Over the years, video gaming has morphed into a huge, flashy spectacle. Epic stories, gorgeous graphics, crazy huge multi-player, open worlds, etc. However, there are still many, many simple things that bring me pleasure, that remind us of the simple wonder that gaming still provides even to this day.
Who doesn't like power ups? It's always great when you're at the edge of absolute panic, only to find something that tips the tides in your favor. From the classic Super Mushroom and Fire Flower to the S-gun, all the way to invisibility and the hand of God, power ups are fuckin' awesome.
Wanna zone out for a few hours and reduce your world to a simple, yet intense and intellectually stimulating challenge? Load up a sweet block puzzle. From Tetris to Puyo Puyo and Puzzle Fighter, nothing says "Holy shit, it's 3AM?" like a good block puzzle.
There comes a time in every game when you find the one weapon. That perfect gun or sword or spell that just turns you from frantic, desperate urchin to the messenger of death. After an hours-long struggle, it's the greatest relief ever to see that final, most important weapon. It's like the game's saying "here you go, you've earned it. Enjoy yourself."
Hey, I like girls, so sue me/send me homophobic slurs/etc. Honestly, though, after fighting unspeakable horrors for hours on end, who wouldn't want to stare at some supple, buxom flesh for a little bit? Mmmmm, boobies...
What's there to say? When you need to relieve stress, nothing quite does it like painting the room in your enemies' blood and entrails.
If you've been a gamer as long as I have, then you've seen many things come and go. It's always nice to see new games bring old gaming norms back.
It all started in our youths, when we'd turn the TV volume down and listen to our old radios, and has today grown into MP3s being played in the game itself. However it's done, nothing changes the fact that it is fucking awesome to play games for hours on end while listening to your favorite tunes and podcasts. Goes great with block puzzles especially.
It's always good when a game doesn't take itself too seriously. This seems to be a dying art in games, as everything gets more and more depressing, so games that can laugh at themselves are especially cherished today.
Playing a game with strangers tends to suck, let's be honest. However, get some people that you know and having a grand ol' time, that can be among the greatest things ever. From going to an arcade with your buddies, to setting up an online gaming night over Xbox Live, playing games with friends is the epitome of fun.
