I am listening to your podcast and I understand what you mean...
Retro-gaming and limitations?It's true that the developers has to do with what was present at the moment technology-wise... It's a matter of setting that so many can't understand, now that they're used to high-definition graphics and sound.
Imagination played a big role when you played old games. As kids we were more forgiving.
Some games have the most hilarious or offensive content we couldn't even realize back then.
One thing you could have covered is that the ideas were so numerous back then, it was incredible. Many games began as experimental. Music as well.
Nowadays it's become so hard to be "original" since so many good ideas have been taken already. Sometimes they didn't even think of other good ideas!
Sometimes remakes take care of it...
...A lost opportunity? Too little too late?Many games seen as low quality nowadays could have been seen as extraordinary if they existed decades ago (as long as they don't have fatal flaws).
I guess a good chunk of the community is picky, some faults are even simply arbitrary, does it originate from some form of bitterness?
Adaptations? You'll always lose content when it comes from books to movies and games or a movie and game tie-in (and it was even more the case for early games, given the capacity of floppies, cartridges and CDs). Consider it a limited version of the original content, if it's not modified so much.
I'd like to take them as teasers so you look at the former and get even more enthralled.
But you know, even the original media can be missing parts, as what the writer compiled back then were ideas here and there. One can't think of everything.
Of course, a rushed g
ame to tie in with the release of a movie generally leads to a disaster.
I don't really want to say more on this. There are pretty obvious examples of that out there.
Remakes. Not always good.
Some are lazy, pretty ugly or totally uninspired, missing the point.
Trying to make easy money out of them can get pretty unethical.
That said there always are gems waiting to be taken and treasured. I aim for those.
Why is retro-gaming so loved?Retro-gaming is inevitably tied to nostalgia (the limbic system of your brain is responsible for it) .
There are games you can't forget, some stuff you could overrate and defend at all costs, you would even be driven to advise them in an obnoxious way to your friends and family.
The aspect isn't so important indeed. Pixels? 8 or 16-bits sound and music? I don't focus on these. For me, like you, the most I wish for is a throwback to the games I have enjoyed as a kid but I don't mind it to be improved upon.
For me, the setting (world, chars, ways to strive and progress...) and playability are the most important parts.
Flashy HD stuff, they're for showing off. AAA games without substance are crap to me.
Beware of the hype, the shine and glitter may fade soon enough and the flaws will be visible.
That said, "retro-gaming being for you!" can be a stupid trap too. You got to know when it is lazy and/or forced and having no soul.
There is good and bad aims to retro-gaming...
Costs?Oh trust me, games back in the '80s and '90s were also very expensive. The consoles sometimes cost and arm and a leg.
spending your allowance back then and ending with a lame game was the worst thing ever.
I became cautious and aim for the Bargain and Used Games bins since.
Just don't buy a game on launch day if you think it's not worth it. Others will do it with great delight.
Compelling cheap tactics to make you return to the game all the time, sometimes so villainous you wish to buy the DLC... Hmm, I would only reward the developers if it's good enough. Otherwise, to hell with them. Choose wisely.
What about characters?Character appearance? Well, it was also relative to trends of the time. You could also see how Sonic always was. He represented the 'tude of the '90s.
Now look at him, ppl call him quirky, just like his over-the-edge twitter account and the SEGA ads of the time.
As for attachment to them, I'd say that JRPG characters always held a soft spot in my heart, as they got personalities and goals that you can very much relate to or feel some sort of empathy for them). It's why it's my favorite genre.
Mobile games, the gaming trend?Mobile games... I couldn't understand them. I'm fine with handheld consoles instead, really (and even I'm afraid to lose my PSP, it's not like it's cheap and available new anymore, so I don't bring it with me).
They're fun for the casual player and those who don't want cumbersome settings (loading times and updates). They're easy and take little time to download, but their interest is limited. You should never expect too much of it. I never wished to get them.
I just am too used to play with a gamepad as well.
That said, simple games like Candy Crush are easily playable, with a swipe of a finger and some menu presses. It can be really addictive.
-Reinsert the part about the DLC here again-
Erotic Violence? Really?CV Pachislot? It's Trevor Belmont, not Richter.
Don't expect too much from Ko-ko. They defiled the name of Castlevania with full intent. I went "bah whatever"
They're so stubborn they may as well die belly up and have no regrets.
Of course IPs being bought by other companies could mean they're saved, but... never be too confident about it.
The corporate stupidity can be beyond your understanding.
And my take on life in general:Life takes priority, it's tougher to find time to get leisure indeed. You got to pick your entertainment carefully.
Parents and relatives wishing for you to have a family? Yes, but it's always easier to say it than do it. It should be your own choice in the end.
It's a choice one should make if only he/she can do it. Nothing is worse than false promises.
Why do societies fear the gaming community? Because there is a risk of being too absorbed in it, forgetting all the rest. That said, there are all other kinds of pastimes some being strange or plain dangerous.
Yes, support and a balanced life. It's not easy. One has to choose carefully and also work on self. "Never take things for granted. What is obvious for me isn't always for others" are some of the lessons I learned over the years.
As for life, time can't be reversed. Regrets will only make you more bitter. They're never good.
Taking the time reflecting, on what you got, what you're missing and what you can accomplish, too many forgot doing it.
There are exceptions to everything. Why would one would wish to follow others at all costs? To please others?
Choose your own path. Know why things are like this.
That said, I am walking the path of loneliness as well, but I transcended quite a few needs, for the better and the worse.
Life is about choices and opportunities. Sometimes you'll want to do something and not being able to, because there are other things to do. Sometimes it's a sacrifice. Still indeed you can still have the time to do what you wish for, otherwise it will be a repressed lingering feeling, something missing.
Thanks for reading that HUGE wall of text!
Hint: Why don't you take that as your signature?
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