prolurker

I think the next big thing will be a Switch-like device with Tensor Cores. Imagine a Steam Deck "Pro," but with DLSS that can make the most demanding game run at 40-ish fps at 1440p with a VRR display.

As for Sony and Xbox consoles, I imagine next gen consoles will be able to run the Matrix demo at 4k/60 fps, maybe they'll add more haptic feedback options. It seems like the future is ultra-realism, perhaps VR, and always online content. Living, breathing worlds that dynamically change with your IRL seasons, big events that change small thing for everyone. GTA 6 will essentially be the final GTA that keeps changing every year. Sadly, I'm not too interested in that future, it sounds a bit dystopian (always online, no privacy, extreme addiction). Hope for the best, expect the worst.

Challenge-wise, Hollow Knight features a couple of boss fights that are simply incredible. Overall, I would give it to the Trial of the Fool (the final trial) within the Colosseum of Fools. IIRC you have to use every single game mechanic within this trial, which lasts 10+ minutes with no deaths.

Stylistically, the Hraezlyr dragon boss fight in God of War is extremely impressive.

The Talos Principle - I completed it without any help, and it ended up being a 9/10 game. The puzzles toward the end were really challenging (I still have to complete the DLC). 1 point docked because 1 of the puzzles had to be solved a very specific way that I doubt most people would think of without serious time commitment. Plus, the story isn’t the best imo. All in all, it’s a little dryer than portal or QUBE, but the puzzle mechanics are top notch. QUBE 2 was pretty decent as well, but a little too easy/forgettable.

2021 was the year of repeats, I played AoE2 and MCC a lot this year.

This is the sort of game that would be fun to play modded, but unmodded makes me extremely bored. I just want to fast travel from the start and ride a robo-velociraptor. That is it.

Imo, older games (<2015?) were like Java Minecraft, while modern games are like the Bedrock version.

There's also the stultification of game mechanics/customization to better suit the average joe (who apparently wants to watch youtube, play music and have a phone call while gaming).

Loot boxes/MTX/extreme engagement tactics to psychologically manipulate/persuade people into spending all their time in 1 game.

Releasing minimally viable products to get early-adopters to back a game, then just kind of drop it and move on to the sequel.

Games that change every month, forcing you to relearn core mechanics. Games trying to reinvent the wheel.

Giant downloads that take 10+ hours, even when you bought the disk.

Always online games that shouldn't be... (Hitman).

Etc. etc.

I like the idea of avoiding "dark patterns" in gaming, and just focusing on wholesome shit. Not that it's a major issue for me, but at one point I found myself grinding daily challenges for a long time each day with little/no enjoyment, and I had to force myself to stop playing those games.

Also being conscious of what gaming forums I'm going to, and their effect on my mindset. Some communities have a habit of encouraging backwards, "armchair expert" ideas, and I've really gotten burnt out on that.

Tangent aside, just more of a focus on healthy gaming, pausing/quitting when I want, playing quality titles with lots of cool dudes, frequently thoughtful/long-form forums and news outlets.

I think nostalgia dictates my choice here, and it is Vice City. Vice City with cheats (and ignoring the story) was a 10/10 experience when I was a kid.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a Halo game only in name. MCC is where it's at.