I am sorry, but all this speculation, and hype on systems like this is only serving to fuel the paranoia, and put unnecessary cash into the hands of retailers of computers and computer parts dealers. (An nVidia 7900xx is only one series notch away from the top of what can be bought, and that's not going to run on max settings!?)

While that is not the "Best" setup one can buy. It is probably on the high end of the developers testing bench.

It is not like SHIV has been optimized to run multithreaded, or even DX10 (Unless i missed some news, or is being kept quiet.)

The system quoted there by hyperion is about typical of the majority of computers owners the world over. Anything better, is in the hands of rich people with nothing better to spend their money on. (Again sorry! But if like me you fall into the lower middle class/wage bracket then upgrading every six months to have the best out their is not a priority or even attainable in most cases.) Ubisoft is also not going to only panda to the top 10% of society who can run any software with a bazillion FPS.

If i am wrong, and a "Better" system is "Required" to run well on maxed settings, then in my opinion, there is something wrong with the software code.
A little common sense goes along way. People who need to upgrade, know who you are...:ping:

I somewhat agree, but a 7900GS is not a top end card, its considered upper medium nowadays. It wont run a new game like Medieval 2 on full blast, for instance.

The difference between a 7900GS and a 7900GTX is huge.

On the other hand, I`m betting a 7900GS will run SHIV like a charm on high/very high settings, as long as you stay away from FSAA.

The 7900XX may only be one series behind the top-end videocards out, but it isn't even close to the top end. Just because something is in 2nd place, doesn't mean a close finish. Also, the 7900GS is not as high-end as you think it is. It isn't exactly a 7900GTX...even then, the 8800GTX is still quite a ways beyond that.

You validate your position with a broad-based generalization? I'm rich and have nothing better to spend my money on because I like to upgrade my computer often? Ok. lol

Please explain how Ubisoft is pandering to anybody by giving EVERYBODY the ability to check and uncheck graphics options.

So, essentially, you desire that graphics development not continuously improve because it may adversely affect your wallet? Game developers should continuously improve on graphics, it's called progress. If there was no demand for it, we'd all still be playing AoD. Game development teams don't improve on graphics and "glitz" in order to amuse themselves. If they don't continuously improve, they fall behind...and if they fall behind, their customer base decreases...and we all know what happenes after that.

A little common sense DOES go a long way. :lol: ;)

Sorry, not trying to be rude, but your post cracks me up. :)

I think you're right! The 7900GS might not be the best card arround but I think that something must be wrong if you have to spend more than 300 € every 6 month or so just to run a game on maxed settings.
But I think you can't stop this trend: Sacrificing gameplay to get more and better graphics.:nope:

Just because graphics improve, doesn't mean gameplay suffers. It may suffer for those people who desire to only run games at "max settings", but that is hardly the developers fault. They can't exactly halt progress just because some people can't afford better. Should Mercedes stop making cars because a lot of people can't afford them? No. lol

Should the developers only make games that run great on lower-end machines? What about those who can afford better?

There's a reason there is a "Graphics Settings/Options" tab in-game. lol

Wouldn't you prefer games that have will look better as your hardware improves vs games that will look the same despite your upgrades?

Perhaps I'm wrong but I do think that if devs concentrate on getting better and better graphics gameplay will suffer.
Today a dev diary was published on the German SH4 site were on dev said that Ubisoft management forced the devs to concentrate on the look of some Japanese villages because they wanted it to look like Fac Cry. Quod erad demonstrandum.

How does improving look adversely affect gameplay?

IMO, it increases immersion which improves gameplay.

Likes/Dislikes are relative in the grand scheme of things since most people won't agree on what they find important with regards to "gameplay".

Keep in mind, that SHIV is not a brand new game...it's built on lessons learned from SH3 and includes graphical improvements.

I don't criticise SH4 because I do believe that it will rather smoothly on my PC and that gameplay and graphics will be balanced. But I do criticise that IMHO modern games concentrate on graphics and neglect gameplay. Many games have nice graphics but lack a good story or good quests (Runaway 2) or have great graphics and the AI is crap (Armed Assault). To me gameplay is far more important than graphics and I wish devs would think the same.

The AI is not crap in Armed Assault, but its not great. Looking foreward to the patch coming soon.

I never said development companies shouldn't improve upon the technology, that's just insane, and my comments were solely directed at SHIV, and despite it's enhanced graphics engine, it is still 2 years or so old. It still should not need a Quad core 4GB RAM, duel nVidia 8800xx SLI, 10000rpm 1TB sata, ect, ect, to run at full settings.
If for instance i was talking about Crysis as an example. then to run that at the stated setup, will take 1.5 years of technology growth, if you believe the hype.

The sad part is that Crysis will prob. take something like that to run at max settings. LOL

Speed Demon Rig
 

Ol' faithful here is eagerly awaiting SH4s arrivial (all 6MHz of it). Hopefully the Deluxe Edition includes SH4 on 5.25" diskettes.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...subsim/ibm.jpg

Can't wait.

The good ol' days.

"How much for 4mb of RAM?"

"$400."

"GREAT! It's on sale!"

Maybe instead of upgrading my desk top I will buy a "kicka$$" laptop so I can enjoy SH4 on the go. Any recommendations on a top-end (under 2k but would prefer $1500) laptop that will let SH4 run in all of its glory?

ASO544

You may need to adjust your budget a little. Nevertheless, here are a few considerations:

m5790

Dell XPS 1710

Rock Xtreme CTX Pro