Are there games that you tried but just couldn't get into because they feel outdated? Games that, in theory, you would enjoy, but don't because the controls, graphics, writing, or mechanics just don't feel good anymore. Games that, compared to today, just don't hold up to your standards.
I recently tried playing Heroes of Might and Magic III, and I realized that a lot of the invisible language used through game design from that era, I do not understand. There are many things that the game didn't explain, and I assume they were just understood by players. Not only that, but I imagine there was a lot of crossover between video games and board games back then, so maybe that language was used as well. I ended up downloading a manual and putting it on my second screen and I get it and played it, but it just wasn't for me.
I also dropped Mirror's Edge, but this time it was because of the graphics. It looks and feels great, but the graphics give me a headache. There is way too much bloom, and for some reason, there are some parts that look like the imaginary lens has been covered in Vaseline. This didn't bother me before, but my eyes are not used to it anymore.
There are also games like the first two Tony Hawk Pro Skater games that I can't fully get into because they're missing mechanics from the later games. The levels and controls feel great, but they don't feel complete without those mechanics. It keeps me from enjoying the games as much as the others.
Please share yours!
The vibes is exactly why HL1 was successful, but I agree it doesn't really hold up compared to modern games. I think Black Mesa brings it close to the same level of modern games, while still being HL1. It's still a lot of hallways (especially early on), as that's the setting of the game. BM just makes them look better and adds more detail the original couldn't have. It also adds physics, so it feels more alive.
HL2 was one of the first games with physics, and as such used physics as a gimmick too frequently in my opinion. It doesn't hold up as well as Black Mesa makes HL1 hold up. HL1 is just a shooter with an interesting story, and importantly never takes control away for cutscenes or anything, which was new for the genre. There's no gimmicks, just a good game.
At this point I'm definitely going to finish the game, so we'll see if my opinions change at the end of it all. If I'm still struggling to get into it I'll definitely give Black Mesa a shot so I appreciate the suggestion and clarification.
I guess my expectations were way out of whack because I'd heard nothing but praise of the game for 20 years.