JL> You have a very good point, but I can say that
 JL> watching a loved one play Resident Evil, and
 JL> seeing them jump  when a zombie comes
 JL> up from behind via the rear speakers does
 JL> add some real entertainment to the game playing.
  But that's digital sound that's scaring them, not the music; I imagine that 
in Resident Evil, it's mostly ambient.  Oh, and by the way, you might want to 
check out the PC version of the game (provided you've got a good 3D card).  
Obviously, not much has changed game-wise (unless you haven't played the 
Director's Cut), but the graphics are improved, and you can probably play it 
in Surround Sound if you've got the right speakers.
 JL> It is sort of like the pixels,
 JL> some people are really worried about how
 JL> high the the pixel count is, whereas others just
 JL> enjoy the game play. Surround sound that actually
 JL> uses the rear speakers wisely really improves the
 JL> overall effect, even if the actual
 JL> quality of that sound isn't as good as live.
  I think I subscribe to the "so long as it's fun" category.  Sure, high poly 
counts will accentuate the experience, but that doesn't mean squat if the 
game itself is a bit dull.
  As for sound technology, I'd agree that it does help with the experience; 
however, it's not exactly critical.  PC users know that all too well; up 
until recently (with MMX, and PCI sound cards), Surround Sound would be a 
drain on the computer.  That's one area where the Playstation has had the PC 
licked; it hardly puts a dent in the performance.
 JL> I personally like the racing games
 JL> where I can hear the car behind me,
 JL> I know the driver is on my butt and it does put
 JL> pressure on me to not screw up.
 JL> No, the sound quality may not be as good as
 JL> it could be, but that doesn't stop
 JL> people such as myself from really enjoying
 JL> the game - as a matter of fact I don't
 JL> usually have time to analyze the sound quality,
 JL> too busy enjoying the game .
  That's what I've thought.  A game should be so good that you don't think 
"wow, the sound is great" as you head 200 MPH at the Indy 500; you'll be too 
busy going 200 MPH at the Indy 500.
--- Maximus 3.01
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