HappyPappy Blog

I recently powered though the new Resident Evil 5 title in about 10 hours (rounded up from 8.9) which was fairly disappointing for a $60 game. Technically the game was superb both in terms of graphics, controls, and gameplay. But the story and length of the game were severely disappointing. Not sure why but the Japanese game makers make technically great games but their stories are so convoluted I usually give up trying to follow any of it (see if you can make any sense out of Metal Gear Solid 4) and just pound my way through the levels and then I get rid of the game.

I also recently played Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune which had a story that I was able to relate to much more deeply and which in turn provided me with a more enjoyable overall experience. Took me about 40 hours to play the game and I’m actually considering a replay

Point being that what makes a game great is the content rather than the actual technical achievements. Look at World of Warcraft’s success, it’s the content, not the technical achievement.

Another thing that seems to be happening in gaming is that the game makers now throw content creation back at the user rather than investing significant effort into an actual game story and associated levels and maps.

If you notice most games have a fairly short campaign or story mode but then try to encourage repeat play or gaming through the use or provisions of online gaming where other users effectively create new content. This can work very well if done correctly if one was to judge by the success of titles such as Left for Dead or Team Fortress 2.

I guess the moral of the story is be careful which games you decide to play and look at both the content as well as the actual technical achievement of the game.