In today’s society, too often we want things yesterday. If we are hungry, we have no problem speeding through a drive through to grab a hamburger, yet complain if it takes three minutes to receive it instead of one minute. The same impatience applies to the gaming world. We want sequels, remakes, remasters, and anticipated new IPs as soon as they are announced, instead of waiting for them to be complete.
Three of the more notable games that I am seeing this with are Kingdom Hearts 3, Final Fantasy Versus XIII, and Final Fantasy VII. Although there is a huge demand for all three, do we really want them now?
As far as Final Fantasy VII is concerned, I am not so sure we are ready for a remake if the game. Due to the graphical limitations on the PSone, a remaster is not possible. Therefore, we are looking at basically a brand new game developed from the bottom up. That wouldn’t be so bad except that new things are almost always added in this scenario, and other things are left out. Although the changes might reflect the original vision of the developers, and may actually be possible now due to the advancements made since the original release, I can see a lot of upset gamers that will be in an uproar over any variations from the original. Just look at the newest remaster of the Original Star Wars movies. In my opinion, they should wait until the sales of the title slow to a halt. It can currently be downloaded and the sales are still good, so why hurt the sales, when they can profit at a later time?
Final Fantasy Versus XIII is a different scenario. Since 2006 we have been mesmerized by the same game trailer over and over again. Every time I see it, I salivate uncontrollably. However, we have to remember that what we saw was really just a tech demo. All of us wanted it then and now, no ifs, ands, or buts. However, there were many projects ahead of Versus XIII, and it was put on the back burner. As of April 17th, we have been told by Mr. Nomura that we will hear more about the game soon. Sure, we have heard this before, but I have a feeling it is getting closer. At this point, I think that Square feels rushed to release the game. I know that the fans are getting impatient, but I really hope Square takes their time. If they release the game and it is not absolutely perfect, fans will riot in the streets. I think we need to be more patient with this one. We might already have unrealisitc/inflated expectations and it will only be catastrophic if the game fails to impress.
Kingdom Hearts III is another story all together. It has already been said that the game will not even be started until Versus XIII is complete. Many fans are upset that we have waited so long for an update or release. To keep the fans interested, Square has announced a release date for Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5, they have released Dream Drop Distance, and many other games since the first installment in the series has come out. Yet, all we hear is complaining that III is not out yet. It is speculated that Kingdom Hearts III will be the last installment in the current story line. With that said, Square Enix really needs to take their time with the game. At the end, all holes in the story will need to be filled (unless they play a crucial part in the next storyline), and it needs to be flawless. Like Versus XIII, the fans have waited a long time for this one and Square cannot disappoint. There are many things that we want to see in the game, but also have to remember that we are not the creators, but the players. Our “wants” should not persuade the developers and writers how the game should play out. However, the developers and writers should be aware of how the fanbase can be and ensure that they craft something that will blow our minds.
In a time that we want something the instant it is brought to our attention, we are also just as impatient to complain when we don’t get exactly what we want. Patience is a virtue, and our impatience will only lead to disappointment. So, when you hear someone complain about the length of time it takes a game to come to market, the lack of titles for a new console, or even the horrible quality of a rushed game (Aliens: Colonial Marines), tell them to be patient, replay their favorite game, experience another IP until their anticipated title launches, dabble in a hobby. As a gamer, I don’t want to see a rushed title geared towards fan service. Instead, we need well thought out and intricate stories that will keep us coming back for more.
