I will say this blog is very uplifting, and I think that's what I like about it. I mean, what could be depressing about every billion dollar company trying to squeeze an extra dollar out of the poorer people that use its services.
In reality I think game companies are in for a reckoning real soon and I think the industry is going to go through some low times in the next 5 to 10 years. Companies, share holders, and ceos will soon learn that every game can't have a billion dollar budget and make back its money in this industry.
It's also what makes me ever more nostalgic for older games.. nothing like firing up a game and knowing it's complete and there isn't a missing patch or dlc that makes the game complete.
@nuttism: I have had beacon pines on a wishlist forever... so this tells me I need to pick it up.
I think in terms of discourse is that all of it is done as a form of "content" now that people and websites have to weigh on whether something gets coverage.. i know this was somewhat always the case (its not like Giant bomb was NOT trying to make money). Big games will attract all the streamers, video essayist and website because it's a big game and will bring in the most traffic. To Socrates point, everyone and their mom had a mario wonder take because it was a big game.
But for indies, unless that is what they are known for (covering indies), a streamer isn't likely going to cover them because it won't bring people to their streams or videos as much as a big game would. It's similar to giant bomb, and as much as I love them, they don't have the bandwidth to cover that many games so they have to prioritize and that means it's going to be big games so people will tune in to see it thus making the discourse for indie games relegated to people doing hidden gem takes, writing small blogs, or hoping a game blows up.
While I won't argue any of your points because I think in the general sense, yes a AAA game has all those things in favor of an indie game. That is of course not to say there aren't exceptions (vampire survivors is a spectacle) but AAA games have a leg up. And your argument didn't go here, but I think sometimes AAA games can overuse those things to the detriment of the game.
In terms of discourse I think this is just a symptom of getting older. We (I'm lumping your age in with mine) don't have the playgrounds to talk about games with friends anymore. Hell we are still posting on a forum (something only people our age still know of) and we are aging out of the demographic most companies are aiming for. Twitch and youtube gaming isn't going to be for me, so while I like the old people here at giantbomb, I also know that they have a job to play and talk about games that are going to drive people to their content, which is going to skew towards bigger games. There will be people you can find that will discuss whatever game you want, but it will just be harder to find.
However, while it seems like you bemoan missing these things in indie games, I actually think it is what helps some of them shine. I have more recent great gaming memories playing indies because I either find their lack of AAA polish and spectacle refreshing, or their lack of discourse like I'm finding a hidden gem. Some of my recent memorable gaming moments came from striking it lucky on indie games over the proven AAA game.
@chamurai: I don't know what it runs for now.. but I would probably not suggest getting it.. it's absolutely bonkers but it's certainly not a game I think a lot of people would actually like.
@glots: thanks for the comment.. I think ibwas mainly just disappointed in how "samesy" it played every level. The characters stopped feeling unique, the levels all looked the same, and even the puzzles just became a string of rooms with pinpoint jumping requirements.
Oof.. I will say that I really enjoyed my time with this game, but I will fully admit it has to do with all the stuff around the golf game. Yes, the golf is often frustrating, especially at some later levels, but I found that I enjoyed the music, radio show, and general vibe of the game that the restarts didn't bother me much.
I played it on the switch, so no achievement hunting necessary. I would recommend the game (especially on a steam or eshop sale), but the caveat would be you can't go into the game thinking you are playing the next tiger woods or even mario golf game.
I have this feeling at least once a year, so I get it. In fact it's usually this time every year, but it coincides with stress from other stuff all hitting at the same time. My work has its year end wrap up, which results in a lot of extra work for me and my team.. winter break for the kiddos.. and family obligations.
For me personally, I found its better to just take a full break for a set time, and then come back when some of the other stresses are gone. If I tried to power through I just wouldn't enjoy what I play regardless what game it is. I would have to squeeze in time to do it, my mind might be elsewhere.
My vote is to take a break if even for like 3 days, and then you can come back when you miss playing games, and you will enjoy it more
Hey bud... great list and always look forward to reading your stuff. Can't say much about the games as I was stuck playing other "greats." Just based on feeling I'll probably but BG3 higher on my list, but I'll be coming to it after all the patches.
@cozmicaztaway: thanks for the read and comment.. what's most frustrating about the mid mission twist is just managing health kits.. you play a certain way calculating how many enemies are left and how much health you have, only to get burned by a mid mission twist or the dreaded double twist after you already dealt with the mid mission one. In level 26 you fight Hitler and his cronies, they all have magic because of course they do, so you throw everything at him.. the mid mission twist is a super up tank, and after you deal with that you think you are good... then you "think" you finish off the last enemy and psych.. a dragon spawns and Hitler's health is refilled. Hope you saved up enough shit to do this all again.
It could be worse, but damn if I wish it was better.
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