PC gamers vs. console gamers. There's this assumption that PC gamers are capable of playing more complex games than console gamers. The games industry itself has picked up on this assumption and generally dumbs down games for the consoles because they assume us poor console gamers are not capable enough, and as the consoles have increasingly become the focal point of the industry, PC games also started suffering from the dumbing down effect. That's why the developers behind Sacred 2 deserve all the more praise for not assuming all gamers on consoles are 13-year-old Halo-addicted kids by releasing a traditional top-down hack and slash game with an incredibly detailed world and intricate character development.
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Member since:2005-06-29
There's this thing called the internet, where there are game and video sites which are much better at showing off screenshots than I am.
To me, games aren't about graphics, and as such, I don't find screenshots very important. If you still need your fix, Google is only a few clicks away.
Member since:2009-08-23
Absolutely true Thom, Google is but a click away, however pointing this out in such a way may also force people to discover what else the Internet has to offer outside of OSnews, if you are lucky they may come back again. Choice is a great thing for viewers and consumers, but it's a bugger when it offers you competition.
My first comment ever on here, a shame it had to be for this. After all, we were only hoping for a screenshot to illustrate your points.
Member since:2005-07-06
To be fair, Google can also find reviews of games - we just like getting our stuff from OSNews!
Frankly, your general experiences of the games are more interesting than the ability to look at pictures I could - as you note - get anywhere. However, at least one illustrative screenie is useful for a game, particularly when the detail of the scenery is a major feature of the review.
You're right that not all console gamers are Halo addicted. There's nothing wrong with being a Halo addict though!
There's not *even* anything wrong with being 13 but I think I know what you mean if you're talking about the abusive teenagers on Live - a friend of mine tried playing online for a bit and got sick of the foul language they kept yelling at him. A shame that the community went that way, I would hope that it's better these days.
Member since:2005-08-18
What does it matter what it looks like? Either the game is fun and worth playing or not. Screenshots are not important.
The gaming review industry really need to get out of their tech obsession and start to actually reviewing games. Separating scores into Audio, Graphics, Gameplay etc is retarded.
When was the last time you saw Roger Ebert score a movie on Effects, Script and Casting? Never, you say? Gee, I wonder why that is.
It's the whole that's important, not the parts.
Member since:2006-01-06
Comparing games to movies is pretty idiotic. You watch movies on a screen, its pure one way interaction.
A big point of gaming is the interaction: both controls, how it plays and immersion.
Next thing you know someone's going to find a way to compare gaming with manufacturing cars.
Member since:2005-07-06
While I can't comment on Mr Ebert's reviewing style, most reviews I read cover those aspect you mention.
I've seen plenty of reviews that state things like "While the acting is weak at times, the story is interesting enough to carry the movie" or "While the story is weak, there is some truly amazing cinematography which is worth the price of admission" and so on and so forth.
I disagree. I'll go see a movie just because it has an interesting story or just because it has some amazing cinematography or just because they pull off some state of the art special effects work. Sometimes a really good part can compensate for a weak whole.
Member since:
2007-04-13
That's like applie pie without custard. Like a car without brakes. Like a farmer without wellingtons. Like a dog without fur. It's naked man.
And it's kinda lazy.
Edited 2009-08-23 19:27 UTC