1) BC
Platform: Xbox
Developer: Intrepid Computer Entertainment
Genre: Simulation/Survival
Tech-effect: A visually stunning, simulated ecosystem perfectly sets the tone of BC.
An incredibly advanced AI network and compelling visuals brings to life the
prehistoric world of BC. For once, CPU power isn't being used to throw a few "advanced" enemies at you in a FPS, who are finally sensible enough to flee when you throw a grenade their way. In BC, A sophiticated AI system will be used to simulate this entire prehistoric world and the inhabbitants within. Animals will go about their
daily routine, hunting, locating water, resting, birds will flock and migrate, etc. This virtual ecosystem has a direct and dramatic impact on the way you'll play the game-- more so than the previously listed games, IMO, hence, it takes #1 on this list. Take note of the AI patterns of the various life forms around you. You'll eventually learn to use those patterns to warn you of potentially approaching danger, where to find food, shelter, or what else the vast possibilities allow. The graphical and computing power of the Xbox brings all of this to life, and engluf the player in a world teaming with
prehistoric predators, where survival is the key to mankind's existance. Such an enthralling concept that will be sure to house many intense experiences for the player, would be really difficult to present without the technology.
In closing, if you've been absorbing what you read throughout this topic, then it's vividly clear that these current consoles have the expressive power to make games much more engauging, satisfying and immersive. Developers can now put the player in almost infinite situations that just weren't possible before. An overwhelming space battle can now truly feel like one, a tense, scary, gut-renching environment now truly feel AND look like one. For the first time, we are beginning to see how hardware-related aspects like graphics, sound (which deserves an exclusive thread)and computing power in general can play a more important role in the experiences we have. Rather than being pushed aside as one of the least important aspects of a game, they're being used to not only complement gameplay, but to assist, accelerate and fortify our entire experience in ways that haven't been possible or successfully accomplished before.
Simply put; Games can now be more
immersive/intense[pic inside],
scary/unsettling,
[color=sky blue]fresh/stylistic[/color],
atmospheric/nerve-racking, and
simulated/realistic than ever before--substantially altering the level on which we can experience our games--all thanks to the capability of current hardware, and how far developers are willing push them.
Of course, the abillity for games to continually look better and better is a natural evolutionary cycle, but it makes me feel warm inside when I realize that our gaming future has much more to offer than just prettier, 'tech-buffed games'. New and deeper experiences await us! The relationship between technology, and content is inevitably growing stronger, and we are merely witnessing early results of their amalgamation right now. The best is yet to come!