Do Next-Gen Games Give Us Next-Gen Gameplay?

[CAL4M1TY]

I'd say next generation games give us next gen game play.

Not just the wii, because in case anyone was wondering, Nintendo didn't invent motion sensor technology, so that is technically "last generation". What makes the Wii next gen is that it's streamlined and made the experience much more appealing/interesting/accessible. I would say Metroid Prime 3 is a next generation experience because they hadn't made a game with such tight controls uptil that point, though I'm sure it's been done before (arcades etc).

For the other two so called "last-gen gameplay machines", I would definitely say the cover system is a big one. Yes cover system has been done before, but like the Wii's motion controls, it has never been done this well. Gears did it so well in fact that it feels natural that ALL action/shooters must have some form of cover these days (whether it be physically leaning against a wall like in Gears or just ducking behind something and moving the camera slowly to get a clear shot like in COD4).

Another one would probably be a fully living city. Yes sandboxes worlds were done last gen, but honestly, comparing GTA4 and GTA3 (and extensions) theres a huge difference in the world. The world feels alive in GTA4 where as in GTA3 all the NPC felt so robotic and lifeless with a few catch phrases. Ditto Assassin's Creed, the number of characters moving and interacting with each other and the world is astounding in that game.

Personally, while I can understand why people believe Wii is the only next gen gameplay experience, there's a reason people (including developers) say that X game couldn't be done last generation. Gameplay isn't as obvious as just the amount of physical interactivity you have with the game, but also the amount of interactivity your character has with the world (i.e cover system) and it's inhabitants and what they can do without your input.