Let’s Talk: Backwards Compatibility and Futureproofing

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy made headlines recently with the initial announcement that only the first of the three games would be included on the disc. The other games, well they would have to be downloaded. As a practice which players are growing increasingly annoyed with, the backlash was predictable, and it was heavy.

Sources close to YouTuber YongYea reveal that publisher Activision, one of the big names in the business when it comes to anti-consumer practices (having pulled similar crap with the most recent god-awful Tony Hawk game), decided to delay the release date as the developer Toys for Bob requested. This so all games could be on the disc at launch, and so the players who bought the game without a fast or readily accessible internet connection could, you know, play the games they bought.

While this does a fine job of showing how little regards some developers have for fans of their properties over their drive for short-term profit, it’s made us wonder about what form we can expect from the future of rereleases, especially when it comes to the prospect of backward compatibility for future consoles.

Why Consoles?

For those unfamiliar with the concept of backward compatibility, the general idea is the ability of the next generation of consoles to run games from the previous generation. This rather than the trend of full HD remakes or remasters would allow a product bought last generation to simply run on insertion in the next generation of machine. For examples of this, we can look back at the PS1/PS2 generation, as PS2’s were almost perfectly capable of running any PS1 game as normal, or even improved with better texture filtering and load times.

As for the other consoles and PC, they had decided to take a slightly different path. PC, as it stands, does not really necessitate such backward compatibility, as similar architecture and open modding communities mean that many older games will either run with tweaks, or can be accurately emulated with the likes of DOSBOX or other fan-created front-ends.

Setting Precedent

For the post-PS2 generation of Sony consoles backward compatibility would become an especially difficult task, most notably again as illustrated by Sony’s line of consoles. The reasons why the PS1 could be emulated so simply, in large part, came down to the relative simplicity of the device and its internal structure. The PS2 and PS3, on the other hand, relied on more complex and specialised hardware, meaning that tricks and emulation was not an easily viable task.

Of course, there were attempts, many PS3s came with a great chip allowing for PS2 backward compatibility, but there were versions (including my own) which had this feature stripped in the interest of cost-cutting. So while backward compatibility over the PS2 to PS3 was possible there were issues, and these were only exacerbated when extending this from the next generation – from the Cell architecture of the PS3 to the more traditional setups inside the PS4. On top of this, the PS4 did not include backward compatibility back to the PS1 or 2, instead relying on certain emulated version of classic and hit games over the PSN store. Keep this in mind, we’ll get back to it later.

Microsoft with the Xbox had set themselves up a little better when it comes to backward compatibility, as their devices were much more similar to straight upgrades over the previous generations. This meant adding backward compatibility to these games could be managed far easier, and is why the backward compatibility of the Xbox is seen as the best in the console world. Even now, the Xbox One (the third Xbox) allows many games to be run on a PC, pushing sideways or forward compatibility in a way from which other console manufacturers could really learn.

Nintendo, as it currently stands, can run the gambit when it comes to backward compatibility. Among their earlier and well-received attempts stand the likes of the GameBoy Player for the GameCube. This effectively acted as a dock for the GameCube, and allowed GameBoy and GBA games to be inserted, and played on a regular television screen. This was a real step forward and unfortunately shows quite a different tack than Nintendo does today.

One of the big victories for the Nintendo range of systems has been the eShop, the online storefront where games both old and new are put up for purchase. The joy here is that Nintendo uses simple emulator systems to run older games, giving fans of SNES or GBA games the ability to play without the need for annoying extra systems. The issue from this is that purchases from these stores are not transferrable to newer devices. Anything you bought on the Wii U is locked to the Wii U, as in probably never going to be seen again, and the same is true for the 3DS store.

The issue here is that many of these games, as mentioned, are simply emulated. Carrying these games over to newer devices, especially when they are already tied to accounts, is an incredibly simple task for an organisation the size of Nintendo, yet ostensibly they show no interest. While this is great for Nintendo’s bottom line, at least in the short term, it really hampers purchases when buyers consider that these are locked, and have a shelf-life equal to that of the console itself.

Let’s get back to the PSN store. Like the eShop, the PSN store allows the purchase of many older games from older generations, which are then emulated on modern devices. While the quality of these emulation efforts can leave a lot to be desired (a recent purchase of Jak 3 on PS4 was very disappointing for me), they come with the added benefit of often being backward and cross-compatible between different Sony devices. Granted that this is tied to the currently limited range of the PS3, PS4, and Vita, but the point here is that a purchase once adds the game to your account, and once in your account this game remains, and can potentially be played from a variety of devices now and in the future.

Coming Soon

Still waiting for a point?

The point of this article is to wonder at the goal of the future of these efforts, if backward compatibility will follow a path similar to what Sony is trying, or whether it will follow Nintendo’s trajectory. While one of the big boons here is that the increasing standardisation of console architecture into increasingly PC-like devices means that the effort and act of backward compatibility is easier than ever before, the video game industry itself is business first and foremost.

Making future games offer greater levels of backward compatibility is great for fans, but it means that efforts like Nintendo’s to resell old stock over and over again is no longer going to see a profit, and profit, as we know, is the goal of business. Then this runs the question of what is more profitable in the longterm – reselling but reducing customer confidence, or not reselling, incurring a potential initial loss of profit, but increasing overall consumer confidence.

This leaves us the interesting mystery of what this portion of the future of console gaming will look like. Are all future generations going to allow us to run our old games with minimal fuss? Will they work out of the box or require slight emulation or tweaking as with Xbox? Will games from now on be developed with future-proofing in mind, and might they see actual gameplay improvements when run on the more powerful devices of tomorrow?

With the next generation, only a few years out we have to wonder exactly what form this aspect of gaming will take. What are your hopes and fears for how things will shake out next?

So QuakeCon 2018 has come and gone, and with it we have a heap of information and gameplay footage for the follow-up to the amazing Doom 2016, Doom Eternal. As enormous fans of the entire Doom series, this was something which had us up to hype levels which we would usually never recommend when it comes to gaming expectations but damn, damn does this look good.

Don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself?

So, what has changed, what additions do we see to the Doom 2016 formula, and what call-backs have we seen to the original games in the series? As your unofficial Doom Guy, I’ll do my best to point out everything I picked up.

Setting

Doom 2016 took place within the Mars UAC installation and Hell itself, with our Doomguy being the only living flesh creature to pass between the two worlds. After a long and brutal effort to close the hell portals and destroy Argent (hell) Energy production, we ended with the enigmatic Samuel Hayden stealing the equally mysterious Crucible sword from Doomguy, teleporting him away, and ostensibly continuing his research into the use of Hell energy.

Based on what we have seen, this did not go well.

The team at ID have made it a priority to increase the variety of locations in Eternal, with the Martian moon of Phobos appearing as a playable location in one video, and an apparently Hell-invaded Earth being the setting for another. While chances are these will not be the only explorable locations, the idea of being on a demon infested earth is one reiterated from Doom II, albeit with an ever-so-slightly increased emphasis on fidelity. 25 years of technological advancement will do that.

In terms of the story, we know that the UAC seems to both know of Doomguy, and be sufficiently terrified of him.

Gameplay

One of the first changes noted by ID over the previous Doom game is an increased shift towards single player content. Doom 2016’s launch was a bit off in this regard, with a great deal of marketing attention being towards a competitive multiplayer component that very few wanted, or were excited for. Also noted in a post QuakeCon interview was how the designers wished they had focussed more on single player DLC over multi for the reboot, which they claim has been their new direction going into Doom Eternal. This also means that Snapmap is not looking likely, though on our end we can’t really say we’ll miss it.

The better news? ID has stated that proper modding is something which they aiming for somewhere down the line. While this is not an easy task given the megatexture technology of the recent ID Tech game engines, the fact that they are willing to finally make this step is a huge boon to long-time fans, with the original Doon standing as one of the most moddable and actively modded games to this day.

In terms of multiplayer, it would not surprise us to see similar deathmatch and other gametypes from the previous games included, just in a lesser capacity. What has us more excited is a Dark Soulseque way of invading other players games as demons, should they have the option enabled. Not only does it seem like a lot of fun in terms of messing with people, it shows that the team has managed to get multiplayer working in the base game, meaning true story based cooperative play might appear somewhere down the line.

Weapons and Gear

So far the weapons we have seen share a lot in common with those of the last game, in a similar fashion to what we saw with the original Doom and Doom 2. While some guns appear to be replaced entirely with similarly acting alternatives, there are others which retain the same name, while changing their alternative fires.

The Siege Cannon from 2016 appears to be replaced by the Ballista, a weapon which operates in much the same way while relying on what appears to be Hell Energy, as is also the case with the Rocket Launcher. The single shotgun, on the other hand, has seen its grenade secondary replaced with a delayed sticky bomb, and its triple shot secondary replaced by a much more terrifying automatic fire mode. While these are great, our favourite so far has to be the super-shotgun, which has seen a grappling hook added as a secondary. While this cannot be used on the environment, it can be used to quickly pull Doomguy closer to the enemy, up into the sky, or across gaps, giving not only a great way to get all up in their business, but also in opening up opportunities for dodging and traversal.

Further aiding in movement is the new dash system, which appears to be linked to the double jump mechanic. In the videos we saw, Doomguy had access to two recharging boosts available both on the ground and in the air, giving even greater ease in workplace mobility, and bringing the game even closer to the insane speed of the originals.

What used to be the grenades has now been replaced by a shoulder mounted launcher, operating in much the same way. Rather than having to stop and throw, Doomguy can now pop a grenade out without the use of his hand, and this can also be swapped out for a flamethrower, with additional fire modes being probable.

Of course, the chainsaw reappears, remaining as a great tool for both instantly despatching an enemy and refilling your ammunition. In fact, the shoulder mounted flamethrower appears to act in a similar fashion, as shooting burning enemies seemed to guarantee armour drops, though time will tell if this is correct.

We know runes will return, with the powered up punch rune we have seen so far being found, rather than earned through a Rune Trial as in the previous game. We also know that Glory Kills are as important and satisfying as ever. These are further aided by the addition of the knife to Doomguy’s suit, and though many were wondering if this might signify a completely different form of Glory Kills, we would bet on it being utilised more as a way to extend the variety of possibilities, rather than a completely separate mode.

Also nice are the little health blue health containers found on the map, which is a fun little callback to the +1 health potions of the original Dooms.

Enemies

Again harkening back to the improvement of Doom II over the original Doom, Doom eternal looks to double the number of enemies, and open up the behaviours and appearances of those we’ve already seen. Imps look closer to their original counterparts, with boney protrusions invoking their classic expression, while the Cacodemons now bleed their original blue.

Gargoyles now patrol the unfriendly skies, supported in the air by classic enemies like the Pain Elemental, while Doom II style Mancubi and new Arachnotrons shoot from the ground. Aiding in this are new forms of older enemies, such as the newer blade-wielding Barron of Hell. Even better, enemies take visible damage from the punishment Doomguy dishes out, with the Baron’s being especially impressive as each shot tears away their flesh, revealing innards tied together with the energy of hell itself.

With a release date slated for December 28, 2018, it won’t be too long until we get our hands on this Doom Eternal. Oh, and hey, remember these guys?

Rip and Tear.

Released on the 24th of August 1997, Goldeneye 007 was a true rarity among console games and is far from what we might consider a traditional game for a Nintendo platform. Released as a first-person shooter from the most family-friendly console developer, Goldeneye came with some of the most advanced shooting and response mechanics we had seen yet. While the game itself could never reach Doom regarding opening the entire genre up to the world, there were many innovations and additions which helped popularise Goldeneye as one of the best Nintendo 64 games, and as one of the most influential games of all time.

Missions, Objectives, and Necessity

Goldeneye existed back in a time where a traditional level-based structure was standard. Released over a year before the success of Half-Life would shift the focus of single-player campaigns to the more connected and naturally flowing form of levels and level progression, Goldeneye gave its players a level-select screen.

While a couple of these would share the same maps the rest were completely unique, with each managing to pull off a remarkably distinct feel given the hilariously outdated limitations of the N64 and its cartridge-based format. Seriously, for our younger readers out there, your phone is at minimum ten-times as powerful as the Nintendo 64, and that’s if you’re using an incredibly outdated model.

This focus on single and separate levels not only allowed for the crafting of isolated maps, it also played a key part in how the difficulty system would come to affect the gameplay. Goldeneye came with four different levels of difficulty, Agent, Secret Agent, 00 Agent, and 007, from easiest to hardest. Each step up in difficulty increased the damage taken by the player as well as the enemy accuracy, reaction speeds and, in many cases, the quantity in which they appeared. Countered by a decrease in ammo pickups from killed enemies and a lower quantity of body armour, and you have a system which is similar to the more advanced difficulties settings of today. What really set these difficulties apart, and gave this game so much replayability, were the objectives.

As the difficulty level increased the more objectives would be added to each level, completely changing how each level would be approached. Combine this with the different tactics required to manage the increased threat, and you had a system which, even today, few games manage to match.

For an example let’s take a look at Dam, the much-loved first level. On the Agent difficulty, the player needed only guide Bond to bungee jumping off of the dam, nice and simple. Secret Agent difficulty and above added the requirement to destroy every alarm, as you would expect the murder of many guards by a secret agent to trigger something of an aggressive response. On the highest of the difficulties, players would also be required to install a convert modem to aid in data theft, as well as intercept a data backup to send back to MI:6. This variety proved a huge sticking point and is a means of changing the challenge which we really wish had stuck around, rather than today’s more common approach of simply decreasing damage done, and increase damage taken.

Stop Screen-Looking

Not content to just offer one of the best single-player campaigns in gaming history, Goldeneye went a step further in creating arguably the most famous console-based multiplayer shooter experience of all time, maybe just behind Halo. Up to four players could fight simultaneously on the eleven different levels, each choosing from dozens of unlockable characters. Combine this with a highly varied and customizable weapon set and you had a widely varied deathmatch game where each player or group of friends had their own favourite setup.

Aztec, proximity bombs and pistols only. Stop glitching the bombs invisible, that’s not fair.

What is especially impressive here is that the multiplayer in Goldeneye was only added within the final weeks of production, with the idea being written off by some of the higher-ups as unwanted or unnecessary.

Such an experience on a single screen was a revelation, with nothing on PC or other consoles coming close to the fun which this opened up to the world. For many, it also happened to mark the first time they saw somebody physically attack another person over a video game.

Strafe-Running Into History

Aiding the variety of both the single and multiplayer Goldeneye experience was the addition of various cheats. These were unlocked by beating specific levels on specific difficulties, within a certain time. While not the first instance of unlockables based on completion time, this would prove itself as one of the first introductions which countless players would see into something new – the concept of speedrunning.

Funnily enough, it’s not easy to find high-def images of Goldeneye

Almost twenty years since its release and Goldeneye still maintains one of the most active and diverse speedrunning communities in the world, with work from community figureheads like RWhiteGoose helping raise the level of professionalism of the sport, while maintaining the humour which can notoriously suffer in the age of mainstream speedrunning.

Like Fine Milk

Pick up and play Super Mario or Doom today and be amazed at how perfectly they hold up. Goldeneye, however, was not quite so lucky. Most of this comes down to a framerate which topped out at 30 at the best of times, and could easily drop to the low teens in the more resource intensive of levels.

Because of this, it can be incredibly difficult to get back into the game or jump into it all for new players. This slowdown is much worse in the multiplayer as well, with the FPS dropping to single-digits in the worst case scenarios. While there was a direct remaster planned for the Xbox 360, which would have seen a perfect locked 60FPS experience, this release never saw the light of day, leaving our choices unfortunately limited.

As it stands today, the only real way to play Goldeneye with decent performance is to emulate it with a very helpful program developed by Joel Middendorf called 1964. While you should at least have a legal copy of the game on hand to make this ethically sound, it does allow old fans to jump back into an experience which holds up incredibly well. It says a lot that a simple performance boost is all this game needs to still hold its own today, even translating extremely well to a mouse-and-keyboard WASD setup.

Bonding Time

The legend of Goldeneye is one permanently marked into the history of gaming. Acting not only as one of the most progressive entries into gaming at the time, but as a game with one of the most enduring legacies, Goldeneye will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of the art. While much of the team who created the game would go on to create the amazing Perfect Dark, and then almost perfect Time Splitters series, it is Goldeneye which remains their greatest legacy.