Details in Video Games

So, recently, I just beat Bioshock: Infinite on my Xbox 360, and it was a fantastic experience from beginning to end.  The narrative was great, the combat was solid, and the scenery was beautiful.  However, one of the largest things that stuck out to me in the game were the small, historical details that the developers scattered throughout the game.  They weren't exactly big, but they supported the narrative in a way that I have never seen a game do before.

The game is set in a steampunk version of 1912 in the floating city of Columbia, a city that represents the independence of man and honors the great prophet Comestock.  Now, that in itself gives enough of a scenery.  Buildings float around you on clouds as you traverse through the massive city, and happy citizens go along their day buying and selling from their shops and enjoying life in Columbia.  It gives off a very happy and peaceful feeling. But if you know your history, you know that 1912 was not the best time for minorities.  As you continue through the game, this is brought out in little ways, such as slaves scrubbing floors and such.  As you pass through buildings  you will see there are separate restrooms for whites and colored people.  At one point in the game, you win a lottery drawing randomly and have a choice on whether to throw a baseball at an interracial couple or at the MC.  It doesn't seem like much, but these little historical details just makes the thought of this massive city even more real and gives off a sort of emotional appeal to the game, playing with your views on racism and segregation.  These details are continuous throughout the whole game, and makes itself more apparent in some areas.  Bioshock is filled with these little moments that connect to the gamer and expand the world of Columbia.  Its these little things that find themselves to be absent in many other games, and it makes the experience very worthwhile.

Ok, so this started to unintentionally turn into slight fan ranting, but what I say is true.  Just a little something I'd sometimes like to see in other games.

"Luke" Preview

Luke

Michael Quigg

I’m not really sure what to do anymore.  I don’t know where I belong.  I have no one to talk to or to play with anymore. I’m not sure what to do without Zach.  Its been so long since I’ve seen him.  I wonder if he remembers me?  I remember him.  How could I forget?  My earliest memory was with him.  We spent every day together, him and I.  He showed me so many great things, and taught me lessons that I would never forget.  When he was sad, I was always there to comfort him, even if I was the one that caused the sadness.  Just my presence seemed to lighten his day, but it’s not that way anymore.  Not since he left.

Not since he left me.

Pokemon Cards

So yeah, I collect Pokemon cards.

Judge me if you will, but I find collecting them relaxing and fun.  Currently I own over 1,000 Pokemon cards, not counting energies and trainers, which I also have a lot of.  I don't usually do competitive play, but that's mostly due to the fact that there aren't many competitive card players in my area that I know of.  My local board game shop does hold Pokemon local tournaments, but I haven't gone there yet simply because I don't want to end up being the oldest one there.

I'm always constantly looking for other people who play Pokemon and aren't children.  I also have a large stack of Pokemon cards I'm looking to give away soon, so if you want to start a collection then it'd be perfect for that.

I know Pokemon is looked upon as childish, and it sort of is, but that is only because children are the easiest to sell cute, fighting creatures to.  But I believe Pokemon is for all ages willing to get into the universe.  Currently getting back into the games as well and I am always trying to collect cards I don't have.  I also have a TCG Online account, so if anyone wants to chat it up on there too, I'll be there.

Anyways, that's about it.  This kind of turned out differently then I originally planned, but yeah.  I'll update more laterz.

Bioshock Infinite!

Bioshock: Infinite is coming out in a few days and I haven't been this excited for a game since Portal 2 (in which I was very excited.)  I am a large Bioshock fan.  Everything about it just seems to intrigue me, from the art design to the story.  I'm a big narrative fan, and the Bioshock franchise has quenched that thirst greatly.  What intrigues me most about this new game though is obviously the new direction that they have decided to go with this new installment, and whether or not it will tie in with the first two games.

Anyway, yeah, that's pretty much it.

Hi there, everyone. I sort of forgot I had this blog until recently, so I'm going to try and re-energize this blog, specifically to get my works out. Recently I've been working on some short stories/creepypastas, so I hope to promote this blog more.  I'm also going to try and gain my own domain name and blog eventually.  So stay tuned for some stories, and also some personal thoughts from me as well.