All Things Virtual 1.0

The end of the cycle.

We are reaching the end of the first cycle of the current generation, scheduled to cease officially once the Playstation 3 launches. The industry waxes glamorous and self-important PR types bemuse the throng with promises of better virtual experiences. The oversaturated market that caters to the mediocre is ripening for upheaval. Change is inevitable. Evolution. Revolution. Revision. Subversion.
Millions consume without a second thought for the artistry, the proverbial blood and sweat that has gone into the creation of the object of consumption. Nothing more than fodder for the masses; more diversions to keep the feeble from taking a glance at the world's current reality. It's all a ruse, after all. Our holy medium become nothing but a scapegoat for the powers. Seek further refuge within the womb of virtuality.
Where will this end up going? The outcome, one hopes, will be what seems inevitable. The acceptance of the medium as a proper art form. Its detractors made to eat their own vacuous critiques and arguments. Egos deflated. Demonization abolished. Hypocrisy, alas, never obliterated.

I must now focus on the brilliant highlights that accompany this cycle's wane. The pearls and diamonds that shall make the inanity of living the rat race more bearable. To some, these will lull creativity to slumber. To others, it will ignite the flame of imagination, sowing the seeds for the artists of tomorrow.

Final Fantasy XII: A game that, were it not for Mitsuno-san's direction, I would not have spared a second thought for. As it is, having read myriad reviews of the japanese version, my interest was more than justifiably deserved. Now it borders on fascination. I am enthralled. The change that has befallen a near stagnant series is a gift of the JRPG gods - the existence of which I've often wondered about myself - who had hitherto lain dormant and unheeding of the faithful. Could it be that the longest Final Fantasy to date coincides with being the best? I can only pass judgement once I've partaken in it's bounty upon it's imminent release later this year.

Okami: Ookami. Wolf. The art direction. The gameplay. The subtext. Who can look upon a game like this one and say that videogames are not art? Like Shadow of the Colossus and Ico before it, Okami is a refination of ideals within the craft. Though more child-friendly in presentation, it is nonetheless an awe-inspiring work of art.

Zelda Twilight Princess: Regarded by the masses as what may very well be the BEST Zelda ever. A rather lofty claim in light of the lack of an actual release yet. Two versions to contend with. The Gamecube version will sport traditional gameplay and current-gen graphics. The Wii version, however, promises to provide a new game experience the likes of which have never been experience within an adventure game prior, haralding the "revolution" Nintendo intends for the industry. One can already feel the sleep hours draining as obsession sets in comfortably in the mind's innermost sanctum.

These are the last Crown Jewels to be placed upon this generation's tiara. The last sparkles on its radiant halo. One can only wander if the swan song cycle of this generation will bring similar fruits to bear.