Fewer Nazis, More Dinosaurs: Ending Video Game Generics

There are many aspects of video games that have become so common that they’re almost generic. From the source material from which the story is derived, to the enemies we rack up points and experience fighting, and even the characters with whom we control and interact. I’m not asking for anything innovative; there are some things that have been used in video games before that could stand to be used again–and in some cases, used on a grander scale than they have in the past.

Prey's Domasi "Tommy" Tawodi

A lot of games incorporate various mythologies into them, often using various stories, figures, and legends from the Celtic, Norse, or Greek pantheon. But one culture rich in myth that has seldom been utilized is that of the Native Americans. With each tribe having their own unique legends and stories, a whole game could potentially be based upon the mythology of a single tribe. It could also be a great way to share and preserve the various Native American cultures, possibly even raise money for Native American college funds.

Not only have Native American mythologies been seldom used, there have also been few Native American characters in video games. While some have been featured in various fighting games, few games have been specifically about a Native American character. Prey is a prime example, and I can only further add to the desire for the sequel we’ve long been promised. Turok is another good example, but this series has been disappointing and needs some improvement. More games featuring Native American main characters like these would be welcome.

Speaking of Turok, I’d also like to see more games with dinosaurs as enemies. There’s no doubt that Nazis, zombies, and aliens are fun to mow down with a machine gun or whatever the game’s equivalent might be, but they’ve been in so many games they’ve kind of become generic. While 300 left me with a thirst for Persian blood, and as an American I’d love to go FPS on some Red Coats, one of my favorite not-so-generic video game enemies has been dinosaurs. Turok along with DinoCrysis and the various Jurassic Park games are some of the only titles to provide the kind of dinosaur pwning I’d like to see more of (don’t even think of mentioning Star Fox Adventures). The size element alone could provide an experience similar to that of Shadow of the Colossus.

Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy? You are!

Lastly, let’s talk rhythm games. As much as I love them, the competition between Guitar Hero and Rock Band has really made it less enjoyable, especially when it comes to them competing for exclusive songs and artists to have on their games. What about some original songs? It’s cool that gamers are composing their own, but one of the reasons I loved PaRappa the Rappa and Gitaroo Man was because they offered such unique and funky songs. Is such a request in these times too much to ask? Besides, game developers could always make more money by selling the songs as MP3s or on a CD, and in the end, that’s mostly what they care about.

If you have any suggestions or thoughts on elements that have been seldom used in video games that you’d like to see more of, or just some thoughts on how to make games less generic, then leave a comment!