View Full Version : Best Gaming Generation
jalexbrown
09-07-2009, 10:26 PM
So I'm curious what everyone considers the peak. For me, it would have to be the 16-bit generation. I'm friends with a few people who think every generation is better than the one before it, and the only basis I think they have is graphics. I'm not going to say that graphics don't count for something, but they're not the sole ground to base the decision on. I'm not going to say there would be no legitimate reason to consider this generation the best; I'm just saying that graphics isn't a good enough of a reason. I like to look at pretty things too, but I'd prefer things that are functional over things that look nice.
The Stryker
09-08-2009, 12:12 AM
It's all subjective.
I'm enjoying this current generation though.
jalexbrown
09-08-2009, 12:22 AM
It's all subjective.
I'm enjoying this current generation though.
I by no means meant to imply that I don't enjoy this generation. If we count DS/PSP, I love this generation. All of the classic Squaresoft 16-bit DS remakes/ports have been enough to make me love this generation. It's just that as time goes on, I feel less and less attached to this generation. I guess I've grown distant from my 360 and Wii. I mean, my 360 gets turned on perhaps once a week at best; the Wii is lucky to get its power button hit once a month. I'm looking at buying Dissidea, and that would make me turn on my PSP; otherwise, it hasn't been on since the last time I played Crisis Core. My DS was on to play Chrono Trigger and...well...that's it for the poor DS. I guess my disappointment with this generation is that it seems like it's passed the point where it surprises me anymore. I like the current-gen to surprise me, and this gen's "surprises" have been disappointing for a while now.
That's a lot of rambling to not say much, I guess.
The Stryker
09-08-2009, 12:35 AM
Got that right.
ThirdMarioBro
09-08-2009, 02:37 AM
16-bit. Nuff' said.
Okay, not enough said. I was may have been a little kid for much of the 8-bit years, but I remember them clearly. 8-bit was the dawn of a brand new world. Concepts were revolutionized, and ideas were pioneered, but the 16-bit generation was an age of refinement. Some of the greatest games ever made were created between 1989 and 1996 for the stalwart Genesis and almighty Super Nintendo. In fact, 1994-1995 ranks as my favorite period for video games ever. I actually got teary back in the day when I had to say goodbye to the SNES. I remember the farewell EGM gave it in their yearly buyer's guide. Of course, the N64 was about to usher in a brave new world of discovery. Sure, early 3D looked like ****, but the gameplay was immortal. 1999 ranks as my second favorite period in gaming. N64 in its prime, PlayStation's best year, and Dreamcast's immortal debut (with Sonic the Hedgehog's last ride).
I won't lie when I say that my love affair with gaming has been getting weaker with each passing year. New innovation seems to be just an excuse to tack waggle onto everything. Now Microsoft and Sony are getting in on the wave. New demographics are forcing developers to diversify their portfolio with shovel-ware and the games still being made for the "core" gamer are being restricted to a very narrow selection of Western approved shooters, sandbox games, formulaic J-RPGs, and generic stealth action starring generic bald space marine of the month.
I still adore the games that I play, but I'm buying fewer every year. Perhaps its because me and Nintendo are just about done. I don't know. I'll be here until then dying day when waggle runs us all away, but I do miss that feeling of wonderment when I turn on a game. Everything I play today follows a blueprint so closely that I pretty much know exactly what's coming before I even start.
Peanut
09-08-2009, 12:59 PM
the "core" gamer are being restricted to a very narrow selection of Western approved shooters, sandbox games, formulaic J-RPGs, and generic stealth action starring generic bald space marine of the month.
This simply isn't true. Just because you don't look outside the AAA titles doesn't mean games that deviate from the norm don't exist. In fact, there are more insane, outside-the-box titles getting published now than ever before.
And I hate the argument that games now are "all the same" and that 16-bit gaming was more diverse. What the f*ck were you people playing in the 90's? While the current generation is overblown with shooters and sandbox games, the 16-bit generation was spewing absolutely sh*t character-driven platformers out its asshole. How about all of those generic beat-em-ups? Side-scrolling shooters? People complain about JRPG's NOW, but what the hell was so much better about them 15 years ago? You know what was better? IT WAS 15 YEARS AGO! We were all God damn kids! Everything seemed better! Biggest example ever, Final Fantasy 7.
With very few exceptions, games aren't like movies, books or music. They become outdated far faster, and an outdated game simply isn't good anymore. The classics endure, but games that may have been fantastic at one point may be an absolute piece of sh*t by the time the next gen roles around.
What I'm trying to get at is that my tastes have evolved along with gaming. I'm not stuck in the past, I'm not worrying about the future, I'm playing what's up now and enjoying it. I'm not condemning what came before as unplayable, some games from the 8, 16 and 32-bit generations are still the best ever made, but there is no definitive best generation.
but I do miss that feeling of wonderment when I turn on a game. Everything I play today follows a blueprint so closely that I pretty much know exactly what's coming before I even start.
Again, this is something I just can't agree with. You were a kid, there was very little information about games. This has nothing to do with the games themselves, rather the fact that to be considered noteworthy, a game has to release new information on almost a daily basis. If you want wonderment, stop following sh*t on the internet, read magazines, or just walk into a store and buy a game based on the cover.
Even though my heart is always down for the 8 to 16-bit eras, I play whatever I consider awesome or cool. Whether it's a basic beat-em-up, another graphic-hauled shooter, or the hardest game on the block.
But overall, honestly, the best generation to me is what I can afford.
Peanut
09-08-2009, 01:13 PM
But overall, honestly, the best generation to me is what I can afford.
LOL! Most logical reply this thread will ever get.
LOL! Most logical reply this thread will ever get.
Haha, no kidding.
I'd already have a PS3 if it wasn't the price of the Hubble. :lol:
Barkworm
09-08-2009, 01:26 PM
My favourite generations are both 16 bit and last gen. Simply because of the memories.
jalexbrown
09-08-2009, 02:06 PM
LOL! Most logical reply this thread will ever get.
I agree 100% with this.
Dr. Doom
09-09-2009, 02:43 AM
Haha, no kidding.
I'd already have a PS3 if it wasn't the price of the Hubble. :lol:
That's not really a fair claim to make anymore, since the PS3 Slim and the 360 Elite are both $300, and frankly for what you're getting, the PS3 is technically the better value with things like Blu-Ray, built in Wi-Fi and free online. The 360 also does not come with an HDMI cable and I believe the PS3 does, though I could be wrong. That doesn't necessarily mean it's the better system or anything quite like that, but it certainly gives you more for what you're paying straight out of the box.
Mecha Cow
09-09-2009, 03:10 AM
The PS3 does not come with an HDMI cable. However, I agree that it's no longer fair to complain about the price, especially considering the Wii is still $250.
Peanut
09-09-2009, 09:25 AM
I still don't get why they suddenly dropped the HDMI from the Elite 360. At least it still comes with component cables, which I'm pretty sure the PS3 still doesn't do.
jalexbrown
09-09-2009, 11:26 AM
I don't think $299 is an unfair price at all, but the problem I have is that when I was ready to buy a next gen console, it was still $399. I'm very glad they announced a price drop; one of these days, I may be able to get enough cash to drop on one. But the drop took a long time, and a lot of people waited and waited and finally decided to get a 360.
Dr. Doom
09-09-2009, 01:34 PM
From what I understand, the Elite does not have component, just composite.
GK Punk
09-09-2009, 01:50 PM
I had the most fun in the 16-Bit era, so I'll go with that.
raphael_is_cool
09-09-2009, 04:57 PM
I'd go with the current generation so far. So much choice in terms of types of games. Not just in terms of genre but also the style; a quick 'play every now and then' game or a long, absorbing game, for example. And with stuff like XBLA not everything's a full price title either so there's a great deal of 'little' games coming out.
ThirdMarioBro
09-09-2009, 05:18 PM
I'd go with the current generation so far. So much choice in terms of types of games. Not just in terms of genre but also the style
This statement makes me laugh so hard. Right now, things are more stagnant than ever. Sure, if you love bald space marines defeating alien scum and endless shades of "gritty", then this generation must have been made for you.
raphael_is_cool
09-09-2009, 05:34 PM
Did you just completely ignore everything Peanut just said? I'll quote the most important part.
This simply isn't true. Just because you don't look outside the AAA titles doesn't mean games that deviate from the norm don't exist. In fact, there are more insane, outside-the-box titles getting published now than ever before.
And I hate the argument that games now are "all the same" and that 16-bit gaming was more diverse. What the f*ck were you people playing in the 90's? While the current generation is overblown with shooters and sandbox games, the 16-bit generation was spewing absolutely sh*t character-driven platformers out its asshole. How about all of those generic beat-em-ups? Side-scrolling shooters?
Seriously, take off the rose-tinted sunglasses or just open your ****ing eyes. Geez.
ThirdMarioBro
09-09-2009, 05:40 PM
Cut me a little slack. Its the Dreamcast's anniversary, so I'm in a bit of a throwback mood.
raphael_is_cool
09-09-2009, 05:41 PM
No! NO PRISONERS!
16-bit generation for me. Lots of great titles and sprites never age badly for me.
This statement makes me laugh so hard. Right now, things are more stagnant than ever. Sure, if you love bald space marines defeating alien scum and endless shades of "gritty", then this generation must have been made for you.
You're such a tool.
Like Peanut, I just go with whatever's out now. I have fun memories from back in the day sure, but this generation's provided some seriously unforgettable moments, especially over live.
Peanut
09-09-2009, 07:19 PM
From what I understand, the Elite does not have component, just composite.
That doesn't even make any sense. The PRO came with component cables, and the Elite used to come with HDMI and component cables. I can't believe Microsoft would drop component from their high-end model. That's such bullsh*t.
Cut me a little slack. Its the Dreamcast's anniversary, so I'm in a bit of a throwback mood.
You have an excuse for everything.
this generation's provided some seriously unforgettable moments, especially over live.
The Live service has been unbelievably amazing, especially in the last year.
Brodie
09-09-2009, 07:35 PM
I don't recall any bald space marines....Matt Hazard...I guess? He's bald... That's about it.
I just realized something today while I was at the college.
I enjoy playing Call of Duty 4 more that Halo 3.
No bald space marines there, though.
R-iZZy
09-10-2009, 01:20 AM
^ Yeah, a lot of people I know have their Halo 3 cases collecting dust since picking up Modern Warfare. I'm not really much of an FPS player, but Modern Warfare does captivate me more than any Halo game (as far as online multiplayer goes at least).
I don't think there's a "best" gaming generation. Each generation happens to have their advantages over the others. But if I had to pick a personal favorite generation, I'd say it's a toss-up between the 16- and 32/64-bit eras. The 16-bit era laid down the blueprints to some of my favorite franchises of all-time. A lot of my long-time favorites are from that era, but the 32/64-bit era actually holds some of my favorite individual games of all-time on there. Hard to say, really.
oldmanwinters
09-10-2009, 01:27 AM
16-bit. Nuff' said.
Okay, not enough said. I was may have been a little kid for much of the 8-bit years, but I remember them clearly. 8-bit was the dawn of a brand new world. Concepts were revolutionized, and ideas were pioneered, but the 16-bit generation was an age of refinement. Some of the greatest games ever made were created between 1989 and 1996 for the stalwart Genesis and almighty Super Nintendo. . . .1999 ranks as my second favorite period in gaming. N64 in its prime, PlayStation's best year, and Dreamcast's immortal debut (with Sonic the Hedgehog's last ride).
I won't lie when I say that my love affair with gaming has been getting weaker with each passing year. New innovation seems to be just an excuse to tack waggle onto everything. Now Microsoft and Sony are getting in on the wave. New demographics are forcing developers to diversify their portfolio with shovel-ware and the games still being made for the "core" gamer are being restricted to a very narrow selection of Western approved shooters, sandbox games, formulaic J-RPGs, and generic stealth action starring generic bald space marine of the month.
I've feel very much the same way. Ah, the golden days of the "Bit" Wars
See my historical parody comic!
http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=28375
Krang
09-10-2009, 03:02 AM
There are plenty of great games from each generation, but if I had to pick just one, I'd say 16-bit (especially when you consider not only the console games, but the arcade games as well).
You were the easy guess, Krang, being the Sega guru and all. :P
AquaParade
09-17-2009, 12:12 AM
I'm gonna have to agree on the 16 bit era. To me, that's classic gaming...It's what I grew up on. Ignited my love for gaming! :)
Last generation is pretty close behind. Ps2 brought me some great memories and was a real forward step in my gaming life ( How sad lol ) Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear solid 3, Devil May Cry...Games I won't soon forget.
As for this generation - I am loving it...hard to put a real judgment stamp on it though, since it's not over yet.
ThirdMarioBro
09-17-2009, 04:50 AM
There are plenty of great games from each generation, but if I had to pick just one, I'd say 16-bit (especially when you consider not only the console games, but the arcade games as well).
The 90s had some of the greatest arcade games of all time -- including the greatest: Daytona USA. I was playing my modded copy of Daytona USA 2001 (that replaces the crappy announcer with the original arcade voice, as well as the music) just a few moments ago. Timeless game.
The Clerk
10-19-2009, 03:18 PM
The generation of FF7 and Zelda OoT. Also had MGS, PSO on the DreamCast, Smash Bros., Vagrant Story, Mario 64, Everquest, and so on...
SwordofTengu
11-07-2009, 12:46 PM
The 128-bit era (6th and 7th Generation)
Peanut
11-07-2009, 03:22 PM
What the f*ck? Who calls anything the 128-bit era?
SwordofTengu
11-07-2009, 03:24 PM
What the f*ck? Who calls anything the 128-bit era?
Jeez! I'm just combining the Sixth and Seventh Generation because those two are my faves! :roll:
Peanut
11-07-2009, 03:28 PM
You also get out. Take the other kid with you.
Who calls them the Sixth and Seventh Generations?
SwordofTengu
11-07-2009, 03:33 PM
Kick me out? Why? :x
Because we are assholes. Welcome to the Video Game Section.
The best gaming generations for me were the 8-bit and the last generation. I love games from every and all eras of gaming, but I seem to have a lot of favourites from these points of time. I love the current generation as well, but nothing much really grabs for me that much.
For the last generation, I love it mainly because it was the generation were I really got into games. I loved video games before it, but my exposure to this new and fasinating world was severly limited to my Game Boy Colour and various copies of "Pokemon". In 2003 I got my PS2 and I never really looked back. So many great games that came out on that. Heck, even last year I was latching onto great titles as everyone made the move to the current generation. No regrets from that what-so ever.
I also have a very soft spot for the 8-bit era. While the 16-bit had great games coming from it as well as playing around with new ideas, I think the 8-bit got some really awesome basic ideas out there for us all to devour. Providing everyone with a basic genre pallet, if you will. Their beauty was (and still is) in their simplicity. Yes, there were plenty of crap games from there, but I still think that near the end of that period we were really seeing the ideas start to well and truely florish.
Not only that, the music was memorable and catchy, which I LOVE.
Oh hell yes. The music! How could I forget! Not just the tunes, but the sounds used to make said tunes as well. It's something about those bleeps and bops of the 8-bit era that make it seem all the more... fascinating? I guess?
Why do you think I love Mega Man 9 so much now? I grinned like hell when I finally got to play it myself.
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