D-realJos
08-31-2002, 11:29 PM
http://www.gametavern.net/forums/images/icons/icon4.gifPlease don't be intimidated by the length of this topic. It's long, but it's an absolute great read, providing you stay focused. Remember, you aren't obligated to read all of it in one sitting(though, that shouldn't be a problem), and can always return to the rest, if you're that reproached by it's length. Also, I rather you not hastily skim over it, but take your time to read it well. http://www.gametavern.net/forums/images/icons/icon4.gif
:deal: (note: My judgement of the games listed in this topic is based on what we currently know about them, and the potential each may have. It has NOTHING to do with predicting which one will be the superior game from a technical or overall quality standpoint. Either one of these games may be better than the other upon their release, though, I'm sure we'd have our personal favorites)
We all know that--well, for the most part--graphics ALONE can't make a game exciting to play. Still, there's no denying that when the power our current consoles' hardware is exploited, the potential to enhance our gaming experience is all too evident. That sole idea is one that has interest me more than any other lately, and thus, will be the basis for this topic. Hope you enjoy! :)
----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- -----
How many times have you heard; "Great graphics doesn't equate to great gameplay." Or; "More power wouldn't automatically makes games better"? Well, I'm sure if you're the kind of gamer that enjoys discussing anything game-related, then I'm sure you have already heard statements along those lines by now.
To many us, those cliché has become law and principle. You'll see it pop up in almost every related debate, and work flawlessly each time, overshadowing any opposing concepts or theories. But, is it completely valid? Is the important of graphics to be kept at a distant and perpetual second to gameplay, and never to be considered as vital to our gaming experiences?
Perhaps that was true in our past, where graphics could only do so much, and--even though it was always the best technology could offer at the time--could never offer the kind of immersion or vision the developer truly wanted to convey. Our present is a different story, however. If we took the time to relinquish such withering clichés, we'd realize that while hardware power and graphics are viewed as lesser importance to our overall gaming experiences, there are some games that--by their nature--defies that 'principle'. In fact, it's totally up to the developers to creat the software that strays from that (shortsighted) idea, and there are some development teams out there that recognize this and are always striving to deliver content that reach well beyond what we are currently use to. To do that, they dig deeper, harnessing the power of current technology. [to be cont'...]
Let's take a break to introduce the first two games on this list(in ascending order). Of all the games out there(that I know enough about), I've narrowed it down to 5 incredible games. We'll look at how they each apply to what you've read so far. Specifically, how technology can influence our gaming experiences. Also, to help keep the concept of topic in perspective, I went ahead and listed what I view as the 'tech-effect'. It relates to the nature of the technology/graphics in each game, and how it lends itself to the respective game. Simply put; a description of the *effect* the *technology* has/can have on each game.
#5) Metriod Prime
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/e32002/gamecube/metroidprime/metroidprime_thumb004.jpg (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/metroid_prime/e3_metroidprime_gcn_ss03.jpg) <-- click pics to enlarge
Platform: GameCube
Developer: Retro Studios
Genre: Action/Exploration
Tech-effect: Amazing level of immersion within first-person perspective.
Thanks to the talented team at Retro Studios, Metroid returns in glorious 3D, and so far, does a marvelous job at recreating the moody, griping space-exploration experience in ways that surpassed most of our expectations. Because Metroid Prime is mainly played from the 1st-person perspective, the team din't want this game to be view or compared to FPS of today. The solution? Offer total immersion while staying true to the game's roots. The effect? This sureal experience is conveyed through Samus's hi-tech perception of her environment. All the intricate details, environmental effects and elaborate visor modes (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/metroid_prime/e3_metroidprime_gcn_ss11.jpg) that are seen from Samus's viewpoint, goes a long away into transforming each gamer into the intergalic bounty hunter heroine. This time, you ARE Samus! Or how about utilizing some of that hardware power to literally overwhelm (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/metroid_prime/e3_metroidprime_gcn_ss07.jpg) Samus with swarm of dangerous alien life form, vividly painting the picture of how harsh these invironments can be. With Metroid Prime, it's possible to experience all that and much, much more.
#4) Project Ego ('Fable' being considered for final name)
http://www.lionhead.com/games/ego/images/screen_04thumb.jpg (http://www.bigbluebox.com/images/game/screen_04.jpg)
Platform: Xbox
Developer: Big Blue Box
Genre: RPG/Simulation
Tech-effect: Allows unprecedented level of interaction and freedom, even giving players the ability to build a unique in-game personailty.
When one thinks of an RPG, I'm positive one never thinks about being escorted out of a town by gaurds for conduct of "indecent exposure." In Project Ego, you better be prepared to alter your way of thinking. Take control of a boy's journey to manhood, in a land brough to life by inspiring visuals (http://www.bigbluebox.com/images/game/eurolaunch_04.jpg). Underneath the graphics, lies, one of the most advanced AI systems ever bestowed on a game, and for one main purpose only; create a virtual habitat where the choices of the player to do whatever he/she wants are 'limitless'. A bold step for any developer to take, since they'll be forced to think meticulously to catch every possibility within the bounds of the game. The computing power in CPUs today is so immense, that when you see that power being use run simulations of such magnitude, you tend to wonder; "man, what took so long, he he" Now, while I think this open-ended design of Project Ego is--for the most part--meant to flow alongside the game's quest rather than play a more crucial role(the factor that keeps it from being # 1 on this list), I still have to admit that being able to interact however you want--essentially imprinting your presonality in the game--but actually witness the results, consequence, and response to your actions is an exciting prospect that is sure to add much to our gaming experience.
[continued]... When used in the right way, the technology behind games can be a pivotal and essential factor to the level on which we enjoy our games. Picture Rogue Leader, for instance. It's gameplay is almost obsolete by today's top standards, in a nutshell, it's gameplay can partially be sumed up by the phrase; "Just get your ass up there and shoot sh!t down." However, Rogue Leader has this uncanny ability to display some amazing visuals and extract incredible performance from that little Cube(thanks to Factor 5, ofcourse). It's one thing playing X level in X Star Wars game, and it's another to be blasting through the Trench in Rogue Leader via cockpit mode. Then, have all your perception of immersion shattered, as you encounter the infamous Battle of Endor! Fighting against hundreds of enemy crafts, two Star Destroyers, accompanied by wingmen and allied with massive ships, immersed me in the world of Star Wars like I never thought was possible, until then. As a result, scenarios like that helped me to enjoy and appreciate the game eventhought it's lacking in depths. That's an example where there can be no substitute for graphics/technology & power, and such experiences just aren't possible otherwise. [to be cont'...]
This takes us to the next game on the list...
[b]#3) Splinter Cell
http://games.gamespy.com/artwork/20020612_202054_Splinter%20Cell%20-%20Xbox%20-%20Fence%20shadowb.jpg (http://www.ubi.com/NR/rdonlyres/enbuzllzes3ggpkkmypqxapnilhebalzrhuy5qp5exgl3tmexctnsvhinkrx54dcpphez2ozau5xlvcsxzsu6ht3zgg/splintercellxbox_6.jpg)
Platform: Multi
Developer: Ubi Soft, Montreal
Genre: Action/Stealth
Tech-effect: Realistic lighting heightens stealth gameplay. Interactive environment bound by physics enables 'dynamic action gameplay'.
Because of it's stealthy gameplay, Splinter Cell is and will continually be compared to Metal Gear Solid 2. Only difference is; the developer plans to take the gameplay to a much higer level, while giving the player much more control over the action in the game rather than relying on too much scripted events. Splinter Cell wouldn't be on this list if it didn't had technology that really influence the nature of the game. Think dynamic lighting and shadowing (http://www.ubi.com/NR/rdonlyres/emopbripnbleea5k4hn5iajeidtchsfy6gitfvh5vwey4x5aayefbnwhfhjx2gmzsjz2x7uvw6xn2fv7nkgople6n3d/splintercellxbox_2.jpg). Enemies will spot your shadow, so becareful. That lends it self to the gameplay machanics, as you may have to:
close doors to cut off light sources, strategize and plan how you will tackle a certain situation, turn off/"put out" lights, use stealth in a much more pratical way than ever before, and so much more. Superbly interactive invironments and advanced physics creates lots of cool possibilities, what I call, "dynamic action gameplay". Shoot a barrel, watch fuel leak forming a puddle... well, used your imagination from there. In all, I think Mathieu Ferland, the Producer at Ubi Soft Montreal, summed it up perfectly.
"We focused our efforts in linking amazing technology to the gameplay. "For instance, the real-time lighting and shadows are awesome effects, but they are also crucial to the gameplay[stealth, for instance], and there are a lot of other examples of that kind."
[continued]...Resident Evil is yet another faithful example that supports the idea of this topic. With the capabilities of GameCube, Capcom totally altered my perception of what pre-rendered graphics truly are. Up until then, this style of graphics had a bad rep, given the power of these current consoles, it seemed unecessary in this day and age. The leap Capcom made over all previous stlyes was a leap that now has me anxious to witness more. I've never seen such incredibly detailed and moody environments, so atmospheric, that they suck you right into the immediate scene. I was so immeresed that I was, occasionally, scared to walk down those spooky hallways, and instead, steadily gazed at the scenery before me, as though expecting whatever it is that may be waiting for me, to grow tired of waiting and reveal it self. In such moments, you couldn't tell me I wasn't part of the scene. Many times, it certainly felt so. I've had uneasy moments in games before, but I never, EVER had a gaming experience like that before. I love it! That's what technology can do for games. [to be cont'...]
Are you still with me? Great, cause some of you may be a bit surprised by the next game on the list...
#2) Legend Of Zelda
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/e32002/gamecube/legendofzelda/zelda_thumb003.jpg (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/zelda-gcn/e3_zelda_gcn_ss08.jpg)
Platform: GameCube
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Adventure
Tech-effect: Perfectly conveys a truly interactive cartoon of epic proportions.
One glance at this game says it all, it truly does speak for itself. Consequently, not much explanation is needed here. While some may mistake it's authentic toon-styled visuals as a mere gimmick, it triumphantly goes a long way into making the experience genuine, as gamers will not only be drawned into the mystical world of Zelda, but simultaneously be part of a truly interactive cartoon--a level of perception (http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/zeldagcbroll_052902_22.jpg) never before achieved. I think the potential here to become one of the best gaming experiences in decades, is uncanny. Plain and simple. For that, Zelda earns a well-respected position on this (already outstanding) list.
[continued]...While all the graphics in the world won't make your game as fun as Mario 64(or recently Mario Sunshine, from what reports indicate), and definitely won't create unique games like Pikmin, there's no denying--as RE and RL already proved--that technology can do a whole lot to alter our experiences and how immersed we are in a game, expecially if the artists and level designers do their parts well.
With this current generation of consoles, there really isn't any in-game situation that can't be created. We are at an era where anything the developer imagine, can be be visually conveyed, and pretty convincingly at that. Of course, the next-generation of consoles will do that at on a much higher level, but really, in this current generation, if the developer can imagine it, they can create it. This is the first time developers can truly make that claim. It's no surprise that were are begining to see a rise of games that use the power of these console to further enhance the play experience in ways that were not quite possible before. This current generation will also be the first where the most ambitious of development teams will be recognized. These are the developers that always try to push the envelope further and further and manipulate the hardware to offer more and more exciting possibilities and experiences. [Note: that's not to say devs won't be recognized unless they aim for the most ambitious game design. Of course, creative teams will always share the spotlight whether they push games in this direction or not] [to be cont'...]
Finally, the game that I believe edges out the others on this list, thus, deserving the #1 spot...
well.. you'll have to tune in Sunday night(if not, Monday night) to see which game takes the #1 spot, and also see the conclusion of this topic. Good stuff, don't miss!
until then, does anyone care to guess what that game might be?
2 guess per person only. I'll even give 200 of my doubloons to the first person who gets it. Mods, feel free to quess as well, although, you won't get sh!t from me. :)
:deal: (note: My judgement of the games listed in this topic is based on what we currently know about them, and the potential each may have. It has NOTHING to do with predicting which one will be the superior game from a technical or overall quality standpoint. Either one of these games may be better than the other upon their release, though, I'm sure we'd have our personal favorites)
We all know that--well, for the most part--graphics ALONE can't make a game exciting to play. Still, there's no denying that when the power our current consoles' hardware is exploited, the potential to enhance our gaming experience is all too evident. That sole idea is one that has interest me more than any other lately, and thus, will be the basis for this topic. Hope you enjoy! :)
----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- ----- -- -----
How many times have you heard; "Great graphics doesn't equate to great gameplay." Or; "More power wouldn't automatically makes games better"? Well, I'm sure if you're the kind of gamer that enjoys discussing anything game-related, then I'm sure you have already heard statements along those lines by now.
To many us, those cliché has become law and principle. You'll see it pop up in almost every related debate, and work flawlessly each time, overshadowing any opposing concepts or theories. But, is it completely valid? Is the important of graphics to be kept at a distant and perpetual second to gameplay, and never to be considered as vital to our gaming experiences?
Perhaps that was true in our past, where graphics could only do so much, and--even though it was always the best technology could offer at the time--could never offer the kind of immersion or vision the developer truly wanted to convey. Our present is a different story, however. If we took the time to relinquish such withering clichés, we'd realize that while hardware power and graphics are viewed as lesser importance to our overall gaming experiences, there are some games that--by their nature--defies that 'principle'. In fact, it's totally up to the developers to creat the software that strays from that (shortsighted) idea, and there are some development teams out there that recognize this and are always striving to deliver content that reach well beyond what we are currently use to. To do that, they dig deeper, harnessing the power of current technology. [to be cont'...]
Let's take a break to introduce the first two games on this list(in ascending order). Of all the games out there(that I know enough about), I've narrowed it down to 5 incredible games. We'll look at how they each apply to what you've read so far. Specifically, how technology can influence our gaming experiences. Also, to help keep the concept of topic in perspective, I went ahead and listed what I view as the 'tech-effect'. It relates to the nature of the technology/graphics in each game, and how it lends itself to the respective game. Simply put; a description of the *effect* the *technology* has/can have on each game.
#5) Metriod Prime
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/e32002/gamecube/metroidprime/metroidprime_thumb004.jpg (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/metroid_prime/e3_metroidprime_gcn_ss03.jpg) <-- click pics to enlarge
Platform: GameCube
Developer: Retro Studios
Genre: Action/Exploration
Tech-effect: Amazing level of immersion within first-person perspective.
Thanks to the talented team at Retro Studios, Metroid returns in glorious 3D, and so far, does a marvelous job at recreating the moody, griping space-exploration experience in ways that surpassed most of our expectations. Because Metroid Prime is mainly played from the 1st-person perspective, the team din't want this game to be view or compared to FPS of today. The solution? Offer total immersion while staying true to the game's roots. The effect? This sureal experience is conveyed through Samus's hi-tech perception of her environment. All the intricate details, environmental effects and elaborate visor modes (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/metroid_prime/e3_metroidprime_gcn_ss11.jpg) that are seen from Samus's viewpoint, goes a long away into transforming each gamer into the intergalic bounty hunter heroine. This time, you ARE Samus! Or how about utilizing some of that hardware power to literally overwhelm (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/metroid_prime/e3_metroidprime_gcn_ss07.jpg) Samus with swarm of dangerous alien life form, vividly painting the picture of how harsh these invironments can be. With Metroid Prime, it's possible to experience all that and much, much more.
#4) Project Ego ('Fable' being considered for final name)
http://www.lionhead.com/games/ego/images/screen_04thumb.jpg (http://www.bigbluebox.com/images/game/screen_04.jpg)
Platform: Xbox
Developer: Big Blue Box
Genre: RPG/Simulation
Tech-effect: Allows unprecedented level of interaction and freedom, even giving players the ability to build a unique in-game personailty.
When one thinks of an RPG, I'm positive one never thinks about being escorted out of a town by gaurds for conduct of "indecent exposure." In Project Ego, you better be prepared to alter your way of thinking. Take control of a boy's journey to manhood, in a land brough to life by inspiring visuals (http://www.bigbluebox.com/images/game/eurolaunch_04.jpg). Underneath the graphics, lies, one of the most advanced AI systems ever bestowed on a game, and for one main purpose only; create a virtual habitat where the choices of the player to do whatever he/she wants are 'limitless'. A bold step for any developer to take, since they'll be forced to think meticulously to catch every possibility within the bounds of the game. The computing power in CPUs today is so immense, that when you see that power being use run simulations of such magnitude, you tend to wonder; "man, what took so long, he he" Now, while I think this open-ended design of Project Ego is--for the most part--meant to flow alongside the game's quest rather than play a more crucial role(the factor that keeps it from being # 1 on this list), I still have to admit that being able to interact however you want--essentially imprinting your presonality in the game--but actually witness the results, consequence, and response to your actions is an exciting prospect that is sure to add much to our gaming experience.
[continued]... When used in the right way, the technology behind games can be a pivotal and essential factor to the level on which we enjoy our games. Picture Rogue Leader, for instance. It's gameplay is almost obsolete by today's top standards, in a nutshell, it's gameplay can partially be sumed up by the phrase; "Just get your ass up there and shoot sh!t down." However, Rogue Leader has this uncanny ability to display some amazing visuals and extract incredible performance from that little Cube(thanks to Factor 5, ofcourse). It's one thing playing X level in X Star Wars game, and it's another to be blasting through the Trench in Rogue Leader via cockpit mode. Then, have all your perception of immersion shattered, as you encounter the infamous Battle of Endor! Fighting against hundreds of enemy crafts, two Star Destroyers, accompanied by wingmen and allied with massive ships, immersed me in the world of Star Wars like I never thought was possible, until then. As a result, scenarios like that helped me to enjoy and appreciate the game eventhought it's lacking in depths. That's an example where there can be no substitute for graphics/technology & power, and such experiences just aren't possible otherwise. [to be cont'...]
This takes us to the next game on the list...
[b]#3) Splinter Cell
http://games.gamespy.com/artwork/20020612_202054_Splinter%20Cell%20-%20Xbox%20-%20Fence%20shadowb.jpg (http://www.ubi.com/NR/rdonlyres/enbuzllzes3ggpkkmypqxapnilhebalzrhuy5qp5exgl3tmexctnsvhinkrx54dcpphez2ozau5xlvcsxzsu6ht3zgg/splintercellxbox_6.jpg)
Platform: Multi
Developer: Ubi Soft, Montreal
Genre: Action/Stealth
Tech-effect: Realistic lighting heightens stealth gameplay. Interactive environment bound by physics enables 'dynamic action gameplay'.
Because of it's stealthy gameplay, Splinter Cell is and will continually be compared to Metal Gear Solid 2. Only difference is; the developer plans to take the gameplay to a much higer level, while giving the player much more control over the action in the game rather than relying on too much scripted events. Splinter Cell wouldn't be on this list if it didn't had technology that really influence the nature of the game. Think dynamic lighting and shadowing (http://www.ubi.com/NR/rdonlyres/emopbripnbleea5k4hn5iajeidtchsfy6gitfvh5vwey4x5aayefbnwhfhjx2gmzsjz2x7uvw6xn2fv7nkgople6n3d/splintercellxbox_2.jpg). Enemies will spot your shadow, so becareful. That lends it self to the gameplay machanics, as you may have to:
close doors to cut off light sources, strategize and plan how you will tackle a certain situation, turn off/"put out" lights, use stealth in a much more pratical way than ever before, and so much more. Superbly interactive invironments and advanced physics creates lots of cool possibilities, what I call, "dynamic action gameplay". Shoot a barrel, watch fuel leak forming a puddle... well, used your imagination from there. In all, I think Mathieu Ferland, the Producer at Ubi Soft Montreal, summed it up perfectly.
"We focused our efforts in linking amazing technology to the gameplay. "For instance, the real-time lighting and shadows are awesome effects, but they are also crucial to the gameplay[stealth, for instance], and there are a lot of other examples of that kind."
[continued]...Resident Evil is yet another faithful example that supports the idea of this topic. With the capabilities of GameCube, Capcom totally altered my perception of what pre-rendered graphics truly are. Up until then, this style of graphics had a bad rep, given the power of these current consoles, it seemed unecessary in this day and age. The leap Capcom made over all previous stlyes was a leap that now has me anxious to witness more. I've never seen such incredibly detailed and moody environments, so atmospheric, that they suck you right into the immediate scene. I was so immeresed that I was, occasionally, scared to walk down those spooky hallways, and instead, steadily gazed at the scenery before me, as though expecting whatever it is that may be waiting for me, to grow tired of waiting and reveal it self. In such moments, you couldn't tell me I wasn't part of the scene. Many times, it certainly felt so. I've had uneasy moments in games before, but I never, EVER had a gaming experience like that before. I love it! That's what technology can do for games. [to be cont'...]
Are you still with me? Great, cause some of you may be a bit surprised by the next game on the list...
#2) Legend Of Zelda
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/e32002/gamecube/legendofzelda/zelda_thumb003.jpg (http://images.nintendo.com/nintendo/contents/gamepage/gamecontent/images/e3/zelda-gcn/e3_zelda_gcn_ss08.jpg)
Platform: GameCube
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Adventure
Tech-effect: Perfectly conveys a truly interactive cartoon of epic proportions.
One glance at this game says it all, it truly does speak for itself. Consequently, not much explanation is needed here. While some may mistake it's authentic toon-styled visuals as a mere gimmick, it triumphantly goes a long way into making the experience genuine, as gamers will not only be drawned into the mystical world of Zelda, but simultaneously be part of a truly interactive cartoon--a level of perception (http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/zeldagcbroll_052902_22.jpg) never before achieved. I think the potential here to become one of the best gaming experiences in decades, is uncanny. Plain and simple. For that, Zelda earns a well-respected position on this (already outstanding) list.
[continued]...While all the graphics in the world won't make your game as fun as Mario 64(or recently Mario Sunshine, from what reports indicate), and definitely won't create unique games like Pikmin, there's no denying--as RE and RL already proved--that technology can do a whole lot to alter our experiences and how immersed we are in a game, expecially if the artists and level designers do their parts well.
With this current generation of consoles, there really isn't any in-game situation that can't be created. We are at an era where anything the developer imagine, can be be visually conveyed, and pretty convincingly at that. Of course, the next-generation of consoles will do that at on a much higher level, but really, in this current generation, if the developer can imagine it, they can create it. This is the first time developers can truly make that claim. It's no surprise that were are begining to see a rise of games that use the power of these console to further enhance the play experience in ways that were not quite possible before. This current generation will also be the first where the most ambitious of development teams will be recognized. These are the developers that always try to push the envelope further and further and manipulate the hardware to offer more and more exciting possibilities and experiences. [Note: that's not to say devs won't be recognized unless they aim for the most ambitious game design. Of course, creative teams will always share the spotlight whether they push games in this direction or not] [to be cont'...]
Finally, the game that I believe edges out the others on this list, thus, deserving the #1 spot...
well.. you'll have to tune in Sunday night(if not, Monday night) to see which game takes the #1 spot, and also see the conclusion of this topic. Good stuff, don't miss!
until then, does anyone care to guess what that game might be?
2 guess per person only. I'll even give 200 of my doubloons to the first person who gets it. Mods, feel free to quess as well, although, you won't get sh!t from me. :)