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Defining moments, emotional journeys, stunned silences, shouts of joy and even angry snarls - all elements of the so called "Third Place". The way we feel whilst playing a game is the most important element of computer entertainment. Every so often, a game arrives that will make a permanent home in your memory for years to come. It all depends on the individual person, so the games that have this effect vary greatly. They all have one important thing in common though - they could, and often do, change our lives forever
I have looked back over my short gaming history, and picked out the games I feel made a real impact on my life. Many have come close, such as Wipeout 2097`s fast paced style, Gran Turismo 3`s superbly polished visuals and Devil May Cry`s completely "cool" feel. However these haven`t been the games to really change me. Instead, I present the following four games, responsible for irreversibly altering my life:
Repton 3 (BBC) - My memories of the gameplay have become a little hazy over time, but one thing sticks in my mind above all else, and that is the fact that this was the first game I ever truly became addicted to. To be honest, I was never any good at it, and probably only completed a handful of levels (which compared to my Dad who completed it, was very poor). However, I was stuck to that game for many months, perhaps even years, marvelling at simple facts such as the character moving on screen according to your keyboard actions. This might seem silly, like a caveman discovering his first light switch, but to me at the time, it was the most fantastic experience a computer could ever provide.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Megadrive) - Back in the days of the Megadrive and SNES, I was completely unaware that console wars even existed. Nobody ever told me the SNES was better or vice versa, so I was completely content with my black box of magic tricks. My first game ever, Sonic the Hedgehog was such an amazing game to me, having only ever played on BBCs previously. "Look at the colours", "Its like real life", "Look how fast it is!" - all statements that at the time seemed completely true. Obviously looking back now, its easy to say it looked bad, but at the time this game was incredible. I remember getting completely stuck in the Labyrinth levels for months on end, and the eventual feeling of complete satisfaction when I finally progressed to the next level. Another point to mention is that this game has perhaps the most memorable cheat of all time as well, the level select - up, down, left, right, a + b + c + start - a cheat that most megadrive users still remember today.
Final Fantasy 7 (PS) - After a game like Sonic the Hedgehog, its easy to become used to following preset paths, with perhaps a single one-off fork in the road that only lasts for a minute or so. That fact made Final Fantasy 7 all the more impressive. On my first go, I got lost. Completely. Whilst lost is usually not a good thing, in a game, this was fantastic. It was so big!! I could wander about, end up in another area of Midgar, and talk to a random stranger sat in a cafe drinking a cup of coffee. After completing the game, I now have a map in my mind of the whole of the Final Fantasy world, but it still has holes, meaning that even after several times through the game, I can still take wrong turns. The second factor in making this game so memorable is what Square are best at, CG. The computer generated cut scenes in the game were actually prettier than real life. Sitting aboard a train in Midgar city, discussing what to do next, Cloud Strife, the hero of the game looks out over the city, and the CG kicks in to show the train moving past, whilst panning over the city. Never before had I been so impressed, and this game to me is the best ever, and I haven`t seen any previews to suggest this will change.
Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3 (PS2) - Life altering... but for different reasons. This game is perhaps the most addictive I have ever played. It began as a pleasant experience, but progressed onto a thoroughly enjoyable one, before long I was beginning to think it was the best thing since... well... the best thing. The gameplay really is ever expanding. However, this is not why it changed my life. I do not blame this game, as it is really my fault, but I allowed myself to be drawn into the games reach and away from important revision - a mistake I will have to avoid with Final Fantasy 10, expected during my next set of exams. It seems I am merely weak minded, but the power of this game was sufficient to hold my attention when I knew it shouldn`t, and that makes it a hugely powerful experience.
Four games, spread over four gaming platforms - can PS2 be the first to show me two life changing games? Will Metal Gear Solid 2 or Final Fantasy 10 have the same effect? I look forward to the future, and hope that all of you enjoy similar or perhaps even deeper gaming experiences. The potential is truly astounding.
I have looked back over my short gaming history, and picked out the games I feel made a real impact on my life. Many have come close, such as Wipeout 2097`s fast paced style, Gran Turismo 3`s superbly polished visuals and Devil May Cry`s completely "cool" feel. However these haven`t been the games to really change me. Instead, I present the following four games, responsible for irreversibly altering my life:
Repton 3 (BBC) - My memories of the gameplay have become a little hazy over time, but one thing sticks in my mind above all else, and that is the fact that this was the first game I ever truly became addicted to. To be honest, I was never any good at it, and probably only completed a handful of levels (which compared to my Dad who completed it, was very poor). However, I was stuck to that game for many months, perhaps even years, marvelling at simple facts such as the character moving on screen according to your keyboard actions. This might seem silly, like a caveman discovering his first light switch, but to me at the time, it was the most fantastic experience a computer could ever provide.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Megadrive) - Back in the days of the Megadrive and SNES, I was completely unaware that console wars even existed. Nobody ever told me the SNES was better or vice versa, so I was completely content with my black box of magic tricks. My first game ever, Sonic the Hedgehog was such an amazing game to me, having only ever played on BBCs previously. "Look at the colours", "Its like real life", "Look how fast it is!" - all statements that at the time seemed completely true. Obviously looking back now, its easy to say it looked bad, but at the time this game was incredible. I remember getting completely stuck in the Labyrinth levels for months on end, and the eventual feeling of complete satisfaction when I finally progressed to the next level. Another point to mention is that this game has perhaps the most memorable cheat of all time as well, the level select - up, down, left, right, a + b + c + start - a cheat that most megadrive users still remember today.
Final Fantasy 7 (PS) - After a game like Sonic the Hedgehog, its easy to become used to following preset paths, with perhaps a single one-off fork in the road that only lasts for a minute or so. That fact made Final Fantasy 7 all the more impressive. On my first go, I got lost. Completely. Whilst lost is usually not a good thing, in a game, this was fantastic. It was so big!! I could wander about, end up in another area of Midgar, and talk to a random stranger sat in a cafe drinking a cup of coffee. After completing the game, I now have a map in my mind of the whole of the Final Fantasy world, but it still has holes, meaning that even after several times through the game, I can still take wrong turns. The second factor in making this game so memorable is what Square are best at, CG. The computer generated cut scenes in the game were actually prettier than real life. Sitting aboard a train in Midgar city, discussing what to do next, Cloud Strife, the hero of the game looks out over the city, and the CG kicks in to show the train moving past, whilst panning over the city. Never before had I been so impressed, and this game to me is the best ever, and I haven`t seen any previews to suggest this will change.
Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3 (PS2) - Life altering... but for different reasons. This game is perhaps the most addictive I have ever played. It began as a pleasant experience, but progressed onto a thoroughly enjoyable one, before long I was beginning to think it was the best thing since... well... the best thing. The gameplay really is ever expanding. However, this is not why it changed my life. I do not blame this game, as it is really my fault, but I allowed myself to be drawn into the games reach and away from important revision - a mistake I will have to avoid with Final Fantasy 10, expected during my next set of exams. It seems I am merely weak minded, but the power of this game was sufficient to hold my attention when I knew it shouldn`t, and that makes it a hugely powerful experience.
Four games, spread over four gaming platforms - can PS2 be the first to show me two life changing games? Will Metal Gear Solid 2 or Final Fantasy 10 have the same effect? I look forward to the future, and hope that all of you enjoy similar or perhaps even deeper gaming experiences. The potential is truly astounding.
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2 Games really stick out in my head as all time favouites..
Metal Gear Solid (PS1) and Secret Of Mana (SNES). I love these games - can't wait for MGS2 and I'd love to see a new Secret Of Mana game on something like the PS2 :-)
Saying that though, Suikoden also kept my attention, I just loved the idea of meeting so many allies throughout the game and having them battle alongside you. It was excellent to me cause it was an RPG where any of the characters could die. The ones that suvived till the end of the game, you got to see a little ending about them, what they went on to do and stuff. Unfotunatly 1 character died in one of the battles when I was playing :-( Suikoden 3 is coming to PS2 though - hope its like the first game :-) Also with the allies, to get them on your side you had to meet them by finding them yourself, the story didn't particularly take you to every single one of them. Plus it was nice having your own castle in the game where everyone ended up staying ;-))
Ok, I've just ended up talking more about Suikoden than the original games I chose ;-)) Mind you I don't think MGS needs much explaining to most people on here ;-)
Think with Secret Of Mana, the option of having upto 3 players really got me at the time cause I've always liked co-operative modes in games so the idea of 3 players at that time on such a great game was amazing to me ;-))
Plus I just loved the story and everything, got really attached to it. Loved the music too - especially the music at the end just before you faced the last boss ;-)
Metal Gear Solid (PS1) and Secret Of Mana (SNES). I love these games - can't wait for MGS2 and I'd love to see a new Secret Of Mana game on something like the PS2 :-)
Saying that though, Suikoden also kept my attention, I just loved the idea of meeting so many allies throughout the game and having them battle alongside you. It was excellent to me cause it was an RPG where any of the characters could die. The ones that suvived till the end of the game, you got to see a little ending about them, what they went on to do and stuff. Unfotunatly 1 character died in one of the battles when I was playing :-( Suikoden 3 is coming to PS2 though - hope its like the first game :-) Also with the allies, to get them on your side you had to meet them by finding them yourself, the story didn't particularly take you to every single one of them. Plus it was nice having your own castle in the game where everyone ended up staying ;-))
Ok, I've just ended up talking more about Suikoden than the original games I chose ;-)) Mind you I don't think MGS needs much explaining to most people on here ;-)
Think with Secret Of Mana, the option of having upto 3 players really got me at the time cause I've always liked co-operative modes in games so the idea of 3 players at that time on such a great game was amazing to me ;-))
Plus I just loved the story and everything, got really attached to it. Loved the music too - especially the music at the end just before you faced the last boss ;-)
Well, NiGHTS! on the Saturn did it for me... and has done every time I've played it since.
The game is soooo phantasy based! The control and style of the games oozes originality- simply my favourite game ever. We need a sequal Naka-san!
Sonic
The game is soooo phantasy based! The control and style of the games oozes originality- simply my favourite game ever. We need a sequal Naka-san!
Sonic
Zelda:OOT man...
The bit where Link first pulls out the sword in the temple of time. Wicked scene. Will remember it forever. Quite afew scenes which I liked in there. Zelda probably had the biggest twist (for me anyway)...Finding out that that Shiek person was actually Zelda towards the end...I thought that she was he...
This is cool that it had so much impact on me even though it didnt actually have any speech in the game. Hopefully with all future zelda games there will be speech as I feel reading through text can sometimes completly spoil the atmosphere and feel of the game. Noticed this hugely with Rare's platformers on the N64. Banjo and Donkey kong 64 both involved reading alot of text to understand the story, and I found this annoying at times. Thier last platformer on the system (conker) changed all that and finally gave us speech :) THe game was much more enjoyable becasue of that and the atmosphere of the game was improved dramitically.
The bit where Link first pulls out the sword in the temple of time. Wicked scene. Will remember it forever. Quite afew scenes which I liked in there. Zelda probably had the biggest twist (for me anyway)...Finding out that that Shiek person was actually Zelda towards the end...I thought that she was he...
This is cool that it had so much impact on me even though it didnt actually have any speech in the game. Hopefully with all future zelda games there will be speech as I feel reading through text can sometimes completly spoil the atmosphere and feel of the game. Noticed this hugely with Rare's platformers on the N64. Banjo and Donkey kong 64 both involved reading alot of text to understand the story, and I found this annoying at times. Thier last platformer on the system (conker) changed all that and finally gave us speech :) THe game was much more enjoyable becasue of that and the atmosphere of the game was improved dramitically.
Blank wrote:
>A certain part of the game just pops into my head and I feel a real desire to play it again.
I find that as well. I`ll suddenly start thinking about Nanaki at his home village, or the first meeting with Sephiroth, or the first mission, or... (add insanle huge list of really amzing bits of the game here).
For a long time I thought I prefered FF8, but after FF7 it could never have the same impact. FF7 was there first, and as a result it took the honours!
>A certain part of the game just pops into my head and I feel a real desire to play it again.
I find that as well. I`ll suddenly start thinking about Nanaki at his home village, or the first meeting with Sephiroth, or the first mission, or... (add insanle huge list of really amzing bits of the game here).
For a long time I thought I prefered FF8, but after FF7 it could never have the same impact. FF7 was there first, and as a result it took the honours!
"Those were the days"
Thats an interesting point actually. I don`t think its to do with the console, but instead due to age. I think that as I am now only a few years away from being an adult (in years, not maturity) I am beginning to see things differently. Its less easy to become greatly affected by a game. When I was younger though, things seemed different. Life through a child`s eyes can be so very different.
Thats an interesting point actually. I don`t think its to do with the console, but instead due to age. I think that as I am now only a few years away from being an adult (in years, not maturity) I am beginning to see things differently. Its less easy to become greatly affected by a game. When I was younger though, things seemed different. Life through a child`s eyes can be so very different.
Nice post. I totally agree with you on FFVII, I always find myself thinking about it. A certain part of the game just pops into my head and I feel a real desire to play it again...I think it's gotta be the best game ever.
Ah don't worry i read it :)
Memories a, i have fond memories of the Snes and a few on the NES.
those where the days
Memories a, i have fond memories of the Snes and a few on the NES.
those where the days
"permanent home in your memory for years to come"
*Mental note - check posts after writing them, and BEFORE posting them*
Anyone who cares, that should read:
"permanent home in your memory"
*Mental note - check posts after writing them, and BEFORE posting them*
Anyone who cares, that should read:
"permanent home in your memory"
Defining moments, emotional journeys, stunned silences, shouts of joy and even angry snarls - all elements of the so called "Third Place". The way we feel whilst playing a game is the most important element of computer entertainment. Every so often, a game arrives that will make a permanent home in your memory for years to come. It all depends on the individual person, so the games that have this effect vary greatly. They all have one important thing in common though - they could, and often do, change our lives forever
I have looked back over my short gaming history, and picked out the games I feel made a real impact on my life. Many have come close, such as Wipeout 2097`s fast paced style, Gran Turismo 3`s superbly polished visuals and Devil May Cry`s completely "cool" feel. However these haven`t been the games to really change me. Instead, I present the following four games, responsible for irreversibly altering my life:
Repton 3 (BBC) - My memories of the gameplay have become a little hazy over time, but one thing sticks in my mind above all else, and that is the fact that this was the first game I ever truly became addicted to. To be honest, I was never any good at it, and probably only completed a handful of levels (which compared to my Dad who completed it, was very poor). However, I was stuck to that game for many months, perhaps even years, marvelling at simple facts such as the character moving on screen according to your keyboard actions. This might seem silly, like a caveman discovering his first light switch, but to me at the time, it was the most fantastic experience a computer could ever provide.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Megadrive) - Back in the days of the Megadrive and SNES, I was completely unaware that console wars even existed. Nobody ever told me the SNES was better or vice versa, so I was completely content with my black box of magic tricks. My first game ever, Sonic the Hedgehog was such an amazing game to me, having only ever played on BBCs previously. "Look at the colours", "Its like real life", "Look how fast it is!" - all statements that at the time seemed completely true. Obviously looking back now, its easy to say it looked bad, but at the time this game was incredible. I remember getting completely stuck in the Labyrinth levels for months on end, and the eventual feeling of complete satisfaction when I finally progressed to the next level. Another point to mention is that this game has perhaps the most memorable cheat of all time as well, the level select - up, down, left, right, a + b + c + start - a cheat that most megadrive users still remember today.
Final Fantasy 7 (PS) - After a game like Sonic the Hedgehog, its easy to become used to following preset paths, with perhaps a single one-off fork in the road that only lasts for a minute or so. That fact made Final Fantasy 7 all the more impressive. On my first go, I got lost. Completely. Whilst lost is usually not a good thing, in a game, this was fantastic. It was so big!! I could wander about, end up in another area of Midgar, and talk to a random stranger sat in a cafe drinking a cup of coffee. After completing the game, I now have a map in my mind of the whole of the Final Fantasy world, but it still has holes, meaning that even after several times through the game, I can still take wrong turns. The second factor in making this game so memorable is what Square are best at, CG. The computer generated cut scenes in the game were actually prettier than real life. Sitting aboard a train in Midgar city, discussing what to do next, Cloud Strife, the hero of the game looks out over the city, and the CG kicks in to show the train moving past, whilst panning over the city. Never before had I been so impressed, and this game to me is the best ever, and I haven`t seen any previews to suggest this will change.
Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3 (PS2) - Life altering... but for different reasons. This game is perhaps the most addictive I have ever played. It began as a pleasant experience, but progressed onto a thoroughly enjoyable one, before long I was beginning to think it was the best thing since... well... the best thing. The gameplay really is ever expanding. However, this is not why it changed my life. I do not blame this game, as it is really my fault, but I allowed myself to be drawn into the games reach and away from important revision - a mistake I will have to avoid with Final Fantasy 10, expected during my next set of exams. It seems I am merely weak minded, but the power of this game was sufficient to hold my attention when I knew it shouldn`t, and that makes it a hugely powerful experience.
Four games, spread over four gaming platforms - can PS2 be the first to show me two life changing games? Will Metal Gear Solid 2 or Final Fantasy 10 have the same effect? I look forward to the future, and hope that all of you enjoy similar or perhaps even deeper gaming experiences. The potential is truly astounding.
I have looked back over my short gaming history, and picked out the games I feel made a real impact on my life. Many have come close, such as Wipeout 2097`s fast paced style, Gran Turismo 3`s superbly polished visuals and Devil May Cry`s completely "cool" feel. However these haven`t been the games to really change me. Instead, I present the following four games, responsible for irreversibly altering my life:
Repton 3 (BBC) - My memories of the gameplay have become a little hazy over time, but one thing sticks in my mind above all else, and that is the fact that this was the first game I ever truly became addicted to. To be honest, I was never any good at it, and probably only completed a handful of levels (which compared to my Dad who completed it, was very poor). However, I was stuck to that game for many months, perhaps even years, marvelling at simple facts such as the character moving on screen according to your keyboard actions. This might seem silly, like a caveman discovering his first light switch, but to me at the time, it was the most fantastic experience a computer could ever provide.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Megadrive) - Back in the days of the Megadrive and SNES, I was completely unaware that console wars even existed. Nobody ever told me the SNES was better or vice versa, so I was completely content with my black box of magic tricks. My first game ever, Sonic the Hedgehog was such an amazing game to me, having only ever played on BBCs previously. "Look at the colours", "Its like real life", "Look how fast it is!" - all statements that at the time seemed completely true. Obviously looking back now, its easy to say it looked bad, but at the time this game was incredible. I remember getting completely stuck in the Labyrinth levels for months on end, and the eventual feeling of complete satisfaction when I finally progressed to the next level. Another point to mention is that this game has perhaps the most memorable cheat of all time as well, the level select - up, down, left, right, a + b + c + start - a cheat that most megadrive users still remember today.
Final Fantasy 7 (PS) - After a game like Sonic the Hedgehog, its easy to become used to following preset paths, with perhaps a single one-off fork in the road that only lasts for a minute or so. That fact made Final Fantasy 7 all the more impressive. On my first go, I got lost. Completely. Whilst lost is usually not a good thing, in a game, this was fantastic. It was so big!! I could wander about, end up in another area of Midgar, and talk to a random stranger sat in a cafe drinking a cup of coffee. After completing the game, I now have a map in my mind of the whole of the Final Fantasy world, but it still has holes, meaning that even after several times through the game, I can still take wrong turns. The second factor in making this game so memorable is what Square are best at, CG. The computer generated cut scenes in the game were actually prettier than real life. Sitting aboard a train in Midgar city, discussing what to do next, Cloud Strife, the hero of the game looks out over the city, and the CG kicks in to show the train moving past, whilst panning over the city. Never before had I been so impressed, and this game to me is the best ever, and I haven`t seen any previews to suggest this will change.
Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3 (PS2) - Life altering... but for different reasons. This game is perhaps the most addictive I have ever played. It began as a pleasant experience, but progressed onto a thoroughly enjoyable one, before long I was beginning to think it was the best thing since... well... the best thing. The gameplay really is ever expanding. However, this is not why it changed my life. I do not blame this game, as it is really my fault, but I allowed myself to be drawn into the games reach and away from important revision - a mistake I will have to avoid with Final Fantasy 10, expected during my next set of exams. It seems I am merely weak minded, but the power of this game was sufficient to hold my attention when I knew it shouldn`t, and that makes it a hugely powerful experience.
Four games, spread over four gaming platforms - can PS2 be the first to show me two life changing games? Will Metal Gear Solid 2 or Final Fantasy 10 have the same effect? I look forward to the future, and hope that all of you enjoy similar or perhaps even deeper gaming experiences. The potential is truly astounding.
Page: