Mirror's Edge (the only game in recent memory that looked interesting to me) seems to brag that it doesn't have you "unlock" features as you go along -- your ch

Mirror's Edge (the only game in recent memory that looked interesting to me) seems to brag that it doesn't have you "unlock" features as you go along -- your character can always do everything, but you seem to gain skills simply because you come across geometry that allows it. They liken this to Prince of Persia, which I have not played but apparently was similar. Many other classic games (and most of my favorites) follow the same pattern. I do not think Tetris or Pac-Man would be better if you "unlocked" features on higher levels. I do wish my text editor was better, but I want to make programming more like other successful cooperative creative activities. Maybe a Brooks surgical team, or an orchestra, would be more appropriate inspiration. Part of me is sad that our craft seems to be losing its "take 10 years to really learn your tools". Just because "Rock Band" is a hit doesn't mean the Seattle Symphony is struggling to find musicians.