@KopyKat000 Well, the difference is that the commenters are actually wrong in assuming that there's an objective truth as to how good any given game is. On top of that, they're wrong to assume that if there is an objective truth, their opinion must be it.
@LukeWesty It holds you back to the extent that you let it hold you back. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who says that doing nothing but games is the solution to your depression. What games provide is a momentary sense of relief. Personally, it clears my mind for a short while and puts me in a better mood than when I started. It's a small shelter for me whenever my depression gets really out of hand. I'm doing other things. I talk to people, I'm about to start seeing a therapist and I'm probably going to look into anti-depressants. But right now, games help me put the depression, anger, self loathing and anxiety out of my mind long enough for me to return to a stable mood. Play for a couple hours and let the storm pass. So that's working for me. I'm not denying that it can be an unhealthy habit. I know people who've gone too deep. But it also can't be ignored that games are an immersive and pleasurable activity and would naturally have the potential to help someone who's depressed.
@InquisitorCrox It's just trends. WWII was all the rage in the early 00's. Up til about last year, modren military was in vogue. Also, I'm not sure what point you're getting at with dishonored and bioshock. Both of those took place before 1970. Also, as an American, I have no idea who the people who prefer a 70s car while listening to sinatra and elvis and wear 80s clothes are. If you're talking about hipsters, you're still kind of off the mark by a ways. I'm not sure what you mean by never reaching the 20th century when the 1970s and 80s were part of the 20th century.
@maynza I don't think the idea that gaming is a silver bullet for depression was meant to be the takeaway. They basically said that it's just another coping mechanism that some people rely on and like many coping mechanisms, it works more for some than others. Plus social anxiety isn't uncommon amongst the depressed. It isn't always as easy as going out and meeting new people. Games provide a certain context for meeting people, some of which might even become real friends. Plus, the anonymity of online interaction makes people less guarded with their emotions and for some, makes it much easier to talk to others. Also, the idea of real vs. virtual world is fast becoming antiquated. People meeting and socializing via online interaction is dissolving that line. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's still getting to know someone and interacting with them. I have a preference for face to face interaction, but if someone else can build a deep and meaningful relationship online as opposed to face to face, I see nothing wrong with it. They're simply fulfilling their social desires in a far more comfortable environment.
@vegasartst79 I really don't get where you're coming from with this. I'll admit that he gets a little self indulgent and pretentious, but I don't see it being so bad that it's beyond comprehension.
With a vast open world like Just Cause, I agree that a tight, complete story isn't necessary. I probably played a solid 20-30 hours of Just Cause 2 and I really couldn't tell you what the story was. It may also be that it was a week story, but again, I don't remember what it was. But games like GTA IV or Red Dead have done a great job of both offering a compelling story and a vast and immersive open world. I think little story works for Just Cause and games of the same ilk, but I wouldn't make a blanket statement the way he did.
@poormallard Did you suggest this wonderfully awful game? I watched the entire stream of this and as funny as it was, it was also a draining experience; mentally, physically and emotionally. With what bits of my sanity are still intact, I thank you. I only hope that Danny will someday return from the mental hospital that he has no doubt checked himself into following this experience.
@Dark_December I second that! Can't believe IO dropped freedom fighters 2 to develop Kane and Lynch. C'mon, really? That game instead of a freedom fighters sequel?
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