Sometimes, we underestimate the dramatic changes we've seen in this industry over the past several decades.

And very often, we don't realize that as we get older and as the games continue to change (most have grown with us), we actually experience this hobby differently.

Sure, I was always enraptured when playing my RPGs. I wasn't sitting there with a goofy smile on my face; I was probably pretty intent on what I was doing and though I adored what I was doing, it was a different sort of adoration. It was a different sort of happiness. But as very few games these days are constructed like traditional RPGs, I don't experience them in the same way and as such, I react differently.

Same goes for most modern games when compared to "old" games like, for example, Ratchet & Clank . I never realized just how significant the change is until I sat down and played the recently released remake. After a few hours, it dawned on my that I had spent the majority of my time grinning at the screen. Then I asked myself- "When's the last time you did that?" When's the last time a video game elicited this feeling of pure, engaged entertainment?

Last year, my favorite game was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (and I actually hope Blood and Wine really does hold off until June , just so I have time to sink my teeth into it). I'd say my other favorites were Assassin's Creed Syndicate , Rocket League , Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain , Until Dawn , Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, and The Order: 1886. All very different and yet, none of them had the same effect on me as R&C.

The point is, I can't remember the last time a game did have this effect. Just happy as a clam, running around, not wanting to stop, enjoying every ounce of the production. You don't have to think very hard about anything, there's nothing dark or gritty or dirty or grimy to get in the way of the carefree fun, and while there's certainly depth, there isn't enough to make you sit, lost in thought. No, this is just fun. And I've completely forgotten that video games did this at one point.

I'll probably write up my review on Saturday but consider this a preview. And yeah, a big recommendation, especially to those older gamers who might have an inkling of what I'm talking about. 🙂

Related Game(s): Ratchet and Clank

Last week, a highly anticipated PlayStation 4 exclusive went gold .

Not it's another exclusive's turn.

As developer Insomniac revealed at their Twitter page , the upcoming Ratchet & Clank remake, built from the ground up specifically for Sony's new console, has also gone gold.

If you're unfamiliar with the term, this means development is done and the game is ready to be manufactured. Evidence of that can be found in the Insomniac Tweet, which features a screenshot of the first PS4 disc proof:

In addition to drastically enhanced graphics, the new effort will also boast more of just about everything; planets, weapons, bosses, etc. It will even include a modernized control scheme, which should make the game feel "normal" as opposed to "old." The estimated length of the game is 10-12 hours (though I remember fans playing for a lot longer than that) and it will retail for only $40. The launch date is now solidified for April 12, and don't forget that the feature animated film will follow shortly after on April 29.

They just recently released a totally awesome Story Trailer and for more amazing media, check this out: