Build it up, don’t knock it down…
 At the risk of upsetting any purists out there I think it’s safe to say that 2007 was a good, nay great year to be a games fan. A quick glance at the release schedule for this year (come on - you know the ones I mean) shows 2008 could be even better. Yet, a glance around the Interweb will reveal many an unhappy gamer. Have we always been such a capricious bunch?
The world of video games is an ever-evolving creature. Technology progresses relentlessly onwards and we, as gamers, reap the rewards. A simple look at the depth and complexity of AAA titles and even the cleverer PSN gems available shows just how far we have come. A natural consequence of this is those games that really raise the bar (and are applauded for doing so) simultaneously raise our expectations. We are spoilt, for want of a better word, and sometimes don’t appreciate the silver controller in our mouths.
Let’s take an example: the mandatory install for DMC4. I know, I know, a 22 minute pre-game install is hardly an ideal introduction to an eagerly anticipated title. But let’s keep things in perspective shall we: it’s a one-time deal and in exchange you get reduced loading times. I happen to think that’s a fair trade. Does anyone else remember playing games on cassettes? Those bad boys had a 15 minute load up every time you played.
These days if a developer announces a change, set back or alteration certain elements of the gaming fraternity descend into juvenile lambasting that would make a sailor blush. Don’t get me wrong - it is right and proper to push developers to help them make the best games possible. But let’s keep the criticism constructive.
We’re all on the same team here!
Filed under: Contributors, Main
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I know! Come on people. Do you remember the fun of trying to play a Nintendo game? Each session was preceded by 5 minutes of blowing into the game cartridge. Then blowing into the machine. Then breathing into the cartridge. Then putting the game in just so, flicking it down, trying to make it work.
Hell, it might have been ten minutes. And you know what? It was a freakin’ privilege to do it, just so we could bask in the glory of Contra or Super Mario Brothers.
In comparison, a 22 minute update doesn’t seem so bad. Especially considering you could go have a beer and sandwich while you wait.
*laughs* Interesting article mate, to say the least. Fun read.
The DMC4 thing is a frustration, certainly; I feel worse off for the early adopters with the smaller harddrive. It may be once off, but if it becomes a common thing, gamers are going to have some trouble building up their games collections… their harddrives won’t be big enough!
It’s been a good early start to the year though for Sony, so kudos to them!
Great read, I have always opposed the 20 minute install, simply to speed load times up, it isn’t worth it.