Next Gen Consoles

I've been a video gamer for as long as i can remember.

From "spider man" on the atari (and of course pong) all the way to today with games like CoD 4

My fondest video game memories lie with games like Final Fantasy 7, Secret of Mana, Star Tropics, Doom, and Super Mario Land (SNES)

The reason for me telling you this, is this:

I own all 3 next-gen consoles.

Wii
PS3
360

Of all 3, i dont "own" but a few games, but have rented and or borrowed just about everything available.

Nothing suits me.

I was into Blue Dragon for a while, but. Meh.

Halo 3 lost its fun after about 3 weeks when people started coming out with modded controllers and router glitches to cheat.

CoD 4 .. no.

All of these games have AMAZING graphics, but none of them are fun to play. None capture my imagination like games of old.

I can't decide if its because its easier to be entertained as a child, and so its an unfair comparison, or what.

But - anyone out there, old school like me, have suggestions for next-gen games? What am i missing here.

And please don't tell me CoD4 is great and awesome. The only thing great and awesome about it is the graphics

Take away the graphics and you have Cod1 in a different story board.

How can you even call Wii next gen?
Sheesh.

reply to post by PeaceUk


Well.

In the line of nintendo products, the Wii is the latest.

Since a generation is a series of products, or people, that coincide with a chronological series of events (releases, births, etc)

You can call the Wii a next gen console.

I never said anything about Wii being "state of the art"

But, by even the most shaky of definitions, it is "next gen"



:shk:


edit to add:

Any gamer who is a gamer of any kind will know who Will Wright is.
Will Wright is just as big to video games as Shigeru Miyamoto, in terms of over-all contributions to this medium of entertainment.

And he completely disagree's with you

The Sims and Spore creator Will Wright has labelled Wii the only true next-generation console out of the three new console platforms on the market.

Full Article



I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess you're one of those people i put on my ignore list while playing halo 3

If im wrong. My apologies. But your post says a lot - by only saying a little.



I'd also like to add:

If the Wii isnt innovative and next-gen. Why, after the release of the Wii, did Xbox and Ps3 copy the movement technology?

If it sucks and is nothing, why copy it and try to make it your own?

[edit on 8/2/2008 by Andrew E. Wiggin]

I think the problem with todays games is that there's too much story line,

too much to get into, too much to follow along with. In the "old days" of

gaming it was much simpler, just sit down and play, but now you have

these subtle story lines, back plots, and other character development

issues to deal with that makes it seem as if your not so much as playing a

game as wacthing a movie and directing it at the same time. Personally, I

like the older systems alot better. In the old games you never questioned

why an Italian plumber was jumping on turtles and and other such people

collecting the coins that popped out of their rear-ends or for what purpose,

why a giant gorrilla captured a princess and decided to throw barrells at

you or where he got all those barrells from for that matter, or where in

the heck was Link from and why he kept getting on boats if all he was

gonna do was just fall off again. In the next gen games everyone wants a

Who, What, Where, When, and Why to everything.

[edit on 2-8-2008 by Secret Shadow]

reply to post by Secret Shadow


You nailed it right on the head.

Starred.

How could I forget *the* single greatest game of all time - The Legend of Zelda.

A game that, when you first played it, you had no idea what to do. No idea where to Go. no idea what was going on. No story. No help. No plot. No direction, but you couldnt shut the damn thing off.

I challenge you to remember the first time you played this game

then i challenge you to try and get that theme song out of your head.

If you've never played the original Legend of Zelda, then you can listen to it Here

and you may want to go buy it.
You can even download it on your Wii. Instructions here


Enjoy

My best 8bit Nintendo games were Mario 1 and 3 and Life Force Salamanda
because the music, graphics and ideas for it were just the best.

But PS2, I like Tecken Tag, T-5, Soul Calibre 3, grand turismo, Rachet and clank, Jak, Marvel Aliance, devil may cry 1 and 3 and others but I am still pleased with my ps2.

I will stick to PS3 I think, and Nintendo went off air after the Snes and since then its been boring and behind the rest. It's so much more for kids and the PS3 looks more for grown ups. Unless someone proves me wrong.

reply to post by The time lord


There's nothign "wrong" with your statement


Its all a matter of perception.

I don't perceive video games as "children/adult" other than the content.

Barney and friends is a kids game.

Mario is not

Just my 2 cents.

Games are about co-ordination and timing and like riding a Bike, driving a Car, playing sport or even hunting is down to instinct and co-ordination of the mind and body. It helps keep the mind active, even typing is a game, you are inputting something to get a result and it becomes fun the better you do at it. I don't think age comes into it, but the I think sometimes you have to distinguish between a merry go round and flying an actual plane.
Both can be fun, but you will look silly as an adult on a Merry go round and you know flying a plane is more serious and dangerous but some people are good at it and can.

they need to make one were you have to donate blood to play the game.

reply to post by Michael Pait


Not all games are games of course, but I think fun is like a game and games are meant to be fun because it deals with finding solutions to problems that they pose. Its artificial fun and not to be taken too seriously but I believe there must be a game experience setting where you can use vertual reality to be taken as a chellenge as some are for all ages or some challenges are adult themed with violence. It boarders a fine line to everything suppose and that is why games these days are rated like the movies and have restrictions. I think the Wii is very family and kids orientated and I think the PS3 has more adult but serious realistic graphics compared to the Wii which is more cartoon based.



[edit on 2-8-2008 by The time lord]

Originally posted by Andrew E. Wiggin
reply to post by Secret Shadow

 

I challenge you to remember the first time you played this game

then i challenge you to try and get that theme song out of your head.

Here

and you may want to go buy it.
You can even download it on your Wii. Instructions here


Enjoy

The first time I played Zelda was 1991, I was six years old and had gotten one of those big ol clunker game boys for christmas lol and it came with Zelda

Oh and as for getting that song outta your head...its impossible, literally,its a proven fact of science lol, its just that catchy. Infact, I remember catching myself beat boxing the theme song when ever I would play it some times lmao

Oh btw, For your enjoyment: Zelda theme- one man band

edit to add: I think another problem with gaming was the advent of the "save", remember how much harder it was when you had to monitor your lives? And having to start all over from the beginning?

I can still remember yelling at my friends: Shut up!!! I only got one "man" left!!! lol

And I think my favorite system of all time would be the Nintendo 64...so many great and innovative games and the leap from scrolling 2-d to platform 3-d

[edit on 2-8-2008 by Secret Shadow]

To be honest, I've never really liked consoles all that much. Too many commands in too few buttons, I get lost. But since you asked about future games, I personally would like to see more RTS games for all systems. We all remember Command and Conquer right? I have the First Decade and the two latest CnC games, but we need more of this type, IMHO, but with different stories.

I would like to see a game similar in lines to CnC, but based here in the USA with several different factions (yes, I know about Shattered Union, but it wasn't all that great. Your stuff is limited per turn on how far it can move. Turn Based strategy sucks), with there own superweapons. I think such a game would be interesting.

While I'm no longer a gamer, and I don't own any of the next gen console, I still consider myself a series-follower, in the sense that if there's a game for a particular series that I admire comes out, I'll find one way or another to play that game.

And Really? I think most game these day lacks good stories. While I do enjoy video games for the fun of it, I think most of my memorable or favorite video games are usually the ones with rich storylines and characters.

If you haven't guess my all time favorite game series, is the Metal Gear Solid series, that series was rich with stories and deep characters. I will say that when Metal Gear Solid 4 came out, I completely understood why alot of new comers were turn-down by it, you really had to play the previous games to even have the slightest clue what the game was about. But I think MGS series is an exception. Most games with rich storys such as final fantasy or zelda, usually aren't in chronological order, their stories stand on their own.

Anyways like everything else in my life, I need balances in it, sometime I just want to play games that is fun, with no plot in. Thats why I play those "party" games like Smash Brothers, Soul Caliber, Halo, Gunbound.

Oh if you like the classic megaman type game, or gunstar heroes game, you should really give this game a try, its made by one guy: www.miraigamer.net...

This argument can be applied to movies as well. It's rare that you see something that isn't just a different version of a story that's already been told before.

For the record, I also own all three current gen systems (360, PS3, Wii).

I think the problem is that there really hasn't been any true innovation in games in a while.

I mean, you've got the Wii. New play control, but I really don't think anyone has figured it out yet.

You've got your music games. Playing imaginary guitar or drums is fun, but if that's not your thing then it doesn't do you a lot of good.

But really, has anyone played anything that made them sit back and take notice like they did the first time they saw Wolfenstein, or Mario 64? I surely haven't. I'm almost 30 and have been playing since the 2600.

While I disagree that there aren't any good games out there, I would agree that the amount showing up to retail are getting far and few between. When a new company shows up with a cool idea, someone like EA buys them out, takes over their IP, and then just spits out sequel after sequel for it, thus stifling any of the innovation the company brought to the table to begin with.

Gameplay, and I mean true intuitive gameplay, has long since gone the way of the Dodo. The days of contra where you just had jump and shoot, and that's it, are behind us now. The Wii has some stuff close to it, but even then, how many buttons are on the controller? I count 9 (including the power button).

On the flip side, the consoles are more capable of bringing us visuals beyond our wildest imaginations. But I've seen a lot of really pretty movies that were terrible. And I've played a lot of really pretty games that were terrible.

I don't think this will last. Everyone is starting to look for the next big thing in game mechanics. For the first time in a long time "experimenting" is actually being supported by the gaming industry. Sure, there are going to be sequels, but we're also seeing a lot of new ideas too.

Who would have imagined five years ago that one of the best selling games in the world would involved a big plastic guitar? I mean, since when has any game dependent on a peripheral ever sold well? I can't think of one. Even DDR never did as well as Guitar Hero or Rock Band.

You're also seeing things like SPORE coming out. Not my cup of tea, but I'll be darned if that wasn't an amazing risk to take from a game design standpoint. No one has done anything like that before. It helps that Will Wright is behind it, since he's a huge name, but still...you don't see people literally take the ground up approach to designing a game very often.

Maybe the next big thing is head tracking. The first time VR can be implemented without a clunky headset, and on your own TV without. This could really be something if implemented on things like FPS, as well as detective games. If you don't know what I mean watch this video:



Now imagine that being used while playing a game like Razor's Edge.

So, the innovation is there, it's just a matter of it being monetized and put out for the masses. I'd say we're looking at some really cool stuff in the next three years or so. Everyone is going to want to be the "next Wii" when the next gen consoles come out (PS4, Wii2, XBOX720). There will be risks. There will be failures.

But the best part, no matter what happens we can always go and play our old games...because the internet has just about everything you want somewhere.



[edit on 3-8-2008 by The Big O]

Bravo to that guy. We need more people in the gaming industry like him. That literally blew me away and that doesnt happen much. I was extremely impressed by what he was doing in that video

Now, as for games. I blame story and content. Its not the graphic, and its not the gameplay. It the replayability of the games. Personally, I cant sit and play mario for more than maybe 20-30 minutes max. Its fun, but fun isnt enough to keep me addicted.

I will name some games that really did it for me. Metal Gear Solid. This ranks as my second favorite game of all time. Its story kept me very interested, characters were well fleshed out, AND it had the gameplay to go with it. The graphic were ok for the time. The games plot is what impressed me. To me a game is not carried by graphics, or mechanics, but story. (Dont get me wrong, mechanics are crucial, but they dont make the game).

Another one is Halo 1. Ranked as my number 3, I can safely say that the replayability on this game remains in tact today. Its gameplay, which is phenomenal, is coupled with an amazing set of story line missions that leave you aching for more. Its graphic are great for its time, which was a plus.

But most importantly, my number 1, Final Fantasy 7. Easily takes the spotlight with its amazing character development and well paced story. Its gameplay was done wonderfully, and everything about the game just felt right. It was, in my eyes, the Dark Knight of video games.

Games in the last couple year, they haven't cut it in the story department. GTA4, which is one of the best games in years, just made it with its story. It was good enough to keep me going, though at a couple points it lagged and I almost stopped playing. Aside from that, CoD4 was fun, but felt empty. The story tried its best to seem action packed and full of suspense, BUT it lacked the length to make me really feel like I KNEW these characters and cared about them. In final fantasy 7, you CARED about what happen to your characters because you had spent so much time on/around them.

I think the gaming industry has alot of work cut out for it, BUT games like Spore give me hope.

Originally posted by The time lord
reply to post by Michael Pait

 

Not all games are games of course, but I think fun is like a game and games are meant to be fun because it deals with finding solutions to problems that they pose. Its artificial fun and not to be taken too seriously but I believe there must be a game experience setting where you can use vertual reality to be taken as a chellenge as some are for all ages or some challenges are adult themed with violence. It boarders a fine line to everything suppose and that is why games these days are rated like the movies and have restrictions. I think the Wii is very family and kids orientated and I think the PS3 has more adult but serious realistic graphics compared to the Wii which is more cartoon based.



[edit on 2-8-2008 by The time lord]

yea but if they could report you for haveing warrants or make sure you take your medicine that would be cool too.

Originally posted by skyblueff0


And Really? I think most game these day lacks good stories. While I do enjoy video games for the fun of it, I think most of my memorable or favorite video games are usually the ones with rich storylines and characters.

I agree with you - to an extent. But here's the difference in comparison that i'll draw.


Think about the first time you played Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time.

Can you remember the first cinematic scene when Link puts the sword into the temple of time and begins to time travel?

It gave me goose bumps. The story was rich. The characters were awesome. The "graphics" were amazing in their own sense.

Fast forward:

Metal Gear Solid 4:
Same thing as 1, 2, and 3

Newer graphics, a few new factoids bout Solid, we see some resolution. Basically - $70 for closure, and game play that is as innovative as Metal Gear Solid 1.

There's a story. We have character development. And, if you're able to stay awake, you'll have closure (unless you're a huge fan of the series)

In any case, MGS4 was nothing but an animated short that could've been released on DVD for $24.99.


Of course thats just my opinion.


Personally - im more a fan of the Zelda way of doing things.
And there just isnt enough of that out there.


Case in point:
When's the last time you played a game more engrossing that the first time you played Mario 64?

Nintendo has yet to release another mario64'esque game. Super Mario Galaxies was okay - but...it still lacked for me.


Again - it could be unfair for me to compare games from my childhood till now.

To quote a line from one of my favorite movies - ever

He said that faith is like a glass of water. When you're young, the glass is small, and it's easy to fill up. But the older you get, the bigger the glass gets, and the same amount of liquid doesn't fill it anymore.

I need refreshment.

I just downloaded Zelda on my Wii, and havent had this much nostalgia in years

Originally posted by Andrew E. Wiggin
I just downloaded Zelda on my Wii, and havent had this much nostalgia in years

I spend WAAAY too much money on the virtual console.

If only they had Contra.

Curse you Konami. CURSE YOU!

I guess to put it in a nutshell, i've been alive to watch the video game industry evolve like this:

In the beginning were games like Donkey Kong and Qbert.
They were not aimed at the masses - these games were TOUGH to beat.
They brought a whole new medium of puzzle solving and pattern recognition to the table, and only the most dedicated could succeed. (by the way, if you havent yet, go check out and watch "The King of Kong: A fistful of Quarters" Really enjoyable movie, even if you arent "that much" into video games.

Then we enter a period of stagnation. Video games still very popular underground, but the main stream society has long since forgotten them.
Insert Shigeru Miyamoto and Mario for the NES (ahhhhhh the lines at the stores around the country!!!!)

What was the popularity? Graphics? Eh, okay so they did boast "better graphics" - but i believe most will agree that it was a much "simpler" game to reach endgame when compared to its counterparts like Galaga, frogger, and pac-man. Back then, in my opinion and to my memory, graphics weren't an issue. Video games were about fun - not "realistic" graphics.

Mario put the pace of the game into the players hands much more so than others before it.
Sure - you could start in world 1-1 and work your way all the way to bowser, beat him, take the princess and win (oh my god, anyone recall the first time they beat Mario )

But there was still more. Finding all the hidden warps was awesome

Video games finally got noticed. By? Catering to the main stream society.

Fast Foward:

We've seen it happen over the years. In a crude way of putting it (for lack of a better statement) Video games have been dumbed down. With the advent of newer technologies, and improved graphics, people want better grahpics to show off on their 500" Super High Definition Plasma from whales TV.

The entertainment comes from the graphics now a days.
Just read any issue of any video game magazine available in this country today. They still rate games by graphics. Aren't graphics pretty much the same across the board? Shouldnt the new goal be lifelike movement? Apply human'esque movement to awesome graphics, and you'll have my attention


So, in a way you can think of the Video Game industry as Wal-Mart.
A huge conglomerate that wants to appease everyone on the market at the same exact time, by creating some sick and twisted stew of a video game that has pieces of something everyone likes, in order to maximize sales.

It makes for good business. But makes for bad video games.

Wal-Mart is successful because they offer things like entertainment centers for $100 bucks. In comparison to GOOD entertainment centers from a furniture store for thousands. Totally understandable. People want a entertainment center, and cant afford $2000 for one.

But what about the people who can? There are still furniture companies who accommodate those people

When is the last time a video game accommodated those of us who kept the video game industry alive during those early years? Why can't we have a remake of Galaga, Centipede, or CaveMan Games ()

Why can't we have games who's central point is fun, and disregards graphics as a necessity?

Now that i sound like a whiney 12 year old playing Halo 3 getting my butt whipped, i'll summarize:


In the end, Video games are video games. They have to evolve to continue meeting the demands of the masses. I, as a "hard core gamer" am so glad to see the video game industry become as large as it has, but a piece of me was lost with the days of old.
Video games have "forgotten where they came from" in a way.

We still have shining rays of hope like Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Zelda: Twilight Princess, but still nothing when compared to Zelda.

A game that grabbed you. A game that didnt hold your hand, and challenged you to EXPLORE. Challenged you to burn every bush in sight after you accidentally burned that one bush while trying to kill an octopus near the river on screen 4 north of the start point (i made up the location, but you remember which one im talking about - its by the water)


When statements like "its' a secret to everyone" and "up up up the mountain" were your only clues to where to go next, instead of literally spelling it out for you.

I agree that games that spell it out are valuable to the industry. They capture the attentions of the masses that only want to play video games occasionally and want to feel like they've accomplished something. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Just don't forget about the rest of us

[edit on 8/3/2008 by Andrew E. Wiggin]

reply to post by The Big O


I agree. Its hilarious - Contra is available on Xbox Arcade, but not wii shop?

What is wrong w/ this picture?