Poll: Is buying old games pointless?

[Sen Adara Gar]

Hah, i love how old games are all on the PS1, no super metroid, no final fantasy 1-6, no baldur's gate, no neverwinter nights, no starcraft: brood war, no breath of fire 1 or 2, etcetera etcetera.

I spent eight years playing games on about $40 a year, and loved every minute of it, old games or new, there is richness in every aspect you could want, the hard part now is getting legal copies of the really good old stuff for less than $120 bucks. Yeah, i'm looking at you Final Fantasy 7.

 

[Mikkaddo]

I recently was in an argument with a friend of mine; I enjoy buying old games when I can. Whether they'd be for the Playstation 2 or even the original Assassin's Creed for the 360 that I traded in a long time ago. He said that it was pointless to buy old games when there were games, such as Arkham City, that I could be spending my money on. I explained to him that sometimes, I prefer to have various games to play rather than just buying one for over fifty dollars. If I can play over 3-4 games for the low price of 20-25 bucks, why shouldn't I play them even if they are a few years old?

So my question for you guys is whether you believe that buying old games is idiotic or simply a way to get more for out of your money's worth?

Considering a few days ago I went and got 5 games for $30, part of which was Jak and Daxter, Jak 2, and Jak 3 . . . I'd say yes buying old games is a good thing.

Not to mention games like Legend of Dragoon, Jade Cocoons 1 and 2, FF I-IX, Orphen Scion of Sorcery . . . Klonoa 1 and 2, Draken, Mr. Mosquito, Grandia 1, 2, 3, and even Xtreme for the experience of having seen it in action. Xenogears, XenoSaga . . . I could go on for hours really.

 

[Encentrik]

That's the opposite to what I believe; I'm all for old films. I'm studying Film at my University, so learning about the classics is good to know in my case. I love so many old films such as It's a Wonderful Life, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Day the Earth Stood Still, etc. All B & W movies XD

First off welcome. Secondly, to each their own. All I know is that I have studied film as well and I absolutely HATE black and white film. The drabness of it, the filming techniques, the expositionary techniques, even the musical stylization all lull me to sheer and utter boredom.

I know a lot of people look down on modern films, especially those that were either remakes or inspired by earlier films but I never could understand that.

Perfect example. The recent Conan the Barbarian film with Jason Mahmouwuowuwramalamadingdog. I know the escapists resident film critic absolutely panned this film, but personally I loved it. It set out exactly what it was supposed to do and it was devoid of two things. Period dating (from both the cinematography and musical stylization) that makes it clearly a 1980s film, and extensive amounts of cheesy acting. (Id gladly take bad acting over cheese) In the abscense of that, it made the film rather watchable and enjoyable.

Anyway, my point is why exactly is it we think that we should automatically bestow a badge of quality just because it came first? I mean is that not the very reason WHY we remake movies? Because the originals only explored one facet and by remaking it we get to explore more angles on the originally intended theme.

Anyway, as I said, its just a subjective opinion, to each their own.

As for games. I have to wonder if they too will (or do) suffer that same effect, and will we see one day a heavy retreading of remakes in games? I know there are people who out and out beg for it (FF7 modern console remake cries anyone?) But at the same time you get something like Halo CE: anniversary to which it looks like fans might not like. So It stands to reason that this argument about film, will in due time start to work its way into gaming as well.

Not all films made back then were good; if you ever see the box set that they sell at Best Buy and Walmart with 50+ "classic" movies, it will prove to you how terrible films were back then. An example could be "The Giant Claw"; that movie is horrible especially that puppet! However, those that are revered such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, were the ones that either introduced techniques that affected the movie industry forever or were simply great stories. The limitations of B & W movies caused them to focus on story telling rather than having CGI all over the place. That's not to say that I hate modern movies because of CGI, that would be stupid. It's the over abundance of CGI that is the problem; putting VFX over story telling. It's a Wonderful Life still has a message that can be applied, no matter what the year; same with the Day the Earth Stood Still. The cinematography in those films may not have been the best, the special effects certainly were not good (except for the stop motion animation that is so difficult to do) but it's the way they used what they had to their advantage that makes them so memorable.

Also, just saying, I hated Conan; I couldn't for the life of me get through that movie without going "Oh what the hell!" or find something that was entirely pointless. I understand it was very similar in tone to the novels but I couldn't enjoy it.

To be fair, games that are remade usually never touch the core gameplay; that's the difference between films and games. Remade movies often change almost everything, including the story, games simply raise the textures or do a complete HD overhaul in the case of Halo: CEA. The same gameplay and story is intact, the one that gamers fell in love with.

 

[seraphy]

Of course it's pointless. It's like any other form of media. Why would I bother watching Citizen Kane when the new Transformers movie just came out on DVD? It's just common sense.

If you'll excuse me, I've been wearing these clothes for almost five minutes now and I have to go burn them.

Well done!

Op, your friend is just being silly. I personally think some older games are much better than newer games.

 

[lacktheknack]

Send him to GOG.com. He'll have an aneurysm.

And considering that GOG sells the likes of Planscape: Torment, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Rayman 2, Fallout and Jagged Alliance, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

 

[Ghaleon640]

I love old games. Always have, probably always will. But recently I've had so little free time, I don't have the time for the 2-3 old games I could afford for the price of a new game, so a nice new game works just fine. Bang for the buck if I only have a few hours as it is...

Though I've been playing an old ps2 game recently. Think it came out in 2001 even though I have a lot of newer games like rage... not enough time... not enough time. (rambling... tired.)

 

[tzimize]

I recently was in an argument with a friend of mine; I enjoy buying old games when I can. Whether they'd be for the Playstation 2 or even the original Assassin's Creed for the 360 that I traded in a long time ago. He said that it was pointless to buy old games when there were games, such as Arkham City, that I could be spending my money on. I explained to him that sometimes, I prefer to have various games to play rather than just buying one for over fifty dollars. If I can play over 3-4 games for the low price of 20-25 bucks, why shouldn't I play them even if they are a few years old?

So my question for you guys is whether you believe that buying old games is idiotic or simply a way to get more for out of your money's worth?

GoG.com. Ask them if its pointless

Its not.

 

[Stryc9]

So because I want to play games that I missed when they had that 'new game smell' and cost about three times what they do now I'm and idiot?

I should miss out on games that I wanted to play but couldn't because I couldn't afford to buy sometimes 4 or 5 games a month?

Your friend is an idiot and you should seriously reconsider whether or not you want to be friends with my him friend. I love picking up old games that I haven't played, or had an lost on the cheap. I love hitting up the thrift stores in my area and searching for old games that I want to play.

I recently picked up a PS2 at my local Goodwill for $12.99 and a controller for $2.99. There's another thrift store that always seems to have a decent selection of PC games coming in and I've picked up some of my favorite games from there. Buying old games for whatever reason is not bad, it's badass.

 

[DionysusSnoopy]

I buy old games especially classics like planescape, baldur's gate they are just as great as the day they came out. Same applies to tv (70's and 80's bbc comedies are just brilliant), films and books if it was good to begin with it ages well and is still enjoyable 20 - 30 yrs down the line.

 

[somonels]

In a certain way - it is. By buying old retail copies you are not supporting the developers anymore, only helping retailers move stale products.

I buy old games especially classics like planescape, baldur's gate they are just as great as the day they came out. Same applies to tv (70's and 80's bbc comedies are just brilliant), films and books if it was good to begin with it ages well and is still enjoyable 20 - 30 yrs down the line.

Though we all should keep buying certain games and hope the "Revival movement" wouldn't screw them up... much.

 

[NotSoLoneWanderer]

Nope, Can't wait till ps2 games a dirt cheap...er so I can get all the classics I missed.

 

[iseeyouthere]

Old games are vaulable relics. So many games out there that I wish to play again.

 

[honeybakedham]

It set out exactly what it was supposed to do and it was devoid of two things. Period dating (from both the cinematography and musical stylization) that makes it clearly a 1980s film, and extensive amounts of cheesy acting.

You think the new Conan isn't dated? You think its music isn't highly stylized?

Come back here in 25 years and we'll talk about this again.

 

[SH4DOWSL4Y3R]

Old games tend to be more engaging in story aspects and more often than not you can see that the developers invested themselves a lot more into their product, so of course i'm pro old games.

That's not to say there isn't a few modern gems here and there, but i more than often wait a while (6 months- a year) before i pick up anything unless it is something i have personally tagged as a must-buy (such as sequels to a series i know and love).

plus by your friends logic OP, nobody should ever search for a game they genuinely never had a chance to play, regardless of the level of praise thrown at it.

 

[Infernai]

Hah, i love how old games are all on the PS1, no super metroid, no final fantasy 1-6, no baldur's gate, no neverwinter nights, no starcraft: brood war, no breath of fire 1 or 2, etcetera etcetera.

I spent eight years playing games on about $40 a year, and loved every minute of it, old games or new, there is richness in every aspect you could want, the hard part now is getting legal copies of the really good old stuff for less than $120 bucks. Yeah, i'm looking at you Final Fantasy 7.

Wait! Wait wait wait wait wait! Old games are actually worth about $120 now? 0o Jesus christ, i have copies of Medieval 1, Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy 7 which still work, among one or two other old Ps1 games.

...Don't look at me like that, you're not getting your greasy paws on them! *hiss*

 

[Vault101]

I recently was in an argument with a friend of mine; I enjoy buying old games when I can. Whether they'd be for the Playstation 2 or even the original Assassin's Creed for the 360 that I traded in a long time ago. He said that it was pointless to buy old games when there were games, such as Arkham City, that I could be spending my money on. I explained to him that sometimes, I prefer to have various games to play rather than just buying one for over fifty dollars. If I can play over 3-4 games for the low price of 20-25 bucks, why shouldn't I play them even if they are a few years old?

So my question for you guys is whether you believe that buying old games is idiotic or simply a way to get more for out of your money's worth?

assasins creed is "old"?....so it doesnt matter if its good? (or you know, you want to start from the start)

why do alot of people here have freinds who are idiots?

 

[Vault101]

Old games tend to be more engaging in story aspects and more often than not you can see that the developers invested themselves a lot more into their product, so of course i'm pro old games.

That's not to say there isn't a few modern gems here and there, but i more than often wait a while (6 months- a year) before i pick up anything unless it is something i have personally tagged as a must-buy (such as sequels to a series i know and love).

plus by your friends logic OP, nobody should ever search for a game they genuinely never had a chance to play, regardless of the level of praise thrown at it.

riiiight

"are you a bad enough dude to save the president?"

ok ok I sort of get where your coming from in say....RPG's where you ould have alot more depth because text is easyer than voice acting

and there are those quiky..special titles like theme hospital and such

buuuut as for story I dont think thats gotten any worse this gen,

 

[Encentrik]

Speaking of RPGs with long rolls of text; I have a problem with Skyward Sword. I understand it's sort of tradition to keep everyone silent except for expression noises but in all honesty, keep Link silent and have others voice act. I've been spoiled by Western RPGs to the point that I need to hear voice acting otherwise it'll seem like a chore to me. This would be Nintendo overseeing the project, not like Metroid: Other M where they casted horrible voice actors and turned one of gaming's most interesting female protagonists into a whiny, daddy issues bearing, girl.

 

[shadowsandwich]

It's not so much the old games are the best but there is a humungous list of games to choose from so you can just pick history's best.

 

[mooncalf]

I don't think you'll find many here who puts a use-by date on games, there's a limit to what my nostalgia can support in the back of beyond, but games that are just "pretty damn old" can still interest me. E.G. picking up Aquanox last year though I never played it on release, was fun!