Tom’s Column – Are you being served?

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Tom’s Column – Are you being served?

Hi there, folks! I’ve been a passionate gamer and strategy enthusiast for decades now, and I can’t help but feel that something is amiss within our beloved community. I know this is a highly subjective topic, and everyone has their unique tastes and preferences. But I’m curious to see if my sentiments resonate with anyone else out there.

Hi everyone!

As an avid strategist and wargamer, I can’t help but express my concern. I believe the community isn’t getting the best experience possible. Of course, everyone has unique preferences, and that’s what makes life interesting. However, it seems worthwhile to check if others share my perspective in this forum.

So, what is my basis for feeling this way?

I’ve got some fond memories of playing Total War: Medieval 2 back in the day, sinking countless hours into it since its release in 2006. It feels like just yesterday, but in reality, it’s been almost twenty years! And let me tell you, the difference between this game and its predecessor, Medieval: Total War, released in 2002, is quite remarkable. In a mere four short years, there were significant advancements in graphics, AI, and player options.

Let’s explore something more complex now – the colossal Gary Grigsby’s War in the Pacific: Admiral Edition from 2004. This game is a true titan. Its intricacy, magnitude, expansiveness, and ambition are simply breathtaking. And guess what? It’s fantastic! With no competition coming close to its grandeur and reach, even other games by Gary Grigsby himself pale in comparison. Can you imagine creating a game of this caliber today with advanced user interfaces, quicker processing capabilities, and enhanced AI?

In more current times, Men of War 2 and Company of Heroes 3 are worth mentioning. These games follow formulas popular during the 2000s but have received mixed reviews on Steam. It’s possible that back then, PC computational power aligned with developers’ creative visions; now, however, the situation has changed. Today’s PCs boast impressive capabilities, yet the ideas in these games seem rooted in the past or hesitant to push boundaries and innovate.

Well, let me tell you, I’ve been gaming for quite some time now, and I’ve seen my fair share of classics that have stood the test of time. But there are a few titles from the past that, despite their initial brilliance, just can’t seem to keep up with modern standards. Take Combat Mission series for instance. It was truly revolutionary back in its day, offering tactical depth and realism unmatched by its contemporaries. Yet, as I try to revisit it now, I’m bogged down by an aging engine that struggles to run smoothly and scripted AI that feels more like a rigid obstacle than a dynamic opponent. It’s a shame, really.

There could be several reasons why groundbreaking wargames seem scarce nowadays, but I believe finance might be a significant factor. Developing these games comes with a hefty price tag, and financial constraints may force creators to play it safe instead of taking risks and exploring new frontiers. This can result in a situation where developers are essentially told what to create and when.

I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this subject matter that resonates with many of us gamers. It can be a passionate topic given the depth of our involvement in wargaming. Kindly maintain a respectful and community-standard discourse if you choose to comment or engage in discussion.

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2024-07-17 01:42