Comment on Steam Deck / Gaming News #21
PerfectDark@lemmy.world 4 days agoI’m curious what you think of games like Dead Cells, Graveyard Keeper, Eastward, Stardew, Octopath Traveler, Sea of Stars?!
Are they just not something you’d enjoy because it reminds you of what gaming used to be? I like to think of it, in some cases at least, as a way independent developers can make games without having to be versed in a whole other world of 3D animation which might be a bridge too far. But, then again, I’m very much in the category of:
enables younger ppl to enjoy older games
Regrettable_incident@lemmy.world 3 days ago
So, i started gaming as a kid on the Sinclair spectrum. Though I had a Tandy trs80 before that and a zx81, iirc they both had 1k ram so weren’t really able to do much other than pong. The spectrum, though, had 48k, the BBC b had 32, and they could load and save files to a cassette tape. You could do so much more with them, and on the BBC at least you could code both basic and assembly. Anyway, I really enjoyed gaming on both of them - the graphics were either 8 bit ASCII or basic line drawing, but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment. And I didn’t know that a better visual experience would ever be possible, I was just delighted that games existed.
Later on, I got more into coding and later still into stuff that wasn’t computer related. I had a PS2 for a while but didn’t use it much. Fairly recently I picked up a steam deck and have started playing games again, I’ve got a few decades worth of stuff that I missed - played bioshock for the first time a few months ago! I’m entranced by how much the experience has broadened and deepened from those early platformers on the spectrum - it’s incredible progress.
But I don’t get a lot of screen time so I’m cherry picking - a lot of my wishlist comes from recommendations on here actually.
And yeah, I’ve noticed that some of those recommendations are for games with retro style graphics. I understand that it’s maybe easier for smaller developers - but developers can surely manage 2D without that blocky 8bit look, I think they choose not to and I think it’s a fashion choice. Same goes for sound. I guess if you live long enough, your childhood stuff really does become cool again.
I’ve not played any of the games you mentioned - maybe I’m missing out, but there’s plenty of stuff I find visually pleasing, I’m unlikely ever to run out.
Otherwise, though, I’m happy - albeit slightly perplexed - to see that the pixelated look is somewhat en vogue. Maybe it’ll help the games I so enjoyed as a kid to survive and even find new audiences. It’s just not my thing, not anymore. Personally, I enjoyed games like that when they were all that was available but now my eyes have been opened, I’ve seen the future, and have no desire to go back to my pixelated past!
Sidewalker@lemm.ee 3 days ago
Oh man if nothing else give Stardew Valley an hour of your screen time. One of the absolute best casual and relaxing gaming experiences. You can feel the love of the developer in every aspect of the game. If you regret it come find me and I will publicly apologize! (Though find me quickly as lemm.ee is dying next week)
Regrettable_incident@lemmy.world 3 days ago
Lol okay, I do try to listen to recommendations like that - I’ll put it on my list. It’s a pretty long list tho!