Which Franchise Would Best Make Use Of Next-Gen Power?

With a new generation of hardware comes more power and more overall technical capability. That's a given.

So what's the one established franchise that could take the most advantage of that extra power? Which is the one series that would benefit most from the tech boost? Which one could use more tech depth?

Me, I'm not going for something like Uncharted, as that franchise relies heavily on fantastic acting and writing, along with a host of other features that aren't necessarily dictated by technological capacity. I'd go with Grand Theft Auto, simply because it's the quintessential open-world adventure game that could likely use every scrap of next-gen power to blow us all away. Still, it doesn't have to be GTA; other sandbox franchises, such as The Elder Scrolls and Assassin's Creed could really do some amazing things with significantly more power.

Also, just bear in mind that some designers don't believe raw power and tech potential is the key to an advanced, progressive game. Quantic Dream boss David Cage has gone on the record several times saying that he "doesn't care" about technology, and he'd rather have game makers focus more on the storytelling and characters. He sees this medium through the prism of an artist, while most don't. So what do you say? What franchise would shine brightest when given fancy new hardware?

Tags: next generation, next gen, next gen games, grand theft auto, gta

11/25/2012 9:21:07 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (44 posts)

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wiiplay
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 9:53:55 PM
Reply

Call Of Duty!

Uh... did I really just say that?

Seriously though, Battlefield, Grand Theft Auto, Uncharted, Crysis and Metal Gear Solid are my picks.

4 up, 1 down

wiiplay
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 9:55:30 PM

As for a single series, I'd have to say Metal Gear Solid. Just imagine what could be done with the extra power...

2 up, 1 down

daus26
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:07:54 AM

Unless it's open world or something, I'm not sure how much better fps games can get. Of course, visually it can always get better, but outside of that, what else? Just curious on your thoughts to this.

Same with Uncharted as well. It already looks great this gen and unless it's open world, there's not much improvement to be seen. Next gen in my opinion is the need for huge scale games that runs various, advanced physics that is happening in real time, all the time. Unless we need an abundance more of explosions, fireworks, and lightshows I think games like fpshooters or Uncharted (linear games) would have little benefit outside of visuals.

0 up, 0 down

wiiplay
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @ 12:25:24 AM

@daus26: Uncharted could greatly benefit from powerful next generation hardware. Hardware doesn't just provide improved visuals. With more general storage capacity, the story from Uncharted could be far, far longer, and far more immersive.

I mean, imagine playing a story-focused game that is over 100 hours long. Now, imagine being able to interact directly with the characters using some form of advanced voice recognition system. You could literally have an entire conversation with Nathan Drake himself. This would only be possible on next generation hardware.

As for Battlefield? Well, I just like blowing sh!t up, and Battlefield certainly has a lot of destructible areas.
I guess that one would only benefit me personally, but if I could destroy an entire city, I'd be the happiest man alive.
(not sure if that's a good thing to brag about, though... I have a twisted mind, lol)

0 up, 0 down

Rogueagent01
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @ 4:28:29 PM

@Daus

Well to start the player count could be increased substantially. We already had MAG this gen with 256 players and the next gen tech could offer up a much larger number. As well the enviroments in both size and destructability. Then you could also have true warfare where you could have air, land, and sea battles all within the same map/room. The things that a shooter could gain from more power is only limited by the developers imagination and programming capabilities. Each generation has seen the FPS/TPS genre explode with options and I believe next gen will be the same.

Don't get me wrong I don't think there is a genre out there that couldn't benefit from more power, and as such I will not even name a franchise as I believe they will all benefit greatly.

0 up, 0 down

FAREEZ
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 10:21:51 PM
Reply

definitely Kojima and naughty dog game, and GTA too...

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:02:40 PM
Reply

Gran Turismo.

6 up, 0 down

daus26
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:27:06 AM

I promise you guys, the people at PD is desperate for more power. Kaz and PD is one of the few folks that actually OVER-estimated the PS3 as they did with the PS2. If you listen to Kaz's interviews, there were a lot of things he plans to do in the respective current gen tech, and many of them never gets accomplished.

GT5 is the only racing game that tries to do 16 cars, dynamic weather, 60fps, dynamic day/night time change, dynamic lighting, interior view, damage, 1280X1080p and super advanced physics all at once in a huge scaled track like the Nurbrugring 24hr.... all with 256MB RAM and VRAM! They tried to do too much and it showed some obvious drawbacks and shortcomings, but nothing problematic to casuals I don't think. Still, they could use a lot of extra power.

3 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 8:42:54 AM

A simulator can always use more power, yeah. Very true.

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/26/2012 8:43:23 AM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:03:26 PM
Reply

I know this generation hasn't given any reason to believe me but it's still Final Fantasy. If they used the tech to actually create a whole PS1-style world with all possible upgrades that this tech provides, it could once again be a globe-trotting epic in a huge world.

Re-introduce character development and emotions and the tech could be used to bring the gamer even closer to the party members than ever before.

So much is possible if devs stop thinking inside the same old boxes.

3 up, 0 down

daus26
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:32:08 AM

That's why I want to see FFvsXIII so bad. It's the only FF title this gen that will probably show what a true current gen FF title can be with the PS3. FFXIII barely showed anything and was actually a downgrade RPG-wise in gameplay and features. FFvsXIII seems to have everything and even vehicle and airship control?

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 10:14:36 AM

I'm convinced the PS3 power not being enough for a world map and airship is complete BS. I've no doubt it's just an excuse for why they didn't do it. Rest assured, the next gen will come will all it's power, and we still won't have those things. Not because they can't... but because they suck.

1 up, 0 down

Clamedeus
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:27:19 PM
Reply

I would love to see a new Tenchu or Bushido Blade game on next-gen hardware. But I know that's not going to happen. /sadpanda

But on a serious note. Gran Turismo, Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid. I know I'm missing some, I will let others fill those blanks in.

1 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:39:53 PM
Reply

Halo, Gears of War, Forza and Fable.

Seeing as they were on the inferior HD console this gen, I'm looking forward to seeing what the next Xbox could do. Halo 3 just looked like a 720p Xbox original game, Gears was great, but many have surpassed it since. Forza looks and sounds amazing!! But there's still so much it can do. Fable just needs to stop before it digs its grave any deeper.

Uncharted 3, God of War 3, Killzone 2, Battlefield 3, The Last of Us, Heavy Rain, Beyond Two Souls, Metal Gear Solid Ground Zeroes, GTA V, ALL of these games showed and will show just how cutting edge the PS3 still is! (Shame about the gimped RAM though, otherwise the PS4 wouldn't have been necessary for another 2 or 3 years)

My choice for next gen... GTA. I wanna see intelligent AI NPC's, increased viewing distance and little to no pop-in. Here's hoping the PS4 will have the rumoured 10GB RAM to make this a reality.

Then Uncharted, I wanna see just how far Naughty Dog can push that incredible franchise!

Next, Assassin's Creed. I just know Ubi can do amazing things with it next gen.

Most importantly, I want the old and great games of this gen to be playable on the PS4, if not through disc, then through download. DO NOT limit it to streaming!! Some of us don't have that kinda net speed or download limit!!

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:18:21 AM

That rumor is false, the 10GB number makes no sense from a system design standpoint. It will be 2, 4 or 8GB. Even with discrete video memory, there would need to be 2GB of video and 8G of system memory to make a total of 10GB, and you'd never quote the total that way in any case.

Last edited by Highlander on 11/26/2012 3:19:19 AM

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:37:41 AM

Also remember that console games are much more optimized than PC games so it wouldn't need 10gb RAM to pull off what you mention there. Just think how games like GTAV and MGS: GZ can work with only 256MB of RAM/VRAM and a 6 year old graphics card in the PS3. 10GB sounds a bit overkill.

0 up, 0 down

SirLoin of Beef
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 1:52:01 PM

The jump in graphics/animation from Halo 3 to Halo 4 was pretty high, especially WRT the facial animations. After playing it, I'm really looking forward to seeing what 343i can do with the next-gen Xbox. And yeah, Fable... that should be put down.

If Bethesda can get their act together, I think the Elder Scrolls games will be amazing.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:43:02 PM
Reply

I think I'd have to call a tie between GT5(or 6) & MGS.

0 up, 0 down

Knightzane
Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:53:29 PM
Reply

Anything nintendo.

1 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 1:52:50 AM

God knows they need it.

1 up, 2 down

Solid Fantasy
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 1:18:48 AM
Reply

It would be easy to say anything open world or shooter like, but if the developers are talented enough they should be able to utilize any amount of hardwear no matter what the genre. For puzzle games, you could arguably do fine on low end specs, but portal proved otherwise.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 1:54:48 AM
Reply

I hope a Dragon's Dogma followup effort is on the next gen, I think with better tech the giant-monster-climbing mechanic could be something really special if handled very smoothly.

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 2:09:19 AM
Reply

If I were to say one single franchise it would have to be Elder Scrolls (Skyrim), obviously. Then we'd even have a game that works, plus the DLCs...

But any open world/sandbox title would heavily benefit from it, especially in regards to persistence. As it stands today they all have to throw everything out of memory as fast as possible. it'll be great to widen that bottleneck some.

1 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:09:02 AM
Reply

Hopefully, every single game can benefit from new machines.

1 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 4:03:41 AM
Reply

Obviously MGS, Kojima already reached the limit of this gen 4 years ago.

2 up, 0 down

___________
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 5:07:23 AM
Reply

hell no!
GTA would be THE WORST candidate, any open world game would be!
open world games always take more juice than smaller linear corridor shooters so to speak, so there would be a smaller noticeable difference.
KZ or something like that would benefit from it allot more!
come to think of it, id kill to see SOCOM come back as a ps4 launch title!

1 up, 4 down

Beamboom
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 7:24:32 AM

I'm pretty sure KZ ended up the way it did because of Move, not because they had to (from a hardware perspective). There's plenty shooters who are less cramped and linear than KZ (thank god...), while still looking good.

2 up, 1 down

___________
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 8:51:51 AM

cant get much more linear than KZ!
especially the half a$$ed jungle stealth levels from 3, they were annoying as hell!

0 up, 2 down

Beamboom
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 9:19:18 AM

Can't get more linear? Cue Uncharted. :)

No but Uncharted is a whole division better than KZ, imho, and I'm no Uncharted fan. KZ3 was criminally overrated.

2 up, 1 down

bigrailer19
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 11:12:01 AM

I don't understand why Your stuck on Uncharted being linear! That's the type of game it is. It's about story telling and pacing. The set pieces, the dialogue, the gameplay is all set up to experience a story. It should never get scrutinized for doing what it's not only supposed to but what it's good at and getting tons of awards for. Maybe I should just give up on trying to convince you otherwise! ;)

Alas, I know you're a sand box fanatic, but I'm a story and gameplay guy. I gotta tell ya there's sandbox games that just are not good at telling a story, but I still enjoy them because of the gameplay.

Also I think we share the same enthusiasm for co-op games. By the way have you gotten Borderlands 2, yet?

Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/26/2012 11:15:27 AM

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 2:54:46 PM

I'm stuck on Uncharted being linear because it *is* linear. Love it or hate it buddy, I'm just stating facts here. :)

I would not say I am a sandbox *fanatic*, especially if that implies that I don't enjoy a good story - cause I do. But had the Uncharteds been movies I'd not bother to watch them, and that pretty much is where my relationship with Uncharted ends. But hey - that's fair enough, isn't it?

I finally got Borderlands 2! My coop buddy and I only had the chance to play it a few hours one evening so far, but I just know we will love it.

I also got started on Dishonored, and that too has been a great experience. Love the atmosphere , and find the story to be pretty interesting too - at least so far but I've barely scratched the surface of it yet.

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/26/2012 2:55:57 PM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 5:34:52 PM

I think that BigRailer's point is that complaining about Uncharted being linear is like complaining that string is linear. It's meant to be linear, it's designed in a chapter format like the old movie serials. There's no point complaining about it in any way because it is meant to be that way.

Love it or hate it is irrelevant. If you don't like it as a game or story, that's one thing. But complaining about linearity when that is the nature of the beast seems rather pointless.

3 up, 0 down

___________
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @ 8:17:31 AM

KZ is FAR more linear than what uncharted is!
at least that tries to have open battlefields so you can choose where and how you want to take out your enemies.
verticality for instance, KZ doesent it forces you to stay on the same plane as your enemies and pop and shoot.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @ 8:28:17 AM

Well, in all fairness, I didn't *complain* about the linearity. Not this time. I merely stated a title that had a more linear gameplay than KZ3. I even give Uncharted a compliment.

It's you guys who take "linear" as a negative thing now. :)

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/27/2012 8:30:31 AM

0 up, 0 down

friction
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 6:08:36 AM
Reply

Insomniac's Resistance, one of the first releases on the ps3 took my breath away.
I could see them pulling something similar off, Fuse?

2 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 7:46:03 AM
Reply

It's going to be Uncharted, MGS or Elder Scrolls. If I had to pick one it would be Uncharted. No developer took the PS3 and raised the bar higher than any developer could ascend. They are very talented and I expect Uncharted 4 to be unlike anything we have seen before.

Last edited by CrusaderForever on 11/26/2012 7:47:18 AM

1 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 9:04:38 AM
Reply

I do think too that open world style games have a lot to benefit from by adding extra memory and processing. I remember thinking a similar thing during the prior gen. That given more power and memory open world games like GTA and Elder Scrolls would explode in their believability.
When looking at this gen I think it's fair to say open world franchises like Assassins Creed, infamous, red dead, far cry, the elder scrolls just couldn't be accomplished without losing a lot of what makes them so special to so many gamers without the tech that enabled it.
Does anyone remember the foggy, load zone riddled Morrowind of the prior gen? It didn't really draw in the same buzz as it does now with Skyrim..
Anyhow, racers, fighters, and platformers have and could exist with pleasing results that didn't leave a whole to the imagination during prior generations.
Sure the graphics got heck of more detailed but the very design of these types haven't changed all that much.
I still see massive potential for open world expression, given the added tech.

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 9:23:39 AM

Totally agree, Temjin. Open world games have been too restricted so far, the potential complexity of an open world game is practically endless.

So *massive* potential, yes indeed.

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 11:44:15 AM

Temjin, your avatar is sick!!

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 12:05:08 PM

Ah, Snaaaake, you know the game I take it?

0 up, 0 down

Hand_of_Sorrow
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 11:13:17 AM
Reply

imo, it'll have to be a PS4 exclusive, so i'm going with ND/Uncharted.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 11:17:36 AM
Reply

I think we will be completely surprised with what ND can do on next gen systems, so I'm going with Uncharted. Not because it will benefit the most, but I absolutely believe that series will again set the bar on how we view games and what these consoles are capable of.

0 up, 0 down

Axe99
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 4:20:26 PM
Reply

BIRDS OF STEEL 2! OK, more seriously, I'd say you're on the money Ben - those open-worlders are pretty resource-hungry, and are the obvious choice. I reckon we'll be pretty well spoiled across all genres though - my main concern is that dev tools keep up with the greater level of detail, so that the cost of development doesn't rise and we don't get an even greater narrowing of the genres that we've seen this gen (where there's still variety, but it's mainly in the long tail).

0 up, 0 down

Dirt
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @ 5:42:36 PM
Reply

Just Cause 3 on a next-gen engine? Yes, please. JC2 was huge enough, and the detail for a game that big was pretty good. With enough processing power they could make a map 5 times as big and 10 times more explorable. Maybe even 500 unique cars, planes, boats, choppers, bikes, and other vehicles instead of 100+.

Uhhhh, I'm drooling here just thinking about it.

1 up, 0 down

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