Dr. Guillermo Power @gpowerf@qoto.org

Over the years these are the dedicated video #gaming systems that impressed me the most.

- #NES: The transition from the #Atari #2600 to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a significant step forward in the evolution of video games. One of the most notable improvements was the addition of more buttons on the NES controller, which allowed for more complex gameplay mechanics. This increased control also meant that games could have a greater degree of depth and variety. Moreover, the NES also boasted improved graphics, which allowed characters to be more detailed and expressive, thus enabling them to have distinct personalities. This advancement allowed for a greater degree of immersion in the games, making the transition from the simple, blocky visuals of the 2600 to the more detailed and nuanced world of the NES feel like a giant leap forward in gaming technology.

- #Wii: The Nintendo Wii was a groundbreaking console that revolutionized the gaming industry with its motion controls. The Wii introduced me to a whole new level of gaming experience where I could physically interact with games through hand and body movements. The intuitive and easy-to-use motion controls allowed players to immerse themselves fully in the game, making it more engaging and interactive. One of the biggest successes of the Wii was that it brought gaming to non-gamers, as the simple and accessible nature of the console made it easy for anyone to pick up and play.

- #Stadia: Stadia showed me that #cloudgaming is not only possible, but it's also the future of the gaming industry. With Stadia, I was able to play high-quality games on any device with a reliable internet connection, without having to worry about hardware limitations. The service was incredibly fast and responsive, and the graphics were stunning. This experience showed me that cloud gaming has the potential to change the way we play and access games, as it eliminates the need for expensive hardware upgrades and allows for gaming on any device, anywhere, anytime. Stadia may have failed as a service, but as a concept, it has set the standard for cloud gaming and has paved the way for the future of gaming.

- #Dreamcast: For me, the Dreamcast was a console that brought the #arcade experience into my home and changed the way I thought about gaming. As a kid, I was always mesmerized by the arcade games I played during family outings, but I never thought I could bring that experience home with me. That all changed when I got my hands on the Dreamcast.

What are some of your favourite systems / #consoles?

This is neat in #HaloInfinite Season 3. The player recap screens show you if you Outperformed or Underperformed in certain areas #gaming

I’ve just cut my thumb and I’ve superglued it. Because I’m playing #HaloInfinite Season 3 damn it! #gaming

Updating… I hope that later tonight I can play Season 3 of #HaloInfinite #gaming

If any of the new Season 3 maps is as good as Detachment from the winter update then we are in for a good time :D I love that map! #haloinfinite #gaming

God! I'm so excited about #HaloInfinite Season 3 coming today! #gaming

In really liking the new button mapping for #HaloInfinite

Sniper rifle becomes much better with bumper fire. As does the sword. The sword with gyro and bumper fire is good, but not quite as good as it is with keyboard and mouse sadly. #gaming

One of my most controversial opinions is that Billy Mitchell is still one of the greatest gamers of all time. He did use an emulator, he may have cheated, and his ego is colosal! But so is his ability. I don’t think he’s a nice guy, but I can’t say he’s not one of the greatest of all time. #gaming #retrogaming

When it comes to #gaming, the quality of the game itself is what really matters, not just the graphics. The Atari #2600 may not have had the high-definition visuals of today's games, but it was a pioneer in the industry and brought joy to millions of people through its classic titles like Space Invaders, Yars' Revenge, and Pitfall.

In many ways, a good game is like a classic movie - it's timeless and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, even decades after it was originally released. The #Atari2600 has proven to be no exception to this rule, as it continues to be appreciated and loved by both old-school and new-school gamers alike.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Atari 2600 or are just discovering it for the first time, there's no denying the impact it had on the gaming industry and the memories it has created for generations of players, including me. So why not dust off your old console and relive those cherished moments or discover new classics? NO console? Try emulation, it works great too! After all, a good game is a good game, no matter how old it is.

Classic games forever. Will I be playing Halo Infinite in 20 years? No. Will I be playing California Games and Yars' Revenge? If I am still around, sure, I will be.

What's your current modern (avoid the 20 or so #retro consoles all of us normal people have :) ) #gaming setup?

Mine is as follows:

* #Switch
* #SwitchLite
* #SteamDeck
* #XboxSeriesS
* Acer CB714 Core i3 #CoreI3 for #CloudGaming and #Andorid games
* #SamsungGalaxyS1 for Android games

No #PS5 yet, but that may change if/when one that isn't a colossal ugly monstrosity is released. Having access to native gyro support as well as potentially VR is tempting!

Early this morning I managed to get the #foxwoodseal armour coating as well as my first ever #ninja medal. #xbox #haloinfinite #gaming

OK. I like this button mapping best when coupled with 4 back buttons/paddles. #HaloInfinite #gaming

My personal boycott of #CEX got even firmer today when I saw them selling a used #SteamDeck for more than brand new price. #gaming

Stolen #meme #HogwartsLegacy #gaming

Awesomely big #HogwartsLegacy advert at the mall. #gaming

Muscle memory is a b#%*+ I’ve been trying different button mapping for #haloinfinite and it’s so so tough. #gaming

A selection of my 8 and 16 bit consoles. #retrogaming #gaming

Are Video Games Less Fun Than They Used To Be?

With the release of the latest gaming technologies and consoles, it's clear that video games are becoming increasingly more realistic and immersive. With the introduction of the Unreal Engine 5, games are reaching new heights of graphical fidelity that rival real life. However, despite these impressive technological advancements, some gamers are starting to wonder whether video games are actually getting less fun.

One of the main criticisms of modern video games is their lack of replayability. Games like Donkey Kong, released in 1981, are still being played today, while it's hard to imagine anyone playing games like Hogwarts Legacy, set to release in 2022, in 30 years' time. What has changed?

Part of the issue may be the focus on storytelling in modern games. While games like Donkey Kong were simple in terms of plot, they were highly addictive and easy to pick up and play. Modern games, on the other hand, often prioritize complex narratives over simple gameplay. While this can make for a more immersive experience, it can also make the game less replayable, as players already know how the story ends.

Another factor is the trend towards open-world games. While games like Skyrim and Grand Theft Auto V offer vast, detailed worlds to explore, they can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. Players may spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of the game world, but once they've seen everything, there's little incentive to play the game again.

Finally, the rise of online gaming has also contributed to the decline in replayability. Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty offer endless hours of online multiplayer content, but the focus on competition and constantly updating the game with new content can leave little room for a single-player experience.

It's important to remember that gamers who don't look back in history are losing out on some of the best video gaming experiences and pure gameplay ever created. From classic arcade games to 90s platformers, there are countless gems from the past that still hold up today. By exploring the history of video games, gamers can gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of the medium and discover hidden gems that offer a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.

So, are video games less fun than they used to be? It's hard to say definitively, as everyone's preferences are different. However, it's clear that the focus on storytelling, open-world gameplay, and online multiplayer has made games less replayable than they used to be. While modern games may be more immersive and impressive from a technical standpoint, they may not have the same staying power as classics like Donkey Kong.

In conclusion, it's important to remember that video games are still a relatively new form of entertainment, and developers are still exploring what works and what doesn't. While modern games may not have the same replayability as older classics, they still offer unique and engaging experiences that are worth checking out. As technology continues to advance and gaming continues to evolve, we may see a new generation of games that combines the best of both worlds – stunning graphics, immersive storytelling, and addictive gameplay that will keep us coming back for years to come.

#gaming #videogames #retrogaming #arcades #rretrocomputing

My biggest handheld and my smallest handheld. Both modern and both great! #SteamDeck #miyoomini #gaming #gamingonlinux

Some mornings I get up early to get one or two #HaloInfinite games done :) Is it just me or do any of you have a small 10 to 20-minute #gaming session before work and breakfast?