Anyone else dissatisfied with modern games?

[smokehouse]

I walk in, introduce myself and lay down on the long, brown leather couch…

I started gaming in 1987. The NES was my introduction to the gaming world. Since then, like many of you I have amassed a large collection of retro gaming bliss and I still play many of my older titles every day (or at least many times a week). This brings me to my current dilemma. I simply can’t get into new titles. I’ve tried. Sure, there are a few games like Final Fantasy X, Paper Mario and Zelda: Wind Waker but you’re talking less than 10 titles combined on all three systems. I find myself excited about retro compilations but little else. I would say that I’m sick of gaming but I’m not, I still love the classics just as much as when they were new.

Hell, the new group of systems don’t even really hold that much interest for me, the 360 and PS3 are neat-o but I won’t be picking up one for quite some time if ever. I don’t care about GTA 9 or Halo 5, these games are boring to me and it seems that the industry is scrambling to make a million clones of these titles. Perhaps it’s the fact that Sony and Microsoft control the market. Back in the day the market was run by video game companies, not an electronics/music/movie manufacturer and a shitty PC software developer. Older games didn’t require 20 million dollar budgets, rock star soundtracks and celebrity voiceovers to be good. They were just fun, something 95% of current titles lack.

I don’t know, possibly I’m becoming closed-minded like my father. I’m only 28 but I guess anything is possible. Any thoughts? Any similar feelings?

[Oobgarm]

Don't forget that also, like today, companies were scrambling to make clones of the games that were popular. Look at how many throwawy titles are on the NES, SNES, Genny, etc. Regardless of who's in control of the market, good business sense would dictate that copying or heavily borrowing from similar and successful products is the way to go.

[MarHel78]

It's pretty much the same here. I used to play the old games on a daily basis and since I got a NES, SNES, SMS and MD, those are permanently hooked up to my TV.

The Dreamcast was my first console after a long while without any, and it's still hooked up and I still buy games, when I get the chance, but I currently have Record of Lodoss War and Berserk on the shelf, which I sought after for quite a while and now got and disregard, because of some Mega Drive games I got recently.

The same is true for Cube and PS2. I'm still playing NFSU, ICO, Viewtiful Joe and some other standard/good titles, but that's it.

In my case, the problem is, that I can more easily get the games now than back, when I was a kid (and didn't even own my own consoles, d'oh). Where's the fun, when you can buy 10 games at once without saving for them. And also: you don't get a chance to really look forward to the games, because you get them right away.

Back in the day, I would keep playing the 2-4 games I had, simply because I couldn't afford new ones. Now, those game I wished for are cheap and because I wanted them back then, I can still enjoy them now, because I really was interested in them.

Today, it's like: wtf? Next generation consoles? The current "next generation" was released only a couple of years ago? Why do I need new ones, when the current ones aren't fully explored yet? And "oh great, another mediocre ego shooter/action adventure rip-off/EA Sports 20xx title....

Games are no longer made by gamers, but by big firms with 100s of developers. That's why the fun is lost. Developers don't identify with their product, but have to meet shareholders' demands so that the profit is right.

Therefore, they go for mainstream applications with stunning graphics, sound, etc. combined with lack of love!

[after reading my post again, I can't get some of my thoughts straight... maybe it's because I'm no native speaker, but well, I think you get the direction I'm headed.]

[felix]

I satisfied by current games. As for copying game's ideas, companies have been doing that for years. I like how games have evolved into social/multiplayer games.

[Graham Mitchell]

My situation is very similar to yours, smokehouse. Although, I haven't totally given up on modern consoles. Even though I don't have one anymore, I like Gamecube. I have a PS2 and I actually really enjoy it. True, I have a TON of retro comps, but there have been some great, new games for it, like Katamari Damacy, or Hideo Kojima's brilliant Metal Gear Solid series. I'm kind of looking forward to the new Phantasy Star that's coming out for it as well, even though I think RPG's have gotten really terrible over the last couple of years. There's still a chance that Yuji Naka can impress.

A system you may want to give a chance to is the DS. I've throroughly enjoyed every game I bought for it. Every title sort of presents a new way of playing and designing games. It's interesting because over the past year, you've been able to watch the evolution of game design for the machine, and it's about to get amazing.

But the really big mainstream games are really not that stimulating to me. I've never been big into FPS's or fighting games. I didn't think GTA was all that great. And with abortions like Castlevania: Lament of Innocents, I'm learning that the types of games I do like don't translate well onto the modern machines. I guess Metroid Prime was okay, though I don't think it's really a Metroid game. It's clearly designed in the U.S. and they got some things wrong.

[Leroy]

I used to feel that way.. it was really bad when the Playstation first came out. After having my soul crushed by Final Fantasy VII I almost gave up gaming altogether. Over the next couple of years I gamed less and less to the point where I just didn't care anymore. I had my GBA and that was pretty much it.

Then one day.. about a year (maybe less) after Metroid Prime had come out and I had bashed the game into oblivion (how DARE they turn my beloved Metroid into Quake?!) my friend rented it and brought his Cube over. I prepared myself for the worst. Fifteen minutes later it was 2 AM. I turned the Cube off. My friend asked "Well?" and my response was a midnight trip to Wal*Mart wherein I purchased a Cube, Prime and a memory card.

There's PLENTY of great games nowadays, you just have to seep through mountains of shit to get to them.

[googlefest1]

im not dissatisfied but i miss the 16 bit style games - wheres the 2d stuff. Oh, it's on the GBA but wait most of them are crapy games made about crapy kids tv programs and rehashes of snes and nes games

yes there are a few that are totaly new but i think the ratio is too low -- i like to buy the gba games and play them in the gamecube thing (main reason for gettgin a gamecube) but the colors get messed up on that thing (i gues the ame colors on that lcd dont exactly translate well to a tv (i think its mostly the white color)

well anyways - if you asked me what part of the current game market im most upset with its the GBA and the price of old games (man have they skyrocketed)

[chrisbid]

in general yes

i know there has always been a high amount of shovelware, but i was in gamestop yesterday, and there was NOTHING that appealed to me. i looked over every section there, including PSone and N64 and nothing was good looking enough to warrant a purchase.

[demen999]

My Interest in playing has decreased because the games out now. They seem to give me some short attention span type of feeling. I never care to finish them at all mostly. The only ones that i keep getting and beating are the puzzle, quirky games.

[Ernster]

I feel the exact same way. I think you cant put it down to just one thing, sure modern games arent as good as the 8/16 and 64 bit era but were all getting older, and zzzzz (where was I), I dunno Im the same I play NES all the time and cant be bothered playing GC, mainly coz it sucks but yeah zzzz sorry dont know what to say -_-

[demen999]

I feel the exact same way. I think you cant put it down to just one thing, sure modern games arent as good as the 8/16 and 64 bit era but were all getting older, and zzzzz (where was I), I dunno Im the same I play NES all the time and cant be bothered playing GC, mainly coz it sucks but yeah zzzz sorry dont know what to say -_-

Well I agree, and also the games nowadays are abit too life sucking if you get my drift. Sometimes you want a nice short/deep game without 1000 button combinations for stuff. I'd rather play Bad Dudes than a devil May cry game lol

[bargora]

I've always been a fan of either simple control (three-button control or simpler) or else overwhelming complexity, like what you get in PC-based combat flight-sim games. Modern games with eight-button control fall into an uncomfortable middle ground for me that requires you to commit to playing the game through or else forget how to control it when you come back to it a few weeks later.

So I've pretty much stuck to modern games with simple control (Ico, Rez, Klonoa 2), plus Steel Battalion (40 button control).

Aside from the control issue, there's the AI issue. I've found Steel Battalion: Line of Contact so satisfying because there is no AI. Every war machine on the field has a human pilot with at least some degree of natural intelligence. Unfortunately, Sartre wasn't far off when he observed that Hell is other people. But the dickhead factor really isn't that bad in LOC. I hear it's much worse in Hell-O 2.

Since the computer game market is shrinking, I wish that developers would put out more games like Steel Battalion that dispense with the standard controller and just go all fuckin' out with crazy-ass custom controllers and deep deep gameplay. Alas, that seems not to be perceived as the way to keep the shareholders happy.

So for now, I'll stick with SB and simple-controlling modern games. If I find a spare weekend, I may even revisit Bloodrayne and start leeching Nazis. But truth be told, I'm not eagerly anticipating any particular new game release at the moment.

[Blanka789]

It seems like the NES came in and showed us what gaming really was. Then, the 16-bit consoles introduced new ideas, play mechanics, and other things, making it the golden age. Then, there was the Neo Geo, which showed off fighting games and a few other good titles,and the 32-bit war started. The 3DO was average, but the Saturn and PSone represent gaming's last hurrah.

[Cmosfm]

I love current games, I actually love them just as much as I love my classic games.

[Dangerboy]

I think nostalgia has something to do with it, but on the other hand, ever since everyone has jumped on this "let's make everything as real as possible" trip I've lost a lot of interest in modern gaming. Mainly because everything starts to look like everything else.

The last two current gen games I was hyped about was Halo 2 and Transformers. Heck, I didn't even BUY Transformers until it was in the clearance bin. Bought Star Wars: Ep III but that was over in a lunch break.

I'd play more Katamari, but it gives me motion sickness =(

Right now my XBox and GC are basically collecting dust, and my PStwo is only dust free because I'm using it for screen capturing PS1 games for Game-Rave.com, if nothing else.

Right now my Neo Geo is getting the work out of its life. As will my Genesis once Kamino has installed a S-Video cable into it. So many games I never got to play in the past...makes me wonder if I should just cancel my 360 pre-order and use towards more older games.

Jason

[Flack]

I'm sure I was spouting the same crap when the last generation of consoles was on the horizon, but I just don't see what the next generation has to offer other than better graphics and better AI (although most current AI has no problem outsmarting me).

Maybe it is nostalgia, but I could spend weeks going through old Commodore 64, Atari 2600, NES, SNES, and Genesis games. I just posted the other day how I found 30 Atari 2600 games at a garage sale for $4. $4! What other hobby on earth can you entertain yourself for a couple of weeks with $4?

I still say that Pole Position is more fun than Gran Turismo and that Pitfall is more fun than Tomb Raider. Blinded by nostalgia? Perhaps, but the bottom line in gaming is that it's all about what you want to play and what you enjoy playing. When the PSX made the transition from 2D to 3D I started waning, and the evolution of the console into "a machine that plays sports games and first person shooters" has really made me lose interest.

Fortunately for me, there's a whole lotta garage sales out there and I almost always have $4 in change in my ashtray. Game on!

[Lothars]

I would agree fully I am Dissatisfied with Modern Gaming

That's not to say that I don't enjoy some of the games in the modern generation for some games it's one of the best times

but for the most part I am wanting to play more Nes games or Super Nes games than xbox or ps2

I am getting a genesis soon enough and can't wait to play that,

I would love to get a neo geo soon to,

I love playing my dreamcast, it's such an amazing system,

but yeah one thing I can't stand about the moderm generation is it's kind of blah games,

it's all good though that's why im a collector like all of you :D

getting to enjoy the best of each system no matter what

it's all good though

off topic my 500th post :D

[SoulBlazer]

Hey, I grew up on the 2600 and NES also, but I still game as much now as I used to. Just look at the sig, how many different systems and tastes are reflected there.

And besides, we're STILL getting the same ratio of good/bad games NOW as we did 20-30 years ago. Don't tell me you missed all of the clone, hastily shoved out, awfull games back then. :roll:

You just need to keep a open mind, try new games and new styles, and see what you enjoy. I'm sure everyone can find some 'modern' games that they will love, and it probaly will be a game that could'nt even be DONE back in the 8/16 bit days.

[nate1749]

I notice people always remember the past as better than it really was. It also might be because it's what you knew first. For instance, a teenage kid now who plays xbox, ps2, will look back on these systems in 10-20 years and think that these were the greatest and why can't games be like this now in 2025.

Also, I agree - the only reason I bought an xbox was to play the classic consoles on it. I do like some new games, but so many seem to be built on the same engine, they all feel and look the same, just different guy with a different revenge story. It was cool when it first came out, but if they were still making side-scroller super-mario's I'd probably feel the same way.

I also don't give new games as much of a chance as I did when I was younger. If within 30 minutes I'm not hooked I'm never playing it again. When I was kid I was stuck with whatever was under the christmas tree for a whole year. I don't remember not liking them at first, but I'm sure much like books, they took some time to get into and really appreciate it. Now I have such a huge selection to pick from & I figure why waste anytime playing something I don't like when the next game I might love every minute of.

Nate

[Kid Ice]

For me it's cyclical. I was never too crazy about the NES, Genesis, or SNES. When the PSX, Saturn, and N64 came around I got back on the bus. I agree that we're on the down part of the cycle right now. The only console game released in 2005 that has been of any interest to me is RE4. That's the only new game I bought all year.

The good games will be back. Right now I'm passing the time with PC games.

[smokehouse]

You know, I too thought it was nostalgia clouding my judgment but I came to the conclusion that it was not. First off, I still enjoy these games, sitting down and blasting through Contra on the NES is still fun, as is playing Super Mario Bros 3 or River City Ransom. I’d rather play these titles than play newer ones. My wife, who probably played video games for a combined total of 2 hours before she met me, prefers older titles (Super Mario World over Mario Sunshine). My buddy’s kids (11 and 5) prefer older, simpler games (Super Dodge Ball, Hogan’s Alley). These game are still fun. Man, woman, young, old, these games still have appeal. Games like Halo and GTA will be forgotten in 10 years where people will still be playing the older classic titles.

Case in point, Mario 64 was voted “The best game ever made” by many video game magazines, who is still playing that blurry pile of crap today? Ok, how many still play Super Mario World on the SNES? Newer games have given up fun and simplicity for eye candy and gimmicks. Someone mentioned all the throw away titles from the 8 and 16-bit systems and they’re right, there were a ton. On the other hand there are some really great games as well, far more than the newer systems will be remembered for.

One last thing, while older games are starting to show their age a bit (some Atari 2600 games look downright horrible now), they are still playable. Take a look at most of the first gen PS1, Saturn and N64 titles. They are no longer playable; they simply look too bad now to really enjoy (Anyone for a game of the original resident Evil for PS1? Thought not). Games are becoming big, BIG business and the deeper it goes, the more shit comes out the other side. As a matter of fact, I was having a long conversation with a guy who owns a small used game store and he told me most used PS2 games are worth next to nothing now.

(By the way, Pole Position rocks!!!)

[josekortez]

They don't hold my interest for long now because I own about a bagilion titles now whereas when I was younger, I never owned more than 20 total. It's also harder for me to spend time with one now because I work a lot.

[Slave to the Parasites]

Yeah, I feel the same way. I just can't tolerate 3D games anymore. Last year I hit a wall where I just started hating 3D games with a passion. I'm convinced they're the devil.

I'm sick of 'walking and talking' and turning the camera so that I can see who's attacking me from behind again. Because they always attack from behind, don't they? So freaking annoying!

I think the reason many gamers don't feel the same way about 3D games is cause they probably haven't been playing video games for as long and as often as we have, so they just aren't bored with 3D yet. But they will be soon. And I can't wait! I am bored out of my freaking mind with 3D. I'm selling/trading off most of my PS2 & GC games. I can't stand to even look at them anymore. The only games I'll keep are Ikaruga, Viewtiful Joe, Gradius V and Megaman X8. The rest can burn in the pit of Hades!

The only console game coming out this year that I'm excited about is Megaman X Collection. I never thought I'd be saying this but I don't even want the new Zelda. Unless Nintendo starts making 2d games again for the Revolution, I'm definately not buying the next generation of consoles. I'll just put the money that would've gone towards new games to building my Saturn import collection. That and my DS will have to hold me over until everone gets bored of 3D. My estimate for that happening is by the end of next generation.

And that better happen! If it doesn't then "I'll come back and kill everyone of you sonsabitches!". Just kidding, but I will be seriously pissed off if people aren't bored of 3d by then. Because that might mean I will have to find something else to spend my money on... such as WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION! :angry:

[smokehouse]

I won’t go so far as to say I hate 3D titles. What bothers me is the school of thought that says 3D is a replacement for 2D, it’s not. 2D did not evolve into 3D, it is completely different. Everything has to be 3D or else it’s not worth playing, hopefully this will change. If not older gamers like many of us will stop buying games for the most part. At the current rate of title releases, there can only be so many FPS and metal Gear-ish clones and remakes. Sooner or later something is going to give, hopefully it’s in the right direction.

[Cryomancer]

Whoa shit, Smokehouse!

I'm a RR listener, and I was born in Peoria as well. I live in WI now, but whenever I'm in town me and a local friend of mine always toss around the idea of finding you and getting burgers or something.

Welcome to DP my good man.

edit: way to not contribute to the topic there self.

I dislike a lot of modern games if for no other reason then the prevailence of brown, mediocre crap. I like colors in my games goddamnit. Hell even white is rare nowadays, what the fuck.

We need more over-the-top fuck reality games, halo should star a guy in a neon green suit shooting vegtables or something.

[smokehouse]

?

I’m not sure what RR is? I’m sorry but do you think I'm somebody else? Not that I’m opposed to burgers and fellow gamers but you might have me confused with someone else. Then again possibly I’m wrong.

[Cryomancer]

Yeah, sorry about that, mistaken identity I suppose.

[sirhansirhan]

I think a lot of what the problem here is can be compared to the film industry in the 70s and today; in the 70s, all of the best films (Godfather I and II, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Apocalypse Now, to name a few) were the films that were most accepted by the mainstream audience, and made a ton of money. Now the films that make a ton of money are, for the most part, shit.

Comparatively, the late 80s and early 90s era of video gaming was like the 70s was for movies--Super Mario 3 sold a bijillion copies, as did Zelda, Battletoads, etc. Now, Halo and GTA games and other, similar poop are outselling the more deserving games. But these more deserving games still exist, thankfully. You just have to try harder to find them.

Another thing that I think is really hurting the industry right now is the mentality of most 16-29 year old gamers that they don't want to play anything directed at kids, and games rated M are the only games that are truly fun. That really irritates me. For example, I was recently playing Incredible Crisis on PS1 at a friend's house, and his other friends were like, "Why are you playing a game directed at 12-year old Japanese girls?" This type of thing happens all the time (to me, at least).

[bargora]

Another thing that I think is really hurting the industry right now is the mentality of most 16-29 year old gamers that they don't want to play anything directed at kids, and games rated M are the only games that are truly fun. That really irritates me. For example, I was recently playing Incredible Crisis on PS1 at a friend's house, and his other friends were like, "Why are you playing a game directed at 12-year old Japanese girls?" This type of thing happens all the time (to me, at least).
You could always ask them back why they play games directed at immature adolescent shitheads, no?

I mean, really, anyone that's given it any though knows that "M" really means "I". My favorite games seem to be rated "T", which apparently stands for "teh best".