Are you aging or are the games becoming worse?
Are you aging or are the games becoming worse?
It seems AAA titles are becoming repetitive. Consider exploring other genres or indie options.
Absolutely, I agree. Most of my favorites are AAA titles. Indie games are fun, but I usually don’t have the funds to make them look that great. I’ve always enjoyed storytelling games with stunning visuals. Right now it feels like I’m stuck between the two options. Mass Effect isn’t completely gone yet, but I’m sure multiplayer will come around. I also remembered Gothic is a solid example—though not multiplayer, they still managed to deliver. So good work! And by the way, what happened to RTS? I guess I’m still figuring it out.
Kingdom Come Deliverance is still in development. It features strong visuals and classic RPG aspects, though the plot isn’t very engaging for me. SP only! Would you like to know more about the upcoming RTS or Dawn of War 3?
Many titles you mentioned come across as quite basic in their wording. Consider exploring Titanfall 2’s solo experience (intense action, powerful player control) or Ghost of a Tail (engaging level design, solid visuals, intriguing characters). Shadow of Mordor offers an enjoyable twist on Assassin's Creed with rich lore. Darkwood presents a top-down mystery adventure in an open world. Dawn of War and Dark Crusade deliver strong single-player campaigns and impressive RTS gameplay. Metro 2033 or Last Light offer immersive post-apocalyptic settings with unique twists—Last Light is preferable but starts after 2033. (Post-apocalyptic Moscow, transformed stations into cities, mutant conflicts, stealth action in first person.) If you enjoyed these or want alternatives, feel free to ask. I’m unsure about recommending a standout title due to the main character’s look, but I have other suggestions you might like. Also check out the games I suggest—they’re well-regarded and less mainstream.
As a sound specialist and creator/composer who’s been following the evolution scene for over ten years, I’ve seen how the DIY movement reshaped the industry landscape. The same shifts occurred in music, film, and gaming. While Napster dealt a blow to physical sales in the 2000s, streaming has impacted MP3s and digital purchases. DVD once dominated home video, but services like Netflix and Hulu have undermined traditional cable models. YouTube is pushing networks and studios to adapt their strategies too.
In gaming, console battles persist, yet rising costs push prices higher as PCs, streaming platforms, and digital stores compete fiercely. The WISYWIG development kits have made production easier and more accessible. Technology keeps advancing in two key ways: it boosts cutting-edge innovation while making older tech cheaper for consumers, enabling them to create content themselves.
Software and user interfaces have grown more user-friendly, opening the door for people without deep expertise to enter fields like video games, music, or film. Sustainable income now relies on strategies such as releasing high-budget franchises to guarantee profits, using data-driven marketing, and leveraging social media presence. Studios favor big tentpole projects because they promise higher returns than smaller investments.
The "algorithms" behind major releases are precise, calculating how much to spend for maximum return. Marketing budgets for films like Marvel sets often exceed $200 million—not because the content is popular, but to guarantee revenue through advertising and promotion. The goal is to ensure viewers see the film, regardless of personal opinion.
Music has shifted from physical sales to streaming dominance, where platforms now handle over half of global sales. Revenue comes less from direct music purchases and more from licensing deals and brand partnerships. Artists earn through sync rights and influence-driven sales rather than traditional streams.
In gaming, two main paths exist: AAA franchises that repeat stories with minor updates, and freemium models where games evolve continuously. The demand for visuals often overshadows gameplay, leading to bloated budgets and creative tension between polish and innovation.
Nostalgia still plays a role in keeping long-running series alive, even when they lack fresh ideas. However, the speed of change has slowed market growth, making business models more rigid. For younger players, the pace is even faster—making it harder to enjoy games without social connections. I’m not sure if games have truly gotten worse, but I feel less excited about familiar titles and more drawn to new experiences. Still, some segments remain profitable, even if they don’t appeal to everyone.
titanfall seems a bit off to me based on what I've seen—it doesn't quite fit my taste. It blends elements of Power Rangers Megasort with COD Ghost of a Tale, but honestly, it's not something I'm really into. I lean more toward games like Shadow of Mordor or Metro, and I tend to prefer cooperative play over solo horror or survival experiences. Top-down games haven't really appealed to me either, except maybe in limited cases like Dawn of War or Dark Crusade—interesting, but usually I skip the story aspects in RTS titles.
Titanfall 2 was crafted by former Call of Duty creators, yet it offers parkour moves, stealth tactics, and combat with massive titans. You’ll experience a time machine mechanic, navigating between eras to overcome obstacles and battle adversaries across different timelines. The game features diverse environments and plenty of exciting locations. With a strong focus on first-person shooter mechanics, this title should impress players who enjoy action-packed gameplay. There are hints from the antagonists, and after multiple attempts, you’re halfway through a third run. The experience is intense, especially in the 2:24 segment discussing the campaign. While it doesn’t heavily reference Lord of the Rings, it leans into a gritty, immersive style.
Key points:
- Developed by ex-Call of Duty devs
- Includes parkour, invisibility, and giant battles
- Time travel mechanic for overcoming challenges
- Varied settings and engaging maps
- Strong FPS foundation with combat-focused gameplay
- Some fans mention Batman-style combat and open worlds
- Not a fan of jump scares or dark themes
- Offers strategic RTS elements alongside action sequences
Additional recommendations:
- Swat 4 – Space naval warfare simulation
- Dark Messiah of Might & Magic – physics-based medieval combat
- Day of Infamy – WWII-style multiplayer shooter
- Dark Crusade – Focus on faction warfare and map control
- Freedom: Guerrilla Warfare – Realistic tactical RPG
- Left 4 Dead – Cooperative zombie survival
- Medal of Honor Airborne – Parachute-based missions
- Resident Evil 6 – Third-person action with campaigns
- Space Engineers – Build your own spacecraft
- Wolfenstein the Old Blood – Fast-paced shooter
These titles cover a range of genres and styles, each with its own unique appeal.
Our culture is deteriorating. Poor business habits from the gaming world have spread beyond video games. Franchises keep being exploited for entertainment, appearing in movies and TV shows. People avoid taking creative chances, particularly in FPS titles. Only independent developers are daring enough to experiment, though their projects often face failure. Even these indie creators are slipping into questionable business moves. The Culling 2 is a prime case of this trend. The Culling 1 was released by EA six months ago—no wonder now kids own high-end gaming rigs for $1000. Back in 2007, most players were around 20, and that’s not the case anymore, with many closer to 30. Cartoon shooters have made no difference at all.
Games, like EVERY art form, always have lots of good and bad products at every given time. "The music was better in the 19xx!!" - no it wasnt, but you remember the good songs. Or maybe in that time you actually made an effort to look for what you love. Games like The Witcher 3, Fallouts, Dark Souls, Life is Strange, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Vampyr... These are games that I REALLY enjoyed. Other games that I havent played but are known for their quality: Bloodborne, The Last of Us, God of War, Zelda botw, Horizon Zero Dawn, Pillar of Eternity 2, Mario Odissey, Nioh... And ofc there are many more, in different styles and platforms. So yeah, if you like GAMES you will find amazing stuff if you look for it. I kinda had this problem with books, and that changed when I discovered exquisite authors that I didnt know before.