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[another_guest]

In general I would say the focus nowadays is too much on graphics, too little on gameplay (or even basics such as pathfinding, they simply don't test enough) and very little on innovation. It's been ages since we've seen a truly new type of games appearing.

Also, most modern games tend to come with a 100 page manual where it takes you at least half an hour of reading before you can start playing. I love those intuitive games where you could discover at least 80% of the game without any manual. Take for example Transport Tycoon or Alpha Centauri, both games with endless possibilities; you could play these without a manual for ages, and only browse through it for some details to refine gameplay afterwards.

[Morrin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(another_guest @ Sep 28 2007, 08:19 AM) [snapback]313597[/snapback]</div>

In general I would say the focus nowadays is too much on graphics, too little on gameplay (or even basics such as pathfinding, they simply don't test enough) and very little on innovation. It's been ages since we've seen a truly new type of games appearing.

Also, most modern games tend to come with a 100 page manual where it takes you at least half an hour of reading before you can start playing. I love those intuitive games where you could discover at least 80% of the game without any manual. Take for example Transport Tycoon or Alpha Centauri, both games with endless possibilities; you could play these without a manual for ages, and only browse through it for some details to refine gameplay afterwards.
[/b]

I disagree. Games don't come with manuals anymore, but in some few page pdf synopses. Games are a lot more easier to learn today than few years back.

[Timpsi]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Morrin @ Sep 28 2007, 12:00 PM) [snapback]313612[/snapback]</div>

I disagree. Games don't come with manuals anymore, but in some few page pdf synopses. Games are a lot more easier to learn today than few years back.
[/b]

Exactly; in the old times the manuals were humongous, some of them including heaps of additional information that wasn't exactly necessary for the game, but would interest the gamer anyway. MicroProse simulators and strategy games were probably the best examples of this.

[humorguy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Morrin @ Sep 28 2007, 10:00 AM) [snapback]313612[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(another_guest @ Sep 28 2007, 08:19 AM) [snapback]313597[/snapback]

In general I would say the focus nowadays is too much on graphics, too little on gameplay (or even basics such as pathfinding, they simply don't test enough) and very little on innovation. It's been ages since we've seen a truly new type of games appearing.

Also, most modern games tend to come with a 100 page manual where it takes you at least half an hour of reading before you can start playing. I love those intuitive games where you could discover at least 80% of the game without any manual. Take for example Transport Tycoon or Alpha Centauri, both games with endless possibilities; you could play these without a manual for ages, and only browse through it for some details to refine gameplay afterwards.
[/b]

I disagree. Games don't come with manuals anymore, but in some few page pdf synopses. Games are a lot more easier to learn today than few years back.
[/b][/quote]


I agree Morrin. Back in the day, PC gaming was a 'hobby' - now it is a 'pastime'. PC gamers used to salivate at a new Microprose Simulation like Red Storm Rising with it's 100+ page manual that not only explained the game , but also gave a history of sub warfare, etc! Oh yes, and a keyboard overlay too! Even regular games had decent, well written manuals, like Activision's BattleZone, which had a 100 page manual laid out like a Nuclear Weapons manual, along with coffee cup rings, stains and handwritten notes! Most games today, even if they give you a manual at all, it is usually less than 30 pages and literally just explains how to play the game (sometimes not even that!) Sometimes they do try, so for example, the STALKER manual tries, with a fake ring binder design, first person writing and 'sellotaped' notes stuck over the original text!

So I am completely with you Morrin. PC gaming has declined because of the break in the link between gamers and publishers. Today, with all games coming in the same DVD box with the same type of manual paper, you know, that grey background, 'glossy toilet paper feel' and even the same fonts used, gaming has become a 'commodity'.

The fact that gamers more and more are buying the 'Collector's Edition's', which in many cases are only a couple £/$ more than the original game shows how much gamers old and new want more of an 'experience' in their gaming. And that including the way the game is packaged!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Timpsi @ Sep 28 2007, 10:19 AM) [snapback]313616[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Morrin @ Sep 28 2007, 12:00 PM) [snapback]313612[/snapback]

I disagree. Games don't come with manuals anymore, but in some few page pdf synopses. Games are a lot more easier to learn today than few years back.
[/b]

Exactly; in the old times the manuals were humongous, some of them including heaps of additional information that wasn't exactly necessary for the game, but would interest the gamer anyway. MicroProse simulators and strategy games were probably the best examples of this.
[/b][/quote]

Wow! Thinking the same things at the same time almost exactly!