Quote (Lublar @ Nov 1 2011 05:25am)
^ Like I said before, JRPGs might have had good gameplay in the past, but it just feels antiquated now. They are well behind the curve in that aspect now. A battle system that is so apparent in todays level of technology just feels too limited. Squenix is exploring newer options now when it comes to gameplay because they don't want their battle systems to feel so old. In my opinion, the hardcore FF fans are the only ones who think the newest installments are bad. There's a reason they sell so many copies, Squenix isn't full of morons like everyone thinks. There's a reason they are still alive and thriving, it's a rough life being a development company.
And if you notice on that list, all those games are nintendo games. Nintendo is obviously the ultimate family and kids gaming medium, so it's no surprise those are all on the list(that was part of my point about the casual gaming theme). But just because a game isn't on that list doesn't mean other forms of games aren't successful, I don't see any JRPGs on there(unless you count pokemon). And yes, there were lots of great FPS games on the PS2/Xbox. Halo, Halo 2, Ghost Recon, Ghost Recon Island Thunder, Rainbow Six 3, Rainbow Six 3 Black Arrow, Counter Strike, Soldier of Fortune, Medal of Honor, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, SOCOM, just to name a few off the top of my head. Interestingly enough, the top two games(by number of players) that were played on the original Xbox Live, before the 360 came out, was Halo 2 and Rainbow Six 3.
The way console gaming is going makes sense. Technology drives gaming in new directions, and so do themes. Just like your list shows, all the top games in the past have been nintendo games, the ultimate in casual gaming. People realize that the majority of people who will be potential game buyers don't want to be burdened by a huge challenge in the game, but would rather just have some fun. That, coupled with not trying to fall behind the technology curve, has driven console gaming in the direction it's in now.
It sold more copies because it was multi plat, That simple. It also was the first generation of FF on next generation consoles. The worst part is 13-2 will still sell a lot of copies, Because of the multi platform feature and because of the lack of other genuine titles. That doesn't change the fact they will both be terrible games. It also doesn't change the fact they will sell much less this time around because people who are "hardcore" fans will abandon SE in droves.
I also don't understand how you can talk about antiquitated gameplay when FPS haven't changed since the beginning of time. Do you know why? Because they work. 13 DIDN'T work. 12 DIDN'T work. The only reason SE is thriving is because of the outrageous prices they charge, and they can't continue that with the content they are releasing, they are already being seen as an industry joke. Just wait till the public decides the same thing.
Then again, Gaming these days is all money and completely noob friendly. Which is why games like Demon Souls and Dark Souls draw so much appeal because of the niche market, Which as i identified before will bring in long time fans who will always buy content. The more of a wider audience you can pull in, the more money you make. But the more it shrinks your dedicated fan base in the long run. Initial capital does not sustain companies and SE can't continue riding on the success of games that are decades old. EA learnt that lesson the hard way.