I think by definition "The Greatest Game" has to appeal to the widest range of people. In that regard, I'd say "Tetris" is pretty hard to beat simply because it IS just strategy and reflex and you can learn how to play in less than a minute. Something with more complex mechanics like Elite naturally lends itself to a more specific type of player. Still, I think no one can argue the incredible technological achievement.
As for Space Invaders, I think everyone is more or less familiar with it since it's a cultural icon, but it perhaps embodies too simple of a concept and too much difficulty to transcend what the slight gameplay upgrade and audio-visual polish of a game like "Galaga" emodies. In that regard, it's hard to argue that the successor does not beat the originator in all ways, unlike Privateer versus Elite, where it can be argued there are greater implementation differences (as you say, with "characters" and what-not).
I think I also agree that in terms of "fondness", "nostalgia" and yes, continuing to play, Elite probably edges out Privateer. Sadly, the next time we'll likely see something like an Elite or Privateer in the mainstream is as an MMOG since it naturally lends itself to that format, but you never know! (At the same time, I'd love for some brave sole to give a really good history, review and comparison of all the Elite games and one-offs (including sequels, official and unoffocial), all the clones and all "inspired-by's". I think it would be terribly fascinating to expand upon what you touched on with the idea of building on Elite's base. I know I have several knock-offs even just on the C-64...)
I think by definition "The Greatest Game" has to appeal to the widest range of people. In that regard, I'd say "Tetris" is pretty hard to beat simply because it IS just strategy and reflex and you can learn how to play in less than a minute. Something with more complex mechanics like Elite naturally lends itself to a more specific type of player. Still, I think no one can argue the incredible technological achievement.
As for Space Invaders, I think everyone is more or less familiar with it since it's a cultural icon, but it perhaps embodies too simple of a concept and too much difficulty to transcend what the slight gameplay upgrade and audio-visual polish of a game like "Galaga" emodies. In that regard, it's hard to argue that the successor does not beat the originator in all ways, unlike Privateer versus Elite, where it can be argued there are greater implementation differences (as you say, with "characters" and what-not).
I think I also agree that in terms of "fondness", "nostalgia" and yes, continuing to play, Elite probably edges out Privateer. Sadly, the next time we'll likely see something like an Elite or Privateer in the mainstream is as an MMOG since it naturally lends itself to that format, but you never know! (At the same time, I'd love for some brave sole to give a really good history, review and comparison of all the Elite games and one-offs (including sequels, official and unoffocial), all the clones and all "inspired-by's". I think it would be terribly fascinating to expand upon what you touched on with the idea of building on Elite's base. I know I have several knock-offs even just on the C-64...)
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Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
[ My collection ]
[ http://www.MythCore.com ]
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Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.