LONG BLOG
Re-Release: Definitive Edition
This isn't a blog about the influx of re-releases we've been seeing this generation. This isn't even a blog about how I dislike GOTY/Definitive releases of games that I spent too much money on. No, I'm more concerned with the titles that publishers see fit to attach to their games.
In what world is Tomb Raider on PS4 or Xbox One the "definitive" release of the game? Does it have support for 4k resolutions? Can I use my mind to control everything? Does it include everything the sequel did better?
This kind of problem is something I noticed at the beginning of the current gaming generation. Nintendo stated that the philosophy for the Wii U was centered around the individual. That is what gave the moniker of "U" to the console, as in "you".
At the same time, Microsoft dubbed their next console the Xbox One. Since it was going to be the sole box underneath your television (or at least the main attraction), they named the console after being a one stop destination for entertainment.
While that's all fine and dandy, what does it tell consumers? When you use ridiculous superlatives or descriptors for your products, it confuses people. Xbox One sounds like someone referring to the OG Xbox. "Definitive" Edition implies that there will not be another release of the game or that it cannot become better.
As I stated above, you can do better. You can always do better. It's the reason why a film like Blade Runner has 5 different versions; Ridley Scott wasn't satisfied with the end result until nearly 30 years later (granted the studio kind of fucked his movie, initially).
Stop fucking with my movie!
As stupid as it may be to re-release a game with little to no extras, at least Nintendo hasn't tried to disguise the fact. Both of their HD Zelda ports have simply been named "HD Edition". That isn't even entirely true, as facets of the game have been tweaked for better playability.
Still, one can know exactly what they are getting with that. If you don't care to have an HD version of a game you enjoy, then you don't need to get it. You won't feel cheated out of missing something or sad that you spent money on downloadable content that is now included with the base game.
Sleeping Dogs happens to be the worst of them. Not only is the original PC version better looking, but the original console releases were pretty bad. They certainly ran decently enough, but they looked awful. Textures were flat, load times were horrendous and the game felt too slow.
Now there is a "Definitive Edition" for PS4 and Xbox One and it feels much closer to the PC original. This just sucks for console gamers who spent $60 for the base (unacceptable) game and $30 for the (completely useless) season pass. Why not just delay the game for another year to launch on next-gen consoles?
Capcom seems to be going with a more archival approach, but how many times can someone willfully buy Resident Evil 4? Not only did you just come out with an HD version of it, but there is literally nothing you can add over the final PC release.
For that matter, next-gen consoles cannot output at 4k resolution, so when are we going to get 4k remasters of these games? Are those going to be "Ultra HD Remasters"? Will there be any sense in selling the same product across multiple generations?
Leon looks so much better!....................
Not to come off as a PC Elitist, but that format never had a problem with re-releases or "enhanced" versions. Games on PC were essentially required to support multiple resolutions and eventually came with HD support out of the box.
1600x1200 might not sound like an HD resolution, but it actually has more pixels than 720p (and, vertically, 1080p). The picture format may be relegated to 4:3 (or a square), but it produces a crisp, clear picture that consoles still struggle with rendering.
Consoles will always be locked to the hardware they were created with. That may allow a developer to push their technology to the max, but it clearly doesn't produce an end result that is "definitive". A newer console will be able to run that same game with better clarity.
On PC, you never have to rebuy an older game just to experience it with smoother gameplay (there are some exceptions). Just upgrading your hardware a little tends to increase fluidity in controller response. It goes a long way to making less graphically demanding games feel beautiful.
Yet consoles are stuck with their fixed hardware and games that end up falling short of the mark. Then the next generation begins and we're saddled with an "Ultimate Edition" or "Remaster", etc. It's pointless; just stop calling your games that.
Mojang has it best with Minecraft. This is the PS4 Edition. This is the Xbox 360 Edition. You aren't getting more or less stuff (disregarding the console exclusive packs), you're just getting it for your platform of choice. It's title is clear, concise and free of bullshit lies.
No shit here.
So developers, just stop lying to us. I don't care if you're compiling all your DLC into a new package. I don't give a shit if this is a "better" version of a previously released game. Just stop claiming it's "definitive"; we all know that is horse shit.
LOOK WHO CAME:
