setup for the keyboard controls presents
you with a picture of a controller, and in typical PSX game setup fashion, allows
you to easily customize the controls. We asked Connectix about the addition of a
third party controller, and they said it was possible as long as the controller was
compatible with Apple's Gamesprockets libraries. Gameplay was not horrible by any
means on the keyboard, but serious gamers will prefer a separate controller. No Dual-Shock
controllers will be supported since Connectix stated that they are happy being a
software only company now. No comments were made about the availability of analog
control in later versions.
Compatibility
Another concern from the serious PSX gamer is the ability to play imported PSX games,
primarily from Japan, which tend to be early releases of titles here in the US. Connectix
stated that since the software is intended to be used on North American computer
systems with  North American releases of PSX games, support for the
imports would not be available at this time, but may change in future revisions.
Connectix used special coded routines to prevent the play of imports. CVGS is in
no way affiliated with, or licensed by Sony, so at this point, making enemies would
not be a good idea. They set out to do what they intended, create a software equivalent
of a Sony PlayStation, and they did so.
What's next?
In talking with Connectix, IGM found out that planning and development of CVGS has
been going on for about three years. Plans for a PC version of the emulator are in
the planning stages, but nothing has been officially planned for as of yet. Connectix
did say that future plans look bright for developing other software emulators for
console systems such as the N64 and the Sega Dreamcast, since the power of the G3
chip by far surpasses the processor speed in today's console systems. Once again,
these are all in the planning stages; no formal announcements have been made yet.
Summary
Connectix has created quite a stir not only in MWSF, but also in the complete Mac
gaming community. This is the first piece of software of this kind for any platform,
and it was one of the few individual titles mentioned by Steve Jobs at the keynote
speech. We believe that CVGS will revolutionize not only Mac gaming, but console
gaming as well. With recent Sony press stating that the company  loses
money on the individual consoles, but makes up for it with game sales, this should
be a welcome addition to the gaming market. Keyboard control is tolerable, but recent
booming trends in Mac peripherals, especially USB products, make traditional control
easy and affordable. An easy to understand setup screen makes it comfortable for
even the most novice gamer to sit down and jump right in to their favorite game.
Connectix has stated that while not every game is compatible, there are plenty out
there that are, and with updated technology in the game development market, more
titles will be more compatible in the coming months. We would like to see CVGS put
in an option to play import games in the future, but at the same time, we understand
their reasoning not to. Another small item that would be helpful would be the option
to select the size of your virtual memory card. Some sports games take up to 15 blocks
just to save one season. Questions arose when the requirements stated that you had
to have a non-upgraded G3, but as we have tested here, we only had minor audio skipping,
mostly during the FMV during the game introduction. Actual gameplay was not noticeably
affected. According to Connectix, the problem lies not with the processor, but the
Mac's bus. Apparently to move all the needed data, at least a 66 MHz system bus will
be needed. We believe that anyone with a G3 who is interested in gaming at all, should
have a copy of Connectix Virtual Gaming Station. It's time to raid the rental stores,
but please, leave a few for us.
Pros: Simple interface, easy controller setup, revolutionary software -- it's
a PlayStation in your G3
Cons: Support limited to G3 machines only, does not play foreign imports,
mandatory installation of ATI extensions and drivers |
