Gaming in the world today is a passionate industry. When the government says something isn’t okay, we stand together, and for that I applaud the gaming community. Then there are times when something happens within the industry, and the community turns on the industry. Sometimes it’s justified. Other times, I want to ask “Really? THAT angers you?”
I’ve had my issues with gaming over the years, and as time went on, I started to sit down and think about things a little more, rather than just reacting to them. So, I came up with a list. This list represents things that upset me, but now I’ve accepted more. I’ll call it:
The Top 5 Things I’ve Grown To Accept As A Gamer.
5) Character Overhaul
I believe it was during the making of God of War 3 extras, where either Stig Asmussen (Lead Director) or one of the artists for the game mentioned they wanted to change the look of Kratos, for the third game. I scoffed, thinking “how can they change the look? The third one picks up where the second one left off.”
What Changed That Mentality
Of all things, inFamous 2. Actually the first trailer. A ton of uproar was made about how Cole MacGrath’s look was changed. He had hair, tattoos, different attire, and quite honestly, looked and sounded a lot different than the Cole MacGrath of the first game. I wasn’t in so much upset, as I was excited for the new game. I enjoyed the first game, and if Sucker Punch felt they wanted to change him, I was all for it. After all, Cole was just in an explosion in the first game, and developed powers. I thought the powers might have something to do with the way he looks and sounds.
Ultimately the uproar of the fans won out and inFamous 2 delivered a Cole MacGrath that looked a little more like the first, short hair included. Still, I can’t help but wonder, maybe there was something more to the powers if they went that route. Ultimately, it’s not my decision what a company wants to do with a game, I’m just here to enjoy the ride…and occasionally write a review on it.
4) Trading In Games
I strongly disliked this, mostly because of that markup from when you sell the game, and hearing tales of people that sold their game for X and this place turned around and charged almost $30 more dollars for it. I always felt there was something special about the games I have, the games I put time into, and the fact that I can play my favorite levels at any given point. It was always worth more to me than the low-ball amount a retailer would offer me for it.
What Changed That Mentality
Splatterhouse. Okay it wasn’t just Splatterhouse, but the fact that I bought a game that 1) wasn’t that great, and 2) I wasn’t playing at all. I went in and got rid of it for I think it was $9 (and no I didn’t throw a fit like in the Gamefly commercial), and used that money to pre-order another game. One that I quite enjoyed.
Another thing that made me understand the used game mark-up is the business sense of the deal. If a game sits on the shelf long enough, eventually the company loses money off that game, because it’s not selling. We’ve seen those lowly games there on the shelf. Nobody touches it, they just kind of look at that game like “Somebody bought you?”
The way I see it now, people only sell games because they really don’t want them anymore. If a game is really valuable to you, just keep it. Also keep playing it, remind yourself how this game entertained you, and occasionally unjustifiably compare it to other games.
3) “Complete” Editions
Some of us have been there before. We pre-ordered a game, went to the midnight release at our local retailer, had hours of fun, beat the boss, found all the secrets in the game, and we bought the DLC. Then about six months later, they release the same game, with all the DLC included…at a cheaper price. If only you waited.
What Changed That Mentality
Actually waiting. I remember being a little fired up over the announcement of Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3. Just a little, considering I didn’t have the game. I thought the move was classic Capcom, first “Ultimate”, then “Super Ultimate”, then “Just Give Us More Money” editions. Then when I got Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as a gift that year, I wasn’t going to give another chance to any other game, because I have this one, and I’m happy with it.
These “complete” editions of games really aren’t for the people that are the first in line to buy the game, they’re the ones that were on the fence at the time of the release, and/or couldn’t afford $60 for a new game, and/or waited to see just how good the game was reviewed by those they trusted. So if you missed out on a good title, just wait a little longer, and you could get the entire game at a reduced price.
2) Beating A Game Without 100% Completion
There you are, you just beat the boss in an epic battle that took you at least 200 times to beat because you kept dying. Not all of that was “your” fault either, because you pushed the jump button right on time, but I digress, you finally did it. After all those hours, and countless tries, you beat the game. So as you look through the stats of the game, it turns out you only finished 40% of the entire game. WHAT! You just eliminated the greatest threat in the game? Are you kidding? What are the other sub-bosses going to somehow rise up and take over on this game?
If they did, that would be one advanced game
What Changed That Mentality
Great side missions. It really took me a while to find a game that engaged me to explore it further. Finding a game that can keep a player engaged in the story is one thing, but to keep that player coming back for more is a challenge developers seem to be rising to such an occasion time and time again. Now when I beat a game, I ask myself if I want to go back for more, and such as the case with some of the Grand Theft Auto, and the inFamous type games. It’s not always a games mission to deliver a great story, but as the case with many genres, to deliver a great experience.
1) Downloadable Content
This still bothers to a degree. We as consumers pay around $60 for a new game, and the extra stuff for the game costs more money. At times it’s hard enough to pay that much for a game, but to add extra stuff on top of that, it’s even harder. Plus, let’s not forget some companies that have had a bad reputation of handling their DLC badly, I’m looking right at you Capcom.
What Changed That Mentality
A variety of things, such as “complete” editions, the fact that DLC isn’t going to go anywhere, and the refreshing aspect of companies doing DLC right. Companies that don’t work on DLC until after the game is released. Companies that release really fun side missions and give nice deals on bundles for extra costumes. Besides, let’s face facts, in a world where publishers and developers aren’t seeing a dime from used game sales, DLC isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
Well, that’s my list, how about yours? Is there anything you’ve grown to accept as a gamer, or is there anything that you’ve accepted at one point, but now can’t stand? Let us know in the comment section below.