Collecting Games of This Generation?

Collecting Games of this Generation?

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 10/21/2013

Written by Dustin Murphy

  As we get closer and closer to the end of one generation and prepare for the next, the game collection marathon begins, which means prices go up on rarer titles. It is something game collectors find a bit challenging, but at the same time rewarding, especially when they find that diamond in the rough. When it comes down to it, this is something some gamer's avoid, and thus begin to clean off their shelves, sell their consoles, and prepare for the next generation of consoles, but what if the next generation is not backwards compatible? This is something that has become questionable, problematic, and a money sink, which is why many gamer's always get frustrated when they find out the consoles aren't backwards compatible. This is where the consoles of the previous generation keep their worth, as do their games, and the accessories. This is something over the years as a gamer I've learned, and taken note of, which has lead me to hanging onto my older consoles. This is where I also question as if I would part with my older consoles and games, the answer - no. With the next generation of consoles being very close, I will not actually part with my consoles or games, and this is because I can't replay my past adventures in the future, I can't revisit old locations, characters, and beautifully scripted titles.

  Why would you hang onto these? Well the answer for me was easy to come up to and it's simple - new generations lack in initial titles. When launching a new console, many gamer's, myself included, will always look for the next big title, and right now it's safe to say both Sony and Microsoft are offering great launches, but with only a few exclusives we can't get on the XBox 360 and PS3. Some of those games will barely show a graphical advancement thanks to HDD installs gamer's will be able to experience the next generation titles on this current generation for those that will also be on both. Games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield may very well shine more-so on the PC, PS4, and XBox One, rather than this generation, which is where I will argue my next point. We all wonder if the next generation of consoles is where we should flock to, and it's safe to say this time around yes, but with caution - do not part with your current consoles just yet. Why would I say this to my readers who know my job is to provide you with information regarding future purchases, with the publishers I work with, and of course the companies that fund them through game sales? Quite simple, it's because I want you the gamer's to know one thing; current consoles still have a lot of life left. How though, is something you might ask, and here is where I'm able to actually explain that. 

  With games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Dark Souls II, Dragon Age III: Inquisition, Watch Dogs and freshly launched or launching soon titles such as Grand Theft Auto V, Borderlands 2's massive collection of DLC, Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, Batman Arkham Origins, and of course Lego Marvel Super Heroes. These all will put a lifespan into the consoles, which in turn will save you money, and that means time for the next generations to lengthen their available libraries. This also means that consumers such as yourselves won't skip out on titles that can be experienced on both rather than just one. However, titles such as Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty Ghosts, Dragon Age III: Inquisition, and of course Watch Dogs will all graphically shine on the next generation, which also means they will provide a more content heavy experience than we have seen before in any titles. Is this enough to require a jump into the next generation of consoles? To some of you the answer will still be yes, but with developers offering an upgrade for 10 USD, it's worthwhile mentioning that players should be able to experience this quite joyfully, and it is something worth taking advantage of. Please note though if you do take the upgrade option for titles such as Battlefield 4 or Call of Duty: Ghosts, that there will be timed offers and can be changed based on developers discretion.  This is what also will have gamer's such as myself taking up these offers depending on their time frame, the offer being made, and of course the rules that are being made regarding it.

  This having been stated also leads me to wanting to state, gamer's moving to next generation of consoles, please note that as a writer, gamer, and reviewer, I'm not trying to move you away from these consoles, instead I'm giving you food for thought, something that should provoke your financial spending awareness.. With this I also want you to know, just like you, I am jumping to the next generation of consoles, but with some caution- that caution being hardware problem possibilities and of course server issues. All of these bugs are something that can be expected, something that should be seen as fully possible, but with Sony's determination to make it work, we can fully expect to see a pretty much smooth sailing due to their experience with the PS Vita, PS3, and of course their MMO servers. This is something we also hope that Microsoft doesn't experience with the XBox One after the rocky launch of XBox 360 consoles; memories of the RRoD outbreak ring a bell? We hope this isn't something we see pop up next generation. Till then? We can only hope that this doesn't happen and stick with our current consoles, games, and take advantage at the lowering price of current console titles, even as we purchase our new consoles, and prepare for a high end PC like experience on consoles.

 With this bit of food for thought, what consoles are you moving to, what games are you picking up, and what are you looking forward to with their launches being approximately a month away?