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I've recently been pondering on what makes games so bloomin' great.
Yes, it's hyper-tension time whenever a new console arrives and 'those' screenshots start to appear promising graphics like you've never seen before etc. but I've worked it all out now!
The graphics and sound of any game are, of course, important aspects of any title today. If it looks and sounds like utter rubbish then it's not going to be the best gaming experience.
One thing that's much more important than those two things is the key moments in a game. You know what I'm talking about - that first event that makes you sit up and pay attention. A split second where that game becomes the most amazing thing that you've witnessed in a long time.
I'm sure that everyone has got their special moments in games and I want to share mine with you (and I hope in turn you'll get your best moments posted on here!).
So, in no particular order, here we go:
Goldeneye(N64): One of the best games ever on any system and that's an undisputed fact. Do I choose the bungee jumping from the Dam moment? The launching of the Space Shuttle level? No, I choose the very beginning of the game.
Take out the bloke by the tower, swipe his rifle and head up the tower. Two chaps are in the tunnel and you can zoom in on them with the acquired rifle, they can't even see you - tension mounts, BANG, down goes the first one (perhaps even dramatically). His mate heads towards you, quickly re-aim and BANG. RIP comrade. You've been playing for less than five minutes, you've killed three people and the game has barely begun. Genius.
Half Life (PC): Nobody would ever shut up about this damned game so I eventually caved in and bought it. Oh my god. Yes, Half Life has its faults but any game that starts by taking you on a movie style introduction including credits could well be something special.
Again, the one moment that sticks in my mind is near the beginning. You've made it to the test chamber, all is going well when it all goes pear shaped. An explosion, then the lights go out, you're surrounded by aliens - RUUUUUN!!!! Except they can't hurt you (something that you no doubt have discovered if you've played HL more than once and been brave and faced them later!). Everyone who's played Half Life must have a moment they loved. This is just one of mine.
Finally I'll go with the more recent Gran Turismo 3 (PS2):
The most over-hyped racing game ever? Absolutely - but GT3 had the guts to back it up too. As soon as movies and screenshots started to appear it was clear that this was going to be something very special. Then it arrived and you know the rest. It plays as well as ever, new and old tracks are to be found and plenty of cars if less than before.
The first drive was enough to show how amazing GT3 looked but the ultimate moment was that first replay.
I remember sitting there thinking how utterly stunning it looked - something that during play didn't seem so clear despite looking amazing.
Some parts of the replays looked, well, REAL. Wow.
Let's have it then - what are your best gaming moments ever? I expect that there will be many games appearing here...
Yes, it's hyper-tension time whenever a new console arrives and 'those' screenshots start to appear promising graphics like you've never seen before etc. but I've worked it all out now!
The graphics and sound of any game are, of course, important aspects of any title today. If it looks and sounds like utter rubbish then it's not going to be the best gaming experience.
One thing that's much more important than those two things is the key moments in a game. You know what I'm talking about - that first event that makes you sit up and pay attention. A split second where that game becomes the most amazing thing that you've witnessed in a long time.
I'm sure that everyone has got their special moments in games and I want to share mine with you (and I hope in turn you'll get your best moments posted on here!).
So, in no particular order, here we go:
Goldeneye(N64): One of the best games ever on any system and that's an undisputed fact. Do I choose the bungee jumping from the Dam moment? The launching of the Space Shuttle level? No, I choose the very beginning of the game.
Take out the bloke by the tower, swipe his rifle and head up the tower. Two chaps are in the tunnel and you can zoom in on them with the acquired rifle, they can't even see you - tension mounts, BANG, down goes the first one (perhaps even dramatically). His mate heads towards you, quickly re-aim and BANG. RIP comrade. You've been playing for less than five minutes, you've killed three people and the game has barely begun. Genius.
Half Life (PC): Nobody would ever shut up about this damned game so I eventually caved in and bought it. Oh my god. Yes, Half Life has its faults but any game that starts by taking you on a movie style introduction including credits could well be something special.
Again, the one moment that sticks in my mind is near the beginning. You've made it to the test chamber, all is going well when it all goes pear shaped. An explosion, then the lights go out, you're surrounded by aliens - RUUUUUN!!!! Except they can't hurt you (something that you no doubt have discovered if you've played HL more than once and been brave and faced them later!). Everyone who's played Half Life must have a moment they loved. This is just one of mine.
Finally I'll go with the more recent Gran Turismo 3 (PS2):
The most over-hyped racing game ever? Absolutely - but GT3 had the guts to back it up too. As soon as movies and screenshots started to appear it was clear that this was going to be something very special. Then it arrived and you know the rest. It plays as well as ever, new and old tracks are to be found and plenty of cars if less than before.
The first drive was enough to show how amazing GT3 looked but the ultimate moment was that first replay.
I remember sitting there thinking how utterly stunning it looked - something that during play didn't seem so clear despite looking amazing.
Some parts of the replays looked, well, REAL. Wow.
Let's have it then - what are your best gaming moments ever? I expect that there will be many games appearing here...
In Goldeneye when you get to drive a tank in the runway level :) And the sound of your first running over someone. "Crunch" :o)
Thats a classic.
Thats a classic.
The role of Sniper in many games is fun. Goldeneye especially.
One of my pesonal faves though is in Metal Gear Solid (PSX). When I saw that I was leaving footprints in the snow, I realised that this was going to be a completely different kind of gaming experience than what I had been used to !
Also, the end of Silent Hill (PSX) for me was a very special moment. I loved this game so much and I was quite sad to watch the credits roll and see the characters having fun and dancing around. I wait for Silent Hill 2.
One of my pesonal faves though is in Metal Gear Solid (PSX). When I saw that I was leaving footprints in the snow, I realised that this was going to be a completely different kind of gaming experience than what I had been used to !
Also, the end of Silent Hill (PSX) for me was a very special moment. I loved this game so much and I was quite sad to watch the credits roll and see the characters having fun and dancing around. I wait for Silent Hill 2.
I've recently been pondering on what makes games so bloomin' great.
Yes, it's hyper-tension time whenever a new console arrives and 'those' screenshots start to appear promising graphics like you've never seen before etc. but I've worked it all out now!
The graphics and sound of any game are, of course, important aspects of any title today. If it looks and sounds like utter rubbish then it's not going to be the best gaming experience.
One thing that's much more important than those two things is the key moments in a game. You know what I'm talking about - that first event that makes you sit up and pay attention. A split second where that game becomes the most amazing thing that you've witnessed in a long time.
I'm sure that everyone has got their special moments in games and I want to share mine with you (and I hope in turn you'll get your best moments posted on here!).
So, in no particular order, here we go:
Goldeneye(N64): One of the best games ever on any system and that's an undisputed fact. Do I choose the bungee jumping from the Dam moment? The launching of the Space Shuttle level? No, I choose the very beginning of the game.
Take out the bloke by the tower, swipe his rifle and head up the tower. Two chaps are in the tunnel and you can zoom in on them with the acquired rifle, they can't even see you - tension mounts, BANG, down goes the first one (perhaps even dramatically). His mate heads towards you, quickly re-aim and BANG. RIP comrade. You've been playing for less than five minutes, you've killed three people and the game has barely begun. Genius.
Half Life (PC): Nobody would ever shut up about this damned game so I eventually caved in and bought it. Oh my god. Yes, Half Life has its faults but any game that starts by taking you on a movie style introduction including credits could well be something special.
Again, the one moment that sticks in my mind is near the beginning. You've made it to the test chamber, all is going well when it all goes pear shaped. An explosion, then the lights go out, you're surrounded by aliens - RUUUUUN!!!! Except they can't hurt you (something that you no doubt have discovered if you've played HL more than once and been brave and faced them later!). Everyone who's played Half Life must have a moment they loved. This is just one of mine.
Finally I'll go with the more recent Gran Turismo 3 (PS2):
The most over-hyped racing game ever? Absolutely - but GT3 had the guts to back it up too. As soon as movies and screenshots started to appear it was clear that this was going to be something very special. Then it arrived and you know the rest. It plays as well as ever, new and old tracks are to be found and plenty of cars if less than before.
The first drive was enough to show how amazing GT3 looked but the ultimate moment was that first replay.
I remember sitting there thinking how utterly stunning it looked - something that during play didn't seem so clear despite looking amazing.
Some parts of the replays looked, well, REAL. Wow.
Let's have it then - what are your best gaming moments ever? I expect that there will be many games appearing here...
Yes, it's hyper-tension time whenever a new console arrives and 'those' screenshots start to appear promising graphics like you've never seen before etc. but I've worked it all out now!
The graphics and sound of any game are, of course, important aspects of any title today. If it looks and sounds like utter rubbish then it's not going to be the best gaming experience.
One thing that's much more important than those two things is the key moments in a game. You know what I'm talking about - that first event that makes you sit up and pay attention. A split second where that game becomes the most amazing thing that you've witnessed in a long time.
I'm sure that everyone has got their special moments in games and I want to share mine with you (and I hope in turn you'll get your best moments posted on here!).
So, in no particular order, here we go:
Goldeneye(N64): One of the best games ever on any system and that's an undisputed fact. Do I choose the bungee jumping from the Dam moment? The launching of the Space Shuttle level? No, I choose the very beginning of the game.
Take out the bloke by the tower, swipe his rifle and head up the tower. Two chaps are in the tunnel and you can zoom in on them with the acquired rifle, they can't even see you - tension mounts, BANG, down goes the first one (perhaps even dramatically). His mate heads towards you, quickly re-aim and BANG. RIP comrade. You've been playing for less than five minutes, you've killed three people and the game has barely begun. Genius.
Half Life (PC): Nobody would ever shut up about this damned game so I eventually caved in and bought it. Oh my god. Yes, Half Life has its faults but any game that starts by taking you on a movie style introduction including credits could well be something special.
Again, the one moment that sticks in my mind is near the beginning. You've made it to the test chamber, all is going well when it all goes pear shaped. An explosion, then the lights go out, you're surrounded by aliens - RUUUUUN!!!! Except they can't hurt you (something that you no doubt have discovered if you've played HL more than once and been brave and faced them later!). Everyone who's played Half Life must have a moment they loved. This is just one of mine.
Finally I'll go with the more recent Gran Turismo 3 (PS2):
The most over-hyped racing game ever? Absolutely - but GT3 had the guts to back it up too. As soon as movies and screenshots started to appear it was clear that this was going to be something very special. Then it arrived and you know the rest. It plays as well as ever, new and old tracks are to be found and plenty of cars if less than before.
The first drive was enough to show how amazing GT3 looked but the ultimate moment was that first replay.
I remember sitting there thinking how utterly stunning it looked - something that during play didn't seem so clear despite looking amazing.
Some parts of the replays looked, well, REAL. Wow.
Let's have it then - what are your best gaming moments ever? I expect that there will be many games appearing here...