Retro Gaming Club: Random or Semi-Chronological?

[diehllane]

I don't think going through by genre would be the best thing either. If you get into a genre that certain people don't like and you're playing games in that genre back to back to back, we're going to lose people from the club because they won't want to sit around waiting for the next genre to come. Randomizing the genres, while going semi-chronologically in era would keep the most people interested at the same time. This way, they can miss 1 game if they're not into the genre rather than miss months at a time and more than likely not come back to the club later.

[racketboy]

I don't think going through by genre would be the best thing either. If you get into a genre that certain people don't like and you're playing games in that genre back to back to back, we're going to lose people from the club because they won't want to sit around waiting for the next genre to come. Randomizing the genres, while going semi-chronologically in era would keep the most people interested at the same time. This way, they can miss 1 game if they're not into the genre rather than miss months at a time and more than likely not come back to the club later.

I agree. Later on, I may develop a "roadmap" of games if you want to explore a genre on your own.

[UniCrono Trigger]

Maybe do several games at a time grouped by system/genre/chronological order to appeal to the greatest number of people. You're never going to appeal to everyone all the time.

[diehllane]

Maybe do several games at a time grouped by system/genre/chronological order to appeal to the greatest number of people. You're never going to appeal to everyone all the time.

Going this way, if you group some well-known classics with a hidden gem, a lot of people would stick to the classic game they grew up playing rather than exploring the new hidden gem. That means you could have a game only a handful of people are playing rather than a majority of people in the club.

[racketboy]

Having more than one game at a time defeats most of the purpose.
If you want to play another game by yourself, feel free. However, for discussion purposes and such, we will be sticking to one at a time.

[marurun]

Think of this like a local book club. We're all playing the classics together, on a timetable, and talking about them. For some of us it'll be the umpteenth trip through. For others it may be the first. And if you don't finish, who cares? Some games are harder than others, and early games don't always have distinct endings. It's about the trip, not the destination.

If the game is one you really don't want to play, sit that game out and join us next time. I promise not to hold it against you. How could I? Like and dislike are subjective.

And on that note, we need to remember that we're not always going to have the same thoughts, feeling, and appreciation of the games. If someone doesn't like the game and you love it, don't sweat it. Try to be honest and constructively critical of games, and likewise for praise. Be open-minded about the thoughts of others. Don't bad-mouth games or players, and if someone steps over the line, alert moderators instead of firing back.

I know I sound like a Mean Mommy here, but we're stepping into territory where toes are bound to be stepped on. With hobbies like this, particularly on-line, people can be quick to offend and quick to be offended, even if that's not the original intent. If we're all patient and understanding with each other we'll enjoy the ride so much better.

That out of the way, I'm looking forward to playing whatever games are on the table and reading what everyone has to say. I'm betting this will be fun.

[Fine]

Definitely random! It'd be highly amusing to play a 16-bit epic RPG followed by a shmup.

Variety, variety, variety.

[glynnahab]

I voted for random. I don't think playing them chronologically would keep my interest. I hate to say it, but the depth of earlier 8-bit games is obviously less than their more recent counterparts. Not to mention how easily one can tire of watching flickering screens and memorizing enemy movement patterns.
This is a personal opinion, though, and it comes from the fact that I grew up with an NES and missed out on many of the great games of the mid 90's.

[SpaceBooger]

I would go with a couple games from the same genre, or system in a row so that better comparisons can be made.

[Caboose]

I would prefer semi-chronologically, with random genres. Also, maybe do a Genesis vs. SNES thing where we play games that were competing against each other (sonic vs mario for an easy example), then go on to something else then go back to the 16-bit era and do another genre. Just my thoughts, as long as we play as many of the greats as we can. I am particularly interested in the 16-bit era since I missed out on most of those games and there were tons of great ones.