[QUOTE="Rylsadar"]

"Blizzard" is just a bunch of bastards...

Who the hell cares about another "Diablo"?!

-wildflower-

I can't tell if you're being serious or not but...I couldn't care less about Diablo 3. I couldn't stand 1 or 2 so 3 holds no sway over me. I really don't get people's fascination with these games. I found them extremely tedious and boring. Click, click, click, click...Is this supposed to be fun? Blizzard is SO overrated. They recycle the same two games over and over but I guess people eat this stuff up.

To further the wound, I've not had, nor have my friends had, a single interaction with Blizzard's customer service department that ended well. I think in the end their success has made them the "bastards" some people think they are today. In addition I really wish, like -wildflower- said they would attempt a few original titles some time soon, but of course they can't jepordize SC2, even though people have been waiting for it for at least 10 years...

I love most of what Blizzard has done, I just had to blow off some steam about what they'be been doing lately:P

I think there are a few differences that may lead people to believe PC gamers are more geeky. The first is that console games often have multiple controls for the same system. In otherwords, if you want to play a multiplayer PC game, you need to have multiple PC's. Therefore, you're more likely to be playing alone than with friends. The second thing is the controler itself. You can get a more manly grip on a console controler than you can on a typical mouse or keyboard.

Having said that, both of those really don't make PC gamers any more geeky than console gamers. If you sit in front of any game for 8-16 hours a day without going outside or getting some sort of physical exorcise, you ARE a geek, I don't care what game you're playing. Finally, I take pride in my geek title, even though I do get plenty of exorcise, and can bench press more than my body weight. If you're going to do anything, do it to the fullest! GEEK PRIDE!

Motivational speeking for gamers anyone?8)

The gaming generation is certainly expanding. I'm 24 and I've played, recently, with a bunch of gamers over 50, below 15 and everywhere in between. I have one hardcore gaming friend with 4 kids, some of whom play as well, and he still finds time to play, he's crazy. I plan to be just as crazy and play video games unitl the arthritis in my hands (which I don't have yet :P) forces an amputation and I get a totally awesome starwars like prosthetic!

I'm not a geek, I'm a junkie :D

You have a very good point, but I think there's a combination of things at work here. First of all, I think you are 100% correct about game companies going for the flash and glamor. Many of the younger gamers, who want something pretty to look at, will use their eyes to pick out a game, and not thier gaming experience. So, just like sex, graphics sell...

However, I think there is a second force at work as well. While it may have seemed like games of the past were completely outlandish with their ability to create entrirely foreign worlds, I don't think the games of today are quite so far behind (for the most part, they are still behind though...). I think what has changed is a gamer's expectation of outlandish. I can guess that a society from a single planet (in RL) is only capable of creating so many, semi believable, yet completely foreign concepts without stepping too close to something that's already done.

So, even if it is still possible to create entirely original alien content, the process becomes exponentially harder as ideas are used up. I feel your pain, but I fear most companies are not willing to expend the extra effort on something that is often a two edged sword. You can go off the deep end creating a unique world, and end up distancing people too far from reality... Let's hope some will though so we can reward them for their dedication!

Well, I'd have to say there are a few games I've been waiting for on the original list, but I need to disagree with one, mostly just because it's at the beginning.

Sins of a Solar Empire - If you're looking for great graphics and purely large battles, this is a decent game. However, if you're looking for plot, a challenging AI or an inovative RTS, look elsewhere. I have to honestly say, that I think the best department behind this game was the marketing team... I know gamespot loves this game, but this is my honest opinion of the game as a gamer.

From what I'm reading (which is probably 60% of the posts) I think the problem with the movie to game transition is that a movie can have many, many elements. Multiple main characters, plot lines/devices, and for the most part, well known outcomes. Game developers need to try and encorperate all of these things to satisfy the movie makers, and most of the time fail horribly, because that's just not how it should work in a video game. Players want choice, mixed with a little, but not too much direction, and the ability to influence the outcome of events. After watching a movie and then playing the game, this is tough to accomplish...

That's my take at least.

If we're talking player customization, Entropia Universe has a wide ammount of customization, but almost no story as it's an MMO. Of course there's always the MechWarrier games, the newer ones are on Xbox though...

If you want RTS style customization, Genesis rising had an interesting take and story. An MMO that comes to mind is Shattered Galaxy. Each unit has components and levels, not too nice on the eyes though.

That's all off the top of my head, I'll keep an eye out though!