This is a topic I’ve been throwing around in my head over the past few years (in reality since 2003). Video gaming companies in the 21st century are fighting ever harder in competition for your time, and what gets at me is that in doing so they have lost touch with one of the most important features of games. That feature is the legendary nature of the story, game play, and overall gaming experience. To put this in perspective: when you think back to your favorite game of all time (for me Final Fantasy VII, and FF Tactics), you seldom remember the poor graphics but rather remember the story and game play development. There are reasons for this, and a change in the modern game play tends to change the level at which you remember games in the past: much like a DVD Upconverted to “HD.” Now though that specific point is moot, what remains is the concern that much of the games being released in this century focus on one of two common categories.
1) Basic game focused on a genre (RPG, co-op, FPS, Racing, etc.)
+Usually leave a feeling in the gamer after playing through it completely or just partially that they “needed to do SO MUCH MORE with this game,” or “they just needed to add this one thing to make it great.”
+Lacks certain basic game play necessities, or background story.
2) Over the top game focused on a popular genre, but spending all of their programming talent on current day technological advancements (video sequences and an overall graphics intensive focus)
+These games have the most potential and usually a somewhat decent plot idea.
+Almost always under delivers in plot background, character development, and basic or advanced features.
Well why is this important? The answer is simple, because we desire the legendary gaming experience that will pull the emotions out of us, allow us to live through the game as a personal remembrance. If they succeed then the result is our memory being solidified with that euphoric and enjoyable feeling of accomplishment. Overshadowed by new technology and trophies/achievements, current gaming companies have changed their focus from forging an Epic tale to selling you a drug, without a happy ending in sight just another sequel instead.
When was the last time you were satisfied by your game?
What is on my mind? GT5(Amazing racing game/realistic driving) meets Grid (also a great racing game, not realistic, but WOW what collision detection).
*Mission Accomplished: Trophy Unlocked*
Lol
VGL_Justin
