I think Doom 3 looked kind of plasticy but Half-Life 2 just looked like a standard video game most of the time ... pretty flat really. Doom 3 was far more tangible looking ... so the experience was more vibrant for me.
Both of your observations on indies vs. professionals make no sense. Independent's are professionals, it just so happens that they put their own money where their mouths are instead of playing pimp and ho with the publisher. Additionally, they make games because they are truly inspired to do so ... instead of shoveling something out just because they need another pay day.
You should get paid for making a game, but you shouldn't make a game to get paid.
Both of your observations on indies vs. professionals make no sense. Independent's are professionals, it just so happens that they put their own money where their mouths are instead of playing pimp and ho with the publisher. Additionally, they make games because they are truly inspired to do so ... instead of shoveling something out just because they need another pay day.
You should get paid for making a game, but you shouldn't make a game to get paid.