Point/Counterpoint: Voice chat vs. Stylus chat
by Chris Greenhough 
{ Oct 24th 2008 at 4:01PM }
When it launches in Japan on Christmas Day (and in the west ... hopefully some time soon!), Phantasy Star Zero will allow users to play online and communicate with one another via a unique Pictochat-style system. Using stylus drawings to relay information to your team-mates is certainly an original and novel approach, but is it the best? Wouldn't the speed and efficiency of voice chat suit Sonic Team's RPG more?While none of the staff are violently opposed to the idea of visual chat or voice chat, each certainly has it merits. Hit the gray button below and read both sides of the debate, and then weigh in through our poll!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Akas @ Oct 24th 2008 6:21PM
I'm worried about the Picto-chat idea, but not for the reasons above.
Firstly, I think that voice chat would be a horrible idea unless it came with a specific headset. The built-in microphone is pretty bad, especially in a public setting. I usually have to speak a few inches away from the microphone or else yell to get mine to work, and the idea of yelling with yourself in a public place isn't a good idea. Besides that, the audio quality is never that great anyways, and with the confusion of three other players speaking it probably won't turn out that well.
But then I remember that I suck at drawing. Picto-chat isn't that appealing either if you aren't that great with handwriting or drawing, and I suspect that Sega might realize that (though I'm doubtful).
What I'd like is the macro system from PSO/BB. Ex: X, Y, and A would be your attacks, B would bring up the conversation screen, where you can select certain commands like "Heal me please", etc. BUT you could also program in macros/picto-chats/commands (like in BB. I think it was down arrow/S that triggered commands and f1-12 that triggered macros). Hopefully, that's what we'd see.
Jacob @ Oct 24th 2008 4:21PM
I voted for voice chat, because I'd rather be talking in real time than scribbling. I think the best option is similar to Metroid Hunters - it allows text messages and voice chat. Whatever floats your boat.
More than likely though, this is a creative way to work around the DS hardware limitations. The system may just not be powerful enough to run a pretty looking game like this, and process speech at the same time. The few games that are able to handle VoIP in real time haven't exactly been CPU intensive games (Pokemon, Advance Wars). That's just my theory on it though.
Michael @ Oct 24th 2008 4:39PM
hmm the word "penis" or a crude picture of one... hard to decide which is better...
xcdjy @ Oct 24th 2008 5:14PM
To be honest, I don't care, but what I do care about is...
Could you please, PLEASE make a post on how awesome Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is? You guys talk about Castlevania all the time, but to be honest, WOS pwns it, and it deserves some credit. Seriously, you should play it if you haven't already :)
Yep, this is a Reader Request, from a faithful reader of DSFanboy!
scissors125 @ Oct 24th 2008 5:23PM
I'd rather see voice chatting, with no option of Stylus Chat. Maybe a keyboard attachment at most.
It would get on my nerves if I saw about 10 penises flash on my DS screen whenever I'm playing an online game.
someone who read the faqs first @ Oct 25th 2008 12:42AM
first read the some info first...
you only get to use the stylus chat with FRIENDS not with some stranger that will flood you with 8==Ds
2nd the random party mode disables stylus chat and the only way to communicate is to use a pre-defined words like the prev PSO so there no PENIS floods for you isnt that smart..
Chen @ Oct 24th 2008 5:55PM
Actually i would not like either .
English isnt my main language and i dont speak it perfectley . besides i cant imagine the game voice chat whould be loud and clear . whats the point of voice chat without hearing each other ?
and stylus chat for some like me who has a bad handwrite...
im hyped about this but both options seems so wrong. maybe the DS isnt build for and MMO .
JRM @ Oct 24th 2008 10:29PM
Maybe that's why pictochat may be a better idea: The fact that the DS is portable, and (the japanese) don't like to interrupt people in public places like how it would happen with voice chat.
Also, you'd look like all those tools walking around with their Bluetooth headsets if you did the same with the DS.
chibi_wings @ Oct 24th 2008 8:44PM
i'm leaning towards picto-chat. Seems like it would work better on a DS online game, but that's just me. My handwriting is fine, and I can draw decently.
snowboardahoIic @ Oct 24th 2008 11:42PM
Well, in responce to Akas, there is a macro system, but you use the touch screen to access it. Which imo, is better then what your suggestion is. Also not to mention, you can copy other people pictures, make your own in your spare time.
And to chen I'm sure no one will mind your bad hand writing, as long as they get "Heal" from it they will heal you.
@scissors125: If your playing with friends you know or people from the same community (like PSO-World.com) you'll probably not be playing people who draw penis' because they'll be your friends, and they're of your mature level, now if you and your friends like to draw penis' then by all means go ahead, since your with YOUR friends.
I prefer, the stylus chat, because I know it will be laggy, This visual's are to good, for voice chat, PKMN can handle it, M:PH in lobby only , And Tony Hawk in game, but its graphics aren't like this. Plus, alot of times i play late at night, and i know my family doesn't want staying up talking. (cause i live in a small home) I think the Picto chat, was creative, and a great solve to the communication trouble.
Ujn Hunter @ Oct 27th 2008 9:38AM
But... you can't draw penises over voice chat! ;)