The Video Game Critic

I just watched a Nolan Busjnell video where he said that the problem with mordern games is they've lost the "easy to learn, hard to master" approach. As great as the graphics and sounds are, this is why I tended to stay away from the PS2/GCM/Xbox era. (I now have those systems but tend to still play Driving games and simulations mostly...I "fool around" with Vice City, doing crazy stuff but not actually playing the game...)

I don't know about others, but though I'm a gaming "lifer"- been here since 1982-I have never liked any game where you HAVE to read the instruction manual. I also have many interests- Hiking, Biking, reading, art- and spend only 20-30 minutes a day playing games. That's why my main "mordern" system is the DS, with games like New Super Mario, Tetris DS and Metroid pinball- games you can just jump into, play a matter of minutes, and move on.

If companies want non-hardcore gamers to buy "great" games like God of War, they should at least include a practice mini-quest that walks you through what you have to do.

Still, for me, simpler is better. I don't even HAVE a full time job and wonder how others here play long, complicated games AND work AND watch TV/movies/read...in short have a life!

I think the Wii is a step in the right direction, bringing back the "easy to learn, hard to master" approach. How do others feel? Ok, think I'll have a quick game of Super Breakout....

I absolutely agree with you Alienblue.  A few months ago, I started Final Fantasy 12, and I'm only 10 hours into it.  I just don't have time.  I mean, there are nights where I can play for a couple of hours, then I don't go back to it for a couple of weeks, and I forgot what I was supposed to do, etc.  My DS and GBA are my main systems now, they fit perfectly with my lifestyle.  I have other interests as well, guitar, reading, active social life, married, plus all the other things that go along with life, such as dishes, cleaning, cooking, house projects, etc.

Handhelds are perfect for me.  When my wife and I settle down in front of the tv, I can play DS for an hour or so. 

I always like games that are simple to pick up but hard to master.  Yet there is something to be said for games that have a steep learning curve and a high reward for those that can past the curve.

Most of my Wii games have that lovely pick and play nature that I cherish.  Yet there are times when I want something a little more complex and I usually turn to the 360 or PS3 for such games. 

Honestly there is really nothing wrong with either.  It just depends on what type of gamer you are or what mood you are in.

[QUOTE=Alienblue]I just watched a Nolan Busjnell video where he said that the problem with mordern games is they've lost the "easy to learn, hard to master" approach. [/QUOTE]

Here's an interview with him from 1989 where he says that 99% of successful games from the start of the industry to that time have followed the "simple to learn, hard to master" philosophy. 


Pretty much all my gaming of late happens on the 7800, 7800 as 2600, or Odyssey 2.  I'm pretty sure I'm at the point in my life where I may buy one or two longish games a year but will mostly be sticking with my classics from here on out.  I don't have the time for mainstream games anymore, nor do I find them very rewarding.  Give me Robotron 2084 over Halo, God of War 2 or Twilight Princess anyday.

Sorry, but I tend to think Bushnell is clearly suffering from "things ain't what they used to be" syndrome. Yes, absolutely, "easy to learn hard to master" is always going to be a useful design paradigm, just like three chord rock n' roll is always going to have a certain appeal to music lovers.

I have absolutely no problem playing a fifty hour game if it rocks. I'll just take a few months to play it, as opposed to a week or two when I was younger and had less responsibilities. The older I get, the more I want deep gameplay experiences. If I'm going to spend the time to game, I want something that I'll remember, I want something deep.

The pick up and play genre is being represented well enough anyway. Besides actual "in store" games, you have Xbox Live arcade (which has original games as well), and the new PS3 download service. I see no shortage of easy to pick up, hard to master games.

I've always thought, on this issue anyway, that Mr. Bushnell comes off more "grumpy old man" than anything else.

-Rob

I myself love an immersive gaming experience.  I love losing myself in, say, something like Resident Evil.

But I just don't have time for that!

So when I want some gaming just before bed, I power up my NES, my old GameBoy, or the Genesis.  Mostly the NES.

There's definitely a place for each type of game... but, except for the handhelds, you don't see much of the latter.