Is it just me or do gamers seem to hold "epic" experiences beyond any

Basically the title. Seems to me that if a game can create an epic feel it is all of a sudden put on a level above other games that don't try to create said feel. As in, epic music made to make the moment feel "epic" (for lack of better word) trumps music meant to set up a happy atmosphere. Epic encounter > funny encounter. Epic boss battle > creative boss battle. Epic feeling > joyful feeling. Just an observation, am I crazy or do we as gamers have some fetish for things that try to induce epicnessnessness?

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over how epic I am. :P

To me games most games can't be funny, creative games are becoming rarer, tragic moments are also sparse. Epicness is pretty much all we have left.

I have a fetish for thigh-high socks

That said, as for me personally I enjoy an epic feeling just as much as a happy one. As long as the game is bringing me enjoyment I can't be bothered to care what the theme is.

I was playing Super Mario Galaxy earlier, and that is just pure gaming bliss. Nothing truly "epic" about it, but I've got a smile on my face the whole time I play it. The music is just astounding.

I have a fetish for thigh-high sockstreedoor

Basically the title. Seems to me that if a game can create an epic feel it is all of a sudden put on a level above other games that don't try to create said feel. As in, epic music made to make the moment feel "epic" (for lack of better word) trumps music meant to set up a happy atmosphere. Epic encounter > funny encounter. Epic boss battle > creative boss battle. Epic feeling > joyful feeling. Just an observation, am I crazy or do we as gamers have some fetish for things that try to induce epicnessnessness?

ActicEdge

I can agree with that. If you think about a major demographic of videogames -- uneducated males (children, young adults) -- an epic experience would cover the wants of those wanting to fulfil something missing in their life. It's one of the most basic ideas of a videogame: be someone you cannot be -- an epic badass.

However, it's very much the same for movies and other forms of entertainment.

What made the final boss fight of Sonic Unleashed so fun was the epic music. Same goes for the battle with Luke and Asch in Tales of the Abyss. Epic music makes the experience so much more fun and you feel like you've accomplished something in the end. But if you fail it ruins the moment.

Epic isn't really very precise. I mean if you think something is good you might say that was "epic", but just as easily if you say something is funny the same can be applied. Basically all you're saying is that gamers prefer things to be better than they originally were.

I don't think it's a bad thing to want to be impressed by something. Being amazed by a game is a better feeling than simply enjoying a game for me. I appreciate more rewarding, fulfilling experiences in any format (games, books, movies, etc) ... more, simply put.

But maybe I have a different understanding of "epic."

I myslef prefer happy or/and funny experiences.

My favorite final fantasy music and moments are from these branch.

Vivi, quina, moogle etc

BTW, great topic! I hope more people come in here to comment.

i think the TC is refering to GOW3 coz it's the most associated with this term in here as far as i know .... but great topic indeed.

Being "epic" is a way to appeal to the bro gamer demographic. Whether you think this is a good or bad thing is up to you.

I think I know what you're getting at.

The "epic" feeling (gaining a snese of grandeur, a sense of accomplishment, or a Davind and Goliath moment) seems to be a huge trend right now, and developers are focusing on it a lot more than they focus on fun and creativity.

I tend to agree. I think actually being fun and creative has taken a back seat in gaming today :(

I don't think it's a bad thing to want to be impressed by something. Being amazed by a game is a better feeling than simply enjoying a game for me. I appreciate more rewarding, fulfilling experiences in any format (games, books, movies, etc) ... more, simply put.

But maybe I have a different understanding of "epic."

hakanakumono

Not implying its bad. More of an observation I wanted to share. Frankly I've had enough Alan Wake/Leaves/SMG is stupid/amazing thread and its either do something about it or shut up.

Anyway, for myself I love a good old epic moment but I also like something that maybe isn't earth shattering but makes me smile or think. Not necessarily makes me say "that was bad ass". But define epic for me in your terms, (not a challenge I am just curious of how you are defining it) I am interested to know.

I do like games on an epic scope, but not every aspect of the game has to be epic.

i think the TC is refering to GOW3 coz it's the most associated with this term in here as far as i know .... but great topic indeed.

2mrw

Well not just GOW3 but it is one, stuff like SOTC was beautiful and epic to me so I would put it in there, Vagrant Story is another, FF8's ending, end of Zelda Link to the past, as well as Yoshi's Island. Anyway, not sure if the compliment is sarcasm but thanks if its not.

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

RadecSupreme

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP is or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand? Lol, I don't try to make myself unique, unique is a silly word, you don't try to be unique, that defeats the purpose. Actually that in itself is wrong. Every person is a unique individual, trying to be unique actually makes takes away your own identity by pretending to be something your not. Of course you don't know me so you couldn't make that judgement now could you? And btw, mainstream is fine by me, I really have nothing against so long as it is within my taste and not completely stupid, ie every loving all apple products because they are apple.

Epic is a very vauge term and is also why it is used often. To be Epic is to be totally overwheled in awe, this doesn't have to be a pulse pounding setpeice, a frantic gun battle, or perfectly coriographed CS. There can be Epicly sad moments, epicly funny moments, so on and so forth. The term is generally used as to point out something amazing, Heavy Rain was Epic because it blew me away.Jynxzor

This is quite true actually. I was thinking more in terms of the adrenaline rush, incredibly defining moment in the game where like some big set piece happens or someone dies type epic. I suspose it does deserve clarification. Good point.

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

ActicEdge

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand?

Wii can provide its unique "happy" moments? haha .:lol:. I am not going offtopic. Infact its about the topic mate.. I have never played LBP so I really dont know how it is.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

I don't think it's a bad thing to want to be impressed by something. Being amazed by a game is a better feeling than simply enjoying a game for me. I appreciate more rewarding, fulfilling experiences in any format (games, books, movies, etc) ... more, simply put.

But maybe I have a different understanding of "epic."

ActicEdge

Not implying its bad. More of an observation I wanted to share. Frankly I've had enough Alan Wake/Leaves/SMG is stupid/amazing thread and its either do something about it or shut up.

Anyway, for myself I love a good old epic moment but I also like something that maybe isn't earth shattering but makes me smile or think. Not necessarily makes me say "that was bad ass". But define epic for me in your terms, (not a challenge I am just curious of how you are defining it) I am interested to know.

Well, the thing about the word "epic" is that it's an overused word that has practically lost all meaning. "Epic" jokes, "epic" fight, etc. I tend to avoid the word when I can because of this, but when I find a truly impressive game I find myself wanting to call it "epic."

For me, if I consider a game to be "epic" for lack of a better word I think that is impressive in terms of story and presentation. In other words, high production values with a strong story to back them up. If the story is lacking, then the game can't be "epic" despite how many fancy cutscenes it pulls off. This is why Metal Gear Solid 2 has all sorts of fancy cutsenes, great music, etc ... but the story tries so hard to be good that it ends up creating bigger problems for itself (same with Heavy Rain, Parasite Eve 2 which I recently played, etc).

I like that you mentiont he little moments that make you smile or think. I think that's all a part of what would be an "epic" experience.

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

RadecSupreme

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand?

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

RadecSupreme

People usually just use "epic" as a placeholder for "awesome."

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

RadecSupreme

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand?

Wii can provide its unique "happy" moments? haha .:lol:. I am not going offtopic. Infact its about the topic mate.. I have never played LBP so I really dont know how it is.

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

RadecSupreme

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand?

Wii can provide its unique "happy" moments? haha .:lol:. I am not going offtopic. Infact its about the topic mate.. I have never played LBP so I really dont know how it is.

What does a personal attack towards me have to do with this thread :S ?

And where did I mention the Wii, some of my most found happy gaming experiences were playing Spyro 2 on my Playstation 1 lol.

"Epic" is just another buzz-word like "compelling", "visceral", and "archaic". They lost all meaning by being abused by video game "journalism".

People usually just use "epic" as a placeholder for "awesome."

hakanakumono

True. Actually all the use of the word "epic" makes me think of gears haha. (not that I personally think gears is epic :P )

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

2mrw

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand?

Thank ya. Jeez, I rarely postdifferent threads either too haha. I remember why now :P

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

Dude, I like epic things. It just kinda occurred to me that we kinda hold the idea of epic above everything else though. And lol, found another thing to bash? Want me to bash something? Like how mediocore LBP or do you want to like stay on topic and discuss the topic at hand?

ActicEdge

Wii can provide its unique "happy" moments? haha .:lol:. I am not going offtopic. Infact its about the topic mate.. I have never played LBP so I really dont know how it is.

What does a personal attack towards me have to do with this thread :S ?

And where did I mention the Wii, some of my most found happy gaming experiences were playing Spyro 2 on my Playstation 1 lol.

The reason why people are attacking you is that they're misinterpreting this as a way of invalidating higher production values on the HD twins.

I.e. "Who needs The Last Guardian when you can play Animal Crossing?"

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

AfterBurnerZ

I don't even know what I said to make him annoyed :?

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Wii can provide its unique "happy" moments? haha .:lol:. I am not going offtopic. Infact its about the topic mate.. I have never played LBP so I really dont know how it is.

hakanakumono

What does a personal attack towards me have to do with this thread :S ?

And where did I mention the Wii, some of my most found happy gaming experiences were playing Spyro 2 on my Playstation 1 lol.

The reason why people are attacking you is that they're misinterpreting this as a way of invalidating higher production values on the HD twins.

Perhaps but when have I ever trolled the PS3 and 360? I don't see anything in the opening itself that should reflect that besides the fact that I'm decked out in Mario (opposed to Vagrant Story and Megaman) and I defend the Wii (which has nothing to do with the PS3 or 360 which I also like)

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

What does a personal attack towards me have to do with this thread :S ?

And where did I mention the Wii, some of my most found happy gaming experiences were playing Spyro 2 on my Playstation 1 lol.

The reason why people are attacking you is that they're misinterpreting this as a way of invalidating higher production values on the HD twins.

Perhaps but when have I ever trolled the PS3 and 360? I don't see anything in the opening itself that should reflect that besides the fact that I'm decked out in Mario (opposed to Vagrant Story and Megaman) and I defend the Wii (which has nothing to do with the PS3 or 360 which I also like)

I think epic is the most annoying slang word...is there something wrong with simply saying "Oh this game is great"?....but I guess that's uncool.

Thankfully,people I know dont say "Epic" in IRL...if they did,I'd throw a cup full of week old piss in their face.

[QUOTE="AfterBurnerZ"]

[QUOTE="RadecSupreme"]

Found another thing to bash or to make seem maintstream to try and make yourself unique?

ActicEdge

I don't even know what I said to make him annoyed :?

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

What does a personal attack towards me have to do with this thread :S ?

And where did I mention the Wii, some of my most found happy gaming experiences were playing Spyro 2 on my Playstation 1 lol.

ActicEdge

The reason why people are attacking you is that they're misinterpreting this as a way of invalidating higher production values on the HD twins.

Perhaps but when have I ever trolled the PS3 and 360? I don't see anything in the opening itself that should reflect that besides the fact that I'm decked out in Mario (opposed to Vagrant Story and Megaman) and I defend the Wii (which has nothing to do with the PS3 or 360 which I also like)

They probably assumed you were a sheep. Don't worry about it.

I think epic is the most annoying slang word...is there something wrong with simply saying "Oh this game is great"?....but I guess that's uncool.

Thankfully,people I know dont say "Epic" in IRL...if they did,I'd throw a cup full of week old piss in their face.

Kandlegoat

Don't see anything wrong with it. If it wasn't epic it would just be something else like amazing or great. Epic is easiest to type.

Epic = excitement. Gamers are all about instant gratification. What's more gratifying than something enthralling and energizing? NAPK1NS

This is true but is that maybe not the best thing ever? Not to say anyone's feelings are wrong but just that excitement isn't necessarily better than that line that make you think about the situation at hand or the really moody music that sets the tense atmosphere?

People usually just use "epic" as a placeholder for "awesome."

hakanakumono

[QUOTE="NAPK1NS"]Epic = excitement. Gamers are all about instant gratification. What's more gratifying than something enthralling and energizing? ActicEdge

This is true but is that maybe not the best thing ever? Not to say anyone's feelings are wrong but just that excitement isn't necessarily better than that line that make you think about the situation at hand or the really moody music that sets the tense atmosphere?

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

People usually just use "epic" as a placeholder for "awesome."

Thunderdrone

That's true. I don't think it's bad to have something that's awesome or memorable, but it's certainly not the best thing ever.

Which is why I'm playing Harvest Moon on my GC right now. :)