Features With the recent tragedy that has fallen over the videogame world - Ernie has been asked to provide the eulogy at the face-mapping feature's funeral.

The Face-Mapping Feature

With the recent tragedy that has fallen over the videogame world - Ernie has been asked to provide the eulogy at the face-mapping feature's funeral.

 ERNIE: *clearing his throat* It is with deep regret that I am here today - as we say farewell to the face-mapping feature. A feature that, for the first time, would let the player be seen in a videogame. By using the Game Boy Camera and the transfer pak, a player would be able to take a picture of virtually anything and place it inside the game. It was a revolutionary technique that was to be used in Perfect Dark, but now, the face-mapping feature has left us.

Whether it was scrapped due to technical limitations or political reasons, we'll never know. And that's what gets me the most. *wiping a tear* The face-mapping feature is but a memory. A memory that I have made up in my mind because I never got the chance to experience the joy... the absolute joy... *pausing dramatically* I remember one day - me and the face-mapping feature went out for a pizza. He said to me: "Ernie, I'm so excited about Perfect Dark. I can't believe I'm being fully realized. A company like Rare - they're taking me and using me to my full abilities". I was excited for him. I could see the happiness on his face, and it made me happy too.

I just can't believe he's gone... It all seems so sudden. I sometimes wonder if we could have stopped it from happening. Maybe if we were given advanced warning we could have signed a petition or something. I don't know... Maybe if Rare had delayed the game even further. Maybe we could have waited until summer or fall. We could've waited through another delay, right guys? *silence - someone in the audience coughs* OK - maybe not... but still, I will miss him. We'll all miss him.

But, you know what? I bet the face-mapping feature is looking down on us and smiling. It was probably for the greater good of the game. Who knows, maybe the face-mapping feature sacrificed his own life - sacrificed his life to make way for the co-op feature. Once again - I don't know . . .

I'll be OK, I guess. I'll play Perfect Dark and I'll love every minute of it. But... my mind just keeps thinking about the limitless potential. I can't help but wonder what could have been. I could play as myself, and it would be as if I were inside the game. Me and my friends could go at it as various kitchen appliances. I would be the blender of course. I must now say goodbye to the *sniff* days when I dreamt of - well, you know - crazy "ass battles" or other body parts. The hilarious possibilities were endless. *choking on his words* Why? Why have you left me precious face-mapping feature? *sobbing* I never got the chance to tell you how much I love you! *crying uncontrollably* I thought it was too good to be true, and now I see I was right!

*blowing his nose a few times*

I think everyone here can understand my emotion. But, alas - it was not meant to be. Today, as we bury the face-mapping feature, let us not feel sorrow. Let us celebrate our imagination and remember.

The face-mapping feature is gone, but not forgotten. Let us bow our heads for a moment of silence . . . . .

Email Ernie with your condolences.