yes it can, I dunno if it will though. :P.

I would like to be as optimistic as the OP is about the new gen.

lol good joke, obviously JRPGs is PSone and N64 was the platformers =P 

It's certainly possible. Last gen was awesome. We just need to add more RPGs.

The uniformity of architecture could definitely be a boon to game-play, along with the increased RAM. I also think we'll continue to see games from smaller developers evolve into better quality across the downloadable-only board.

This generation is starting off much better than last already. I'm very optimistic.

We shall see. The best gen ever is the PS1/Saturn/N64 era. Its doubtful it will ever be trumped because that was the advent of 3D.

SNES/PS1 will be tough to beat IMO, but we will see.

Depends on what kinds of games you like. The way I see it...

Genres likely to have a good Gen

• Constantly online games - As all three consoles are always at least partially active and can thus download content, and due to generally connectivity for all three competitors compared to last gen, I'm expecting a fairly good generation for games that require constant online access. This includes online cooperative games, some types of FPS's, and maybe even MMO's.
• Open Worlds - The sandbox game is due for a second golden age. The large possible file size of 8th gen games, not to meniton the sheer amount of power, make open world games an alluring proposition. Infamous: Second Son and Watch Dogs look likely to start this trend, while old regulars like Batman: Arkham, Assassin's Creed, and eventually GTA6 will also probably flourish.

Genres likely to have a bad Gen

• FIghting Games - These have been having a bit of trouble lately. Super Smash Bros 4 Wii U will almost certainly not sell as much as Brawl, though it might combined with 3DS sales. Namco's Tekken and Soul series will likely continue their respective declines. The problems at Capcom can ruin the chances of Marvel vs. Capcom 4 and Street Fighter 5, not to mention general distrust of the company. Killer Instinct is unlikely to gain much momentum, based on early sales reports and reviews. The only ongoing series I see NOT haviong problems is Mortal Kombat, which seems to be doing well with Netherrealm.
• 3D Platformers - These have been declining since the end of the 6th generation, and some would argue even as early as 2001. The failure of Knack at launch may discourage Sony from continuing and/or reviving their various series, including Jak & Daxter and Sly Cooper. Sly 5 in particular is rather unlikely, considering the sales of the fourth entry on the PS3 and Vita. Nintendo had a home run with 3D World, but at most, we'll see one more 3D Super Mario on the Wii U and not much else. Besides that, what do we have? Sonic, who may very well continue to decline? Skylanders, which will probably go the way of Guitar Hero in a year or two? Crash, who may or may not be revived?
• Console JRPG's - Let's be honest. The 7th gen, even accounting for 2014 releases, will really only haveabout 9ish big console JRPG's: The FF13 trilogy, the Souls trilogy, Monster Hunter Tri, and Valkyria Chronicles. Oh, and Persona 5. Nothing else really left much of a sales impact on consoles. Atlus will eventually release a Persona game in the 2020's, so there's that. And FF15 will break a million day one. But beyond that? How long will it take SE to make more big console games, considering how long FF15 has been under development. Hell, even FF13 took over half a decade to make, with development for it beginning in early 2004. The Souls games also probably have a future on the 8th gen systems. However, Monster Hunter has practically gone fully handheld ala the Pokemon main series and Dragon Quest 9 and Valkyria Chronicles is dead. The only potential big JRPG franchise I see on the horizon is X, but even if successful, it won't make up for a declining Squenix and lack of Monster Hunter.

My thoughts exactly. I can't put into words how badly I want X.

If over-the-top monetization becomes less of an issue, then maybe. Otherwise no.

That is, no.

Nope, because the only successful mainstream "innovation" we'll see will be better textures, frames, resolution, and bigger maps. Same games, prettier graphix yo.

Welcome to the new current Gen guyz. Experience the content. Greatness awaits. Hubbub.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg9vQne6K9c