Video games represent various things to different people; for some it's escapism, while for others it's about finding another means of mental captivation. Others see it as a means to produce something they can't produce otherwise (it's easier to get a game out, independently or otherwise, compared to a movie in some instances). As for me, I find it to be a mix of reasons, hoping that there is a way to further the medium of interactivity combined with a strong narrative. Needless to say, this is a view that has evolved over time with technology and evolution.
I first started out with the Nintendo Entertainment System (or more commonly known as the NES). My games of choice were Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, both byproducts of the most prolific man in Nintendo, Shigeru Miyamoto. SMB was a very straight forward game, a side-scrolling platformer. It was difficult and fun, and still is somewhat challenging to me. LoZ, however, was a somewhat revolutionary game, as it refined the idea of narrative and role-play gameplay (at least in my opinion) in a way that was engaging. Granted, when I was younger, I didn't really know any better, but I had fun. Looking back though, I do think these were the best games of the generation, with LoZ beating out Mario (although this is preference, as these are different games with different goals). Regardless, it was a big step, and this happened almost right from the get-go.
Of course, as time went on, new techniques were implemented, as well as a need to improve on other factors, and it absolutely fascinates me, while staying somewhat disheartening at the same time. We see how companies must find ways to implement graphics and sound design, with more advanced controls in a movie-like narrative. While it's impressive, it also seems like some of us are being patronized, in the fact that it's seems to be gradually more style over substance. Some of us can still appreciate an older title because of nostalgia. However, those who have never tried these older titles until now feel frustrated by how archaic it all feels. That isn't to say nostalgia and fanboy fanaticism doesn't work the other way around as well, as plenty of us are unwilling to accept something new because it changes what we've come to know and love (which I'm a perpetrator of at times as well).
In the end however, what I want is something that simply works and feels engaging. Truth be told, as much of a story snob as I am, I can forgive a poorly written story as long as gameplay is engaging. Why? Because I want something that sucks me into the world. I play games to live out what is given to me, to fill out that role that is in front of me and pretend I'm something greater than what reality limits to me. Such was the case with the game Deus Ex: Human Revolution. It is an open-world game that takes place in future Detroit, where augmentations (cybernetic attachments) are the newest debate in the world. It involves a conspiracy in which an unknown force is trying to destroy and subvert the creation of these, and no one knows who. Various people support the use of these, while others oppose, but both are doing this "for the greater good of humanity." What's interesting is how the implement the themes, by practically allowing you to do whatever you want. You can be a stealthy, smooth-talking pacifist, or a gung-ho, guns blazing sadist. The fact of the matter is, the game doesn't create the character... you do. What this created was a completely immersive game in which you can live out the character as you want to an almost unlimited capacity, which is what game makers are trying to reach, which is furthered by a great art and sound design.
I do believe that the goals of games have changed. In the beginning, they were simple, capturing the pure essence of "fun." Once things entered the 3D era, the game changed, as it went from being fun to be cinematically engaging. I personally don't think one is particularly better or worse, since in the end it all depends on whether or not it's done well. I still go back to classic titles now and again, because they do offer something different. That being said, some may have aged better than others, which is why I still sort through the newer content available. Honestly, I'm curious to see how things continue to evolve (such as whether or not true 3D will become a common household staple). All I know is I just want to be sucked in as time goes on.
