Monday, November 30, 2009

Archetypes on Acid.


No one ever thinks of going to play big ol video games in an arcade anymore, we simply have those video games to play at home now! The article explores the journey of the video game from the arcade to the home. One thing that was brought to my attention was the fact that having video game consoles are probably cheaper then going to an arcade. If you had to pay a quarter each time and were an avid gamer who went often...you'd be broke! now a day you spend a small fortune on a console and you are set for life. Although video games are much more accessible now its not to say that people do not enjoy playing all the games that started it all, like donkey kong, super mario, or galaga. We revert to playing these games because they are that good. We dont always need the graphics to be amazing, it is simply enough for the game to be good.

Batman


I am a batman girl, I love batman. Owning the game, I know it is incredible. The whole mood of the game is dark and mysterious much like the character. It is unreal how life like the avatars are. The scenery is very detailed and leaves no stone unturned-there is something everywhere. The cut away scenes are very movie like and really draws you in. This I think, could be a perfect example of video gaming as an art. This game is beautifully done. What I found interesting is that in the beginning of the game there is a villain and she is female, she is the jokers sidekick. In my experience it is rare to see a woman play a bad guy. When she is portrayed as a bad guy she is very under dressed and very sexual. Although she is wearing a short dress, nothing else about his character screams SEXY! Batman's go to person is also a woman, the oracle she finds out all information when batman needs it. She comes thru on Batman's earpiece to help him whenever necessary. It was nice to see a woman also being on the helpful side and did in no way need rescuing. I would recommend this game to anyone, it is entertaining, enjoyable, and seems very real.

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Sims

This article while being very entertaining presented many good points. The main one being when we create avatars like in the sims, and the power that we feel that comes along with it. We feel like the all mighty creator who is in charge of everything. Especially when you model characters after yourself and you family, when something goes wrong?? WATCH OUT because 9 times out of ten you are going to be upset with that person who messed up. Feeling all powerful because you can control everything can be a good thing and a bad thing. Its a good thing because you can have control over this virtual world when in reality we dont have control over much of anything. Its a bad thing because, lets face it, that will carry on into your personal life and may cause problems. You can control things in the sims like what someone will look like and when they will eat and when they will use the bathroom. You are the puppet master- i think in a sense it really fulfills some fantasies people have of being in control. And just think you can total control of everyone and everything you create in the Sims in the comfort of your living room.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Uncharted 2


This game has unbelievable graphics and a great story line. I really enjoyed sitting there and watching the game play as it happens-usually i am not into that but i have to say, I was completely sucked in. It really did feel like i was watching a movie not just because the graphics were so amazing and realistic, but because the story line drew me in and got me emotionally involved. They days of video games not getting you emotionally invested i think in the near future are a thing of the past. I believe video games like this one are doing a better job at keeping everyone emotionally invested-even if you aren't playing! Another thing i really like in the game was the woman's role. She was a bad ass who did not need a man to take care of her and to protect her, she could do it on her own. She in more than one instance saved the lead male character and was viewed as a bit of a hero even though we are still weary of her because of certain actions. I actually really enjoyed this game. Between the movie like story line and life like characters, and on top of the fact that the woman is not portrayed as a victim i am considering buying it. I think this is proof that video games aren't just games and can really break out and be main stream.