The 9th Generation Is Disappointing

Summary

The speaker reminisces about their gaming journey, starting with a Game Boy and progressing through various consoles, with a particular fondness for the PlayStation 2. They express disappointment with the current console generation, criticizing the lack of first-party games and the focus on live service titles. The speaker also discusses the challenges faced by both Sony and Microsoft, including leadership decisions and the impact of cross-gen gaming. Despite these issues, they remain hopeful for the future, highlighting upcoming games and the importance of supporting developers who prioritize fun and innovation in gaming.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The speaker has been an avid gamer since childhood, starting with a Game Boy and progressing through various consoles like PlayStation 1, 2, Xbox 360, and PS3.
• 🌟 The PlayStation 2 holds a special place in the speaker's heart due to its extensive game library and the nostalgia associated with it.
• 📈 The speaker expresses disappointment with the 9th generation of consoles, particularly in terms of the first-party game lineups from Sony and Microsoft.
• 🎉 Despite the lack of exclusives, the speaker acknowledges the strengths of each console: Xbox's backward compatibility and quick resume feature, and PlayStation's powerful first-party studios.
• 🚀 The launch of Xbox Series X and S, along with the PS5, was met with excitement, but the speaker criticizes the high prices and limited launch titles.
• 📱 The speaker points out the industry's shift towards digital libraries and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, which have impacted game sales and quality.
• 😓 The speaker is critical of Xbox's leadership, particularly Phil Spencer's comments on the console market, and Microsoft's focus on services over exclusive games.
• 😤 The speaker laments the lack of innovation in the current generation, with many games being cross-gen, remakes, or battle royale titles, leading to a sense of exhaustion among gamers.
• 📉 There's a noted decline in the quality of AAA games, with many being released in broken or unfinished states, affecting player trust and satisfaction.
• 🌈 The speaker remains hopeful for the future, anticipating upcoming games and innovations that could redefine the gaming landscape in the coming years.

Q & A

What was the first gaming console the speaker owned?

The first gaming console the speaker owned was a Game Boy.

Which console did the speaker upgrade to after the Game Boy?

After the Game Boy, the speaker upgraded to the PlayStation 1.

What significant event happened when the speaker was introduced to the PlayStation 2?

The speaker was introduced to the PlayStation 2 when his cousin handed it to him while moving out.

What is the speaker's favorite console of all time?

The speaker's favorite console of all time is the PlayStation 2.

What was the speaker's experience when he first played on the Xbox 360?

The speaker was mesmerized by the Xbox 360, playing games like Call of Duty 2 and Halo 3 until 4:00 a.m.

Why did the speaker buy the PS3?

The speaker bought the PS3 a year after the Xbox 360, mainly to play Batman: Arkham Asylum.

What is the main issue the speaker has with the current generation of consoles?

The main issue the speaker has with the current generation of consoles is the lack of first-party games.

What feature does the Xbox Series X have that the speaker appreciates?

The speaker appreciates the quick resume feature of the Xbox Series X.

What was the speaker's goal when he first got the Xbox Series X?

The speaker's goal was to play Cyberpunk 2077 on the Xbox Series X.

What does the speaker criticize about the PlayStation 5's launch lineup?

The speaker criticizes the PlayStation 5's launch lineup for being weak and mainly consisting of upgraded versions of previous games.

What does the speaker find frustrating about the current state of the gaming industry?

The speaker finds the lack of innovation, the focus on live service games over single-player experiences, and the reliance on remakes and remasters frustrating.