I've heard it said before, that a sequel of a smash hit is always doomed to fail, and there isn't a lot anyone can do about it. This is especially true in certain forms of media, but I would argue that video games are something of an exception to the rule, as making a hit sequel doesn't appear to be all that difficult. At the very least, just repeat what you did in the first game, make it look nicer, and you'll make everyone happy. No?
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stealth
Realism is an interesting idea when it comes to video games, as it's often regarded as something admirable to aim for, while ultimately being compromised for entertainment purposes. I mean, there are many games that flirt with realism, but if they actually created hyper-realistic systems and gameplay mechanics, the entire experience would be a frustrating bore.
Taste is a wonderful thing that separates us all and shows off the kind of diversity that makes human existence so interesting and wonderful. Either that or I'm trying to justify the fact that my own taste often differs from many others' that I come into contact with. Whether it's books, movies, music, or video games, I seem to always find the thing that everyone hated, and enjoy the hell out of it.
Expectations are an interesting thing when it comes to entertainment media. In many ways, we're thrilled to have our preconceptions subverted and we love twists and turns. On the other hand, our monkey brains love the consistency that allows us to keep track of what's happening and follow a story from start to finish. Perhaps this is why so many of us feel short-changed when our expectations are completely thrown out the window.
These days there seems to be a regular turnover of silly little games that end up doing the rounds on every YouTube and Twitch channel you can find. Most of the time they're just thoughtless meme games that allow whatever personality to act like a bit of an idiot for the entertainment of others, so I tend to avoid paying attention when these kind of games surface. I never felt compelled to play Goat Simulator, and I doubt I ever will. So why did a short little game about a goose catch my eye?
I have to admit that I was apprehensive about trying out what is commonly considered to be the worst entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise. This is the game that was so poorly received, Ubisoft had to eventually rethink its release schedule and get itself together. I knew going in that this might be the game that finally ends my enjoyment of the series.
If I had to nominate a big budget series that I always play and enjoy, despite its mainstream shortcomings, it would be Assassin's Creed. The main thing I love about the series is how much detail and effort is put into recreating the cities and time periods of each instalment. There's an epic quality that's only within reach of the big budgets and big development teams, which often makes up for the cookie-cutter gameplay and story.