Quote Originally Posted by Jordache View Post
*This* ungodly and undoubtedly *this*.

The totality of game development ethos isn't about graphics, it's about everything else besides graphics: how all of the other game's systems have to compensate for the graphics which make it ~better~ overall. It's the love that goes missing because everyone is pushing for graphics like mindless zombie robots instead of artstyle, music, mechanics, AND imagination. You absolutely killed it with: the imagination call there.

I. Can't. Use. MY. Imagination. with perfect graphics.

I can't get that same personal feeling of success from games like FFXVI because they're a moss and rock photography simulator (a good one mind you), but they are mentally exhausting, and not enjoyable. And don't get me started about that Final Fantasy mode they pulled: 120 hours later I have to replay your stupid game just to be able to play the game that I wanted to play.

And why can't I use my own name in SE games anymore? That's where half the fun comes from! I don't like being Clive or Noctus, I want the opportunity to be MYSELF. If i'm good enough for the real world then I'm good enough for your fantasy. AHAHHA
Thank you for your replies, I greatly enjoyed reading them.

Most modern games remind me of Stage Magicians. They use misdirection and Special Effects to dazzle the Audience. Meanwhile, there is no actual Magic, just a dramatic visual spectacle or drama.

So many modern games are like Hollywood movies too. You are going to a Movie Theater, you are an Audience. You are not a Participant.

Where this really shows clearly, is *The Lack Of Game-Skills Required* to play a modern game. When the game is just PEWPEWPEW, sure there's some thumb-strength required, but there isn't a lot of actual Game Skills / Reflexes / Rapid Plan-Changes / On-The-Spot strategy-shifts. It is just "look at how beautiful the graphics are, why would you need things like Unorthodox Party Builds, Kiting, Pinning, etc. Just mash the button and enjoy the Movie, like a good Audience Member.

I am not an Audience Member. I am a Gamer. I actually want to Participate, not just Watch.

Here's the thing. Young children, Primary-School age, even Toddlers, their happiest moments are when they ACHIEVE SOMETHING USING THEIR SKILLS. Sure it is nice to be given fancy toys, but if you want to see a child GLOWING WITH JOY, you let them use their Skills and Imagination to create something or achieve something. They will feel elated for days, after using their Skills to achieve something.

In FFXI, my happiest memories were NOT the times when I got Shiny Loot.

In FFXI, my happiest memories were when me and my friends played on our A-GAME as a team, seamlessly playing our Main Jobs to such high standards, we were so HIGH on the thrill of really shining and using our Game Skills at the total limit of possibility. When the NM dropped nothing just zero loot, we laughed, because we had just seen something Magical, true Alchemy, turning base materials called humans and keyboards, into GOLD, called astonishing Player Game-Skills and Teamwork.

I will take FFXI over any other game, because FFXI gives me so many opportunities to shine as a skilled Gamer. No amount of fancy shiny modern ultra-realistic graphics can ever compare to the rush of playing on my A-GAME.