Ever since I first sat down on a shooting game, Duck Hunt to be exact, I knew at that moment I was enjoying my favorite of something. Like food or finding the right lover, you just know when something fits without question. And how bout that Duck Hunt game, likely one of the greatest games ever that spawned tons of arcade types such as Virtual Cop and Cabela's "whatever yer killing now" adventure. Those are just some popular home editions that bare no comparison to future tech that allows everything from motion sensors that read how you take cover to even arcade machines that replicate realistic gun mechanics.

Just recently I was speaking with a fellow gamer about some awesome features I've found in recent games that help simulate real like effects. Such as motion blur, swaying perspective, the thing that happens when you look directly at the sun and so forth. I personally love these new additions to games because they add such a surreal overall quality to the gaming experience. My friend on the other hand... hates them :? Which is no major surprise to me because I've discovered a massive amount of gamers despise such things. When HD lighting was first introduced to FPS's only a few years ago, some thought of it as no big deal or whats the point. The big deal was high defition lighting was just another tool in the wide spectrum of what developers used to help the gamer forget they were... ya know... playing a game.

Yes, parents throw their arms in the air and politicians continue to barrage the medium for such immersion tactics, but isn't that what were paying money for? I don't want to plug a videogame to my spine and put on a full body shock suit while getting my butt handed to me in Tekken 9, but I do expect a certain level of quality when I play particular games. Something like Mario or Crash can slide on my radar when they plop me in the center of a super colorful world and dumb down environments for artistic appeal. As for stellar graphical displays, why not mock the real world in titles like Crysis or Oblivion. If I'm expected to spend more than 50 bucks on a game that is meant to last me longer than a weekend, I feel its more than necessary to go that extra mile in presentation. And its not just a one way street for me, because if the game does last for however long it can within my clammy clutches, I respect what it has to offer... something many gamers seem to neglect now a days *tisk tisk*

As the years progress and technologies continue to leap frog at break neck speeds, come with me and look back at some amazing games that I feel did their part and then some for in-game innovations.

Maken X
A long time favorite that instantly comes to mind when whispers of a second Dreamcast begin to rumble. I doubt another DC will arise, but at least anyone who enjoys FPS action can look for this hidden gem. Made by the people of Atlus who are widely known for whacky adventures and seriously wicked innovations, MX brought a dynamic element to the shooter realm that was nothing more than a baby at the time... swordplay. In the view of yer main character, you had the power to weild a blade and if neeed pop a cap in anyone who crossed your path. The story and cast reflected the Atlus standard, but this experimental gameplay was actually quite polished. Graphics and corny crap aside, this game really made me proud in showing off to friends, yet no one ever really wanted to play.
Maybe they were not into such games, but the overall consensus seemed to be swordplay was too hard in such a view. Unlike other hack and slashers, you don't go wildly spinning in circles hoping to kill everything in sight, instead you actually had to perform special moves and combos. Being in the FP view, some moves actually made it difficult to see everything that was happening, so the ocassional bump on yer nogging was expected if you air balled while attacking a baddie. Seems many young grasshoppers were very turned off by such punishment. Execution required skill and error was some what frusterating, especially if half the time you couldn't see what you did wrong :roll:

Breakdown
Not many developers can hold a candle to someone like Namco who has been around since gaming in general. With that said, years of proven formula's seem to win this company favor no matter what they offer on the worst of days... which I rather not address. On a positive, the company has tried their fair share of solo shots that drift away from hallmark greats like Soul Caliber and Time Crisis. Which is no easy feat I hear a lot in the gaming world. Go back a few years with the original Xbox and you'll find a well known bargain bin game that blended FPS action with sci-fi story all at its best. Opinions vary on that last statement, but reason for such praise mostly comes from the wonderful blend in the FP action mixed with solid controls.
If you met people who complain about driving games feeling too fast or fighting games being too hectic, prepare to literally see someone vomit playing this game :lol: You start off with a basic story that introduces similar shooter controls, but mid-way thru you quickly discover these awesome powers that allows for fist and foot bashing action. No gimmicky tap buttons or hold to charge attacks, this game was hardcore in fight simulation. Throwing punches actually felt like a shift in body and kicks were no easy task as perspective constantly rotated. Connecting blows were more satisfying that head shots ever were... until the baddies started hitting back. Later in the game super soldiers start duking it out with guns and bare knuckles and you find yourself either pulling your hair out or smiling from ear to ear.

I'm not sure how people who complain about games that simulate real life survive the real world, but I'm not here to scold them. Gamers have various preffered flavors and thats what makes it fun to chit chat amongst eachother. As for me, I'm looking forward to playing future titles that incorporate different gaming mechanics such as NiGHTS, Endwar, Spore, and maybe that FP Koei game coming for the Wii that sports the Dynasty Warriors back drop.
I hope the coming holidays treats all my fellow gamers warm and well. I'm currently playing the poop out of Mass Effect right now and with 40+ hours under my belt in the first play through, I can't help but wonder if a 2nd play thru will even be worth it. A friend who has played many red-eye inducing hours tells me if yer seeking achievements, multiple plays are expected, but at least once you complete the game you can carry over your saved characters, gear and all. I'll make sure to note that in my review ;)