My Problem With Graphics

Hello there friend,

With the release of Battlefield 3, I've had a lot of conversations based around how good it looks on the PC compared to it's console counterparts.  This keeps leading me into a conversation that continues to become an impasse when I discuss as a primarily Console Gamer. That comes down to how much better things look on the PC.

Now my problem with that argument simply comes down to a jaded 'So What?'.  The reality is we could execute near photo-realistic aesthetics and about the only thing that'll put us is in the uncanny valley.  The reality of graphics is we're just killing anti-aliasing, adding rendering power, and none of this contributes to how a game plays, or new restrictions on the player.

I can understand the want to see the most realistic visuals capable in games, but the reality is they don't change anything about the game itself. Battlefield is a perfect example of this, where the core game has changed very little (From Bad Company 2, my experience with the franchise), and though it is a gorgious looking game, the visuals have not changed much of anything.

Much like looking at a Troma film, I dont see there being much benifit to seeing it again in HD quality.

The big reason I feel at odds with people who promote graphic quality is two fold.  One, I am rarely discussing the game's aesthetics, particularly when the game is a military shooter.  I know it's an over-stated point, but there are only so many nice ways to make brown and grey look visually appealing.  Two, there seems to be a sharp disconnect between graphic fidelity and game play, and I have to really ask what do the graphics really add to the game, more so what can we do with it that we couldn't do with a lesser system.

The processing power in the current console generation leaves a lot to be desired, which I agree, but when where processing power can open up many new avenues and complexity in games, I have to wonder why trying to make a realistic dirt-pile seems to be the goal.

When do we stop looking at the window dressing and start worrying about the cracks in the foundation?

Until Next Time,

- D-Pad Duke