1996-2001.
I think it was the zenith of classical computer gaming. Many games from this era were spiritually built upon great games form previous ten years and creativity still seemed to be the main driving factor. Planescape: Torment, System Shock 2, Baldur's Gate Saga, Gothic etc. represent an ideal combination of good audiovisual quality, artistry, design and storytelling.
However, the most influential era was probably 1990 - 1995.
Ultima Underworld, Ultima 7, The Secret of Monkey Island, Wizardry 7, System Shock, nuff said. This is my second favourite era and the ultimate nostalgy-based era as well. Also, probably the last era of truly hardcore games.
For example, I still replay Wizardry 7 from time to time, and I'm always in awe how complete this game is: complex character development, many different kind of puzzles, tough and often strategic combat, vast world full of greatly designed dungeons, you name it. I remember it took me almost a year to finish it without a walkthrough!
Of course, the most creative era was 1980-1989 for obvious reasons but due to technical limitations not everything could be fully realised, at least as I'd like it to be.
In 21th century, the marketing/propaganda (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/elderscrolls4oblivion - see the difference between critic and user ratings, there may be some backslash after all ) has grown stronger and stronger and generally, the games seem to be devoid of substance, likely because the form is the main selling point. There are exceptions, of course, such as Witcher, which is hopefully part of a new trend emerging.
In conclusion, 1990-2001 was a great period in computer gaming history.
I've chosen 1996-2001 since nowadays I play games from this era much more often than from 1990-1995, but it still was a tough call.
I think it was the zenith of classical computer gaming. Many games from this era were spiritually built upon great games form previous ten years and creativity still seemed to be the main driving factor. Planescape: Torment, System Shock 2, Baldur's Gate Saga, Gothic etc. represent an ideal combination of good audiovisual quality, artistry, design and storytelling.
However, the most influential era was probably 1990 - 1995.
Ultima Underworld, Ultima 7, The Secret of Monkey Island, Wizardry 7, System Shock, nuff said. This is my second favourite era and the ultimate nostalgy-based era as well. Also, probably the last era of truly hardcore games.
For example, I still replay Wizardry 7 from time to time, and I'm always in awe how complete this game is: complex character development, many different kind of puzzles, tough and often strategic combat, vast world full of greatly designed dungeons, you name it. I remember it took me almost a year to finish it without a walkthrough!
Of course, the most creative era was 1980-1989 for obvious reasons but due to technical limitations not everything could be fully realised, at least as I'd like it to be.
In 21th century, the marketing/propaganda (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/elderscrolls4oblivion - see the difference between critic and user ratings, there may be some backslash after all ) has grown stronger and stronger and generally, the games seem to be devoid of substance, likely because the form is the main selling point. There are exceptions, of course, such as Witcher, which is hopefully part of a new trend emerging.
In conclusion, 1990-2001 was a great period in computer gaming history.
I've chosen 1996-2001 since nowadays I play games from this era much more often than from 1990-1995, but it still was a tough call.
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