Feature: Seven Gaming Genres New-Gen Has Changed Subscribe to this RSS feed
Motion sensing, increased graphical ability, constant internet access... this generation is changing the way we enjoy some of our favorite types of games. Here's the seven that have transformed the most.
With the conclusion of arguably videogame's most successful year, it seemed like a fitting time to take a retrospective look at some of the changing aspects in today's videogames genres. As you peruse this fascinating expose, you'll notice that not only has Games.net provided you with an historic and modern look at many lesser and well-known genres, but that they have graded the success of each genre as it has made its way to this noteworthy year.
The Platformer
Historically Speaking...
Was it really so long ago when it seemed like every game released was a platformer? The Golden years of this once mighty genre were during the reign of the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and with the help of one vocabulary-limited, Italian-plumber, it became one of gaming's more prevalent 8-bit genres. Some of the notable conventions of the genre that we've become so familiar with today included: well-timed jumps, shiny item collection, and dispatching of enemies by smashing in their heads from above. The PlayStation-N64 era signaled a resurgence, with Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot borrowing many of the genres conventions while creating some new ones. Historically, there hadn't been a genre that has experienced so much prominence before, and it seems highly unlikely that any genre ever will again.
Historic Genre Grade: A+
Contemporarily Speaking...
The modern tale of this notable genre plays out a little differently than its past. It's now estimated that about every fiftieth game made is a 2D platformer and that the majority of those releases are either seen on handheld systems or are just re-releases of classic games, occasionally with "improved" graphics and sound. Continued success in the 3D is also difficult, as very few franchises have shown staying power (Sonic and Crash faltering heavily in recent years). Ultimately, the biggest problem facing the platformer is that it's proven very difficult to cater to today's hardcore gaming audience that prefers its games to be dark and mature. That reminds us... why didn't you buy Psychonauts, you moron?
Contemporary Genre Grade: C
The Educational Game
Historically Speaking...
In the past, the majority of educational games were often found in educational institutions such as schools or tutoring centers. Who could forget taking a wagon train across the United States only to succumb to dysentery? These games were very straightforward and contained extremely simple gameplay. But one should note that they were generally designed for younger audiences, and usually the game portions of those titles came second to the educational aspects. Also, many of the systems these games were released on were pretty low-tech and were not as abundant when compared to contemporary systems. Since the educational game market (and the videogame market in general) was so much smaller at that time, this was a genre that didn't really leave a significant mark. Yet, it did show quite a bit of promise and it garnered less controversy than other genres.
Historical Genre Grade: D
Contemporarily Speaking...
The modern educational game still consists of many titles aimed at children. However, there are also a number of educational games aimed at adults. Nintendo has released the "Brain Age" series, which focuses on quick mental tests that are timed and repeated, in the hopes of making smarter and better people out of its players. More traditional educational games aimed at adults are being released as well, focusing on tasks such as learning other languages, preparing for standardized tests, or gaining a better understanding of your personal computer. In the end, this is a genre that can only get bigger, especially as the stigma that gaming serves no useful purpose continues to fade and the notion that it can promote mental health grows.
Contemporary Genre Grade: B-
The Multi-Game Compilation
Historically Speaking...
Apparently as games age they are no longer entertaining enough to stand on their own merits, so the rational behind compilations is that by compiling a bunch of these old, forlorn titles onto one disc/cartridge, they will again become a profitable pursuit. And since video game makers are in the industry to make money (apparently that's surprising to some), it didn't take them long to figure out this monetary scheme. With the rapidly increasing storage size afforded due to CDs and DVD-based games, compilations grew extremely popular over the PlayStation and PS2 eras. Since many geriatric videogames are still very fun and coveted by the old and new players alike, in addition to an often more reasonable pricing scheme, this genre never had any problems finding an audience.
Historical Genre Grade: C+
Contemporarily Speaking...
If you ever ask yourself why game compilations seem harder to find today you're reading the right article. For starters, the reason you can't buy any of those old, illustrious game compilations, is because now your new next-gen system offers all those games for individual purchase through their online store. So if you'd like to purchase a compilation you'll just have to buy multiple seven dollar titles, one right after the other, and then sort of pretend that they all came together as one bundle. And since those online arcade services now provide a better venue for distributing those games that have gotten a bit long in the tooth, the new budget priced compilation packs are disappearing from store shelves. This genre's on life support, and we don't see any chance of it getting back to full health.
