The current state of video games

I was in a conversation and this topic came up a few days ago. Someone in the group asked "What do you think the current state of video games are and where would you like to see them go?" I gave my answer there and thought I'd submit it here.

Video games used to be so much more simple in the days of nintendo. The story lines were simple. There is a damsel, shes in distress, its your job to save her now. I think the best video games are simple to play, bring the player into the action and feel satisfying on both a challenging level as well as a story level.

Games nowadays are more expansive. Sometimes this is excellent. Playing world of warcraft can feel awesome just knowing the sheer amount of content waiting inside. At the same time, it may be very daunting when you've played for 5 plus months and still haven't seen the last raids in the game or an ending.

There are also games that can be judged completely by storyline. Lets use Bioshock for instance. That game has this amazing story that traps the player in this rich world gone wrong. The storyline is so good in fact that, some players may not buy the sequel based simply on the missing writers who left after the predessors release.

Then there are player influencing games like Little Big Planet. The content, directly relates to how creative its users are and how the inhabitants interact with player made content. Its something to note that games aren't just for the players, but also the game creators as well.

So once we've established all of those little details here is my view. Video games are moving in a positive direction. I like how they are expansive, intense, beautiful, game play oriented, story oriented, player content oriented, and geared for multiple people. These are all good things. I just want the creative minds behind them to avoid becoming obsessed with only one of those subjects.

Like one of my subjects is online multi-player. Sometimes a game is just more fun when you can see the person you're playing. Street fighter over the Internet is not so cool. How about focusing on too much storyline. I enjoy playing oblivion, but the menu systems are way confusing in conjunction with the controller. Then there is too much expansion. World of Warcraft is awesome content wise. Sadly, when it continues to add more and more "end game" it just feels like a bad DBZ parody.

The perfect games are directed toward fun, giving the player a good enough story to draw them in deeper. They should keep players entertained all the way to the end, and don't frustrate them too much with broken controls or impossibly difficult bosses or situations. I think nintendo has the right formula with its main characters. There games have enough story line to keep you involved and just the right kinds of game play for each genre.

Alright, I've ranted forever. Throw me some comments.