We all have that one game that it seems like it's never going to end! For some, it may be a game that is just simply too hard. For others it may be games like Harvest Moon, Sims, or even Rune Factory! Wait a second, I swear that those last three games NEVER EVER END! Actually I don't really know about Rune Factory, but from what I've heard from Holly (and the impossibly long game time she has spent playing it) I can tell that it's just one of those games! I know for a fact that on Harvest Moon you can actually go on playing for a very, very,
very long time. On the 64 version I know for a fact that it will never end. Though I do have to admit it does say that the game is "technically" over, but it still gives you the choice of continuing the game. Most fans say, "Yes, of course I want to continue and watch my kid grow!" Sad spoiler - he never gets any older than the walking age.
The point is, what is the point of these games? I think it's for entertainment purposes only. That's what makes me totally depressed! If they're going to make a game be able to go on longer than they should make it a little more fun don't you think? What do you think about games like that? Are they fun, boring, or totally pointless?
I think it's a mixed bag. In truth, it's sort of the same argument you could make about MMO's - which have an addictive quality to them to be sure (I think in large part because you can 'show off' to others, whether it's a title, achievement, rare loot drop, etc) - but that's why I finally quit playing WoW (two different times). I reached end game content, but there wasn't REALLY anything else to do or explore, yet I couldn't 'win', so I moved on to other titles that I could beat (like Final Fantasy XIII being one of the first games I played sans-WoW).
ReplyDeleteI think it really depends on how it's handled. I recall how beating Oblivion, Skyrim and Fallout gave you a sense of closure on the storyline, and still let you explore the world and do more. It was nice to continue exploring the world (Fallout 3 actually had a hard ending in place, but one of the DLC packs extended the level max and allowed you to continue playing post-ending) - but after awhile you just sort of shrug your shoulders and go: Yup, seen and done it all.
I will admit I've never played Harvest Moon or Rune Factory, but I can say Sims titles have never really held my interest in large part because there is no end-game goal to speak of.
When it comes to video games, I find I don't necessarily need a way to "win". For example, I really like the Sims...I guess I just like to be in control of something!
DeleteLOL - my wife's favorite types of games are Sims, simulation titles, puzzlers like Tetris. I find those decent fillers but I do like the feeling of an objective too I guess.
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