10 Popular Video Game Debates That Need To Die
2. Graphics Vs Gameplay
It's always a trip to look at gaming magazines from the late 90's and early 2000's, where they'll have a picture of Lara Croft in all her polygonal glory with a caption like "that's not a photo, fellas!" or something equally embarrassing.
I won't lie, there is a thrill that comes with seeing genuine leaps forward in graphical ability. The Unreal Engine 5 demos have been gobsmacking. But those are few and far between and companies still feel the need to crow about their technical capabilities. Sending out endless "remasters" or re-releases of games that were fine the first time around.
Todd Howard, I'm looking in your general direction.
But what draws us to gaming is more than just power and technical ability. Games like Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, System Shock 2 and Final Fantasy 7 look dated but are still worth playing decades after the original release, due to creative gameplay and design.
Even a title like Chrono Trigger, in all its 16 bit glory, can have unforgettable art on a fraction of the power of the latest Call Of Duty. The soul of a game is what makes it special, not the power.