This particular topic got me thinking. I was in a topic in System Wars when the OP asked "Why would anyone want to be considered a hardcore gamer?". I probably overthought the question, because it made me think, "Why do we game?". Personally, I game because it's not only a source of entertainment, but also an interactive thrill. It allows me to do things that I can't experience in real life. It lets my dreams be answered with a fantasy world (Ex. GTA). So then, why would I ever want to be considered or titled as a hardcore gamer? I don't have many hobbies. You see, many casuals have other commitments. Sports, music, etc. I don't particularily have those as an interest, so I picked gaming. Due to the fact that it is my main hobby, I want to be the best I can be at it. I want to have the knowlege of it, I want to have skill, and most importantly, I want to have fun. That being said, Why do you Game?

Is it because it's a time waster, or because it's just fun, or because you like the competitiveness, or because it's an entertainment medium? Also, would you consider yourself a hardcore gamer, in between, or a casual?

Thanks for reading, and hopefully I get a few comments. Heh.

-PotatoMuffin

I have decided to get the most out of every console/handheld that I own. I want to give all 3 companies a chance to "wow" me. Why? because I have been a fanboy for every console, I can never make up my mind. One week it's the Xbox 360, next it's the PS3, then the Wii (suprisingly! :P). See, when I went through these phases, I found the good in every console, while ultimately finding the bad in them all. All consoles have faults, and ALL of them have something great to offer, if you look for it. This includes handhelds. The DS has amazing games and because I labelled it as "kiddy", I never gave it a chance. The PSP has awesome games, if you look deep enough. Go to any forum, whether it be System Wars, or whatnot, and they will always tell you the DS has better games. Or...in my experience, anyway. So because you believe them, you don't give PSP a chance. Every console has SOMETHING to offer. This is why I have the "research" policy. Yeah, someone elses opinions may be appreciated, but take into consideration your own likes and dislikes. For example, my best friend likes RPG's. I don't. He tells me some RPG's are amazing, and I completely respect his opinion. However I may not agree with him. Also, take note that GameSpot is NOT the opinion of you, and you shouldn't base your enjoyment of a game from them. Whether GameSpot likes to admit it or not, they ARE just another opinion. I have fully enjoyed games that were rated 6-7, sometimes significantly more, than a game that scored 8-9. This demonstrates that opinion is completely personal. I respect any gamer's opinion. This is new coming from me, because I used to be a real jerk.

And I quote, "Run with the little man, create some change". What this means (in my opinion), is that you shouldn't blacklist a company because they haven't made any blockbuster hits. Every company was new at one point. Who knows what kind of games can be created if you just give people a chance? Also, don't get the idea that I hate GameSpot, the editor's, or the rating system. I respect every review they have published, while I may not agree with some of them. After all, I am on their site, right? I'm just a gamer fighting for the greater good. Join the fun!

-PotatoMuffin.

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm PotatoMuffin and I am going to give my two cents on the industry today, compared to the past, from a personal view (meaning, none of this will reflect your view, or fact). I will be ripping on every company here, so don't think I'm biased. Without further ado...

Nintendo - Good ol' Nintendo. The savior of gaming, the kiddy consoles, the apparant king. I give Nintendo credit for being the absolute best in the handheld industry. The Gameboy was legendary and the DS is the consumer favorite over Sony's PSP (again, this is in sales, Sheep's favorite game!). Nintendo is keeping the handheld industry alive. But..with good, there is always bad. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Wii. It has such a level of potential. I just don't think they're utilizing their strength's right. It's selling well, yeah. Actually, it's selling amazingly. Again, sheep's favorite game. However, they could improve so much. First, ditch the whole "Gameplay over graphics" philosophy. Different controls =/= better controls. I just want some HD Nintendo. Show you're a console powerhouse. Why can't you have both gameplay AND graphics? Second, games. You just..need more. Get a good flow of games out. Try new franchises, take a risk. Who knows, you could strike gold with a few new ones. This means, STOP MILKING MARIO. Yes, it was a good franchise. Up to the 64, that is. Third, stop being so ignorant with the consumers. Don't just treat the Wii as a cash cow! Release some good content, get rid of mini-games, and get some third party support!

Microsoft - Stop portraying yourself as the "American G-I-Joe" console maker. Expand your genres, appeal to Japan, even GIMMICK a bit. Give Japan JRPG's, sign exclusivity deals with Japanese developers (With the money you have, it shouldn't be too hard, eh?), learn to speak their language and listen to their preferences. Be the best all-around. I love the 360, absolutely. Let Japan love it, too. You got Zilla'd (owned) in Japan.

Sony - Oh boy. You're a special one. I do give you credit for being way ahead of your time and being somewhat (not much) of a competitor in the handheld industry. I don't give you credit for charging 600 dollars for no games and sloppier multiplat games. The ignorance in you is so strong. How's that 4D, 120 FPS coming? And your propagandist "exclusive" Unreal 3? While your console has a lot of potential, there is absolutely no reason to purchase it. At least, not now. I wish you realised how much of a joke you're becoming. Blu-Ray is not needed, and I will say it till the end of the generation. Games are about FUN, NOT NUMBERS AND SPACE ON DISKS. None of your games are better than 360's, and you have like, 21 GB more space on 'dem disks. I hope your ignorance tags along with PS3 and dies in a hole. Both platforms you have on the market are failing. See, your propagandist ways worked with the PS2, but we're smarter now. Your console failed, sorry.

In conclusion, I do love every console, and they all have things they could improve on. I'd like to slap a big "IMO" on this entry. And as to what you should buy, buy what you want, research, research, research. Make a wise decision.

-PotatoMuffin.