Ok, so I’ve covered a few forms of electronic entertainment thus far, and it’s time for another. I have been playing video games since I was a little boy. My playing started with the NES and is still going today. Video games are nice because just like movies, television and books, you can get lost in a world. The difference being, you have some control in this world since you’re playing in it with a controller! My favourite genre is probably RPG (role playing games) because I get aspects of story, choice, and strategic elements. I’m not opposed to other genres (platformers, sports, puzzles are others I enjoy), I just tend to lean towards that genre.
Here is a list of systems I’ve owned over the years:
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo Gamecube
Nintendo Wii
Game Boy Color
Game Boy Advance
Nintendo DS
Nintendo 3DS
Playstation 1, 2 & 3
Xbox 360
Iphone (app games)
While I didn’t own the Sega systems (genesis, dreamcast, etc), Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 or the original Xbox, I have played them numerous times with friends who owned them.
It may look like I play games all the time or something, but I have my gaming spells. I can go quite a while without playing something (or stay on the same game for months) and rarely do I own more than ten games per system. Some of these systems I bought when they were super cheap and already on the market for years too.
As for the games themselves, I have played my fair share. I’d like to list a few that are important to me or just downright fun!
Super Mario Brothers 3 – NES
Who doesn’t love some Mario?! While I played all three mainline Mario games on the NES, Mario 3 is what I remember enjoying the most. It was different from the first two for starts. I liked being able to choose from different levels on the world map. There were so many secrets to find and different powerups to use too. It was fun and easy to play with friends that even my dad would play with me sometimes! There’s not much I can say about this game that most people don’t already know, it’s awesome!
Pokemon Red – Game Boy
This is where it all started for me. Ever since receiving the Game Boy and Pokemon Red on a Christmas, things never been the same. Really though, I fell in love with Pokemon after playing red for hours upon hours. The collecting of pokemon and badges was so addicting. It really felt like I was going on an adventure and that these pokemon were my friends. Pokemon was like a starter RPG for kids and gave me an inkling of that play style. I’ve played at least one game from each generation of pokemon since (can’t wait for ruby remake!).
Final Fantasy 7 – Sony Playstation
This is where things got real. My dad took me to Walmart one day to get me a new game for my playstation. A little backstory, my parents bought the playstation off my aunt and uncle who were moving away and were looking to unload a few things. When I was presented the playstation as a gift, I didn’t really know much about it (my heart was set on a N64). It came with some games, and while they were alright, I wanted to pick my own. So at Walmart, I saw the cover for this game in the game case and something drew me to it. I don’t think I even heard of the first six games in the series, so that didn’t factor in. My dad got it for me and I played it straightaway when I got home, and I completely sucked at it. I could tell it was different from other games I’ve played though. There was more emphasis on story and character and a 3D world to explore. Once I got used to the gameplay and fighting system, I was set. Final Fantasy 7 is a great game (and a huge deal at the time) that had some truly memorable gaming moments and music. This game and pokemon really set me on a the RPG path.
Spyro the Dragon (Original Series) – Sony Playstation
Now when I say original series, I am referring to the first three Spyro games on the Playstation. Those games are Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. I’m including these games together because that is how I remember them best. I loved these original Spyro games so much. They were 3D action/platforming games that were a blast to play. The characters and worlds were fun, it was challenging but not too challenging and you were rewarded for finding everything. Each game is great and still hold up today. I didn’t get the chance to play many of the Spyro games on other systems, but I hear they didn’t really surpass the quality of the original series. I think all three games can be bought on the playstation store, which is great for anyone looking to play them.
Crash Bandicoot (Playstation Trilogy) – Sony Playstation
Picture also includes Crash Team Racing, an awesome kart game in the series as well.
I can’t mention Spyro without mentioning Crash Bandicoot! For those who don’t know, Crash and Spyro were some of Sony’s big mascots in their early days. There were sort of similar too, both being 3D action/platforming games. The three Crash games were Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Each game was awesome and offered a fun challenge. It was different then Spyro, in where you were on more of a straight path in levels (instead of being able to wonder more freely in Spyro) but offered more variety in the playstyle. There would be levels where you ride a motorcycle, tiger cub, jet ski, etc. I also liked the segments in each level that moved horizontally and in a 2D/3D nature. There was a lot to collect and the time trials were a true test of gaming. I should mention the boss battles were really fun and inventive (in Spyro too). Just like Spyro, I think all these Crash games are on the playstation store as well.
Final Fantasy 9 – Sony Playstation
Out of all the Final Fantasies I’ve played, this game is my favourite. Final Fantasy 9 is a charming game with some incredible music. The soundtrack is so good and consistent throughout. I still put it on from time to time when I’m in the mood for it. The game went back to its’ roots when more of a classic fantasy, compared to the futuristic tones of the games before it. The characters are well developed and you actually feel for them as a group. The gameplay and presentation are amazing, with some awesome towns and dungeons to explore. The combat has a few fun changes, and I really enjoyed the ability system. The game just has a nice nostalgic feel to it that I love.
Super Smash Brothers Melee – Nintendo Gamecube
I loved this game because it was an amazing solo game and party game. I played through all the modes on this game numerous times, there was so much to beat and unlock! My friends and I played it constantly and had so much fun with it. I would say I clocked hundreds of hours on this game over the years. Smash Bros is a great Nintendo game because it brings all the famous characters together and gives the players great fan service. I can’t wait for the new versions to come out this year!
Mario Kart Wii – Nintendo Wii
Over the past 4/5 years while I attended University, this was the go to game for my friends and I. Mario Kart Wii is great fun and can last for hours. It introduced a few new things like tricks, motorcycles and online play. The online play is surprisingly fun and easy to find a match. The single player is nothing crazy, but is a great way to develop your skills for those multiplayer races! So many laughs and drunken nights with this game over the years!
I think I’ll stop there for now. I’d like to continue with these posts on another day and list some other great games! Video games have evolved so much since I was a kid. I can only imagine what things will be like in 20 years! One can hope I’ll be playing some great games then too.
Jarthurdoyle 