The Small Things That Make Great Games Great
It’s often the little things that stay with us the longest. A smell that reminds you of home, a simple conversation with a friend that has stayed with you for no apparent reason, a hazy memory from a night out, or a specific moment from a TV show that you can recall all too clearly. Its strange how these little, seemingly insignificant things stick with us. Video games are no different.
For every great game, there a couple of small moments or features that helped to make it what it is. It may only be a miniscule part of the entire package, yet its one of the first things that come to mind when you recall said title. The following moments are some examples from my gaming experience:
Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Master System)
Look behind you!
For all the enduring memories from this iconic game, there is one miniscule moment which has had a profound influence upon the way that I play video games. From the very beginning of Act 3, Bridge Zone, instead of heading forward, take a few steps backwards into the left of the screen. Low and behold, there is an extra life. To this very day, whenever I spawn into a new level, the first thing I do is instinctively check the surroundings directly behind me before pushing forward, no matter the game. And it’s all due to a tiny moment in one of the first games I ever played.
Burnout Paradise (PS3)
Custom tunes
I’m not a great fan of racing games. On the odd occasion that I do play one, it will only keep me entertained for a very short period of time. But Burnout Paradise is different. I come back to this game time and time again, most recently to play the Big Surf Island DLC, and I still thoroughly enjoy it. The ability to play your own custom soundtrack whilst drifting around Paradise City is a major contributing factor, and remains perhaps my favourite aspect of the whole game. I know that custom soundtracks are hardly anything new, but it feels like this game was designed to be enjoyed alongside your favourite tunes. It helps to make the game what it is, and is absolutely central to my continued presence in Paradise city.
Metal Gear Solid (PS1)
Dual shock
The Metal Gear Solid series is littered with ingenious little moments that challenge and reshape your view of the medium. These moments stay with you just as long as any boss fight, cut scene or character. The use of the dual shock controller in Metal Gear Solid is a perfect example of this. Psycho Mantis utilizes his unworldly powers to cause your controller to take a wander across the room, and the throbbing of the dual shock is utilized to sooth your aching muscles after a session of torture/button mashing. They represent two great examples of video games thinking outside of the box, and remain two of the first things I think about when recalling my first adventure with Solid Snake.
Call of Juarez – Bound in Blood (PS3)
Getting butterflies
Ok, just one more mention for Call of Juarez – Bound in Blood! There is a tiny moment which perfectly demonstrates why I like this game. At times, you may notice a butterfly fluttering around. If you stand still for long enough, guns prone, it will settle on the barrels of your gun, providing quite an interesting image. It is completely incidental to the story and gameplay, but its memorable nonetheless.
Final Fantasy VII (PS1)
Villa for sale
Final Fantasy games are well known for rewarding completist gamers who take the time to explore every nook and cranny of the world. and there are no shortage of small, lasting moments to chose from in FFVII. I have decided to go for the holiday villa situated in Costa Del Sol which can be purchased for a hefty 300,000 gil. It serves absolutely no purpose other than providing a free bed and sink (!), but it perfectly encapsulates the depth of this classic RPG. I always splash-out on this needless villa, delving further into the world of Cloud and co.
Uncharted (PS3)
Slippery when wet
I could spout on all day about how great Uncharted is. Featuring a highly likeable and charismatic lead, perfect balance between combat and puzzles, great settings and a memorable story, Uncharted will stand the test of time as one of the best titles to grace the PS3. But one of the things that grabbed my attention the first time I played was the water effects. Naughty Dog absolutely nailed it. I first noticed it whilst wading through the marooned Nazi submarine, and it continued to impress throughout the course of Nathan’s adventure. So next time someone asks you why they should play Uncharted, tell them water.
Timsplitters 2 & 3 (Gamecube, PS2)
Monkey magic
Monkeys, here, there and everywhere. Ninja monkeys, robomonkeys, monkey assistants, zombie monkeys and of course, monkey curling. A great example of the sense of humour and uniqueness of the now defunct New Radical’s Timesplitters series. Maybe Haze would have benefited from some monkeys? I hope the series gets resurrected somewhere along the line, as the FPS genre could definitely do with the injection of genuine humour, sheer playability and monkeys that only this series can provide.
My Top 6 Most Frustrating Games
As all gamers are well aware, some games are overly frustrating. This affliction is shared by good games and bad games alike, old and new. Some titles are ridiculously frustrating in places, yet excellent in others. Other titles are frustrating throughout, and just plain shite. Said frustration isn’t only due to insane levels of difficulty, but can also stem from poor level design, repetitive gameplay, characters who you want to smother, glitches and also the inability of the gamer. What follows are six of the games that, for one reason or another, have caused me the most frustration.
The Ninja (SEGA Master System)
This is my original frustrating game. A port of the arcade game, Sega Ninja, I played it on the Master System when I was about 10 years old. No matter how hard I tried, nor how fast I threw my shuriken, I could not get past the first level for love nor money. I haven’t returned to this game since my childhood, so I have no idea if it’s really all that difficult. No matter, it remains my first memory of video game frustration.
Policenauts (SEGA Saturn)
This has been a source of frustration of an entirely difficult kind. By all accounts, Policenauts is a very good game. Developed by Hideo Kojima, it’s a cinematic adventure that was first released in 1994 but has never seen the light of day outside of Japan. A Western release was planned for the SEGA Saturn, but it never came to fruition. I have a JPN Saturn copy, complete with its jet black slip case, art book and stickers, but for the life of me I cant play it. I have spent hours trying to navigate the text heavy screens, but to no avail. My Japanese is simply nowhere near good enough. I’m stuck at the main characters desk, unsure of what exactly I am supposed to do to get outside. The light gun sequences are always just out of reach, promising a legitimate reason to adorn my light gun with the provided Policenauts stickers!
However, there is hope. A team of dedicated fans have painstakingly put together a translated patch of the game, which was finally released a few days ago. However, I will be fluent in Japanese by the time I figure out how exactly I utilize the patch.
Street Fighter IV (PS3)
I have written about this before (link), so I will keep it brief. I’m terrible at fighting games, and SFIV is terribly hard, especially the final boss, Seth, who appears to be no easier on the very easy setting than he is on normal. I’m getting angry just thinking about it. Don’t even get me started on my multiplayer experience.
NBA Live ’97 (SEGA Saturn)
This game ranks both as one of my most frustrating games, as well as one of my all time favourites. The PAL release date was constantly being postponed and I had all but given up on having the opportunity to play it on my beloved Saturn. I remember calling game shops every week to confirm when exactly the game was coming. I wanted so much to play as my favourite team, the Phoenix Suns, and further enjoy the sport which I had first discovered only a year previously. I had all but given up and resigned myself to the fact that NBA Live would never grace the Saturn in the UK. Then one day, when perusing the shelves of my local HMV, there was Mitch Richmond, the cover star, staring back at me. I almost lost control of my bowels. Even the £44.99 price tag didn’t dampen my spirits. I proceeded to play the game non stop for the next year. Frustration over.
Prince of Persia – Warrior Within (PS2)
Aside from not being particularly good, there are some deeply fundamental problems with this game. For example, from a developer’s stand point, you would think it would be advantageous to remove a glitch that turns your character into the games main antagonist for no particular reason, rendering the game save useless and forcing the player to restart from the very beginning. This happened to me 2 times, on 2 different copies of the game! It would also constantly freeze, playing the annoying metal in-game music on loop.
Call of Duty - World at War (PS3)
During a recent lull in enticing new releases, I decide to revisit COD WAW for some trophying (a new verb), and decided to have a shot at a play-through on very hard. Of course, it was very hard, so no surprises there. However, frustration lay in the sheer number of grenades that are constantly lobbed at your feet, making the game inexplicably difficult, as well as making some levels overly dependant on luck. Whether or not you survived the grenade gauntlet to the next checkpoint was often due to how many grenades the game decided to chuck at you. I got half way through, found myself openly questioning why I was bothering, and put it back on the shelf, never to be touched again. Ever.
Drunken Gaming - Games to Play After a Night on The Town
Every once in a while I will stumble back home inebriated, and invariably I want to play video games. Usually, I'm with it enough to know that there are certain games that I can, and can’t play in said state. Some games lend themselves to shit-faced sessions, whereas others (the Metal Gear Solid series, RPG’s and any game which has a storyline that I care for) are better left until the next day.
So here are some perfect titles for those Saturday nights when you are sober enough to do something constructive, but drunk enough not to realise that you should probably just go to bed.
Rez – It’s just like clubbing. Only on your own, and with a trance vibrator. And it makes me far less angry than being in a real club. Definitely a winner.
Shatter – Great soundtrack and easy to pick up. A perfect nightcap for any drinking session. At such a low price, it’s an absolute bargain and shouldn’t be missed.
Battlefield 1943 – I discovered something strange last weekend. I’m much better at this game when I’m drunk. Normally, I’m a pretty average player. I’m clued-in enough to know what I should be doing (i.e. not play it like it’s an FPS) yet my skill level leaves me firmly in the middle of the pack. However, after a few beers I’m stealing bases and racking up kills like a pro.
Wii Sports Resort – Especially good with friends. Though Mii creation usually takes far longer than actually playing anything.
Virtua Cop 2 - Check out my two light-gun wielding moves! Guaranteed to impress, or not. Still, it’s as playable as it was the first time I pointed my blue plastic light gun at the screen, and it remains one of many great reasons to own a Saturn.
Flower – A perfect game for the tail end of a late night. That a game so easy to play has the ability to impress on so many different levels is rather impressive. It’s a game that exudes charm whilst demanding so little from the player, thus making it a compulsory entry for this list.
So here are some perfect titles for those Saturday nights when you are sober enough to do something constructive, but drunk enough not to realise that you should probably just go to bed.
Rez – It’s just like clubbing. Only on your own, and with a trance vibrator. And it makes me far less angry than being in a real club. Definitely a winner.
Shatter – Great soundtrack and easy to pick up. A perfect nightcap for any drinking session. At such a low price, it’s an absolute bargain and shouldn’t be missed.
Battlefield 1943 – I discovered something strange last weekend. I’m much better at this game when I’m drunk. Normally, I’m a pretty average player. I’m clued-in enough to know what I should be doing (i.e. not play it like it’s an FPS) yet my skill level leaves me firmly in the middle of the pack. However, after a few beers I’m stealing bases and racking up kills like a pro.
Wii Sports Resort – Especially good with friends. Though Mii creation usually takes far longer than actually playing anything.
Virtua Cop 2 - Check out my two light-gun wielding moves! Guaranteed to impress, or not. Still, it’s as playable as it was the first time I pointed my blue plastic light gun at the screen, and it remains one of many great reasons to own a Saturn.
Flower – A perfect game for the tail end of a late night. That a game so easy to play has the ability to impress on so many different levels is rather impressive. It’s a game that exudes charm whilst demanding so little from the player, thus making it a compulsory entry for this list.
Why Do I Own These Games/Peripherals?
Sometimes when I go video game shopping, I get a bit carried away. The excitement of a perceived bargain or something a little unusual clouds my judgement. But even that doesn’t explain some of these purchases –
Vampire Rain – Altered Species (PS3)
Now, I know why I bought this game. It was ¥980 for a new PS3 game that I knew had English support. I also knew that the game was supposed to be really bad, so I thought just maybe I could get some sort of perverse enjoyment from revelling in its awfulness. But I had no idea that it was this abysmal. Its virtually unplayable, looks like a decidedly average PS2 game and most importantly, its bad bad, not good bad. It is currently taking up valuable shelf space.
Rise of The Argonauts (PS3)
I love video games. I love ancient Greek myth and history. I don’t love Rise of the Argonauts. An ill informed purchase. I played about an hour into the game and never turned it on again. It seemed a little bland, looked very unimpressive and the combat didn’t grab me. Also, there are no trophies.
Text heavy Japanese Saturn games
I have Policenauts on the SEGA Saturn. It comes in a nice black box and includes an art book and stickers. It’s supposed to be a very good game, so it’s a shame I can’t get past the first few minutes. My Japanese is nowhere near good enough to navigate this text heavy game. Instead of learning my lesson, I proceeded to buy Snatcher too. Same problem. I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing. I also have countless Saturn JRPGs and strategy games that I cannot play. They do look good on my shelf though. In my defence, most of them were really, really cheap.
Densha De Go and the train controller (SEGA Saturn)
I don’t like trains. I spend far too much time riding them to work during rush hour, which in Tokyo is a complete nightmare. So, playing a train simulator at the weekend is never a top priority. As I write this, I am using the train controller box as a foot rest. Still, it’s great for drinking games!
The Rez Trance Vibrator Peripheral (PS2)
Rez is an excellent game and in no way do I regret buying it. But did I really need the Trance Vibrator? For those who are unfamiliar with this lump of plastic, it’s about the size of a PC mouse and it vibrates along with the game. And it vibrates hard. It does nothing else. I have absolutely no idea what to do with it, and being a second hand pick- up, I’m a bit concerned about what the previous owner may have done with it.
Virtual On Twin Stick x2 (SEGA Saturn)
These joy sticks for the mech fighter, Virtual On, are hefty. I’m not really sure that I need one, let alone two of them, especially considering that I’m not a huge fan of the game. Even if I had any friends, it’s highly unlikely that they would be into playing Virtual On. I suppose I could battle myself.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who makes these kinds of purchases. Am I?
Vampire Rain – Altered Species (PS3)
Now, I know why I bought this game. It was ¥980 for a new PS3 game that I knew had English support. I also knew that the game was supposed to be really bad, so I thought just maybe I could get some sort of perverse enjoyment from revelling in its awfulness. But I had no idea that it was this abysmal. Its virtually unplayable, looks like a decidedly average PS2 game and most importantly, its bad bad, not good bad. It is currently taking up valuable shelf space.
Rise of The Argonauts (PS3)
I love video games. I love ancient Greek myth and history. I don’t love Rise of the Argonauts. An ill informed purchase. I played about an hour into the game and never turned it on again. It seemed a little bland, looked very unimpressive and the combat didn’t grab me. Also, there are no trophies.
Text heavy Japanese Saturn games
I have Policenauts on the SEGA Saturn. It comes in a nice black box and includes an art book and stickers. It’s supposed to be a very good game, so it’s a shame I can’t get past the first few minutes. My Japanese is nowhere near good enough to navigate this text heavy game. Instead of learning my lesson, I proceeded to buy Snatcher too. Same problem. I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing. I also have countless Saturn JRPGs and strategy games that I cannot play. They do look good on my shelf though. In my defence, most of them were really, really cheap.
Densha De Go and the train controller (SEGA Saturn)
I don’t like trains. I spend far too much time riding them to work during rush hour, which in Tokyo is a complete nightmare. So, playing a train simulator at the weekend is never a top priority. As I write this, I am using the train controller box as a foot rest. Still, it’s great for drinking games!
The Rez Trance Vibrator Peripheral (PS2)
Rez is an excellent game and in no way do I regret buying it. But did I really need the Trance Vibrator? For those who are unfamiliar with this lump of plastic, it’s about the size of a PC mouse and it vibrates along with the game. And it vibrates hard. It does nothing else. I have absolutely no idea what to do with it, and being a second hand pick- up, I’m a bit concerned about what the previous owner may have done with it.
Virtual On Twin Stick x2 (SEGA Saturn)
These joy sticks for the mech fighter, Virtual On, are hefty. I’m not really sure that I need one, let alone two of them, especially considering that I’m not a huge fan of the game. Even if I had any friends, it’s highly unlikely that they would be into playing Virtual On. I suppose I could battle myself.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who makes these kinds of purchases. Am I?
Video Game Drinking Games
Now that the weather is starting to get warmer, I have begun looking forward to the beer gardens opening across Tokyo. From department store rooftops, to mid way up a mountain, beer gardens are a great excuse to be constantly inebriated throughout the sweltering summer months.
However, you don’t always have to venture outside for drinking fun. Why not invite some friends over and play some video game drinking games. Here are some of the best titles for mixing two of my favourite guilty pleasures:
Densha De Go - various platforms
That’s right; train driving simulators are fun when mixed with alcohol. Get a couple of friends, the train controller peripheral, which has a very handy beer can shaped indent on top, and some beers and all hell will let loose. See who can stop their train within a predetermined distance of the upcoming platform. Losers drink appropriately. It’s much harder than it sounds. You will spendyour first few attempts hurtling past platforms, breaking sharply and sending your passengers flying.
Wii Sports – Wii
The Wii still has its uses. Great for a small drinking party, Wii sports is a game that anyone can play, no matter how many beers they have had. Once the obligatory character creation is over with, why not try some beer fueled tennis or boxing. Make the rules up as you go along. Though be careful, with arms flailing, a couple of drinks are probably going to end up on the floor.
Winning Eleven – various platforms
Any football game will do. Penalty shoot outs. Swapping players in and out, if you score your penalty everyone else drinks. If it’s a save, you drink. If you miss the target entirely, down it. Simple but fun.
Vampire Rain – Altered Species – PS3 & Xbox360
Each time you are killed by a seemingly invincible enemy, have a sip. Even the most hardened drinker will be off their face within about 10minutes. Utter rubbish.
Little Big Planet - PS3
Every time you spot something, be it a character, dialogue or even a whole level that seems to be, for a lack of a better word, borrowed from The Mighty Boosh, have a gulp of creamy Baileys. Served from a shoe.
Resident Evil 4 – Gamecube & PS2
This is not my idea, but I can’t remember exactly where online I read it. Anyway, each participant is assigned one of the comments that are uttered by the infected villagers. You hear your sound, you drink. Could be used with a number of different titles.
Burnout Paradise Ultimate Box – Various
The party mode is perfect for drinking. Short challenges for up to 8 players, drinking depending on your ranking. Or if you fancy a real challenge, each competitor downs a beer before each round. Lets see you power park now!
Please note; do not mix drinking with either the Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid series. It would be blasphemy.
Drink responsibly.
However, you don’t always have to venture outside for drinking fun. Why not invite some friends over and play some video game drinking games. Here are some of the best titles for mixing two of my favourite guilty pleasures:
Densha De Go - various platforms
That’s right; train driving simulators are fun when mixed with alcohol. Get a couple of friends, the train controller peripheral, which has a very handy beer can shaped indent on top, and some beers and all hell will let loose. See who can stop their train within a predetermined distance of the upcoming platform. Losers drink appropriately. It’s much harder than it sounds. You will spendyour first few attempts hurtling past platforms, breaking sharply and sending your passengers flying.
Wii Sports – Wii
The Wii still has its uses. Great for a small drinking party, Wii sports is a game that anyone can play, no matter how many beers they have had. Once the obligatory character creation is over with, why not try some beer fueled tennis or boxing. Make the rules up as you go along. Though be careful, with arms flailing, a couple of drinks are probably going to end up on the floor.
Winning Eleven – various platforms
Any football game will do. Penalty shoot outs. Swapping players in and out, if you score your penalty everyone else drinks. If it’s a save, you drink. If you miss the target entirely, down it. Simple but fun.
Vampire Rain – Altered Species – PS3 & Xbox360
Each time you are killed by a seemingly invincible enemy, have a sip. Even the most hardened drinker will be off their face within about 10minutes. Utter rubbish.
Little Big Planet - PS3
Every time you spot something, be it a character, dialogue or even a whole level that seems to be, for a lack of a better word, borrowed from The Mighty Boosh, have a gulp of creamy Baileys. Served from a shoe.
Resident Evil 4 – Gamecube & PS2
This is not my idea, but I can’t remember exactly where online I read it. Anyway, each participant is assigned one of the comments that are uttered by the infected villagers. You hear your sound, you drink. Could be used with a number of different titles.
Burnout Paradise Ultimate Box – Various
The party mode is perfect for drinking. Short challenges for up to 8 players, drinking depending on your ranking. Or if you fancy a real challenge, each competitor downs a beer before each round. Lets see you power park now!
Please note; do not mix drinking with either the Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid series. It would be blasphemy.
Drink responsibly.
| Home | Next page »
