Sierra compilations pushed back again [Archive]

reno6

12-10-2005, 06:58 PM

Yeah. Supposed to be, leastwise. There's been no official word on them whatsoever. They were originally scheduled for an October 10th release. 10/10 came and went, and a few days later they were rescheduled to January 30th. And now they've been pushed back to April 4th, with a letter from Amazon asking me to approve my order since the date has been pushed so far away.

Word from Vivendi has been shaky, at best. I've heard three different email responses from three different people: one said that they flat-out denied the compilations' existence and the Amazon listing was a fluke; one said that VU could neither confirm nor deny their releases; and one said that they were real releases. I have no idea what to think anymore.

fov

12-10-2005, 08:41 PM

That's odd. I finally just received an email from Amazon today telling me my order (placed in Oct) would be delayed until January. :shifty:

Karmillo

12-10-2005, 08:43 PM

Has there been any box art or anything released?

reno6

12-10-2005, 10:43 PM

fov: That is odd...

Karmillo: No. Not a thing. Vivendi hasn't officially commented, there's no box art, nothing. It's depressingly little to look forward to, but there's always a chance it's real.

Karmillo

12-10-2005, 10:54 PM

I thought someone got an email back about it from VUGs anti piracy team or something?

reno6

12-10-2005, 10:58 PM

I thought someone got an email back about it from VUGs anti piracy team or something?

Yeah, but there's nothing actually at the website, no press releases or anything. Not even so much as a mention in a 'coming soon' list. I take these emails with a grain of salt, because:

I've heard three different email responses from three different people: one said that they flat-out denied the compilations' existence and the Amazon listing was a fluke; one said that VU could neither confirm nor deny their releases; and one said that they were real releases. I have no idea what to think anymore.

Karmillo

12-10-2005, 11:09 PM

Yeah, but there's nothing actually at the website, no press releases or anything. Not even so much as a mention in a 'coming soon' list. I take these emails with a grain of salt, because:

Do VUG have any of the old adventure games on their product list?
I couldnt remember ever seeing them there

Dasilva

12-11-2005, 01:43 AM

If you go to the downloads page you'll find all the old games from KQ, SQ, QFG, GK, LB etc.. on their page with patches and stuff.

Aurebesh

12-11-2005, 02:24 AM

Let's toy with those fanboy f*cks who still care so much about the trash that the Williamses made under our brand name 20 years ago:devil:
:shifty:

reno6

12-11-2005, 10:20 AM

insane_cobra

12-11-2005, 11:37 AM

Could it be they'll try to ride on the hype (possibly) generated by KQIX The Silver Lining?

reno6

12-11-2005, 11:40 AM

That's the first thing I thought when it was pushed back, that maybe they're waiting for Shadows before the collections go out. I certainly would not complain if it was released with the KQ set. Wishful thinking, though.

reno6

12-18-2005, 09:20 PM

The plot sickens. I just got another email from Amazon.com asking me to approve the Sierra order.

And now, it says my order will ship right after Christmas.

But the compilation pages still say March 30th.

:crazy:

Dasilva

12-19-2005, 01:29 AM

I think you should get your money back, I doubt they will ever get released.

fov

12-19-2005, 06:47 AM

Amazon doesn't charge you until they ship the product, so no worries about having to get money back.

That shipping after Christmas thing is very weird. I'm going to check my account and see if anything's changed. :crazy:

EDIT: Mine still says delivery April 10, 2006 - April 14, 2006. I never approved it after they sent me the email about the delay, though.

RLacey

12-19-2005, 08:50 AM

I know I've said it before, but I'd be very, very surprised if these actually exist.

reno6

12-19-2005, 09:24 AM

Here's what I've got on my order status page:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d67/kingbagel/compilationconundrum.jpg

I'm not too concerned about whether or not I get them, as I already own each series. I'm just eager to know if they do, in fact, exist. The random delays and runaround make me all the more curious. I wonder if Amazon would be able to offer any insight into this thing. Maybe I'll write to them.

Gonchi

12-19-2005, 01:11 PM

Well, if you're willing to gamble $20 on it, why not confirm one and see what happens?

Incidentally, you wouldn't be the same Reno that posted in the QfG forums a few years ago, would you?

reno6

12-19-2005, 05:18 PM

Incidentally, you wouldn't be the same Reno that posted in the QfG forums a few years ago, would you?

Sure would.

Gonchi

12-20-2005, 01:50 AM

Small world. http://www.geocities.com/afsguardian/StickManDancingBlueB.gif

Dasilva

12-20-2005, 03:35 AM

Sure would.

Are you also the same Reno from the Janitorial Times?

reno6

12-20-2005, 09:21 AM

Are you also the same Reno from the Janitorial Times?

The very same. I haven't been on either forum for years; I'm surprised people remember me.

Also, if you see a KingBagel, that would be me, too.

Mattsius

12-22-2005, 09:12 AM

It was odd -- for a while, they had a few of the old games listed on their site. I distinctly remember seeing Space Quest V listed, with a link to buy it at Amazon.com (even though you could still only buy it used). There was also a page put up listing all of the Space Quest games at one point in time, even linking to the Space Quest 3 promotional video. I think there were other individual Sierra games listed, too, but I can't remember for sure.

This was all a long time ago, though. A year or two, I'd say. These collections just kind of popped up out of nowhere. I seem to remember that there was talk about a new Space Quest game a couple of years ago. More or less at the same time as the speculation about the possible new Larry game I think. Or was it before or after the Larry game was confirmed? Hmm... I don't bloody know...

reno6

12-22-2005, 10:59 AM

That was well before the LSL8 rumors -- those suddenly popped up when a Computer Games magazine cover was leaked. There was a Space Quest project in the works, widely thought to have been by a company called Escape Factory, and that's probably why the SQ list page was put up.

There's a bunch of archived information here. (http://www.spacequest.net/sq7/escapefactory/index.shtml) Just about everything there is to know about the Escape Factory project is at that link.

Dasilva

12-22-2005, 11:50 AM

RENO!! Wow, looks like all the SQN crew are rejoining here. Funky Dory! :)

Legolas813

02-02-2006, 11:17 PM

I noticed Target.com also has these compilations listed. Their release date says March 6, while Amazon says March 31. I guess that give us some hope, though I'm doubtful these will ever be released.

Legolas813

02-17-2006, 01:26 PM

Space Quest compilation is down to $11.99. Probably will never be released, but it's there if you want to pre-order.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000AYH89M/qid=1127445854/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9420651-2927137?v=glance&s=videogames&n=507846

Phod

02-17-2006, 01:29 PM

Given EA just released every single Command and Conquer game remastered for Windows XP (supposedly), that may give some minor hope that these are legit.

RLacey

02-17-2006, 02:13 PM

They don't exist. At this point I'm willing to bet something on them not existing.

avatar_58

02-17-2006, 02:50 PM

They don't exist. At this point I'm willing to be something on them not existing.

I want to know how the hell amazon gets away with putting vapourware for pre-sale.

Legolas813

02-17-2006, 03:31 PM

^ And Target.

Phod

02-17-2006, 09:12 PM

I seem to remember threads on here that Ken Williams and Al Lowe were people who actually responded to forum posts or emails... no one has tried that route?

fov

02-17-2006, 09:16 PM

Contact them about the compilations, you mean? They wouldn't know anything.

Ken Williams and Al Lowe have not had anything to do with Sierra's business decisions in a long, long time.

Toefur

02-17-2006, 11:54 PM

The internet is a funny old thing. I love it how Amazon's coming soon titles can spread around the internet as a definitive means of information. Us naysayers may be proved wrong, but already on a number of sites I have seen people refer to, "Sierra's upcoming releases of the Quest collections..." etc.

I still don't think it will exist.

Phod

02-19-2006, 09:02 PM

Contact them about the compilations, you mean? They wouldn't know anything.

Ken Williams and Al Lowe have not had anything to do with Sierra's business decisions in a long, long time.

I know, but I thought they would have at least caught wind of it if it was actually true.

Lucien21

02-19-2006, 09:54 PM

You could theorise that VU put the game listings on amazon as a marketing tool to test how popular they may be if they did release them.

Rayvielle

02-20-2006, 01:58 AM

I doubt Amazon would make it up.

Perhaps it was considered as an option for release, but for whatever reason they're pushing it back, or have just decided not too bother releasing the compilations, yet haven't informed retailers.

Were the compilations EVER officially announced?

thriftweed

02-20-2006, 02:59 AM

Amazon is really odd like that, they have had a book from the design company I work for on Pre-Order for the last year and it hasn't even started production. It is usually when a publisher has talks about producing a product and then it doesn't end up happening. I wouldn't hold your breath for it coming out in the near future.

fov

02-20-2006, 08:32 AM

I know, but I thought they would have at least caught wind of it if it was actually true.

Doubtful. They don't have any connection to Vivendi.

Were the compilations EVER officially announced?

No, they weren't. And several inquiries about them to VU went unanswered. When I finally managed to get someone on the phone he said, "Oh, I don't think those are assigned to anyone for promotion." Then he said he'd get back to me and never called back.

I'm pretty sure Amazon didn't make them up. But at this point, I'm also pretty sure they don't exist, and that even if they did Vivendi has no intention of marketing them so they have a snowball's chance in hell of selling.

Sad, because I was really excited about them about nine months ago. ;)

RLacey

02-20-2006, 08:40 AM

I hate to say I told you so, but... well...

I told you so.

fov

02-20-2006, 08:42 AM

I hate to say I told you so, but... well...

I told you so.

Did you? It's been so long I can't even remember. :D

Luke

02-21-2006, 08:27 AM

I see no point in religiously checking the compilations' pages on Amazon to see if they've been pushed back again anymore. But for me, the clencher was the "legal disclaimer" saying that "orders are not guaranteed." I still hold out a little hope, but I'm pretty sure, as fov said, that the compilations are nonexistent. It's very suspicious when a company won't announce something--one way or the other--in response to continued fan and outside media speculation.

I wonder if the continued pushbacks may have something to do with the fact that Vivendi may be trying to tweak the games so they're more compatible with WinXP (KQ6 Win, for example). Since the people who programmed the AGI and SCI engines are long gone, Vivendi's current programmers would have to learn how the engines work in a very indirect way. Who knows, they may even be developing some kind of emulator, a la DOSBox.

Pure speculation, sure. I used to be optimistic, but I'm not anymore. I'm not going to cancel my pre-orders, though.

avatar_58

02-21-2006, 01:12 PM

Personally I don't believe any of them until VUgames states they are releasing them. Remember, in some regions....amazon showed Duke Nukem Forever for pre-order. ;)

Dasilva

02-21-2006, 01:42 PM

True.

John

02-21-2006, 08:02 PM

Maybe there waiting for the new windows Viesta to come out and fix it so it could also work on both windows XP and Viesta.

John

artwking4

02-23-2006, 07:25 PM

Gamespot says it's official (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6144828.html)now.

VUG takes on old Quests

Classic adventure games from Sierra are set for re-release for Windows XP; compilation packs will cost around $20.

Once upon a time, Sierra Entertainment, now a subsidiary of VU Games, was the leader in PC adventure games. It's most famous franchise was the King's Quest series, which originated in 1984, but the game's formula spread to space in Space Quest, the streets in Police Quest, and the hormonally charged libido of Leisure Suit Larry.
However, in order to give those games a whirl, today's gamers need a computer running on ancient operating systems.
That's about to change, thanks to some new re-releases from VU Games. A VUG representative confirmed to GameSpot that the publisher is preparing compilation packs of the above four series that will run on Windows XP.
Each set will contain multiple games in the series, but it is unknown exactly which ones will be included. The price of retro gaming won't be a king's ransom--the sets are priced at $20. No release dates have been announced, but product pages (http://tinyurl.com/oa78f) on online retailers' Web sites say the games will be available in late March. More information in expected in the upcoming weeks.

But, ahem... " Each set will contain multiple games in the series, but it is unknown exactly which ones will be included"? If they don't have the entire series, then what is the point, really?

Spiwak

02-23-2006, 07:55 PM

Legolas813

02-23-2006, 08:12 PM

Nice. :)

"A VUG representative confirmed to GameSpot that the publisher is preparing compilation packs of the above four series that will run on Windows XP."

artwking4

02-23-2006, 08:13 PM

I dunno...to play the best ones, I guess? They're ALL the best. Obviously.:shifty:

:D

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 08:18 PM

Wait why can't they all go on one DVD?

I just checked my copies of KQ, SQ, PQ and LSL and all games (cd versions and all) come up to 3.3gb. Umm....DVDs hold 4.5 so there really is no excuse.

nikoniko

02-23-2006, 08:19 PM

It doesn't say that Vivendi has no intentions of releasing the complete sets. The only piece of information that clearly came from VUG was that they are preparing compilation packs of KQ, SQ, PQ and LSL that will run on Windows XP. The author concludes from the word "compilation" that multiple games will be included in each pack, and throws out the "unknown" part as a disclaimer.

Duncan

02-23-2006, 08:19 PM

But, ahem... " Each set will contain multiple games in the series, but it is unknown exactly which ones will be included"? If they don't have the entire series, then what is the point, really?

Well that statement doesn't preclude having the whole series in the compilation. I think it's pretty unlikely* that they'll just select three or four random games from each series, though I guess it's possible that they'd exclude, like, the SWAT games or the Larry Casino thing or maybe the remakes even.

* disclaimer: up until right now I also thought it was pretty unlikely that these things would ever get released, so what do I know.

artwking4

02-23-2006, 08:21 PM

Yeah, but the author planted the seeds of doubt. That was real mean of him.

nikoniko

02-23-2006, 08:24 PM

Wait why can't they all go on one DVD?

People are more likely to feel they're getting their money's worth by purchasing four box sets for $20 each than a single box with one disc for $80. Vivendi would only sell to the really diehard fans if they bundled them all together and slapped an $80 price tag on them. This way, through stores like Target and such, they can potentially reach a much wider market, including people who have never played the games before. Vivendi, despite what you'd think from some of the crap they've released under their name, does want to make money, and this is a better way to do that than what you suggest.

artwking4

02-23-2006, 08:25 PM

They could just be good sports and put them all on one DVD and sell it for $30.

But noooo...

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 08:28 PM

Are you mad? VUgames will end up skimping on the collections by releasing the DVDs in paper sleeves this way.....as they will think DVD cases for 4 releases is too much.

I would rather have one fancy DVD case with one dvd than 4 discs in paper sleeves in a box.

nikoniko

02-23-2006, 08:30 PM

Yeah, but the author planted the seeds of doubt. That was real mean of him.

I agree, that whole sentence should have been left out. But having no new information other than confirmation that these sets are real and will run on XP, he succumbed to the powerful temptation to write filler. Now watch, that Gamespot statement is going to start showing up on websites everywhere, causing people to worry that Vivendi might make a mess of things. Which they might, but we don't have any supporting evidence to come to that conclusion.

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 08:44 PM

I'm worried about the sound. I would like them to record MT-32 versions and use them rather than force us to use windows midi wouldn't you? They probably won't care...

Hell, they already exist on Queststudios...so why not strike a deal?

nikoniko

02-23-2006, 08:54 PM

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 08:57 PM

If we can make any conjecture based on past compilations from various companies, they will do the absolute minimum necessary to update the games for running on modern PCs. But please, Vivendi, feel free to prove me wrong. :)

At least EA spent money to put it on one DVD in a nice case with the original content largely untouched.

artwking4

02-23-2006, 09:03 PM

I wonder how they'll handle manuals and copy protection. The manuals for Space Quest at least were a blast to read through. I don't have much confidence in getting anything printed in the box from VUG. But they better at least scan everything and put it in a pdf file. In color, too, for crying out loud!

Legolas813

02-23-2006, 09:05 PM

Putting all the compilations on a single DVD makes horrible business sense. It will never happen. No company is that stupid.

About the packaging, I predict paper sleeves and PDF manuals.

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 09:09 PM

Putting all the compilations on a single DVD makes horrible business sense. It will never happen. No company is that stupid.

I'm finding it hard to justify spending $30 CAD on three half-assed compilations. Paying one price ($49-59 CAD) for one dvd makes more sense to me. Taking the financial hit to one release versus 4 makes more business sense to me. If they don't sell its going to be one very bad message sent....:frown:

artwking4

02-23-2006, 09:10 PM

Putting all the compilations on a single DVD makes horrible business sense. It will never happen. No company is that stupid.Take that back! You can't accuse VU Games of having good business sense!

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 09:12 PM

Is there even one single VUgames release that comes in a DVD case? I know Simpsons Hit & Run is in a CD case, but everything else (even fear directors) is in paper sleeves.

Legolas813

02-23-2006, 09:14 PM

Do you guys get the cardboard boxes in Canada, like the U.S.?

avatar_58

02-23-2006, 09:18 PM

Do you guys get the cardboard boxes in Canada, like the U.S.?

Whatever U.S. gets, we get. There are no Canadian versions :frown:

EA and Ubisoft are great, they come in nice DVD plastic thick cases. The ideal release.

VUgames and a few others are cheap bastards who use cardboard boxes with paper sleeves and 8 million cds with barely any dvd releases. :shifty:

IMHO CD releases should stop. DVD is mainstream now and we can rely on it. If PS/2 and Xbox can all have DVD cases then why not PC? Every game should be in those.

Legolas813

02-23-2006, 09:31 PM

The news has been posted on Joystiq:

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/23/classic-sierra-adventure-games-re-released/

nikoniko

02-23-2006, 09:31 PM

Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus came in a CD case.

Uh... don't ask why I know that. :P

Jackal

02-24-2006, 06:05 AM

Gamespot is claiming a Vivendi confirmation (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6144828.html). I remain skeptical. :shifty: (And still won't consider it official unless we can get it confirmed ourselves).

artwking4

02-24-2006, 08:04 AM

I remember posting about Gamespot's confirmation last night. Nobody reads previous posts unless they're on the same page? :P

Jackal

02-24-2006, 08:26 AM

No no, it's just yours I ignore. :devil:

Phod

02-24-2006, 09:32 AM

This part has me worried:

Each set will contain multiple games in the series, but it is unknown exactly which ones will be included.

such great heights

02-24-2006, 11:51 AM

Ah, Gamespot just doesn't want to get caught up in a "YOU TOLD US THEY WOULD ALL BE ON THE COMPILATION!" storm.

The worst thing I can see happening is that there will be multiple compilations for each series. One set for KQ 1-3, another for 4-6, etc. But that would be terrible buisness policy, so not likely.

RLacey

02-24-2006, 11:58 AM

I'm not going to believe this until I see a VUG press release.

avatar_58

02-24-2006, 12:54 PM

I'm not going to believe this until I see a VUG press release.

They did say a rep confirmed it. ;) Gamespot doesn't post rumours as fact, like amazon. However you are right, its odd that VUgames hasn't uttered a word about it yet....anyone checked their website for anything?

Jackal

02-24-2006, 01:19 PM

Amazon didn't just pull these product listings out of its arse. Clearly at some point these compilations were on the table. The fact that there are people out there who can attest to that, including some who work at Vivendi, confirms nothing about their current status. A "VUG representative" could be Sally from the mail room for all we know. Gamespot may not post rumour, but that's one of the least informative news posts I've read in a long time. "We don't know what, and we don't know when, but somebody claims they exist".

Um, yeah. :shifty: Count me among those hoping these compilations do come to pass, but doubtful they ever will.

But for the record, we are once again trying to get official verification from Vivendi.

avatar_58

02-24-2006, 01:22 PM

We could try emailing them....:7

Melanie68

02-24-2006, 01:41 PM

I think fov has pestered Vivendi for confirmation (she's said I think earlier in this thread). She has a vested interest cause she's an admitted Sierra junkie. :)

avatar_58

02-24-2006, 01:45 PM

She has a vested interest cause she's an admitted Sierra junkie. :)

As am I, but emailing vugames (even for support questions) is usually futile. :frown:

Legolas813

02-24-2006, 01:47 PM

From what I hear, quite a few major sites have posted this news. And sites like GameSpot usually don't post news unless it is official.

avatar_58

02-24-2006, 01:53 PM

From what I hear, quite a few major sites have posted this news. And sites like GameSpot usually don't post news unless it is official.

Although it could be that everyone saw the gamespot news article and rushed to copy the news. That does happen.....:frown:

AFGNCAAP

02-24-2006, 01:56 PM

We could try emailing them....:7
I think that's what Jack had in mind when mentioning trying to contact the Vivendi. I believe AGers stopped using mail pigeons a couple of years ago. :D

Anyway, think about it, guys: a "rep", a nameless one at that, suddenly confirms news to Gamespot despite the fact that VUG has been avoiding any contact with press about this for months now? And yet fails to add any details above what we've read on Amazon back in August? I'm not going to say that the compilations are impossible - but I fail to see how this very vague news item makes the rumour any more valid.

From what I hear, quite a few major sites have posted this news. And sites like GameSpot usually don't post news unless it is official.Examples? Note that "news about Gamespot news" don't cut it - they will all be as right/wrong as Gamespot is.

such great heights

02-24-2006, 02:00 PM

Gamespot does have a "rumor" feature that runs every few days. I really believe they wouldn't have posted this if it wasn't from a true source-not Vivendi's janitor.

Legolas813

02-24-2006, 02:07 PM

I think a lot of sites, blogs, and forums are getting the news from GameSpot. So far, GameSpot is the only place I can find that says Vivendi actually CONFIRMED these compilations.

But there has to be some truth to this statement: "A VUG representative confirmed to GameSpot"

fov

02-24-2006, 02:15 PM

VU "representatitives" in the piracy department "confirmed" to forum posters that the compilations existed back in August. Since we still haven't seen them, and VU still hasn't owned up, I'm not really any more inclined to believe the "representatitve" that "confirmed" it to Gamespot. :P

I did try to talk to Vivendi about this last summer -- although I wouldn't exactly call it pestering, more like being thorough. :P If they'd confirmed it to me, you can bet AG would have reported this a long time ago. ;)

nikoniko

02-24-2006, 06:18 PM

One thing I don't like about the Gamespot article is the lack of accountability. If the compilations never show up, Gamespot can simply point their finger in the vague direction of this anonymous source and say, "Hey, don't blame us, we were just repeating what we were told." Meanwhile, they've already generated tons of traffic to their site for being the first to claim that the compilations truly exist. Though I doubt their report is an outright fabrication, it is definitely more a political move than a journalistic one. Every news organization wants to be the first you turn to, and here Gamespot is manipulating the weakest of reporting to capitalize on the feverish interest in this subject. The problem with that approach, despite being totally devoid of integrity, is that it works for the short-term but will eventually backfire in the long-term. People want news, but they also want news they can trust. If Gamespot gives itself over to behavior like this too much, people will turn elsewhere.

avatar_58

02-24-2006, 06:56 PM

nikoniko

02-24-2006, 08:36 PM

A VUG representative confirmed to GameSpot that the publisher is preparing compilation packs of the above four series that will run on Windows XP.

"Confirmed" is not something you write when you either had not known about the matter earlier or VUG initiated contact. If VUG had contacted them, Gamespot would have mentioned as much in their post to strengthen an otherwise weak report.

Jackal

02-25-2006, 05:07 AM

Keep in mind, not everyone KNEW about these compilations. Amazon is hardly a source and thats all we fans had to go on. Gamespot was tipped off by a rep somehow and they probably thought "What??? There are going to be sierra compilations?" and posted to that fact.

Amazon most definitely is a source. You'd be amazed how often a retailer knows game news ahead of the press. That's not to say they're a reliable source, because you don't know how accurate their information is and it can't be verified. You know... exactly the same problem as Gamespot's news post. :shifty:

For all we know that could have the first time the gamespot journalists heard of it. If thats true, then perhaps there was a reason for them being tipped off.

Well, I can tell you that when I contacted Vivendi to "confirm" yesterday, I included questions about what games are included in the compilations, whether they are indeed being optimized for XP, and what the target release dates are. Because if you're going to report news, you may as well know what you're talking about. :rolleyes: Apparently Gamespot's source didn't feel so inclined to offer even the most basic details about the products in question. Hmmm...

I'm not trying to knock Gamespot. I'm just annoyed that people are willing to blindly trust a news item that offers no news. Unverifiable news. And possibly incorrect news.

avatar_58

02-25-2006, 11:49 AM

I'm not trying to knock Gamespot. I'm just annoyed that people are willing to blindly trust a news item that offers no news. Unverifiable news. And possibly incorrect news.

Why not? Knock away :devil: Personally I agree, but then again for almost any other game we would be taking their article as fact. Its because it has to do with long overdue "mystery" releases that makes us skeptical. Keep that in mind.

If gamespot said tomorrow that a NOLF3 is in the works and a "rep" told them we would all be eating it up without question. Thats all I'm saying....

RLacey

02-25-2006, 11:52 AM

Why not? Knock away :devil: Personally I agree, but then again for almost any other game we would be taking their article as fact. Its because it has to do with long overdue "mystery" releases that makes us skeptical. Keep that in mind.

If gamespot said tomorrow that a NOLF3 is in the works and a "rep" told them we would all be eating it up without question. Thats all I'm saying....I do hope you wouldn't. I hope that we'd be in the position we are at the moment: accepting this as a rumour but waiting for official confirmation (most likely in the form of a press release) before accepting it as fact.

avatar_58

02-25-2006, 12:02 PM

I know that, but I'm just saying that many games before this have been posted in this exact way and haven't been questioned. Game news sites don't post rumours without specifically telling you its a rumour.

Really we're not going to know until VUgames says anything so there is no point in argueing.

Legolas813

02-25-2006, 12:08 PM

What's strange is that GameSpot has a rumor section. Each week or so they post the current rumors and debate whether they think it is true.

They have to be awful sure of something before posting it as news. Unless someone at GameSpot had a severe misunderstanding of the meaning of confirmed while talking to a VUG representative.

Spiwak

02-25-2006, 05:53 PM

I generally trust Gamespot. And Legolas is right about the Rumor section--they clearly at least make an effort to separate rumor from fact. You folks are making Gamespot look like the bane of all journalistic integrity in their pursuit for hot items that will get them hits. But they've definitely naysayed rumors that would have made big news (such as Tarantino to direct a Half-Life movie). If Gamespot reports it as news than I'd be willing to trust that it's true. If it isn't then oh well... not like I've played any Sierra games anyways.

Jackal

02-25-2006, 06:31 PM

You folks are making Gamespot look like the bane of all journalistic integrity in their pursuit for hot items that will get them hits.

:shifty: No we're not. We're saying they've posted ONE news report that stinks to high heaven. Even if it's true, the report is still next thing to useless. I'm generally willing to believe Gamespot, because Gamespot usually posts informative news. When they don't, I'll say so.

As for the whole "rumour section" thing, you can be sure if this was NOLF 3, that's exactly where this would be, and thoroughly investigated. But it's just a throwaway item on a bundle of old nostalgia games that they clearly took no time to investigate, given the complete lack of information. (Again, regardless of whether or not the confirmation turns out to be true.)

avatar_58

02-25-2006, 08:10 PM

If it isn't then oh well... not like I've played any Sierra games anyways.

:crazy: DEAR LORD! Someone get Spiwak a copy of King's Quest!

EDIT - Wait a tic....I may have figured it out a little. Anyone heard of Gametap? Well apparently a few sierra games have popped up on that network and they work perfectly in XP. Could it be that VUgames is going to simply mimmic the emulation abilities of that program? Hmm.....

avatar_58

02-27-2006, 02:38 PM

No one here has gametap or can verify? I know Space Quest 3 is on there, so how does it work? I couldn't tell you because they only allow U.S. citizens to subscribe and the demo has limits.

Anyone?

fov

02-27-2006, 02:44 PM

Yes, GameTap currently has Space Quest 1-3 and 5, and the Adventures of Willy Beamish up. And they do work.

However, seeing as GameTap uses a proprietary emulator, it's unlikely that Vivendi can just take it and use it for themselves in their own products. And since GameTap wants people to sign up for their service, they wouldn't have any incentive to hand it over to Vivendi for stand-alone collections. If anything, the GameTap relationship makes it even less likely that these compilations will ever see the light of day.

avatar_58

02-27-2006, 02:47 PM

Yes, GameTap currently has Space Quest 1-3 and 5, and the Adventures of Willy Beamish up. And they do work.

However, seeing as GameTap uses a proprietary emulator, it's unlikely that Vivendi can just take it and use it for themselves in their own products.

So they work with full sound/speech/music? Well don't you think they could license it? I think that would be the easiest route so that no work would be needed.

I doubt someone at gametap made the emulation layers for every game. Someone at VUgames had to authorize the use of those games, so its not unlikely that they helped port them.

Also what about newer games like C&C Generals? Surely its not emulated? It would run really badly...

fov

02-27-2006, 02:53 PM

So they work with full sound/speech/music? Well don't you think they could license it? I think that would be the easiest route so that no work would be needed.

Sound and music yes, but no speech on any of them. (Willy Beamish is the only one that supports it, anyway, but the version on GameTap doesn't have it.)

Sure, I suppose GameTap could license their emulator, but why would they want to if it would mean people bought Vivendi's collections instead of signing up for their own service? I could be wrong, but I really don't see the relationship moving in that direction. Vivendi's probably just thrilled to be making money off those games with absolutely no effort on their part.

avatar_58

02-27-2006, 02:55 PM

Perhaps, but in an age where companies like to do as little work as possible....I think this may be what will happen. I mean, this IS VUgames we are talking about here. They can't even bother to give us more than just paper sleeves and PDF manuals.

I really wouldn't put it past them. After all, they could just threaten to remove the games support from gametap saying that they want co-operation. Ack...I'm starting to think like them.....help me. :crazy:

playing_games

03-16-2006, 05:34 AM

Got an email from Amazon. The compilations are now delayed till Jan. 5, 2007. I'm not sure how to take this. This might actually be a good news. Maybe VU isworking on ensuring the games will be fully playable on modern machines.

I know, fat chance, huh?

Kurufinwe

03-16-2006, 05:46 AM

We first heard about these things in August 2005, with a release date set for October 10th 2005. After being pushed for the umpteenth time, the current date is supposedly January 5th 2007 (so it's not XP compatibility we're talking about now, it's Vista). Right...

Apart from rumours flying around, the one and only clearly-identified source there's been for all that is Amazon. The same people who were still listing Runaway in the UK a few months ago. Right... And the reasons I gave why those compilations are not commercially viable still stand (though what I said about DOS applications not working in Vista was erroneous).

But it still can't hurt to dream, of course. :)

mccrank

03-16-2006, 05:57 AM

Darn, I got that email too, Im depressed :(

-Chris

Dale Baldwin

03-16-2006, 06:55 AM

I'd like to say I'm surprised, but I can't.

fov

03-16-2006, 06:56 AM

Got an email from Amazon. The compilations are now delayed till Jan. 5, 2007.

*snort*

Sorry, that's just too funny. :D

For the record, I was in touch with Vivendi PR again a few weeks ago. I was told that they couldn't tell me anything one way or the other about the compilations. Then I asked for a comment on Gamespot's story and never heard back.

So... no news is no news. Still. :(

ps Welcome to the forum, mccrank. :)

playing_games

03-16-2006, 07:11 AM

No update at Target.com.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=2-1/qid=1142525153/ref=sr_2_1/601-1883583-5301712?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B000AYFPKG

Doesn't look very good but I'm still hopeful. Heck, if the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox could actually win the World Series, anything could happen, right?

With the exception of the Cubs winning the WS, of course.

:devil:

avatar_58

03-16-2006, 12:58 PM

After being pushed for the umpteenth time, the current date is supposedly January 5th 2007

That tells me they either have no clue when they are going to be released, or they gave up. Either way I'm not surprised.

jp-30

03-16-2006, 01:13 PM

The mythical Sierra compilations are actually available for purchase right now, but the only places that stock them are small booths manned by leprachauns to be found at the end of rainbows.

(Happy St Patrick's day)

Luke

03-17-2006, 12:35 PM

Hi everyone,

Like many of you, I was disheartened, but not the tiniest bit surprised, to receive an e-mail yesterday from Amazon.com saying my orders of the King's Quest, Space Quest, Police Quest, and Leisure Suit Larry compilations had been delayed. More disheartening, though, was the new target release date of New Year's Eve. As some of you have already stated, I find myself wondering if the compilations will ever see the light of day, particularly considering that Amazon's product info pages do say orders are "not guaranteed."

Yesterday, my close friend Rick spent several hours at my house. We met, ironically enough, through AGDI's forums, but discovered he was born in the city I grew up in and still lived relatively close by. Obviously, Rick is a huge fan of adventure games, so much so that his ultimate goal in life is to be a game designer. He recently registered on the AG forums under the handle "The Avatar," so if you see his posts, you'll know who he is.

I've been a GameTap subscriber for a good 5-6 months now, and enjoy it immensely. Rick wanted to see it after I told him I was a member, so I was happy to oblige yesterday. A few days before, though, I got GameTap's member newsletter in my inbox and discovered that they'd added a few of the Quest for Glory games (QFG1 EGA, QFG2 and QFG3) to their library. Wanting to make sure they had the map of Shapeir available for download (despite the fact that I always use the cheat codes to get to places for the first time after buying the map), I was intrigued to see that the manuals for King's Quest I (AGI)-King's Quest V were available for viewing and download (here (http://www.gametap.com/manuals/)), but the games themselves aren't available for play yet.

I only discovered the KQ manuals this morning, and yesterday, Rick had theorized that the perpetual delays for the compilations could have something to do with the GameTap thing. In other words, he wondered if Vivendi might want to see how popular its "rereleases" through GameTap are before committing to releasing them in physical form again.

It's somewhat plausible, but a bit of a longshot if you ask me. All the same, it's still good to know that Vivendi is doing something with a few of the series we hope to see again (SQ1-3 and 5 are already on GameTap). I'm at least a tiny bit more optimistic than I was when I got that message from Amazon and looked at the revised expected release date.

Just some food for thought.

avatar_58

03-17-2006, 01:59 PM

Except that Gametap isn't available outside the U.S., so they won't get accurate numbers. I live in Canada and most likely would buy the compilations, but I can't try out Gametap at all. I tricked the demo to work, but the full version requires you to specify location for payment.

So much for that plan. :frown:

Luke

03-17-2006, 02:26 PM

Except that Gametap isn't available outside the U.S., so they won't get accurate numbers.
Good point. However, as I said, it is somewhat promising that Vivendi is at least doing something with those classics, not counting the compilations of course. I'm at least a little more hopeful than before.

avatar_58

03-18-2006, 11:41 PM

Good point. However, as I said, it is somewhat promising that Vivendi is at least doing something with those classics, not counting the compilations of course. I'm at least a little more hopeful than before.

Actually it may be that Gametap's reps are the ones hunting the games, but I don't have a clue which of them initiates the deals. Although VUgames DID have to agree to it, so....I guess you can hand them that.

Too bad Ted Turner seems to be all for americans and no one else....:frown: