The current decade of gaming has seen many changes and exciting new developments. The Playstation 2 was released in 2000 and became one of the best selling consoles of all time continuing success with games like, Metal Gear Solid 2 and the Grand Theft Auto series aswell as many other multiformat games. Following shortly afterwards, the Nintendo Gamecube appeared in 2001 and the Gameboy Advance followed the success of the Gameboy Colour.
It was in 2001 that Microsoft entered the console making industry. Much of the media expected a flop from the expensive console (over £200 compared with the Gamecube's £130) but it became popular, entering the market with Halo and a host of third party titles.
During the last decade, Sega stopped making consoles and became a third party developer for most major console systems.
The handheld market became alot more diverse in the last few years. Sony entered the handheld market with the PSP and Nokia with the Ngage. In 2004, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS handheld console. This was one of the first mainstream consoles to feature a touchscreen and was aimed at people who didnt usually play games. This started a new strategy of marketing for games.
When the latest generation of home consoles were released (Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii), the arguement of graphics versus gameplay really erupted. Nintendo made the daring decision to change very little graphically and focus primarily on how the player interacted with the game. Aiming to continue the success of the Nintendo DS and it's popularity, they created the Wii (pronounced "We"). This console is based on having a motion sensitive controller and being suitable for everyone to play. Other consoles went primarily for power, boasting almost photorealistic graphics and powerful processors, aimed at the current gaming market. The Nintendo Wii has proven to be incredibly popular, renewing Nintendo's diminishing reputation.
Surprisingly the PS3 has lost popularity due to it's expensive price and slow production of games even though it also features a "six axis motion control". Xbox 360 has also been selling very well recently as Halo 3 has been released, an event that has been more popular than most film premiers.
My Personal Gaming History
These last 7 years have been full of great games. After having an N64 for a few years, the Nintendo Gamecube came out. I was so excited about it coming out that I still remember the date that it came out, May 3rd. I had played alot on the Gameboy Advance through many of the main Nintendo games, Yoshi's Island, Pokemon and some Mario games and I really looked forward to the Gamecube and being able to play updated versions of my favourite series.
The games that have stood out for me include: Resident Evil 4, F-Zero GX, Zelda Windwaker, Metroid Prime, Super Smash Bros Melee and Soul Calibur 2.
Resident Evil 4 has become one of my favourite games ever which surprised me as I had never been a fan of the series before. I loved the atmosphere and the whole game had a certain feeling of parranoia and a really cinematic storyline that was presented in an interactive way which really pulled me in to the story. Having to press buttons in cutscenes really kept me on the edge of my seat and made me feel like I never had a rest which added to the realism.
Metroid Prime was one of the few games that I have ever really felt like I was the character: it had some really immersive methods. If there was a bright flash, you would see Samus' face in the visor and if it rained you would see it bouncing and trickling down it. The soundtrack was very distinctive aswell and helped to convey feelings of tranquility or urgency.
Soul Calibur 2 was one of the most fun games to play against a friend. Especially being so fond of martial arts. My best friend and I would get so competitive playing it that I actually remember him punching a hole into his door after a particularly close match (his parents did not find out until a few years later, of course!). The things I liked about this game was the control system that allowed the player to block at almost any time: if timed correctly the opponent would be thrown to one side. It seemed like the most fair fighting game and it made sence when you were pressing buttons instead of the character doing something unexpected all the time.
I now own a Nintendo Wii and a DS and I also enjoy playing PC games like Half Life and F.E.A.R. I personally think that the Xbox 360 is the best console for multiplayer with games like Halo available and how easy it is to network and I have had many, many gaming nights with friends playing Gears of War and the Halo series over LAN.
Although I have played alot of Nintendo over the years, I do not just enjoy those games. I would buy one console, while a friend of mine would buy another. Some of my favourite games have been on other consoles. I really enjoy playing Fight Night Round 3 and Skate aswell as many other 360 games.
I beleive that I enjoy games the most when I am with a friend. I love to go to see my friend Sam and just play Xbox and chat and laugh together. I believe games are better than films simply because of the potential for socialising. Playing games at the same time as somebody else also allows you to have something in common and gives you the chance to invite them over and play together. I want to create games that inspire people enough that they will get talking and enjoy them together.
It was in 2001 that Microsoft entered the console making industry. Much of the media expected a flop from the expensive console (over £200 compared with the Gamecube's £130) but it became popular, entering the market with Halo and a host of third party titles.
During the last decade, Sega stopped making consoles and became a third party developer for most major console systems.
The handheld market became alot more diverse in the last few years. Sony entered the handheld market with the PSP and Nokia with the Ngage. In 2004, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS handheld console. This was one of the first mainstream consoles to feature a touchscreen and was aimed at people who didnt usually play games. This started a new strategy of marketing for games.
When the latest generation of home consoles were released (Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii), the arguement of graphics versus gameplay really erupted. Nintendo made the daring decision to change very little graphically and focus primarily on how the player interacted with the game. Aiming to continue the success of the Nintendo DS and it's popularity, they created the Wii (pronounced "We"). This console is based on having a motion sensitive controller and being suitable for everyone to play. Other consoles went primarily for power, boasting almost photorealistic graphics and powerful processors, aimed at the current gaming market. The Nintendo Wii has proven to be incredibly popular, renewing Nintendo's diminishing reputation.
Surprisingly the PS3 has lost popularity due to it's expensive price and slow production of games even though it also features a "six axis motion control". Xbox 360 has also been selling very well recently as Halo 3 has been released, an event that has been more popular than most film premiers.
My Personal Gaming History
These last 7 years have been full of great games. After having an N64 for a few years, the Nintendo Gamecube came out. I was so excited about it coming out that I still remember the date that it came out, May 3rd. I had played alot on the Gameboy Advance through many of the main Nintendo games, Yoshi's Island, Pokemon and some Mario games and I really looked forward to the Gamecube and being able to play updated versions of my favourite series.
The games that have stood out for me include: Resident Evil 4, F-Zero GX, Zelda Windwaker, Metroid Prime, Super Smash Bros Melee and Soul Calibur 2.Resident Evil 4 has become one of my favourite games ever which surprised me as I had never been a fan of the series before. I loved the atmosphere and the whole game had a certain feeling of parranoia and a really cinematic storyline that was presented in an interactive way which really pulled me in to the story. Having to press buttons in cutscenes really kept me on the edge of my seat and made me feel like I never had a rest which added to the realism.
Metroid Prime was one of the few games that I have ever really felt like I was the character: it had some really immersive methods. If there was a bright flash, you would see Samus' face in the visor and if it rained you would see it bouncing and trickling down it. The soundtrack was very distinctive aswell and helped to convey feelings of tranquility or urgency.Soul Calibur 2 was one of the most fun games to play against a friend. Especially being so fond of martial arts. My best friend and I would get so competitive playing it that I actually remember him punching a hole into his door after a particularly close match (his parents did not find out until a few years later, of course!). The things I liked about this game was the control system that allowed the player to block at almost any time: if timed correctly the opponent would be thrown to one side. It seemed like the most fair fighting game and it made sence when you were pressing buttons instead of the character doing something unexpected all the time.
I now own a Nintendo Wii and a DS and I also enjoy playing PC games like Half Life and F.E.A.R. I personally think that the Xbox 360 is the best console for multiplayer with games like Halo available and how easy it is to network and I have had many, many gaming nights with friends playing Gears of War and the Halo series over LAN.Although I have played alot of Nintendo over the years, I do not just enjoy those games. I would buy one console, while a friend of mine would buy another. Some of my favourite games have been on other consoles. I really enjoy playing Fight Night Round 3 and Skate aswell as many other 360 games.
I beleive that I enjoy games the most when I am with a friend. I love to go to see my friend Sam and just play Xbox and chat and laugh together. I believe games are better than films simply because of the potential for socialising. Playing games at the same time as somebody else also allows you to have something in common and gives you the chance to invite them over and play together. I want to create games that inspire people enough that they will get talking and enjoy them together.
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