Is everything getting "dumbed-down" nowadays?

Console games aren't what they used to be. It's not about the challenge anymore but all about the flashy graphics and making the games as accessible as possible. Add-ons like the Kinect put that to a whole new level. Likewise, more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right. Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3. Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games. So much for games getting "maturer". Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports. Where are the good ol days of hardcore platformers they were once known for? They now make self-playing games and that's not even a joke. And despite all the "consolization" PC gamers blame to be the reason for poorer PC game experiences nowadays, I've found myself that a lot of modern PC exclusives are also pretty dumbed-down compared to the older PC games. Compare Civilization V with Civ IV or III and you'll know what I mean. The fact is all games are getting "dumbed-down".

Discuss. :P

Pick up a Paradox game or several indie titles if you want difficult.

Console games aren't what they used to be. Right, they're much better.

more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right . Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3 so? QTE = dumbing down? and QTE ain't that frequent in UC2 or GOW 3.

Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games I don't remember games being any longer, non linear last gen.

So much for games getting "maturer" non linear, long and uber complex games = mature?.

nameless12345

Is GoW 3 dumbed down compared to last gen GoWs? What about FPS?Were last gen FPS more challenging? I don't think so....

It's definitely apparent in the main stream. I mostly blame the use of added power being focused on cinematic story telling rather than deepening gameplay. Focusing on presenting a story usually ends up taking control out of the players hands which leaves players with a dumbed down experience which tends to be forgiven by the masses and video game journalists because the presentation is flashy.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Console games aren't what they used to be. Right, they're much better.

more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right . Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3 so? QTE = dumbing down? and QTE ain't that frequent in UC2 or GOW 3.

Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games I don't remember games being any longer, non linear last gen.

So much for games getting "maturer" non linear, long and uber complex games = mature?.

Harisemo

Is GoW 3 dumbed down compared to last gen GoWs? What about FPS?Were last gen FPS more challenging? I don't think so....

I don't know, but I've heard complaints that GoW 3 didn't live up to the first two parts and I'd say that FPS copy too much the CoD style. Back in the days we had more unique experiences.

"Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports."

Good luck trying to convince people on here with that, I've tried.

"Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports."

Good luck trying to convince people on here with that, I've tried.

Jelley0

Well, you were saying it was specifically Nintendo, when in reality it's all 3 of them and (to a lesser extent) the PC as well.

People grow and learned and gain experiences that allow them to more easily deal with challenges. Games become easier as we get older because we have more experience, better hand-eye coordination, and have know how to shoot an AK-47 in an FPS, or jump from platform to platform, or cast a fire spell.

If the games you play aren't challening enough, turn the difficulty to a higher setting.

People grow and learned and gain experiences that allow them to more easily deal with challenges. Games become easier as we get older because we have more experience, better hand-eye coordination, and have know how to shoot an AK-47 in an FPS, or jump from platform to platform, or cast a fire spell.

If the games you play aren't challening enough, turn the difficulty to a higher setting.

jimkabrhel

I don't know, but I've heard complaints that GoW 3 didn't live up to the first two parts and I'd say that FPS copy too much the CoD style. Back in the days we had more unique experiences.

nameless12345

It's not because GoW 3 was dumbed down or anything, it's just not as good as last two (I disagree with that though, imo GoW 3 > GoW 1 but maybe not as good as GoW 2). Most FPS play differently from CoD but I agree some things are copied like the XP system etc but that doesn't make the game "dumbed down". The only thing last gen had over this gen are platformers.

Everything is dumbed down!

It's because we're so focused on the "cinematic" now. Game developers want to make movies so badly that they've forgotten what good game design is.

Protip: It's not forcing you down a linear corridor with little to no choice of how you play moment to moment.

This gen is so garbage.

Pick up a Paradox game or several indie titles if you want difficult.

Whiteblade999

Its the same as it always has been TC. At least in the past 15 years, games are mostly the same just better graphics.

Well considering everyone from above agree's with the present focus on cinematic experiences, one could say the dumbing down began with Final Fantasy VII.

It's because we're so focused on the "cinematic" now. Game developers want to make movies so badly that they've forgotten what good game design is.

Protip: It's not forcing you down a linear corridor with little to no choice of how you play moment to moment.

This gen is so garbage.

DarkLink77

Just seems like an anti console rant to me. Plenty of worthwhile and difficult games out there on Consoles or any platform for that matter. Try GoW3 on Titan. That's a pain. And, frankly, if you haven't beaten Demon's Souls even once then you have zero room to talk.

Not everything.

I mainly just stay away from many big budget titles. Some are great though, but a lot (as has been mentioned in this thread) will remove the player from the game in order to tell a story, and go for flash over substance.

However, these games tend to sell well, and review incredibly well, so what can you do? :P

Who knows. It doesn't matter, though. The important thing is that games are getting better and better.

Its the same as it always has been TC. At least in the past 15 years, games are mostly the same just better graphics.

GTSaiyanjin2

[QUOTE="GTSaiyanjin2"]

Its the same as it always has been TC. At least in the past 15 years, games are mostly the same just better graphics.

jasonharris48

I do think they are a lot less of them, but thats because of how popular the FPS genre has become. Two good ones that come to mind are DAO and The witcher games.

Console games aren't what they used to be. It's not about the challenge anymore but all about the flashy graphics and making the games as accessible as possible. Add-ons like the Kinect put that to a whole new level. Likewise, more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right. Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3. Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games.So much for games getting "maturer". Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports. Where are the good ol days of hardcore platformers they were once known for? They now make self-playing games and that's not even a joke. And despite all the "consolization" PC gamers blame to be the reason for poorer PC game experiences nowadays, I've found myself that a lot of modern PC exclusives are also pretty dumbed-down compared to the older PC games. Compare Civilization V with Civ IV or III and you'll know what I mean. The fact is all games are getting "dumbed-down".

Discuss. :P

nameless12345

Terribly linear, short and simplistic games?and you used Uncharted 2 instead of Gears of war and and GoD of War 3 instead of MVC3? The words and the games you used don't match up for me.

UC2 and GoW3 are two great games by my standards even within all the other crap games that are coming out this gen. Using those generic and unthoughtful criticisms to describe thesetwo very different games makes me wonder if you have even played them.

Regarding your first section

• Linear games are a lot easier to make than non-linear games.
• QTE have been around even in the 1980s with titles such as Dragon's Lair. They are there to make you interact a bit more with the cutscenes.
• I dont know about them being short, Uncharted, God of War are quite long actually, especially when you take into consideration how short games used to be back then. In the Atari days, many games were perhaps only 15 minutes long. And I recall being able to beat a lot of SNES era games within 2 hours.

Regarding your second part

• Nintendo have always been casual, I dont understand why people keep saying they were "hardcore", even Nintendo themselves have stated that they have always catered to the casual gamer.
• NSMBWii, Donkey Kong Country Returns are about on the same difficulty level as their old platformers. Especially the later levels of both.
• Since not only do you have to die a lot of times in a single section to be able to activate the help system. But it is also entirely optional. I dont see why this would bother anyone. If you dont like it dont use it, as simple as that. I like the system as their games actually became harder after they implemented it.
• Bringing up an old point, Skyward Sword promises to be a lot less linear than previous Zeldas in terms of map design, enemies also seem to do more damage, the first boss takes away an entire heart for instance. And most testers were not breezing through it.

Regarding the third part

• Civilization is getting dumbed down, but they also recieved a ton of flack for it.
• There are indie games with the complexity of old games. Dwarf Fortress is still in development, and is probably THE MOST COMPLEX game ever.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Console games aren't what they used to be. It's not about the challenge anymore but all about the flashy graphics and making the games as accessible as possible. Add-ons like the Kinect put that to a whole new level. Likewise, more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right. Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3. Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games.So much for games getting "maturer". Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports. Where are the good ol days of hardcore platformers they were once known for? They now make self-playing games and that's not even a joke. And despite all the "consolization" PC gamers blame to be the reason for poorer PC game experiences nowadays, I've found myself that a lot of modern PC exclusives are also pretty dumbed-down compared to the older PC games. Compare Civilization V with Civ IV or III and you'll know what I mean. The fact is all games are getting "dumbed-down".

Discuss. :P

casharmy

Terribly linear, short and simplistic games?and you used Uncharted 2 instead of Gears of war and and GoD of War 3 instead of MVC3? The words and the games you used don't match up for me.

UC2 and GoW3 are two great games by my standards even within all the other crap games that are coming out this gen. Using those generic and unthoughtful criticisms to describe thesetwo very different games makes me wonder if you have even played them.

Who knows. It doesn't matter, though. The important thing is that games are getting better and better.

IronBass

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Console games aren't what they used to be. It's not about the challenge anymore but all about the flashy graphics and making the games as accessible as possible. Add-ons like the Kinect put that to a whole new level. Likewise, more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right. Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3. Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games.So much for games getting "maturer". Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports. Where are the good ol days of hardcore platformers they were once known for? They now make self-playing games and that's not even a joke. And despite all the "consolization" PC gamers blame to be the reason for poorer PC game experiences nowadays, I've found myself that a lot of modern PC exclusives are also pretty dumbed-down compared to the older PC games. Compare Civilization V with Civ IV or III and you'll know what I mean. The fact is all games are getting "dumbed-down".

Discuss. :P

casharmy

Terribly linear, short and simplistic games?and you used Uncharted 2 instead of Gears of war and and GoD of War 3 instead of MVC3? The words and the games you used don't match up for me.

UC2 and GoW3 are two great games by my standards even within all the other crap games that are coming out this gen. Using those generic and unthoughtful criticisms to describe thesetwo very different games makes me wonder if you have even played them.

Yeah, I played UC2. Good looking game but pretty linear and limited. I don't like so much focus on movie-like presentation in nowadays games. Same with God of War 3 - looks great but isn't really a deep gaming experience. Not as deep as one would like atleast.

Yes they are.

Manyplatformers constantly pile on lives making it almost impossible to get a game over, in an older platformer like Crash Bandicoot once you broke a life crate it's not gonna reappear if you die, Hell, coming back to the level won't make it come back as a life crate either. Not to mention those damn super-guides that spoon feed you what you have to do.

The FPS genre went from being atmospheric and requring exploration to mindless shooting of stupid enemies.

I notice that some RPGs such as Dragon Age: Origonsare easier than older ones. In Baulder's Gate if one of your characters dies they don't come back to life after the fight is over, you have to revive them in time or else they stay dead forever, sometimesyou won't even be given that chance(except for the main character where if he dies it's an automatic gameover). Oh andhealth didn't just regenerate back then either.In Dragon Age: Origins it's the exact opposite.

Those are just some of the things I've noticed dumbed-down in the industry today.

Forgive me for asking this, but why dont you guys just put it on hard if its to easy for you?

Forgive me for asking this, but why dont you guys just put it on hard if its to easy for you?

crimsonman1245

2 reasons

1. Increasing the difficulty just increases enemy damage and life. It doesnt make the game deeper.
2. Sometimes even the hardest setting is too easy. Infamous 1 and Mass Effect series are examples of this.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Console games aren't what they used to be. Right, they're much better.

more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right . Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3 so? QTE = dumbing down? and QTE ain't that frequent in UC2 or GOW 3.

Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games I don't remember games being any longer, non linear last gen.

So much for games getting "maturer" non linear, long and uber complex games = mature?.

Harisemo

Is GoW 3 dumbed down compared to last gen GoWs? What about FPS?Were last gen FPS more challenging? I don't think so....

Just seems like an anti console rant to me. Plenty of worthwhile and difficult games out there on Consoles or any platform for that matter. Try GoW3 on Titan. That's a pain. And, frankly, if you haven't beaten Demon's Souls even once then you have zero room to talk.

Puckhog04

Demon's Souls is the exception in today's standards.

In the past, difficult games were the norm.

Edit : And no, difficult games means a lot more than just to cheaply increase the enemy health and damage.

PC gaming has been dumbed down, so dumbed down, that sometimes it fills me with rage, that facebook is killing one of the (IMO) best PC series ever Sim City, rumored being dumbed-down for use in facebook.

games aren't easier, they are just less punishing and much more flexible with saveing so you don't have to replay everything if you make a mistake,

also games aren't getting harder... so everyone that gets really really good will eventually get board with how difficult games generally are.

Most of these claims can be separated into two groups:

1. A game is less difficult than previous ones. More often than not they are actually just less frustrating, and developers try to add on challenge where they can without making the game a massive ragefest, so it's actually an enjoyable, uniform experience start to finish.

2. A game is less complex than previous ones. Maybe it is but then again maybe it's because the wide majority of people don't consider sorting through lists of fictional statistics and numbers an enjoyable experience, but usually what people consider to be simplifying is actually just removal of useless aspects that create nothing but clutter.

Games have been in the process of being 'dumbed down' for quite a while. In the same sense society is always deteriorating, our youth is always becoming more disrespectful, etc etc. If such stories were true, games would be absolutely incompetent right about now.UCF_Knight

That's so true, man! It's kind of sad now that I think about how dead on that was xD

(and will be greatly streamlined in 3)LinKuei_warrior

What the hell does "dumbed down" mean anyway?mrmusicman247

Made easier or less complex to appeal to the masses.

[QUOTE="LinKuei_warrior"](and will be greatly streamlined in 3)BigDaddyPOLO

oh what you can put a barrel gun? big whoop. mass effect1 had an upgrade system that will probably be more deep than any ME game after it. This game willl have multiplayer that will be terrible on comparisons to games that actually cater to online play, rather than just tacked on bioware gun fights. bleh...I need to change my icon. I despise bioware.

Console games aren't what they used to be. It's not about the challenge anymore but all about the flashy graphics and making the games as accessible as possible. Add-ons like the Kinect put that to a whole new level. Likewise, more and more console games bet everything on a "cinematic" experience with annoying QTEs left and right. Just take a look at Uncharted 2 and God of War 3. Surely those games are technically proficient and spectacular, but if you put away the pretty mask you get terribly linear, short and simplistic games. So much for games getting "maturer". Not even Nintendo is what they used to be. They now crater to the casual gamer with they gimmicky gamepads and stuff like Wii Sports. Where are the good ol days of hardcore platformers they were once known for? They now make self-playing games and that's not even a joke. And despite all the "consolization" PC gamers blame to be the reason for poorer PC game experiences nowadays, I've found myself that a lot of modern PC exclusives are also pretty dumbed-down compared to the older PC games. Compare Civilization V with Civ IV or III and you'll know what I mean. The fact is all games are getting "dumbed-down".

Discuss. :P

nameless12345