Are critics and gamers becoming increasingly jaded? It seems as if now days in order for a game to gain respect it must not only have solid game-play but be innovative as well. Gamers are no longer happy with a good game that plays well. These days a title must be the next big thing or it earns the stigma that the "been there, done that" crowd has bestowed upon it .

 

  Why is it that a game can't just be a good solid game and be left at that. Everyone seems to feel the need to compare games to other games. Take for example Killzone 2. It was given good reviews but reviewers always had to add "it doesn't bring anything new to the genre" to the end of their reviews. Killzone 2 may not have broughten anthing new to the genre. It did borrow from Call of Duty, Gears of War, and the Rainbow Six series. At the same time though Killzone 2 pulls off all the borrowed game-play elements to perfection. Killzone 2 is it's own game and it stands on its own ground.

 

  The notion that a game must innovate in order to be worth playing should be put to rest. The whole mentality is holding the industry back. Last year the game 'Dark Sector' was a total bomb. Critics blasted it by labeling it as a Gears of War rip-off. The game was instantly doomed to bargain bin hell as soon as it was released. The only problem is anyone who has ever played the game can tell you it was a damn solid game with amazing visuals.  

 

  As a gamer let me say I love Gears of War and if there is another game out there that can give me a similar thrill I am all for it. I know I can't be alone in my urge for more Call of Duty, more God of War, and more Halo. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery then gamers and critics should be happy when they find a solid playing game that is fun. Enjoy a game on its own merits instead of comparing it to other games. I promise it will enhance the experiance.