New Generation 8-bit games: Could we get just as successful by keeping the simplicity but updating to today's graphics? (Editorial)

It's time for a little change of pace. This next post is not a review, but instead, an editorial. tl;dr at the end

We see many games coming out lately e.g. such as mega Man 9, that use retro, 8-bit - 32-bit graphics for the games. With many once-NES gamers thirsty for nostalgia, Capcom decided bringing a great series back to its humble beginnings as a 2d, 8-bit platformer. This game was a huge success, appealing to old and new Mega Man fans alike. However, there was some controversy on the graphics choice. IGN and the Nintendo magazine praised MM9 for the 8-bit style, while Edge magazine brought the score down to 6/10, critising the retro look.

This got me thinking; we begged for these 8-bit games for two reasons: nostalgia and simplicity. Nothing screams nostalgia in video games more than NES and 8-bit, and during those times, when resources were much more limited and game engines were only so good, simple was the best possible! My question to you all is: Are we really looking for the 8-bit look, or the simplicty that comes with 8-bit games?

Take for example Braid. This innovative indie game was nearly as simple as most 2d platformers end up being. Besides the fact that you could rewind time and solve puzzles, Braid was about jumping on enemies and scrolling screens. I'm not going to get started on music or story, since this is only for an example. What makes Braid different from the NES platformers? The obvious answer is the graphics. Braid had beautiful backgrounds and a more detailed (not to mention, funny-looking) protagonist. Braid was critically acclaimed, and was even called a masterpiece by multiple sources. In this case, it was the simplicity of gameplay that made this game successful. The music and backgrounds only add to the "ease" felt when playing the game.

In this case, there were no 8-bit graphics to display simplicity. Instead, it was the concept and output that portrayed utter simplicity. Could other games do this? Could we make a Mega Man game that resembles the NES platformer series without using actual retro graphics? We all know the "good" Mega Man from the NES, so we think that this is impossible. But I don't think it has to be. Honestly, I think nostalgia is preventing game designers from taking risk in redesigning graphics but still keeping the original, fun, simple gameplay. Therefore, they stay safe and remake retro classics. What's stopping them from taking the risk?

Reception is key, and if reviewers and the general gaming population think that this new generation retro game with reformed graphics ruined what used to be good, horror ensues and the apocalypse is inevitable. Realistically, the game will be utterly hated. This fear is driving major companies to back off of these projects. Take a moment to imagine, however, Mega Man 9 with the SAME gameplay, SAME enemies, SAME story, but new, refined, and cleaner graphics. Would this hurt the game? Hell no! If Mega Man jumps as far as he usually jumps, and shoots as fast as normal, and nothing is visibly different besides the graphics, this game could be even greater than before! There shouldn't be anything stopping these designers as long as they don't radically screw up what's good about simple platformers.

I don't think making new 8-bit games is a step in the right direction. New Super Mario Bros. completely changed the graphics used in old Mario games, but still kept the addicting and satisfying gameplay. Mega Man 9 was a great game, so do not misread. However, I feel so much more could've been done. Every once in a while, one of these games is very refreshing. I really don't think that when going for simple, this "tactic" should be resorted to though. By listening to consumer feedback and taking a chance, we soon could discover what we are truly looking for in a simple game that reminds us of 8-bit nostalgia, besides the graphics. As for music...I am undecided. 8-bit tunes such as Mega Man II's Dr. Wily Stage 1/2 hold a place in my heart (not the bloody part), but newer tunes, such as the hypnotisingly amazing piano in Blueberry garden for the PC also deserve their place in these newer, simple games I hope will soon come. Perhaps this should go according to the style of that specific game.

tl;dr I think simple games with newer graphics can stay on the same level as new, 8-bit games that remind consumers of the NES days. If the same traits that were in the NES games are in these new games, the graphics will only be seen as a plus, and may show the video game industry that you don't need retro graphics to be simple.



Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Comment anonymously below, or feel free to email me at revyuu@gmail.com