A New Start for a New Year… for Ourselves and Others
There have been several times in my gaming history when I reached the horrific realization that I needed a fresh start… and I don’t mean simply resetting a checkpoint or […]
Curses Into Blessings
Video game antagonists talk a LOT of trash, considering that they were only created for the purpose of being defeated. Throughout the game, we are forced to endure their mockery as […]
The Purpose of Armor: Protection, not Prevention
I have found through experience that when a game provides items such as armor, helmets, or boots, they aren’t a recommendation… they are essential to survival. Try loading up a game […]
An Open World Prerequisite
Almost all games feature some form of linear progression as we play them, no matter how “open world” they claim to be. Even games that allow us to “take on […]
A Backstory that Conceals the Destiny?
Protagonists in video games don’t always have a backstory that indicates what their destiny will contain… who would have ever expected that a simple plumber named Mario would embark on […]
What “Favor” Really Looks Like
In theory, being a video game protagonist might sound like fun… but if I added up everything that I put them through, it isn’t a very compelling job offer. “Do you […]
The Uncomfortable Path to Becoming “More Than a Conqueror”
Most gaming protaganists are designed to be underdogs… massively outnumbered, woefully outgunned, and facing an overpowered and seemingly unstoppable opponent. But that’s what makes our co-dependent journey with them so rewarding… […]
Fresh Eyes on Today’s Battles
While I enjoy a dominating, landslide victory over my opponents as much as anyone, those aren’t the most satisfying matches I’ve experienced… they aren’t even the moments I talk about […]
Do All Roads Lead to Reapers?
I don’t always agree with every narrative choice the developers make in the games I play… if I was in charge, the story would have unfolded MUCH differently. Even in titles […]
Healing: Even Spartans Need a Break
Over the years, most games have replaced the traditional “med-packs” and health pickups we would use to heal ourselves with a much simpler form of health regeneration… seeking out a […]
Finding God in Video Games 