Guitar Hero, Wii and DDR usher in new era of gaming
The era of traditional games is on its way out the door: what’s hot are all the games you can barely escape your pride to play, like Wii bowling, or Guitar Hero. Are the classic games dead?
Its no secret that the most recent clash of consoles has been the most interesting and controversial to date; as Sony and Microsoft vied for the title of best home entertainment center, Nintendo drifted onto the scene with a little console known as the Wii (I still can’t get over the name) and quickly took control of a market most thought would be dominated by the PS3 or Xbox 360.
The reason why? Ingenuitive and fun play mechanics. Since the first consoles hit the market, gamers have known the standard controller-console setup. All you have to do to adjust between consoles (until now) was learn the different button configurations and you were ready to go.
Not so anymore. Though many popular games still employ a standard controller, the most popular games are using outlandish controlling devices that are so far-fetched, you’ll feel silly for trying, but won’t be able to put down. Do names such as Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and Wii bowling ring any bells?
Let’s face facts: most standard controller games have a certain amount of playing time. Even sports games, which shouldn’t be based on progression of a story or new action, become outdated in short fashion. How many people do you know that can’t live without each new year of Madden, even though really its still football on the same field and stadiums?
Many people are finding that alternatively-controlled games have the longest pick up and play satisfaction. Guitar Hero has overtaken college campuses across the U.S; this is because no matter what mood your in, whether you’r experienced or not, you can pick it up and have a blast. Its perpetually new and fun every time you play!
With that in mind, what direction will the gaming industry head? It seems obvious that most consoles are picking up their own versions of Guitar Hero or DDR, and Sony and Microsoft have hastily added their own (lesser) versions of motion sensitivity in a move to get in on some of Nintendo’s action.
I must admit, I like the direction the industry is going. The classic games won’t die; however, new and creative forms of games and controllers are spurring the industry on to reinvent itself. What this means for consumers is we can look forward to a gaming industry with new life breathed into it; competition breeds excellence.
If you have been unfortunate enough to not have experienced one of these newer gaming setups, get out of your house! Go visit your local electronic retailer and see what all the hype is about; I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Madden will still be waiting for you at home, I promise.
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