Why do console games suck so bad???

[Iron_Chef]

I'm over 30 and have extreme difficulty remembering multi-button combo moves, let alone successfully implementing them in stressful situations. I was raised on Atari 2600, Colecovision and arcade games like Donkey Kong, LOL. I could handle Sega Genesis and even 3DO, but once things starting getting more complicated (esp. controllers with triggers, sticks and buttons), I started having problems. This was around PS1, and has only gotten worse with the current generation of consoles. I don't expect it to get any easier, LOL.

What happened to fun and simple multiplayer video games? They hardly make 'em anymore. I guess they assume that video game players have no friends, LOL, or think "splitscreen" is a solution. Splitscreen sucks! I can't remember which half of the screen is mine, and end up totally confused and unhappy staring at only half a screen.

Why can't they make simple multiplayer or solo games like Combat, Qix or Tron for today's consoles but with better graphics? Why the insistence on putting in traps, puzzles and riddles no one can solve without a strategy guide? No one wants to play Resident Evil to solve puzzles, LOL, they just want to shoot zombies! No one wants to dodge traps in God of War, they just want to kill mythological monsters! No one wants to master fancy multi-button controls, they just want to play the damn game! AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!

I think I've developed Old Fogey Syndrome, LOL.

 

[Arnwyn]

Yes, I think you have.

That's all I can say, since all I can do is shake my head and realize that we're worlds apart based on your post. "No one" indeed...

 

[ElvishBard]

One of the reasons they add puzzles is so that they can prove their games are just a repetitive killing of things, that they require you to do different things. It also helps to extend the life of the game, as few people enjoy short games that take only a few hours to beat.

If you miss the old school games, you could try www.gametap.com. I think they charge a low monthly subscription and you can download any games you want, could be worth checking out. I'll post again when I think of some good easy multiplayer games, the only one off the top of my head is Super Smash Brothers Melee from the gamecube.

 

[Joshua Randall]

Regarding the controls, I think it's a learning curve issue.

Some console games have a steep curve, meaning that it takes a long time to get comfortable with the controls -- to be able to move your character around and do stuff without thinking about it.

The only solution is to keep practicing. Play the game on the easiest setting. Clear a level, but don't finish it; instead, practice running around, jumping, opening doors, swapping weapons, or whatever else you do in that game.

It took me about a week of playing HALO to get the controls down. But after that, they were second nature. And then I could focus on enjoying the game instead of fighting the controls.

 

[trancejeremy]

If you want fun and simple multiplayer games, get a Nintendo Gamecube. They have things like Mario Party and such for that.

Also, I think people do play RE games for the puzzles. If they just wanted to shot zombies, they'd be playing a FPS or something like House of the Dead. And I think RE has a option for the puzzles, to make them harder or easier.


And dodging traps and such was fairly common in old games as well. Haunted House, Pitfall, even Smurf were all basically platformers where you have to jump over things and the like. There were some hybrid jumping/platform games from Activision, too, Hero, I think.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I'm 30 and I still own my Colecovision! I find it hard to execute some moves as well. I do believe there is a controller that you can buy that stores move combos into one button. Not sure what it is called or who makes it.

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Ha-Ha, you're oooold!

 

[RyanL]

I thought I wouldn't like Tales of Syphonia because of the real-time combat system with button combos and such. It turned out to be one of my favorite console games ever. I'm 28. Just thought I'd throw out that data point. I'm hopped up on cold medicine, so maybe this is completely irrelevant.

Thank you for your time,
Ryan

P.S. Eat oatmeal. It's the right thing to do and the tasty way to do it.

 

[mojo1701]

Ha-Ha, you're oooold!

BURN!

 

[DaveMage]

Ha-Ha, you're oooold!

Dang kids...