Introductions
Like with all things, there must be a beginning somewhere and what better time than now. Hi, I'm BogusMeatFactory and I've been a player of video games for over forty years. So much of that time has been in the study and understanding of what makes games engaging and enriching. How do games allow us to connect with not only the software, but with other people. Games have such a strong power to bring people together, be it through the intimate nature of competition, the camaraderie formed in overcoming obstacles, or just even the shared enthusiasm for a story told well.
As an ice breaker, let's share some of the games that I absolutely adore.
The Outer Wilds - Easily the best game I have ever played (albeit not my all-time favorite). This first-person adventure game challenged me like no other and enthralled me with it's heartfelt narrative that brought me to tears. It's puzzles were brilliantly designed, layered and utilized a wonderful system to help players keep track of their progress. Not only that, the DLC for the game was the very first time that I felt we were given a complete package that felt like a natural part of the world. I can not recommend this game enough.
Myst Online Uru Live - Most folks have heard of the Myst franchise, but so few have ever heard of their massively multiplayer online game. Myst Online dives headfirst into the world of Myst, crafting a Tolkien-esque level of detail that features it's own crafted language, a large, sweeping interlinked narrative and a variety of social experiences that brings players together. It is a game that is near and dear to my heart as my most favorite game and one I will continue to treasure to this day.
The Virtua Fighter Series - It is hard to pick just one title from the franchise, but the Virtua Fighter Series is an absolute love letter to the martial arts. Developed by Sega legend, Yu Suzuki, the franchise provided an experience that stands out from all other fighting games with it's unique button-scheme, rhythm and attention to detail with animation and real-life fighting techniques. I like to say that Virtua Fighter is the jazz of fighting games, as each player brings their own unique flavor and style to the game, making it something that is all about reading your opponent instead of the rote memorization of the character they play.
Everquest - I was exposed to the early world of MMORPGs before Everquest with a game called Underlight, but it wasn't until 1999 hit that I was fully exposed to the wonders and majesty of a truly immersive world overflowing with players. Everquest is a game that you can simply exist in and feel fulfilled. I have played this game for decades and never gone beyond level 20, which says so much about how steeped I am in the mysteries and secrets of the world through exploration than about my need to grind for levels and loot.
So, to understand what to expect out of this blog is to simply hear my thoughts on video games, be it a review of a game played recently, or commentary on the industry both new and old. I hope you enjoy!