The Modern "Hero Shooter"

Summary

In this video, Patrick humorously reveals himself as the 'real' Patrick, having been in cryo since 2014. He discusses the evolution of the 'hero shooter' genre, explaining how it was initially a rigid category with specific gameplay mechanics but has since become a broader term encompassing any shooter with unique characters. Patrick highlights the benefits of diverse character rosters in enhancing gameplay depth and community engagement but also points out challenges like balance issues, content saturation, and the genre's growing staleness. He amusingly notes Team Fortress 2's retroactive inclusion in the genre and ends with a playful jab at his 2014 self.

Takeaways

• 🕵️ The term 'hero shooter' was coined around 2015-16 to describe a new genre of games that combined elements of MOBAs and class-based shooters.
• 🎯 Initially, hero shooters were defined by specific game mechanics like attack-defense modes, rather than just the presence of unique characters.
• 🚀 Over time, the definition of hero shooters has evolved to be more inclusive, now primarily signifying games with a unique cast of characters, regardless of their gameplay specifics.
• 👥 Team Fortress 2 (TF2), despite being an early example of a game with distinct characters, was retroactively considered a hero shooter as the genre definition expanded.
• 🌟 Hero shooters offer a rich and varied gameplay experience due to the diverse abilities and roles of the characters, which can cater to different play styles.
• 🛠 Balancing a hero shooter is challenging due to the multitude of characters, abilities, and weapons that need to be continuously adjusted to maintain fairness.
• 🔄 The genre faces issues with the cycle of updates, as players expect new content, which can lead to an overwhelming number of characters and balance issues.
• 📉 Hero shooter games can struggle with character development due to the sheer number of characters, which can dilute the depth and uniqueness of each hero.
• 🔄 There's a risk of hero ability repetition across games, which can diminish the cultural impact and individuality that hero shooters are known for.
• 📉 The hero shooter genre is experiencing fatigue, with players showing less enthusiasm for yet another game featuring a new set of characters to learn.

Q & A

What is a hero shooter according to the traditional definition mentioned in the script?

A hero shooter, traditionally defined, is a game that features unique characters with unique abilities and is characterized by its gameplay similarities to MOBAs and differences from class-based shooters. It was a rigid category with specific requirements such as attack-defense or tug-of-war game modes.

How has the definition of a hero shooter evolved over time?

The definition of a hero shooter has evolved from a rigid genre with specific gameplay mechanics to a more general subgenre defined by the existence of unique characters with different abilities. This shift occurred as more games with diverse characters were released, necessitating a broader categorization.

Why was Team Fortress 2 initially excluded from the hero shooter genre?

Team Fortress 2 was initially excluded from the hero shooter genre because the term 'hero shooter' was coined to differentiate new games with unique characters and abilities from traditional class-based shooters like TF2.

What does the modern subgenre definition of a hero shooter include?

The modern subgenre definition of a hero shooter includes any shooter game that features a unique roster of characters, each with distinct abilities, often accompanied by unique personalities and voice lines.

How does the script explain the relationship between hero shooters and class-based shooters?

The script explains that nearly all hero shooters are also class-based shooters because heroes can be categorized into different classes. However, not all class-based shooters are hero shooters, as hero shooters require a unique roster of characters with different abilities.

What are some advantages of having a diverse cast of characters in hero shooters?

Having a diverse cast of characters in hero shooters can enrich the game's ecosystem, cater to various play styles, and offer customization options. It also helps in engaging players with the game's universe, lore, and community.

What are the four big problems associated with hero shooters as discussed in the script?

The four big problems associated with hero shooters are: 1) Balance issues due to the complexity of balancing numerous heroes, weapons, and abilities; 2) The cycle of updates that can lead to player fatigue; 3) Difficulty in keeping up with character building as the roster grows; and 4) The genre becoming stale, with players showing fatigue towards learning about new heroes.

Why is character recycling a problem in the hero shooter genre?

Character recycling is a problem in the hero shooter genre because it diminishes the impact of individual personalities, which is one of the main advantages of having a unique roster of characters. It also leads to a lack of innovation and can make the game feel repetitive.

How does the script suggest that the hero shooter genre is perceived in the current gaming landscape?

The script suggests that the hero shooter genre is perceived as stale and over-saturated, with players expressing fatigue towards the premise and the introduction of new heroes.

What is the significance of Patrick's character in the script?

Patrick's character serves as a humorous device to introduce and discuss the evolution and current state of the hero shooter genre. He provides commentary on the genre's history, its defining characteristics, and the community's perception of it.