Can there be a “To good informed” in Video Games and Storys? I am not the youngest anymore. And I was always good informed. In the time before the internet I walked to our local Petrol Station and searched for my favorite Video Game magazines. Remember when they had a big collection of magazines? I even had the N64 VHS Tapes.. ok, one of them. And I have watched it dozens of times. Also falling into a Demo on the Playstation Magazin CD, I found new and interesting worlds, I had never seen before.
I am older now. I did nerd out a lot of genres and stories. And because of that, there is not much that hits me. Watching 'Rick and Morty' has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. While I appreciate its unique humor and creativity, I often notice storylines that bear striking resemblances to narratives I've encountered elsewhere, and normally with more sophistication.
That means, I can`t fall into a new story and immerse myself so easy. Last time was 'Cyberpunk 2077' by CD Projekt Red. Even though I did consume a lot of cyberpunk media before (For a quick dive into the genre i would suggest: Blade Runner, Neuromancer, Ghost In The Shell, Snow Crash and Ready Player One), the story did get me. When I load up the latest Call of Battlefield title, I can't help but feel a sense of deja vu. Sure, the graphics are cutting-edge, but it seems like I've been here before. The objectives, the missions—they all feel so familiar. Every new shooter used to be a thrilling experience, but now, it's lost all of its novelty.
What truly diminishes my engagement in these games is the absence of risk. They fail to immerse me in a way that allows me to empathize with characters or become emotionally invested. It's as if the characters operate with a 'when we can't achieve our goal, we'll just make it harder' mentality, which feels one-dimensional and unconvincing.
In a world dominated by blockbuster franchises, I often find myself drawn to smaller titles. These games, free from the shackles of mainstream money-making objectives, offer a breath of fresh air and a canvas for unbridled creativity. Don't get me wrong; I still enjoy bigger titles like the former mentioned "Cyberpunk 2077" and "Control", but such gems are few and far between in an industry often focused on maximizing revenue.
In the midst of discussing the allure of smaller titles and the repetition in larger franchises, there's a shining beacon of inspiration I can't help but celebrate. It's a testament to the independent spirit in the gaming industry, a testament to developers who dare to defy expectations, and a testament to those who challenge the status quo, unburdened by the pressures of mainstream profit margins.
Of course I'm talking about Larian Studios "Baldur's Gate 3". While fantasy settings obviously aren't my favorites, there's something incredibly special about the way they've tackled this project.
"Baldur's Gate 3" is more than just a game; it's a symbol of rebellion against industry norms. It's a testament to Larian's commitment to the art of game development, seemingly unburdened by profit margins and shareholder demands (And i know, they need to feed a big Studio. But they do it in such an Rockstar Way, and i do not mean the Studio with this name). It's a bold statement, a rebellious middle finger raised to the big publishers who often prioritize financial gains and security over creativity. Where a random NPC often holds more backstory and character than the complete cast in a Bethesda game nowadays.
I hope for a Sci Fi game from Larian. But that are just hopes without any foundation.
Within the gaming landscape, 'Ion Fury' (formerly known as Ion Maiden) is a standout anomaly. Developed by Voidpoint, more a small, passionate team than a standard studio, it's a refreshing change. Voidpoint may not be a gaming giant, but 'Ion Fury' exemplifies their dedication to an old-school gaming experience. It doesn't introduce much new and even uses an old engine (known from Duke Nukem 3D), but the level of craftsmanship is so high that it's genuinely enjoyable. Everything is painstakingly put together, giving it the feel of a finely handmade experience of art rather than just another product. What's truly remarkable is that, in the midst of an industry often obsessed with copied innovation and cutting-edge technology, 'Ion Fury' embraces an 80s action movie-worthy plot with open arms. And the reason it works so well is Shelly Harrison, the game's protagonist. She's incredibly likable and adds a layer of charm that makes the retro narrative engaging and entertaining.
This is a prime example of how it's not always the same story that disengages me in modern games. Even the most well-trodden paths can be a joy when the craftsmanship is exceptional.
More often, modern games lose me because they play it safe. I'm not eager to dive into 'wokeness,' not because I have any issues with that content. In fact, a woke cast doesn't significantly affect my experience, but it also doesn't add much to my playstyle. My gaming preference has been unique from the start; I tend to choose to play as female characters most of the time. Those who've ventured into the worlds of female Shepard 'Mass Effect' or female V 'Cyberpunk 2077' can attest to what I appreciate (For everyone that can not get enough from female V's voice, 'Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence' is spoken by her. The link goes to the Google Play Store, who prefers audible will find it there as well.) – these women know what they can do and what they want. Maybe because the rolls are written gender neutral. I am working on that thesis and it seems to hold up. But I drift from topic. What truly captivates me in modern games are crafted worlds that have courage, that dare to be different, or simply uncompromising (Knowing that not everyone will love them). Games that aren't afraid to break the mold and take me on a unique journey keep me coming back for more. Or just go all in to get to their goal.
Many games seem to embrace the 'have your cake and eat it' mentality. The player is always king, and they avoid putting you in a tough situation. It's as if they think we're not capable of handling a challenge or a dose of reality.
But then there are those moments, like Aerith's fate in 'Final Fantasy VII', that shatter the power fantasy. It was a cruel move, and it broke our hearts, but it worked so incredibly well (I genuinely feel uneasy just thinking about that moment again to just write it down). In this instance, the game took the time to let us bond with the character, so when the unexpected happened, it hit us like a freight train.. from space. It's a reminder that, sometimes, games that challenge our expectations and make us feel something deeper can leave a lasting impact (And yes, i choose Final Fantasy VII because i did not want to spoiler a newer game or IP. And i am curious how they will handle it in the remake). This was before the internet days, but even then so many players wouldn't accept the death of one of their favorite characters that "saving erith hauxes" did spread around in magazines and on the schoolyard. But to be fair, they even spread until today.
In the realm of single-player narrative-driven games, unorthodox stories, transformative characters, and unconventional worlds leave a lasting impact. These are the games that vividly illustrate that gaming is an art form, capable of evoking profound emotions, defying expectations, and etching enduring memories. Let's celebrate these distinctive journeys within the gaming world, cherishing the moments that continually captivate us and enhance our gaming experiences, making them all the more unforgettable.
postscript:
Originally omitted from the main blog, I wanted to highlight how big publishers often chase gaming trends, many of which originate from innovative indie developers and circles back into the mainstream. Concepts like crafting, popularized by Minecraft. I could not find the right spot to include it. But it seems to important to just exclude it compleatly.
I also couldn't find the right place to address the issues I have with the whole 'games as a service,' the never-ending 10-year
roadmaps, the 'loot box' (or as EA calls them, 'fun surprise mechanics'), and the 'free-to-play' trends that I genuinely detest. I actively steer clear of these products and scrutinize the next
release from those studios with a discerning eye.