Improved Visuals, Surround Sound and 32 Player Online Matches : Is This What Next-Generation Gaming Is All About?
Are we truly in the next-generation of gaming? Is improved high definition graphics and surround sound all there is to the next-generation of gaming? Xbox and PlayStation fans believe so. To them, next-gen means 1080p HD video and 5.1 surround sound and 32 player online matches. To Nintendo fans, however, it means originality and creativity.
So, what truly is the next generation of gaming? Is it a combination of all the above?
To me and countless others, next-gen doesn’t always mean flashy graphics or finding ways to replace the traditional controller with the Nunchuck/Wii Remote. It all boils down to making you believe that you are truly living in an alternate world. The less we recall playing with bots, the more “human-like” their behaviors and appearance are, the more next-gen the experience is.
Does next-gen mean advanced and improved AI? Yes. And no. To really make a believable gaming experience advanced AI is a must. But you have to seamlessly combine it with unique gameplay, graphics and sound so that a gamer feels like he is really living in an alternate world. The more developers can blur the line between playing with CPU bots and with real people, the truly next-gen the game is. The advanced graphics, AI and sound found in most of today’s games are a step forward, but we still haven’t been able to reach the pinnacle of gaming.
In racing games, for example, the opponents have to react instinctively, not like some dumb scripted machine. That’s why I’ve given up on NFS Carbon. Sure, it has an arcade racing root, but come on! You’ve got to be kidding me. All those ridiculous turns, cars and opponents. It’s total crap. And ProStreet isn’t better. Instead, take a look at PGR or Forza. Sure they are driving simulators, but when you play either of these games you really forget that those cars are actually computer bots. That’s because they react intelligently to every move you make.
Another good example is Oblivion. The radiant AI and the huge open-ended world is the next generation in gaming. Sure, many of us might not agree. But have we seen any innovation in the FPS genre? Until Crysis came out with it’s ground-shattering gameplay and visuals, the opponents in previous FPS games were nothing but gun fodder.
In the end, it all boils down to an individual’s tastes and dislikes. What might feel good to one might not appeal to another. If you’ve made it this far, then you know what next-gen means in my opinion. So, what does it mean to you? Leave your comment below to let me know.
Jun 17th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
What defines next-gen gaming for you? Back in the day, I would have said graphics. Whenever a new system came out, all you would think about was graphics. I absolutely think that gameplay is the most important part of any game, but when you looked at new console releases 10 years ago, all you had to talk about were graphics. Now, times have really changed. Consoles and portables offer so much, with developers putting out wildly varying platforms. Sony and Microsoft are heavily focused on audio and video, while Nintendo is dedicated to experience and interaction. Who’s to say which is truly next-gen? A console that mixed both from the get-go would likely squash these arguments, but that may never happen.
Jun 19th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
After playing MGS 4….now thats a true next-gen experience, not only its a technological triumph. But it really blurs the line between games and a AAA Hollywood film.
Jun 21st, 2008 at 4:27 am
I guess all Malaysian/Chinese are same – they pirate stuff and feed off other’s creativities. Id this sentences sound familiar to you?
Jun 21st, 2008 at 4:28 am
I guess all Malaysian/Chinese are same – they pirate stuff and feed off other’s creativities. Is this sentences sound familiar to you??
Jun 22nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
@ Go Nintendo
I agree with you. A next-gen console should offer the best of both worlds, it should be interactive and immersive. We are now at a point where graphical innovations are at a stalemate, although they can be improved but not at the pace of which we saw since the early 2000 to present.
Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
@ Adnan
Another example I would like to use is The Elder Scrolls IV ; Oblivion. Now, that’s the truly next-gen game that I have played. Even more than 200 hours! You can read more at http://www.gamersworldbd.com/2007/06/die-hard-oblivion-fan-disk-error-youve.html
Jun 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 am
No, I don’t hate Chinese/Malaysian. Sorry, if I offended you. 🙂
Jul 1st, 2008 at 9:18 am
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Sep 19th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
i agree with you
making the game feel less against a computer or scripted programs and more against real intelligent humans is Next-Gen gaming.
But no one can ignore graphics,gameplay or sound as it all adds to the experience.