some people just can't appreciate it...

[DomitorInvictus]

I am 18 now, and I grew up around games - mostly because my father was into them. I remember playing the NES and SNES, and going to arcades at a very young age. I've played games on the N64, PS1, PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, and early handhelds. I am no foreigner to video games, and I can honestly say that video games have gone down hill in general in the past generation.

There are just not as many quality games, even though the hardware for consoles and handhelds are as powerful as ever. Ever since the release of the current generation of gaming, we've seen a stagnation in the variety and quality of the games market, as well as your games becoming even more tethered to the internet. Sometimes I even consider that this was in the point in time when games became too mainstream for their own good. At this point, we are seeing the harsh effects of big business upon our favorite passtime. With too much DLC, online passes, and straight-up money-grabbing bullshit, its all becoming less and less appealing.

The last generation, though, was really awesome. The PS2 may have one of the best video game libraries out there (Maybe even the Gamecube as well). I'm regretful to say that I once preferred Xbox over the PS2 at one point, when whole Halo bro-gamer thing started getting huge. What can I say, I was even younger than I am today and quite foolish. In retrospect, the Playstation has always had an upper hand on the Xbox, with a bigger, better selection of games.

Anywho, I don't like the direction that modern video games are heading.

[GameMasterGuy]

Agreed. I also happen to be 17, and the SNES is my second favorite console of all time (only behind the Dreamcast).

Wow, you are 17? I wouldn't expect a 17 year old to have your gaming taste....respect bro.

Thanks! I can certainly understand the stereotype though, while I'm reminiscing/daydreaming during class over having beaten Space Channel 5 yesterday... I hear the kids next to me blabbering on about Call of Duty. Ugh, what are we up to now, 8? That's about double the number of non-shooters that come out per year nowadays.

[jay_red]

[Pichu]

Blegh you oldie 17 and 18+ year olds.

16 y/o master race right here!

[fvgazi]

Let's get rid of everything old! Old stuff sucks and new stuff is always better because it is different and has more features!!!!!

[Retrozoa]

Let's get rid of everything old! Old stuff sucks and new stuff is always better because it is different and has more features!!!!!

I completely disagree, what an absurd notion.

So hey, did I show you guys my new iphone?

[Razzmatazz]

I go to IGN for news but their writing has gone downhill in a massive way. The only articles I check for are the wrestling wrap up which is superb, although not regular. I sometimes check Gamespot as they seem to be more professional but after they gave Skyward Sword a 7.5 whilst everyone else gave it 9s and 10s I haven't checked for them. Plus their reviews normally go up weeks later than IGN.

I buy magazines instead still for my reviews as the quality of writing is better, but use IGN for news or tips. I don't know what the US is like magazine wise but the UK is fortunate to have professional material like Edge and Games TM, as well as Retro Gamer and my favourite NGamer (now Nintendo Gamer) that know the history of games and include regular retro features.

[BRIK]

I'm 19 and the PS1 and GBC were my first consoles. Doesn't mean I hate things before those, I have consoles older than my PS1 and I play them more regularly. Having said that though I play a lot of new games as well... heck I love all games!

[ZeroAX]

Thanks! I can certainly understand the stereotype though, while I'm reminiscing/daydreaming during class over having beaten Space Channel 5 yesterday... I hear the kids next to me blabbering on about Call of Duty. Ugh, what are we up to now, 8? That's about double the number of non-shooters that come out per year nowadays.

Really, I shouldn't be surprised. When I was 13 I discovered emulators, and I spent the next 3 years gaming only on them (illegally of course ), SNES and Mega Drive. TONS of SNES games actually. But the thing is that I was a kid in the SNES Mega Drive era so I remembered the consoles fondly (playing them at friends) so I went crazy when I found out I can find so many games on the internet, when I couldn't find any of them in retail (bought a Mega Drive in 96, and when I came back from my living abroad, it was 99 and you could barely find any Mega Drive games at retailers :'( ).

But you must have been a kid during the PS1 era at best, PS2 most likely, so that you'd appreciate 2D games is amazing. Είσαι γαμάτος αλάνι, as we say in my country (it means "You are fucking awesome you cool dude").

I sometimes check Gamespot as they seem to be more professional but after they gave Skyward Sword a 7.5 whilst everyone else gave it 9s and 10s I haven't checked for them. Plus their reviews normally go up weeks later than IGN.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. A reviewers integrity shouldn't be violated by fanboy feelings. And as much as we say Call of Duty sucks for not each entry being identical, you could argue that Zelda hasn't evolved. I know I haven't bothered beating any 3D Zelda after Windwaker.

[Razzmatazz]

I sometimes check Gamespot as they seem to be more professional but after they gave Skyward Sword a 7.5 whilst everyone else gave it 9s and 10s I haven't checked for them. Plus their reviews normally go up weeks later than IGN.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. A reviewers integrity shouldn't be violated by fanboy feelings. And as much as we say Call of Duty sucks for not each entry being identical, you could argue that Zelda hasn't evolved. I know I haven't bothered beating any 3D Zelda after Windwaker.

I'm not a Zelda fanboy though. I am only playing Ocarina of Time past Young Link phase for the first time NOW. I haven't completed any Zelda titles in fact. And I'm trying to correct that as I'm aware how innovative and important they are as a part of gaming's development. I don't see how Zelda hasn't evolved since it has transcended 2D, 3D, portable, True 3D and Motion Control. If that isn't evolution I don't what is.

That's not my point anyway, it's that Gamespot have a review that contradicts what 70 other reviews say. Many have noted that the reviewer had misunderstood the controls as well as citing the score as an attempt to drive up traffic numbers to the site. They have given games such as Call of Duty and Gears of War 3, 9 and 9.5, which are sequels and although I enjoyed Gears of War 3, it's marginally better than the previous iterations whilst feeling more like an interactive movie. The rating system is partly to blame, as when there are 10-15 games released with 8.5/9.0 ratings it's hard to judge which is more essential. I don't know what's wrong with percentages.

I don't know why I'm even commenting on the Zelda thing as it's been mentioned before in another thread, and I haven't even played the game yet!