Overused Video Game Terminology

[CRTGAMER]

QFT (LOL)

Okay cut that out, had to look it up!

[Mr.White555]

How about retro? The term is used too broadly in my opinion.

Where exactly is the retro cut off date/console?

Interpretation might relate to gamers age. I still consider PS2 Current Gen, Atari as my Retro.

The term is just so broadly used and its application is ambiguous to me. They are people who call gameboy retro where as I do not. The same for ps2, and xbox. Or call call New Super Mario Bros. retro or anything that pertains to an old series. Retro needs to get a stricter definition

[arion]

Compelling

[grittykitty]

probably a moot point, but rpg is overused. or at least, it needs redefinition - every video game has you playing a role of some sort. i think pachinko games might be the exception

i think it's easy to see acronyms as overused ever since the internet became something everyone had access to. plus, people don't want to waste time typing unnecessary words nowadays when it's assumed everyone understands what the acronym means. i cringed when i got an invitation to a party in the mail (as in snail mail) that said LOL during the details mid sentence back in 2003. i think my mom mailed me a letter in 2005 that also said LOL... ugh

by the way, i'm still campaigning that we use "bemup" or "bmup" instead of beat-em-up... help me out, guys

[DNT 2.5]

I think the Cutoff date for "retro" to me is two generations back, as in the newest "Retro" console would be the Dreamcast, As for the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube, I consider those still current as accessories and games are still available at "big" retail stores.

[Cassidy]

If I may, age certainly plays into it.

I've been a gamer for 29 years, starting with the Intellivision in 1981 when I was 7 years old.

The NES is the defining "retro" console for me. I consider "retro" to be something you regard fondly, something that evokes that childhood sense of wonder we all had before the cynicism of the internet destroyed it.

It has a lot to do with buying power too. I can remember getting every game I've ever owned, but with the later days of the SNES and with the N64 I remember working hard and heading down to the store to get the latest release. Because of this I don't feel that those consoles are retro to me. I shudder when the N64 is referred to as "retro" because it makes me feel old.

I guess my point is that defining retro is linked closely to your age and it will be different for everyone. I mean, I can recall when "retro" meant the 1960's and now "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is played on oldies radio.

[CRTGAMER]

So maybe we are Retro.

[J T]

I guess my point is that defining retro is linked closely to your age and it will be different for everyone. I mean, I can recall when "retro" meant the 1960's and now "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is played on oldies radio.

Gah! I hate when they do that.

[molotovwars]

I guess my point is that defining retro is linked closely to your age and it will be different for everyone

I started typing up a post about how I thought retro was not connected to a fixed date. I do not see the Dreamcast as "retro" as someone tried to mention. I ended up deleting the post or at least not finishing it, but I guess the above quote kind of says it well, or a start anyways. As a gamer, I associate most closely with Sega Genesis 2D platformers. For me a current game can have retro elements. Games that pay homage to that older style or the things that defined games during that era. The games often mentioned on this forum are Alien Hominid, Red Star, and now Muramashima (sp?), as games that have a retro feel to them. I can't think of my own examples, but I know when I play a game. Like maybe the way you are expected to play a game. Not being able to save, having to play a level over and over to learn the ins and outs, the secrets to the levels, how to beat the enemies and bosses. For me maybe games that can be beat in one sitting if you are good at them, hug closer to retro I guess. Its harder for me to consider an RPG retro, compared to like a platformer, shmup, or beat'em up.

Which brings it all back to that its different for everyone.

[MrPopo]

I guess my point is that defining retro is linked closely to your age and it will be different for everyone. I mean, I can recall when "retro" meant the 1960's and now "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is played on oldies radio.

Gah! I hate when they do that.

Yeah, for some reason KZOK thinks that REM counts as classic rock.