Some of the best games of the last five years are climactic treks through fantasy worlds or adrenaline-drenched firefights atop expansive war fields. These games have been widely regarded as poignant examples of design, presentation and popularity, ways to sell systems and define their respective generations. They have earned the title of “AAA.” But among this sea of military shooters, adventurous expeditions, and fantastic journeys across metropolises, AAA games have steadily become purely serious affairs. They are emotionally gripping and tension building, but they rarely offer a legitimate, effort-infused laugh. It comes down to this: AAA games just aren’t funny anymore and that’s a serious problem.
GB: "Some games reduce stress while others like to play with your mind."
15 games on FIFTEEN pages? That's a NO from me.
Superliminal
Antichamber
Manifold Garden
Portal & Portal 2
The Stanley Parable
Monument Valley
Gorogoa
Thumper
Inscryption
Q.U.B.E. 2
Darq
Quantum Break
Perspective
Inside
The Swapper
I think Inscryption is the best game on that list. PT and Returnal i would offer. Returnal deserves a spot over some of the listed games. Especially after chapter 3. Maybe even Alice MR? Death Stranding? Kojima all together. To much smaller degree Dead Space. I'm spitballing.
I didn't play Thumper enough to see beyond the visual spectacle. Curious choice.
I'd add FEAR and RE7 (when Ethan starts getting visions, especially in the boat) to that list.
Edit: and Here They Lie
Only makes me think of gatcha loot crate game specifically built to play your mind into becoming an addict.
With River City Girls 2 arriving next week, it's time to look at the company's best!
"Digital games are more convenient than physical games, and usually cheaper too. Still, there's something about collecting physical games that appeals to many gamers. Preordering limited physical editions directly from boutique labels is always an option, but sometimes retailers offer the same editions for a better price. That's certainly the case with Best Buy, which currently has 14 Nintendo Switch titles from Limited Run up for preorder, including TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Double Dragon Neon, and several more co-op hits," says Co-Optimus.
I totally agree with this. I miss the days of whimsy from video games that simply let you forget your troubles and lose yourself in a better world.
I don't think AAA should stop being serious, sometimes that's what I want. There should be more game that don't take themselves seriously though
I agree. These days, game-play takes a back seat for set pieces, and cinematic experiences. I would give a few examples but I don't want folks to get their panties in a twist. :D
Not for me i enjoy serious AAA games.
in fact one of the reasons why i didn't enjoy the uncharted games it because it wasn't dark/serious enough. (like the last of us)
A good balance is nice. That's why buying a Wii U was like a breath of fresh air. PC + Wii U it is for me this gen until ND actually release something. Then I'll consider a PS4.