Games site 8bit Rocket have posted a bit of a manifesto outlining what they see as the ground level needs for their newly christened demographic of players. It’s a bit rough, and some points – #2 in particular – seem to point at a complete lack of understanding for how games are actually made, while others are merely the fevered dreams of mad men. But then, what sort of manifesto would it be without its fair share of that? There’s plenty to agree with in the meantime, particularly this:

7. “Casual” Games Don’t Have To Be Simple Games

We Mid-Core Gamers love all types of games. To some extent, Mid-Core gamers are “casual” gamers in that we do enjoy many of the types of games that are geared towards the “casual” demographic. However, we tend towards “casual” style games with a bit more depth. For instance, Bejeweled is a passable diversion, but Puzzle Quest is an obsession. Bookworm Deluxe is nice way to kill some minutes, but Bookworm Adventures is an unshakable addiction. Where there is depth, but with the aforementioned save anywhere feature, we will be there.

Which is not to say I think a save-anywhere system is the only approach that works, mind you. Capcom’s saving method in games such as the more recent Castlevania titles and the Phoenix Wright series (both for DS) are just as good – play as long as you like, save where ever you happen to be when done, and the game exits out back to the title screen afterwards. Easy. At any rate, it’s worth a read.

And for what it’s worth, “Mid-Core” is a horrible name, every bit as grating as the current classes of “Casual” and “Hardcore”. What’s wrong with just “players”?

Filed under: talk about games