(Warning, may include spoilers for some games new and old)
There's been a shift in the gaming landscape, with open-world formats dominating. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with it; it's a fantastic way to design games. However, my recent gaming experiences haven't been as satisfying as before, despite some memorable moments.
In Cyberpunk 2077, I formed a deep connection with a character named Jackie Welles. Our friendship developed through shared missions, leading to a strong bond. But the emotional toll hit hard when, after a mission, I witnessed Jackie's final moments. The game then transitioned into an open-world roleplaying experience, offering side quests like boxing and car racing. While it's a great game, it lacks the storied experience I crave, although there are exceptional storylines and special bonds with characters like a beauty named Panam.
You feel like you’re gaining a special connection with Panam, but then she turns you down. The thing is, you make the decision to make the move. I don’t see very many nerd gamers not making this choice. You feel the tension of V, the main character, making a move on Panam because you truly adore her, but you also feel the heartbreak of rejection.
Baldur’s Gate 3, the 2023 game of the year, deserves its acclaim. I will give it some credit for providing some valuable experiences. The game's versatility allows for countless playstyles and decisions, set in a Dungeons and Dragons-based role-playing world. Choices matter, affecting the game dynamically. A personal anecdote involves an unexpected turn in a relationship with a character named Shadowheart, highlighting the game's emotional depth.
Did I mention you can see your companions naked? So I’m trying to fornicate with Shadowheart and... BOOM! She leaves the party. I don’t know what I did to upset her. Maybe it didn't help that I was flirting with the rest of the party. So, in my curiosity, I went online to see her without clothes, and well, it was underwhelming. Okay now, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, experiences in gaming.
In the tapestry of 1997, a year that resonated with perfection, cinematic gems like 'The Fifth Element' and gaming marvels such as 'GoldenEye 007' graced our existence. At the age of 15, I found myself immersed in the rhythm of iconic tunes like 'Semi-Charmed Life' and the timeless anthem 'Tubthumping,' echoing through our cassette tapes. Amidst this cultural crescendo emerged a game that would redefine storytelling – the seminal 'Final Fantasy VII.' While preceding titles in the series laid the groundwork, it was FFVII that etched itself into the minds of a generation.
The game forged intimate connections with its characters. Enveloped in the enchanting melodies and heartfelt dialogues, players bore witness to their growth, falling in love with their intricate stories. Yet, amidst this emotional journey, a deep-seated hatred brewed for the antagonist, Sephiroth. As Cloud, the protagonist, and his comrades failed to thwart Sephiroth's nefarious plan. Aerith, a beloved character, embarked on a tragic pilgrimage to the Forgotten City.
Cloud pursued her and discovered her in prayer. In a sudden, heart-wrenching turn, Sephiroth descended from above, ruthlessly snuffing out the life of the character players had come to cherish. Even those who hadn't formed emotional attachments recognized her significance as the group's primary healer. Her joy upon seeing Cloud and her prayer for the world unfolded amidst less-than-stellar graphics, yet the pain etched on her face and the lifelessness in her eyes were palpable. The ensuing battle demanded vengeance for her demise, set to the haunting melody that had once been her anthem.
Listen, my journey through horror began with movies in my childhood. However, nothing compares to the immersive experience of a good horror game. Video games are an entirely different beast. While horror movies unfold rapidly in a two-hour time frame, gaming experiences can stretch over 50 to 100 hours and more. The thrill of navigating through eerie streets or haunted houses is intensified by the random, spine-chilling sounds that punctuate the gameplay. Among the plethora of horror games, Silent Hill stands out as a masterpiece.
My initiation into Silent Hill started with Silent Hill 2, a game that plays tricks on the mind. It's a wild, bizarre, and messed-up journey, and I revel in its unique charm. Amidst the game's chaos, there emerges a formidable entity, a king of the jungle known as Pyramid Head. To put it simply, he's an executioner, a force to be reckoned with. In a gripping showdown, I found myself facing him armed only with a pistol. As fate would have it, I ran out of ammo but somehow managed to vanquish him with a bat. How? I couldn't tell you, but victory was mine.
The enigma of Pyramid Head unraveled as I encountered him for the first time. Running through a pitch-dark hall with only a dimly lit flashlight, I approached a set of bars and glimpsed a figure standing amidst a disconcerting cacophony. The scene was unnerving, difficult to decipher. Later on, I stumbled upon a bizarre tableau – Pyramid Head engaged in a macabre scene with nurse monsters, ultimately ending their lives. It was very odd because it looked like an orgy. It was kind of awkward watching what looked like Pyramid head and some monster nurses having an orgy then Pyramid Head executing them. Each encounter with Pyramid Head felt like a cinematic experience, immersing me in the perspective of an antagonist, a lurking presence around every corner. I felt his fear and I felt for my life. But the freaking game and twist ending is another experience all in itself.
While many hail Zelda: Ocarina of Time as the pinnacle of the series, let's not overlook the enchanting fusion of 'Groundhog Day' vibes and Zelda magic in Majora's Mask. This installment is an experience unto itself, seamlessly integrating elements from Ocarina of Time, like time travel via the ocarina, to weave a tapestry of intricate puzzles. The game introduces the ingenious concept of donning different masks, each bestowing unique powers and allowing Link to embody various personas. A testament to creativity, Majora's Mask immerses players in a world where an ominous moon glares down, looming with anger.
As players traverse the alternate version of Hyrule known as Termina, a darker realm with familiar characters, they're tasked with a daunting mission. Link must release powerful Giants to prevent the cataclysmic collision of an angry moon that threatens to obliterate Termina. The malevolent force behind this impending doom is Majora's Mask, which has possessed the mischievous Skull Kid. The storyline may seem straightforward, but the game's uniqueness lies in its ability to carve a special place in countless hearts.
Playing Majora's Mask is more than a mere gaming session; it's an emotional journey. The fear of the townspeople, the melancholy surrounding Skull Kid, and the relentless ticking of the clock create an immersive experience. Even as I sit here with the game within arm's reach, the temptation to pick it up and lose myself in its timeless allure is strong. Majora's Mask not only withstands the test of time but continues to evoke powerful emotions, making it a truly exceptional and enduring masterpiece.
Reflecting on gaming experiences, one scene from The Last of Us stood out. Amidst the chaos of a world filled with clickers and zombie-like creatures. In one scene, Joel boosts Ellie up to a platform like he does a hundred times in the game. She doesn’t respond to him when she is on top right away as she usually does. All the trauma she’s been through goes away. You see the light peak through a giant hole left on the side of a building they are traveling through and something magical. Joel and Ellie find solace witnessing a giraffe grazing grass that has grown on the side of the building. This magical moment encapsulates their bond and the emotional journey shared throughout the game, a unique experience only gaming can provide.
There's an enchanting connection between Joel and Ellie, illuminated as they observe a giraffe peacefully grazing beside a building. I stood there, captivated. Never before had I encountered such a moment, an emotion that transcended my entire gaming career. It's a journey I've shared with these characters, feeling their pain and trauma. From the days when they were strangers to witnessing Joel's protective instincts evolving into a fatherly bond with Ellie. This depth of connection is rare in movies. Giraffes don't typically grace the screen, leisurely munching on grass after days of battling the Infected. It's an experience that unfolds uniquely, one that can only be savored for the very first time.
In a poignant scene later on, Joel cradles Ellie, believing her to be gravely injured, and tenderly refers to her as his "baby girl." This moment carries profound weight for Joel, a man who, at the game's onset amid worldwide chaos, lost his own daughter. The emotional resonance is palpable, a sentiment that reverberates deeply. As expressed in my podcast rants, the sequel, in my view, falls short, devaluing the exceptional experience crafted by the masterpiece that is The Last of Us. It's a sentiment echoed by many – the original, an unparalleled gaming journey, stands as one of the greatest experiences one can ever undertake.
The current gaming landscape seems to lean towards unnecessary complexity, which, in my opinion, detracts from the core essence of gaming. Engaging in endless dialogue or drowning in excessive information isn't my cup of tea. What I crave is emotion – the real heart and soul of a gaming experience. While some games manage to capture this essence, only a handful truly succeed.
Cyberpunk, for instance, managed to stir genuine emotions within me, especially for characters like Panam and Jaime. The narrative depth in Baldur's Gate tugs at my emotions, forging a connection with my party members. Yet, my desire extends beyond mere empathy; I yearn to immerse myself in the pressure, fear, and love that these characters experience. I want to feel the pulse of anger towards the villain and the shiver of fear facing monstrous adversaries. Every moment should keep me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the unknown.
Above all, what I seek, is to partake in those extraordinary moments that characters undergo – the kind that transcends the boundaries of reality. In essence, I yearn for gaming to be more than just a visual or intellectual experience; I want it to be an emotional odyssey where every nuance contributes to an unforgettable journey.
Rick Rodgers, a seasoned combat veteran and dedicated Social Worker, wears his passion for Chicago sports, particularly the Chicago Bears, proudly. Amidst the demands of his profession, he finds solace in the humorous antics of "The Office," a TV show that never fails to bring a smile to his face. Beyond the screen, Rick's cinematic affections lean towards the dynamic world of "Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World," and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vcation."
In the realm of gaming, Rick's enthusiasm takes center stage as a devoted Zelda and Metal Gear aficionado. Balancing his roles, he seamlessly transitions from husband to a loving father of one human girl, alongside two cherished dogs and four feline companions, creating a lively and loving household.
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