Improved Visuals, Surround Sound and 32 Player Online Matches : Is This What Next-Generation Gaming Is All About?

Are we truly in the next-generation of gaming? Is improved high definition graphics and surround sound all there is to the next-generation of gaming? Xbox and PlayStation fans believe so. To them, next-gen means 1080p HD video and 5.1 surround sound and 32 player online matches. To Nintendo fans, however, it means originality and creativity.

So, what truly is the next generation of gaming? Is it a combination of all the above?

To me and countless others, next-gen doesn’t always mean flashy graphics or finding ways to replace the traditional controller with the Nunchuck/Wii Remote. It all boils down to making you believe that you are truly living in an alternate world. The less we recall playing with bots, the more “human-like” their behaviors and appearance are, the more next-gen the experience is.

Does next-gen mean advanced and improved AI? Yes. And no. To really make a believable gaming experience advanced AI is a must. But you have to seamlessly combine it with unique gameplay, graphics and sound so that a gamer feels like he is really living in an alternate world. The more developers can blur the line between playing with CPU bots and with real people, the truly next-gen the game is. The advanced graphics, AI and sound found in most of today’s games are a step forward, but we still haven’t been able to reach the pinnacle of gaming.

In racing games, for example, the opponents have to react instinctively, not like some dumb scripted machine. That’s why I’ve given up on NFS Carbon. Sure, it has an arcade racing root, but come on! You’ve got to be kidding me. All those ridiculous turns, cars and opponents. It’s total crap. And ProStreet isn’t better. Instead, take a look at PGR or Forza. Sure they are driving simulators, but when you play either of these games you really forget that those cars are actually computer bots. That’s because they react intelligently to every move you make.

Another good example is Oblivion. The radiant AI and the huge open-ended world is the next generation in gaming. Sure, many of us might not agree. But have we seen any innovation in the FPS genre? Until Crysis came out with it’s ground-shattering gameplay and visuals, the opponents in previous FPS games were nothing but gun fodder.

In the end, it all boils down to an individual’s tastes and dislikes. What might feel good to one might not appeal to another. If you’ve made it this far, then you know what next-gen means in my opinion. So, what does it mean to you? Leave your comment below to let me know.