I think part of it is because developers are strapped for ideas. And some guys have more elaborate generational leap experiences than others (i.e. idiots trying to look at the 5th generation in retrospect rather than actually being there.)
But back to the former point I made: Look at third person action games, especially MGS1. compared to the MGS2 demo on the PS2 back in 2001. The rain effects on the exterior of the ship, the interactivity, the ragdoll physics, Snake's flailing bandana, the sneaking/stealth options being buffed tenfold, enemies calling in riot squads consisting of half a dozen soldiers with BPV's and shields (and being able to shoot out their mic to prevent the call LOL), being able to shatter glass in the mess hall, the blood/bandage system etc. And on top of all that, the game still ran flawlessly at 60FPS.
I'm sure I missed a lot of other jaw-dropping talking points there were, but the fact is, that was from a fucking DEMO, it was one giant playground and it honestly never got old until the full game was released.
Bet with Einsam_Delphin: http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=172355&page=11
