Early console games either used a password based saving system or none at all. Later on, certain games (Final Fantasy for example) had a small battery, allowing game data to be saved aboard the cartridge's RAM. Save points were used because at the time, it wasn't possible to allow on-the-fly saving on most console games because of the game state being too complex or large for the game's memory/card/whatever. This mechanic is a perfect example of something created through technological limitation, carrying through games today.
SPOILER ALERT! An article about game endings naturally spoils the endings to games. I know that there are more that should be mentioned, but there are quite a few games that I have never played, finished, or just don't remember enough of.
- I like endings that to some wrap the story up to some extent.
- I like endings that rren't complete brain fucks (I love you like my own flesh and blood FFVII, but your ending was....yeah)
- I like endings that are a culmination of these 3 qualities: The game's story, context, and what the player has experienced.
- Game endings don't always have to be happy and cheery.
- Game endings don't always have to be depressing esoteric shitfests (anime ending syndrome).
- I like game endings with epic music. Of the favorites listed below, I vividly remember Mega Man 3, Final Fantasy VIII, and Portal because of the music. Epic epic music.
