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No, this topic isn't about replays in games, it is more about the replay value of games.
As much as I hate to say this, I feel that the latest games just don't have that much replay value. I am talking about games on the latest two consoles, PS2 and GBA. I have the latest games for both these dandy new consoles, and I seem to be straying from playing them at the moment.
I have seven games for the PS2 at the moment, with the latest games that I own being Gran Turismo 3 and ExtremeG3. Some people may hate me for saying this, but I am just not playing this any more. In fact, I am a little bored with it. I haven't completed it or anything, I have just gone off playing it. It's a similar story with ExtremeG 3, and the other PS2 games that I possess. There just isn't enough replay value in them. Games like Red Faction and Onimusha don't have as much replay value as some other games because once you've completed them and seen basically everything that can be seen, you don't play it again.
It is starting to become a similar story with the Gameboy Advance. I only have two games at the moment, being Bomberman and Mario Kart. Now then, Bomberman is great in multiplayer, it's just finding people who actually own a GBA in order to play them.
Right, this now brings me on to Mario Kart. People are probably saying,"But it's only been out just over a week", but hear me out. It's not that I have stopped playing it, but not playing it as much. Basically, I have completely completed 50cc. Yes, I know, there is still 100cc and 150cc to do as well, but, because I have raced all the tracks, I am not as compelled to play it as much as I was when I first bought it. I know this sounds silly.
It now makes me wonder if it will be the same with future games. I know that people have probably disagreed with what I have said above, and they will no doubt disagree with what I am about to say. I beleive that games of the future will be the same. Of course, I really do hope that I am wrong, but I can just see it happening.
OK, so there are still two new consoles too be released, both with some good games, but it doesn't matter how good they are, once you have completed the games, you will not be as compelled to play them as much as you used to.
At the moment, there is only one game that has kept me playing it once completed, and that is Max Payne on the PC, because it is just so fun to play. Ok, so this is coming out on the PS2, but I probably won't be getting that as I have the PC version.
This is just my opinion, and I expect everyone will have a different opinion. Let's hear them.
As much as I hate to say this, I feel that the latest games just don't have that much replay value. I am talking about games on the latest two consoles, PS2 and GBA. I have the latest games for both these dandy new consoles, and I seem to be straying from playing them at the moment.
I have seven games for the PS2 at the moment, with the latest games that I own being Gran Turismo 3 and ExtremeG3. Some people may hate me for saying this, but I am just not playing this any more. In fact, I am a little bored with it. I haven't completed it or anything, I have just gone off playing it. It's a similar story with ExtremeG 3, and the other PS2 games that I possess. There just isn't enough replay value in them. Games like Red Faction and Onimusha don't have as much replay value as some other games because once you've completed them and seen basically everything that can be seen, you don't play it again.
It is starting to become a similar story with the Gameboy Advance. I only have two games at the moment, being Bomberman and Mario Kart. Now then, Bomberman is great in multiplayer, it's just finding people who actually own a GBA in order to play them.
Right, this now brings me on to Mario Kart. People are probably saying,"But it's only been out just over a week", but hear me out. It's not that I have stopped playing it, but not playing it as much. Basically, I have completely completed 50cc. Yes, I know, there is still 100cc and 150cc to do as well, but, because I have raced all the tracks, I am not as compelled to play it as much as I was when I first bought it. I know this sounds silly.
It now makes me wonder if it will be the same with future games. I know that people have probably disagreed with what I have said above, and they will no doubt disagree with what I am about to say. I beleive that games of the future will be the same. Of course, I really do hope that I am wrong, but I can just see it happening.
OK, so there are still two new consoles too be released, both with some good games, but it doesn't matter how good they are, once you have completed the games, you will not be as compelled to play them as much as you used to.
At the moment, there is only one game that has kept me playing it once completed, and that is Max Payne on the PC, because it is just so fun to play. Ok, so this is coming out on the PS2, but I probably won't be getting that as I have the PC version.
This is just my opinion, and I expect everyone will have a different opinion. Let's hear them.
Most games, all being "BIG adventures" often don't have big replay value. You normally play through it once with just one or two mini games to come back to.
I've found that replay value comes in two ways.
A level select where you can do your favourite level again and try to get a new high score or new best time.
And a multiplayer.
Conkers Bad Fur Day had a neat little chapters option where you could go back to your favourite set piece when ever you felt like it.
Lylat Wars had tonnes of replay value in finding different ways to complete the game and earning all the medals.
You could also play through many times trying to get a high score. If you played it properly then it lasted ages.
Are you listening to me Goatboy?? ;-D
Smash Brothers - A lame, easy single player but I've gone through it hundreds of times to improve my scores and unlock secrets. It's lasted me much longer than the almighty Zelda!
And take Goldneye and Perfect Dark.
Play on any level you've beaten and try to unlock cheats or just play around and search for cheese/secrets.
Or just mess around blowing away your enemies with your favourite weapons!
I reckon that replay value often makes up for a lack of longevity.
And as for multiplayer...
In my house, I play multiplayer as much as single player, against my brothers.
But then again, people without opponents to play will most likely find it useless.
Hence a problem the internet might solve...
I've found that replay value comes in two ways.
A level select where you can do your favourite level again and try to get a new high score or new best time.
And a multiplayer.
Conkers Bad Fur Day had a neat little chapters option where you could go back to your favourite set piece when ever you felt like it.
Lylat Wars had tonnes of replay value in finding different ways to complete the game and earning all the medals.
You could also play through many times trying to get a high score. If you played it properly then it lasted ages.
Are you listening to me Goatboy?? ;-D
Smash Brothers - A lame, easy single player but I've gone through it hundreds of times to improve my scores and unlock secrets. It's lasted me much longer than the almighty Zelda!
And take Goldneye and Perfect Dark.
Play on any level you've beaten and try to unlock cheats or just play around and search for cheese/secrets.
Or just mess around blowing away your enemies with your favourite weapons!
I reckon that replay value often makes up for a lack of longevity.
And as for multiplayer...
In my house, I play multiplayer as much as single player, against my brothers.
But then again, people without opponents to play will most likely find it useless.
Hence a problem the internet might solve...
For me, there are two key factors that make me replay games:
1. Addictive control.
2. A fascinating game world.
Put the two together and I think we have the definition of what is commonly called a "classic".
1. Addictive control.
2. A fascinating game world.
Put the two together and I think we have the definition of what is commonly called a "classic".
Tarrant, I know exactly what you're saying about Tony Hawks. I've got the first one for my DC, and it's fantastic!
I think the reason that it's so playable is down to a few things:
1. Controls. The controls are perfect. To start with you only know how to do basic tricks, but I quickly found bigger and better tricks to do. You can string them all together as well, so in theory, there is no limit to the amount of pointd you can get in one session.
2. The time limit. 2 minutes. Long enough to get a good score and get into the swing of things. Too damn short. It's always too short! You always think you can fit one extra trick in, get a few more points. It's this that keeps me playing.
There's also thing like you menitoned. You can have a quick blast before you go out somewhere, or play all afternoon if you want to.
I think the reason that it's so playable is down to a few things:
1. Controls. The controls are perfect. To start with you only know how to do basic tricks, but I quickly found bigger and better tricks to do. You can string them all together as well, so in theory, there is no limit to the amount of pointd you can get in one session.
2. The time limit. 2 minutes. Long enough to get a good score and get into the swing of things. Too damn short. It's always too short! You always think you can fit one extra trick in, get a few more points. It's this that keeps me playing.
There's also thing like you menitoned. You can have a quick blast before you go out somewhere, or play all afternoon if you want to.
Well I'm still playing GT3 like there's no tomorrow and I imagine so are a fair few others. But I see your point.
Replay value in games has plummeted, but I'm not entirely sure why. Are we expecting too much?
I can remember when my idea of a perfect afternoon was playing through "Streets of Rage 2" from beginning to end with a good friend and a beef and tomato pot noodle at my side. Sad? Well quite possibly, but it was a lot easire to please me in those days. I was younger, but other than that what huge difference has there been in my life or the gaming world that would alter my needs so much?
Today a game like "The Bouncer" just doesn't appeal to me. Fundamentally, its the same idea as "Streets of Rage 2" but looks and plays more impressively and has a story line that unfolds throughout the game. So why does this game have little to no replay value when "SoR2" kept me busy weekend after weekend?
I'm drawn to say its down to originality, but that can't be it. Afterall, the game I'm playing the most at the moment is GT3, a racing game, what's new about that? It looks nicer and plays nicer than any of the other games in the genre but surely that can't be enough? Afterall, I just dismissed "The Bouncer" despite these improvements within its genre.
So what is it that keeps us coming back to what games?
The game that I've got the most life out of would have to be THPS2 for the PSX. The Street Fighter series kept me going for years, but thats because there was always new titles coming out bosting interesting add ons like; super combo's, new characters, the move to 3D. But THPS2 I bought on its day of release and I still play it regularly to this day. Why?
Well, for a start its non linear. While it is possible to "finish" the game and with regards to unlocking levels there is some order to it. But how you do each level, how you obtain each level goal, what tricks you do and where abouts you go on the level is entirely up to you.
The levels are varied and interesting with lots of potentially beneficial secrets to find, this will also keep you playing. Yet, after having found all the secrets, all the gaps, unlocking everything and learning all the levels I'm still drawn back!
These are the hall marks of a great game, with amazing replay value.
Why other games can't offer this amount of replay value is beyond me, but I think developers need to look at games like Tony Hawks Pro Skater and find just what makes them so damn playable and then try and apply those things to other genres.
FPSs usually find longevity through multi player modes and thats fine I'm all for that. I've been an avid fan of both Goldeneye and Perfect Dark on the N64 chiefly for multi-player bouts. The amazing thing about THPS2 is that, you can play against your friends, you can play against the clock, you can play for points or you can just skate.
I usually find myself taking the latter option.
The other great thing about games like THPS2 is that I can sit at them for 10 minutes before going down the pub, or I can skate freely on various levels for hours.
More games need to offer me these choices! But until the day when other developers get it right, I'll just have to sit back and wait for THPS3!
Replay value in games has plummeted, but I'm not entirely sure why. Are we expecting too much?
I can remember when my idea of a perfect afternoon was playing through "Streets of Rage 2" from beginning to end with a good friend and a beef and tomato pot noodle at my side. Sad? Well quite possibly, but it was a lot easire to please me in those days. I was younger, but other than that what huge difference has there been in my life or the gaming world that would alter my needs so much?
Today a game like "The Bouncer" just doesn't appeal to me. Fundamentally, its the same idea as "Streets of Rage 2" but looks and plays more impressively and has a story line that unfolds throughout the game. So why does this game have little to no replay value when "SoR2" kept me busy weekend after weekend?
I'm drawn to say its down to originality, but that can't be it. Afterall, the game I'm playing the most at the moment is GT3, a racing game, what's new about that? It looks nicer and plays nicer than any of the other games in the genre but surely that can't be enough? Afterall, I just dismissed "The Bouncer" despite these improvements within its genre.
So what is it that keeps us coming back to what games?
The game that I've got the most life out of would have to be THPS2 for the PSX. The Street Fighter series kept me going for years, but thats because there was always new titles coming out bosting interesting add ons like; super combo's, new characters, the move to 3D. But THPS2 I bought on its day of release and I still play it regularly to this day. Why?
Well, for a start its non linear. While it is possible to "finish" the game and with regards to unlocking levels there is some order to it. But how you do each level, how you obtain each level goal, what tricks you do and where abouts you go on the level is entirely up to you.
The levels are varied and interesting with lots of potentially beneficial secrets to find, this will also keep you playing. Yet, after having found all the secrets, all the gaps, unlocking everything and learning all the levels I'm still drawn back!
These are the hall marks of a great game, with amazing replay value.
Why other games can't offer this amount of replay value is beyond me, but I think developers need to look at games like Tony Hawks Pro Skater and find just what makes them so damn playable and then try and apply those things to other genres.
FPSs usually find longevity through multi player modes and thats fine I'm all for that. I've been an avid fan of both Goldeneye and Perfect Dark on the N64 chiefly for multi-player bouts. The amazing thing about THPS2 is that, you can play against your friends, you can play against the clock, you can play for points or you can just skate.
I usually find myself taking the latter option.
The other great thing about games like THPS2 is that I can sit at them for 10 minutes before going down the pub, or I can skate freely on various levels for hours.
More games need to offer me these choices! But until the day when other developers get it right, I'll just have to sit back and wait for THPS3!
No, this topic isn't about replays in games, it is more about the replay value of games.
As much as I hate to say this, I feel that the latest games just don't have that much replay value. I am talking about games on the latest two consoles, PS2 and GBA. I have the latest games for both these dandy new consoles, and I seem to be straying from playing them at the moment.
I have seven games for the PS2 at the moment, with the latest games that I own being Gran Turismo 3 and ExtremeG3. Some people may hate me for saying this, but I am just not playing this any more. In fact, I am a little bored with it. I haven't completed it or anything, I have just gone off playing it. It's a similar story with ExtremeG 3, and the other PS2 games that I possess. There just isn't enough replay value in them. Games like Red Faction and Onimusha don't have as much replay value as some other games because once you've completed them and seen basically everything that can be seen, you don't play it again.
It is starting to become a similar story with the Gameboy Advance. I only have two games at the moment, being Bomberman and Mario Kart. Now then, Bomberman is great in multiplayer, it's just finding people who actually own a GBA in order to play them.
Right, this now brings me on to Mario Kart. People are probably saying,"But it's only been out just over a week", but hear me out. It's not that I have stopped playing it, but not playing it as much. Basically, I have completely completed 50cc. Yes, I know, there is still 100cc and 150cc to do as well, but, because I have raced all the tracks, I am not as compelled to play it as much as I was when I first bought it. I know this sounds silly.
It now makes me wonder if it will be the same with future games. I know that people have probably disagreed with what I have said above, and they will no doubt disagree with what I am about to say. I beleive that games of the future will be the same. Of course, I really do hope that I am wrong, but I can just see it happening.
OK, so there are still two new consoles too be released, both with some good games, but it doesn't matter how good they are, once you have completed the games, you will not be as compelled to play them as much as you used to.
At the moment, there is only one game that has kept me playing it once completed, and that is Max Payne on the PC, because it is just so fun to play. Ok, so this is coming out on the PS2, but I probably won't be getting that as I have the PC version.
This is just my opinion, and I expect everyone will have a different opinion. Let's hear them.
As much as I hate to say this, I feel that the latest games just don't have that much replay value. I am talking about games on the latest two consoles, PS2 and GBA. I have the latest games for both these dandy new consoles, and I seem to be straying from playing them at the moment.
I have seven games for the PS2 at the moment, with the latest games that I own being Gran Turismo 3 and ExtremeG3. Some people may hate me for saying this, but I am just not playing this any more. In fact, I am a little bored with it. I haven't completed it or anything, I have just gone off playing it. It's a similar story with ExtremeG 3, and the other PS2 games that I possess. There just isn't enough replay value in them. Games like Red Faction and Onimusha don't have as much replay value as some other games because once you've completed them and seen basically everything that can be seen, you don't play it again.
It is starting to become a similar story with the Gameboy Advance. I only have two games at the moment, being Bomberman and Mario Kart. Now then, Bomberman is great in multiplayer, it's just finding people who actually own a GBA in order to play them.
Right, this now brings me on to Mario Kart. People are probably saying,"But it's only been out just over a week", but hear me out. It's not that I have stopped playing it, but not playing it as much. Basically, I have completely completed 50cc. Yes, I know, there is still 100cc and 150cc to do as well, but, because I have raced all the tracks, I am not as compelled to play it as much as I was when I first bought it. I know this sounds silly.
It now makes me wonder if it will be the same with future games. I know that people have probably disagreed with what I have said above, and they will no doubt disagree with what I am about to say. I beleive that games of the future will be the same. Of course, I really do hope that I am wrong, but I can just see it happening.
OK, so there are still two new consoles too be released, both with some good games, but it doesn't matter how good they are, once you have completed the games, you will not be as compelled to play them as much as you used to.
At the moment, there is only one game that has kept me playing it once completed, and that is Max Payne on the PC, because it is just so fun to play. Ok, so this is coming out on the PS2, but I probably won't be getting that as I have the PC version.
This is just my opinion, and I expect everyone will have a different opinion. Let's hear them.