Speaking more to prior post, but still--Yeah I agree, but last gen was the same. Just look at 2015. What did you have? FFXV maaaybe, and just in terms of graphics?? MGSV and it was crossgen and multiplatform. Mmmm Dragon Age Inquisition? The Ubisoft's releases were a disaster...
The biggest issue is COVID upended a LOT of game development, plus the massive economic slowdown resulted in many people clinging to their PS4s, either from an inability to afford the new one, or due to supply constraints unable to find one. It was almost impossible to find a PS5 for nearly two years.
As such, many development studios had to continue to pursue last-generation versions for much longer than they probably originally intended, as that was where the install base continued to be.
It also didn't help(and many devs have spoken to this) that Microsoft shouldn't have done a lesser-powered system with devs already stretched thin. I think the Series S was a mistake and should've been done differently or not at all.
As such, you have had a large gap wherein developers just haven't been able to break free to harness the power these new systems truly provide.
Only a couple of studios(mainly Geurilla and Insomniac) have put forward games that were next-gen only. Horizon is an incredible visual feast.
Last of Us Part 1 looks great, but was more just rebuilt with TLOU2 engine. We haven't seen what Naughty Dog can truly do, but rest assured it'll look fantastic.
Final Fantasy XVI is made by the man who arguably made one of gaming's biggest comeback/resurrection stories in history with Final Fantasy XIV, so I have a lot of confidence in it being a winner.
The systems themselves have a lot of power under the hood and they'll increase in visual pop over time as developers move into prominent development this year and next.
But the GAAS thing needs to pump the brakes--people want strong single-player titles, which is why I think Shenmue IV is so important for folks like us.
GAAS just leads to ugly monetization--look at the current dumpster fire that is Overwatch 2..they literally *cancelled* the entire PvE component which is WHY IT WAS MADE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Now it's a watered down Overwatch 1 with less features than the original game, a nasty cash-grab battle pass and a hoard of balance issues.