Gaming Sequels.

Sequels seems to be the foundation on which the video gaming industry lies on these days. A game wouldn't be a successful game unless it is franchised into a sequel (or 5).

It's a saddening thought as this means that originality and fresh challenges become less and less as the same game is reprocessed with a few small Addons and enhancements here and there. It's understandable however, as of course in these financial times, it's better to play a safe bet that you know works, rather to be experimenting in new areas. Sequels often work however, and this can be shown in:

- Grand Theft Auto (San Andreas is still the best one made to date)
- Burnout (apart from Burnout Paradise, what were they thinking..)
- Final Fantasy (7 still being the best)
- Super Mario (kind of, did they kill such a classic by reinventing it in new games again, and again)
- Silent Hill
- COD..

Amongst many others. I guess this brings me onto the question; are we running out of ideas? Has most of the possibilities within the gaming genres been covered off in some way or another?

Graphics In Games. Are They The Be All And End All?

Here is testament to graphics and that they are not the be all and end all of gaming..

For instance, after playing Cities XL, it is of no comparison to SimCity 4. SimCity 4 is a better game in almost all aspects, other than graphics  and, due to this, I would play it over Cities XL anyday. This brings me onto Minecraft, Terraria and Doom (amongst others) which are much more enjoyable than the majority of HD, all singing, all dancing games of today.. or is it just me?



Graphics are not what makes a game.. Does this change however, dependent on the genre you are playing? For instance, when it comes to racing games and the likes of Forza and Gran Turismo, it seems graphics are a fundamental part of what would be classed as 'successful' in is genre.

Irrespective of graphic prowess, what games simply blew you away without any need for realism?