Computer games.

[RFUS]

I don't like term 'videogames' anymore, to be honest. I've played fantastic titles that aren't remotely gamey -- Dear Esther and more recently, the phenomenal Gone Home -- and I have no problem with them not being 'games'. They're interactive entertainment, if labels are mandatory, but why should they be? If you get a positive experience from something, be it through comedy, addictive gameplay, a top quality story, whatever, then it's a worthwhile thing.

My problem with say, Heavy Rain is that it just felt a bit clumsy, both control-wise and plot-wise. I loved Telltale's Walking Dead series, which was very similar in terms of interaction, but it was smoother and the story gripped me more. I'm not arsed that I didn't get to go around blasting suckas with a shotgun or driving a car around an open world -- I've played dozens of games that do that. These things might not be games, but that's irrelevant. If they're good, they're good.

 

[Tubey]

I don't like term 'videogames' anymore, to be honest. I've played fantastic titles that aren't remotely gamey -- Dear Esther and more recently, the phenomenal Gone Home -- and I have no problem with them not being 'games'. They're interactive entertainment, if labels are mandatory, but why should they be? If you get a positive experience from something, be it through comedy, addictive gameplay, a top quality story, whatever, then it's a worthwhile thing.

My problem with say, Heavy Rain is that it just felt a bit clumsy, both control-wise and plot-wise. I loved Telltale's Walking Dead series, which was very similar in terms of interaction, but it was smoother and the story gripped me more. I'm not arsed that I didn't get to go around blasting suckas with a shotgun or driving a car around an open world -- I've played dozens of games that do that. These things might not be games, but that's irrelevant. If they're good, they're good.

I think it is relevant though. If someone says to me "I played a great game yesterday", I went out and bought it and it turned out to be Beyond: Two Souls - possibly one of the worst "games" I've ever played - I'd be livid.

Might be splitting hairs I guess, but I think there's a rather large difference between a great game and a good interactive movie. You mention Walking Dead, which is great, because it is what it claims to be; an episodic, interactive version of a TV title. It even called itself "Season One". That's great, because at least you know what it is before buying it.

But is Walking Dead a great "game"? Not in my books no, as it has little to no actual game play.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Games as we know them will never be the same

A lot of my crusty generation will soon be weeded out and all games will be wii mote stuff and connect

 

[RFUS]

I think it is relevant though. If someone says to me "I played a great game yesterday", I went out and bought it and it turned out to be Beyond: Two Souls - possibly one of the worst "games" I've ever played - I'd be livid.

Might be splitting hairs I guess, but I think there's a rather large difference between a great game and a good interactive movie. You mention Walking Dead, which is great, because it is what it claims to be; an episodic, interactive version of a TV title. It even called itself "Season One". That's great, because at least you know what it is before buying it.

But is Walking Dead a great "game"? Not in my books no, as it has little to no actual game play.

Arguing about the term 'game' with any degree of pedantry is silly though -- it's like the term film or album; it's just an old name that's stuck. If the consumer doesn't do enough research on what they're slapping £40 down for, then that's their fault in my opinion.

However something like Beyond: Two Souls is worth mentioning, and I agree with you in terms of how something is marketed. That was made to seem very action packed and more gamey than it is. It doesn't make it any less good, as a piece of entertainment, but if you buy an Elvis Costello CD labelled 'Rage Against the Machine', then you might not find you're happy with it -- regardless of how ace Mr Costello might be.

Games as we know them will never be the same

A lot of my crusty generation will soon be weeded out and all games will be wii mote stuff and connect

No, they really won't.

 

[Walken]

was paperboy a great game or more of a role play

 

[ijjysmith]

It's not though, it's a phenomenal interactive movie, but a very rigid, repetitive game.

If you honestly think that gameplay in The Last of Us is phenomenal, then you're easily pleased.

Bioshock Infinite has the same issues - amazing scenery, superbly told story, wonderful characters, but stiff, frustrating gameplay. Both great experiences, both lacklustre actual games.

I think you're wrong.

 

[neil999]

I think you're wrong.

i agree with him! i guess it comes down to what you prefer -

some examples...heavy rain - loved, last of us - hated, skyrim - loved, bioshock - alright, got bored after a while

im sure there are wildly different opinions on these games, it seems that games are alot more objective than other media

 

[Walken]

i agree with him! i guess it comes down to what you prefer -

some examples...heavy rain - loved, last of us - hated, skyrim - loved, bioshock - alright, got bored after a while

im sure there are wildly different opinions on these games, it seems that games are alot more objective than other media

i couldnt get into skyrim but i love the fallout games, which is a bit weird, i just dont like the magic aspect to skyrim, and post apocolyptic scenarios appeal to me, but the basis of them isnt all that far apart

 

[Furey1878]

Games aren't solely stories. Something people should bare in mind.

Although I do think there is too much emphasis on having gameplay as a stopgap between high-production cutscenes these days.

 

[ijjysmith]

i agree with him! i guess it comes down to what you prefer -

some examples...heavy rain - loved, last of us - hated, skyrim - loved, bioshock - alright, got bored after a while

im sure there are wildly different opinions on these games, it seems that games are alot more objective than other media

I didn't say which bit Tubes was wrong about.

I am far far far from easily pleased.

 

[neil999]

i couldnt get into skyrim but i love the fallout games, which is a bit weird, i just dont like the magic aspect to skyrim, and post apocolyptic scenarios appeal to me, but the basis of them isnt all that far apart

ha, i hated fallout! weird..

 

[Elong]

Downloaded Path Of Exile and started playing today, anyone tried it? Seems simple enough fun and not really challenging on the brain.

 

[This Is How It Feels]

Age of Mythology.

 

[Furey1878]

Been playing Papers, Please today.

Awesome little game.

 

[BigDunc'sFod]

Played the Elder Scrolls Online Beta last weekend.

It is gash.