To begin with, let me say I love my dirt brown shooters and such to death.
On to the topic: Recently, especially among the more mainstream publishers, I've started to see a slightly one track mindset; namely on realism. The obvious explanation for such is better fidelity means more opportunities for realism, and so developers want to experiment (and make money) with it in any way possible.
However, does realism really add to the suspension of disbelief? Does the fact that my sword glimmers just right make me care more or less about the story? I can't actually imagine a Portal Gun being remotely feasable, but it doesn't stop me from loving Portal.
When does realism go to far? Indeed, do you feel that it does not or even cannot?
On to the topic: Recently, especially among the more mainstream publishers, I've started to see a slightly one track mindset; namely on realism. The obvious explanation for such is better fidelity means more opportunities for realism, and so developers want to experiment (and make money) with it in any way possible.
However, does realism really add to the suspension of disbelief? Does the fact that my sword glimmers just right make me care more or less about the story? I can't actually imagine a Portal Gun being remotely feasable, but it doesn't stop me from loving Portal.
When does realism go to far? Indeed, do you feel that it does not or even cannot?