Old Video Game Features I Miss. And New Ones I Like

Video games have been around now for over 50 years!

A lot has changed and evolved in that time. Features/trends have come and gone, and there are definitely some old ones I miss, but also new ones I like. So let’s dive into them!

First, old features I still yearn for.

1. Manuals:

By the start of the 8th gen of consoles, manuals were pretty much all gone, as they were brought into the digital world. From an economic standpoint, it makes sense. But it seems the games don’t come with the traditional manual in a digital form now.

I love physically holding something, flipping through the pages, and having to see the world the developers have created. Especially when it shows characters, a brief description of the world/setting, lore, anything like that. It prepares you even more to dive into the game. It brings it more to life. I wish at least they took the physical format into the digital realm even more, so at least you have a similar experience. Having an almost empty case is so disheartening.

Manuals, like Halo and Indiana Jones, add flare and understanding to the game's world.

2. Putting Discs In and Not Having to Install:

Oh this is one I really, really, really miss. The old days of just putting the cartridge/disc in, and the games just starts up and you can play right away. Now, because of the graphical/technical prowess of the games and consoles, you gotta install the games before playing. It’s even worse when it’s an online update, so the speed depends on your internet, but even if it’s an offline game, it’s still slow, and I hate it. After waiting so long, I love getting a game for Christmas or my birthday, but now I have to factor in the install time before I can play. You gotta wait to have fun now, an extra step/bump in the road. And while faster SSDs have improved download speeds, it’s not going away, and it still sucks.

3. Cheat Codes:

This one isn’t entirely gone, but it’s not as big now. Back in the day, cheat codes were huge, and the way to unlock them was really fun. You had to work, and find those codes to use them. Now, developers are so specific with the way you can play you can’t make your own fun. Or they try not advertising it so much, like they really want to hide it from you. Who cares if it breaks the game? Who are you hurting? Players will play it the way it’s made/intended for, but after, let’s have some extra fun! Some games/companies still do them, like the Halo games with Skulls you need to find, Naughty Dog with Uncharted and The Last of Us, and Doom Eternal. While they’re now called “gameplay modifiers,” they can help or hinder you, providing a greater challenge. Just a shame they aren’t prominent now, some new games can benefit with the extra fun.

4. Split-Screen:

I miss playing with friends on the couch. Gaming was always about (physical) social interaction.

Like cheat codes, this one isn’t entirely gone, but feels like it. Split-screen was what made games fun, and now, it’s all online only. You’re either a massive online live-service game, or a single player only. There’s no sense of community now. No memories of hanging out with your friends in the basement, playing the same game together, making a night of it. It feels hollow. While Nintendo is a big proponent of split-screen, most other companies have done away with it. This is one  really, really, really miss. My favorite series, Halo, unfortunately has done away with this features for Halo 5 and Infinite. And it’s really soured my enjoyment of those games. If companies are doing this to force players to buy more consoles/games, they’re stupid. If players like those games, they’ll buy their own copy. For when they feel like playing by themselves, or don’t have the time to get together with others. This features needs a massive comeback.

5. Mission Select:

This one’s a bit weird. It mostly applies to open world games. Linear games like Uncharted, Halo, still have this. But if you’re an open world game, it doesn’t exist. It’s actually a big factor in me deciding to get into that game or not. Back in the 7th generation of consoles, open world games still had the ability to access missions, even if it was just the main ones. Rockstar in particular was great at this, because of their open-world design and mission layout that still had the ability to play like a linear game. Now with RPG-like skill trees, abilities, and mechanics, it’s probably harder to factor in how to create that linear mission. The reason I turn away from those games is because they’re so massive and long, I don’t want to restart. Especially if I feel like playing this specific mission now, I can’t. I have to go through the whole game up to that point. And if there’s a mission I don’t like, it sucks. And rarely do I find a game that’s consistent in its story and mission quality the entire time. Let me have choice and freedom! While some developers do bring mission select in a patch several months after launch, it’s a rarity. The mainstay is New Game +, which is good, because you can speed through those parts you don’t want to do. But still, let me replay missions. Especially because I might forget chunks of the story. It’s even worse when you have to completely restart the game, which means missions, story, and abilities. I don’t want to rework everything! At least give me New Game +. It’s like a regression. Not having mission select is like watching a VHS tape, instead of DVD. This feature needs to be a staple, especially in open-world games.

Well, those are features I miss, but what about new ones I like?

1. Photo Mode:

This photos was taken using photo mode, and while it doesn't turn you into a professional photographer, I believe it does help you gain some basic understanding.

A relatively new feature, that exploded in the 8th gen consoles. I love this one, it’s easily my favorite. The ability to get lost in the world, especially open world games, with photo mode, is addictive. Some games I’ve taken hundreds of photos! Because the art style, gameplay, all work so well in photo mode. And the UI is a big factor. The perfect ability to be easily accessible to use and understand, but being deep for more photography fanatics, a wide variety of features o take different types of photos. Ghost of Tsushima, Red Dead 2, Assassin’s Creed, are just a few examples of excellent photo modes. It really allows you to shine your creativity. This also extends to the share/capture buttons on controllers, the ability to create videos, especially in multiplayer games, capture those epic, or silly, moments. And it’s exploded on YouTube, and communities. And this all ties in with Forge, the ability to custom create maps, pioneered in Halo. This is easily a great new feature.

2. Customizing Controller/Hud:

I like this feature because it allows you to change how the HUD looks for you. Maybe get rid of it entirely, for a more immersive experience, especially with shooters. In regards to the controller, maybe you want certain buttons to do another feature, tuned to your choice and preference. These features allow you to have a slightly different experience, but more in line with your tastes and preference to experience the game. A simple feature that allows for more customization.

3. Checkpoints/Auto-Save:

A feature that’s been around for a while now, it’s something we all take for granted. In open-worlds, having auto save is huge. No more manually needing to do it on your own, or always remembering it. Cause if you die, all your progress is gone! This allows you to just focus on the game. Checkpoints are great because games aren’t as punishing now. Some old games I have where you die and have to restart the level, can be very frustrating, especially if it’s a long level. Checkpoints allow you to access the game more easily, and have more fun. While at times you can remove these features if you want a challenge, I prefer just enjoying the game and not stressing out.

4. Cross-Platform:

A very recent experience that’s taken off, cross-platform has blurred or outright removed the lines in the console wars. Especially in regards to online competitive, or cooperative games. It enlarges the community, and extends a games life cycle. You connect with others you might not have otherwise if locked behind one system. Many publishers and developers have embraced and encouraged this. And it’s optional for the players. It’s a feature that has somewhat changed the way consoles are thought of now, but it allows for a larger community.

5. Achievements:

Pioneered with the Xbox 360, achievements/trophies have created this meta way we experience games. I love, love unlocking them! It provides a fun different way to experience the game, a new challenging way potentially. Unfortunately, there are achievements that you unlock simply for completing a game, or on a certain difficulty, or point in the story. It’s standard and boring. A way for developers/publishers to gauge player interest/completion, especially in regards to the length of a game. Those achievements ae useless! And now, most achievements aren’t as fun or unique, because in-game challenges are used instead, which is still fun. But I love looking back at the achievements and Gamerscore for my games. Gives me a sense of accomplishment for them. Makes me wonder what older games with this features would’ve had for achievements. And progress trackers are nice, especially with grinding (which also sucks for achievements). While this feature isn’t as prominent, it’s still a staple for every game not done by Nintendo. And it’s still enjoyable.

Love looking through seeing the different types of achievements I've accomplished.

Honourable Mention: Stats:

A feature that needs to be a staple for every game! I love seeing what stats I’ve logged with my time playing a game. It’s mainly featured in online games, but open-world games should do this to. Just a nice way for players to see what they’ve done in the game.

Well, those are the video game features I miss and new ones I love. What are some you want back, and new ones you like? Or even ones you want to see?! Comment below.