2008 Woodie Awards
Gutting gameplay quality for graphics
Chris Nguyen
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: Points Of View
- Page 1 of 1
The video game world is about to open up a whole new era of gaming with the upcoming release of Nintendo's Wii, Sony's Playstation 3 and the already released Microsoft 360.
Video games sure have come a long way since Pac-Man and Super Mario Brothers. Everyone seems so excited about what the next generation has to offer us, however, I am not among them.
Video games have evolved so fast; it almost seems that people have forgotten what video games are really about.
Games these days are all about showcasing the graphics and the power of the hardware, showcasing to the point where video games seem like a fashion runway. What happened to the fun?
For instance, the Madden series has always been a solid, though dated, experience. When Madden 2001 was released alongside the Playstation 2 during its launch in 2000, it turned heads with not only its graphics, but with great gameplay and content.
When Madden 2006 was released alongside the X-Box 360 last year for its launch, things went completely backwards. I have never seen a Madden game take such a plunge.
A lot of the modes that made Madden such a great game and gave it so much personality were stripped. And for what? Graphics that look that much closer to real life?
To add insult to injury, Microsoft expects us to pay $60 for a beautiful game that is completely stripped down? All of the sport games released for the X-Box 360 were plagued with this problem.
Hopefully, the Playstation 3 won't follow the same fate.
It is no secret that America, in general, can be shallow. America just loves beauty, even if it costs a bundle. Now the stereotypical gamer is the fat nerd.
Are you guys telling me that even they are becoming shallow with video games? I guess beggars can't be choosers, even if they are holding on to lightsabers while reading this article.
The Playstation 2 and X-Box are both great systems and still have so much more life left in them.
You could spend more than half the money you would spend on a next generation system and still enjoy a truly great video game experience with the current generation.
Hell, you could even hunt down a classic system like the original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, or even the original Playstation. All those systems were prime examples of what a video game console should be.
A video game console's main duty is to pump out fun first and everything else is second.
Don't be overtaken by pretty graphics this fall when Sony and Nintendo join Microsoft in the console wars. Be sure to have your priorities straight, not only as a consumer but also a gamer.
Chris Nguyen is a second year staff member. chabot_spectator@hotmail.com
Video games sure have come a long way since Pac-Man and Super Mario Brothers. Everyone seems so excited about what the next generation has to offer us, however, I am not among them.
Video games have evolved so fast; it almost seems that people have forgotten what video games are really about.
Games these days are all about showcasing the graphics and the power of the hardware, showcasing to the point where video games seem like a fashion runway. What happened to the fun?
For instance, the Madden series has always been a solid, though dated, experience. When Madden 2001 was released alongside the Playstation 2 during its launch in 2000, it turned heads with not only its graphics, but with great gameplay and content.
When Madden 2006 was released alongside the X-Box 360 last year for its launch, things went completely backwards. I have never seen a Madden game take such a plunge.
A lot of the modes that made Madden such a great game and gave it so much personality were stripped. And for what? Graphics that look that much closer to real life?
To add insult to injury, Microsoft expects us to pay $60 for a beautiful game that is completely stripped down? All of the sport games released for the X-Box 360 were plagued with this problem.
Hopefully, the Playstation 3 won't follow the same fate.
It is no secret that America, in general, can be shallow. America just loves beauty, even if it costs a bundle. Now the stereotypical gamer is the fat nerd.
Are you guys telling me that even they are becoming shallow with video games? I guess beggars can't be choosers, even if they are holding on to lightsabers while reading this article.
The Playstation 2 and X-Box are both great systems and still have so much more life left in them.
You could spend more than half the money you would spend on a next generation system and still enjoy a truly great video game experience with the current generation.
Hell, you could even hunt down a classic system like the original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, or even the original Playstation. All those systems were prime examples of what a video game console should be.
A video game console's main duty is to pump out fun first and everything else is second.
Don't be overtaken by pretty graphics this fall when Sony and Nintendo join Microsoft in the console wars. Be sure to have your priorities straight, not only as a consumer but also a gamer.
Chris Nguyen is a second year staff member. chabot_spectator@hotmail.com
