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Games to validate gaming
The_Scarab
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Registered User regular
(Not a poll thread, read on)
Ok so it's nearly the start of my second year at uni and my internship is ending. So Im moving back to my parents house for a few days before I go back to uni digs.
Basically this thread could be really interesting. Now I am actually officially making a career out of gaming, my parents have actually taken interest in it. So while Im over there they asked if I could give em a taster of what gaming is about.
So I wanna know what games I should bring as a kind of roadmap of gaming. It has to be impressive cause well, I dont wanna get disgruntled looks, and it has to be for a home console. I own pretty much every home console from Snes - 360 except I dont own a PS3 yet. Also, any game is fine. I can raid the office store and borrow anything for a few days or I might probably already have it cause I own a lot of games.
So really, I was thinking showing em some Bioshock. Its pretty new and can interest them thematically. Then I gotta do a run down of different types. Racing games, some shooters. Maybe Gears maybe not. Definetly some Mario, definetly some Zelda.
Criteria really is a game that can be impressive to non gamers. It has to show gaming in a good light otherwise they will be annoyed, and it cant be too complicated and/or have too many gaming cliches. For example, the last game my Dad played was the ski jump mini game in super monkey ball just cause he could understand it.
No posting of just game titles. Id like some reasoning behind why these games would show off gaming well, and an interesting discussion on what games can validate gaming. To my parents, you see, gaming has always been a waste of time with no substance and no real benefit. Id like to show them something that is as 'valuable' in a way as a good movie or a book. Something which shows gaming as a medium akin to television than a kids toy. Which is why I think Bioshock is a good choice. Its mature but also very moody, and new so the graphics can really wow. I wish I had a PS3 to get something kick ass in there. The HS demo with the cutscenes would have been killer to show on a graphics point. And none of this 'games are art' bullshit. Thats a different discussion, but suggestions like Okami are great. trying to convince them games are art is futile, even though I support that viewpoint. My main thing is to try and say 'this is what ive spent thousands of pounds throughout my life on, was it worth it? yes!'
They arent looking to change their lives, they just want to see what I have been harking on about for my whole life and what they have never understood. Kinda touching really, Ive spent my whole life trying to get em interested and they finally have. What do I show to prove it hasnt been all a waste? The Wii is definetly coming out, Wii Sports they already know about cause I wrecked that shit at christmas. Glorious.
Im talking more hardcore gaming, almost a run down of classic games. Has to be a variety, and something they can be involved with and something they would understand. Im leaning towards leaving out most RPGs and JRPGs, and excluding a lot of sports games in this kind of 'presentation' thing. Mainly I just wanna show off the medium as best I can and show it for something more mature and developed than the last time they took interest (which was playing Aladdin on my Mega Drive christmas day when I got it)
Ok so it's nearly the start of my second year at uni and my internship is ending. So Im moving back to my parents house for a few days before I go back to uni digs.
Basically this thread could be really interesting. Now I am actually officially making a career out of gaming, my parents have actually taken interest in it. So while Im over there they asked if I could give em a taster of what gaming is about.
So I wanna know what games I should bring as a kind of roadmap of gaming. It has to be impressive cause well, I dont wanna get disgruntled looks, and it has to be for a home console. I own pretty much every home console from Snes - 360 except I dont own a PS3 yet. Also, any game is fine. I can raid the office store and borrow anything for a few days or I might probably already have it cause I own a lot of games.
So really, I was thinking showing em some Bioshock. Its pretty new and can interest them thematically. Then I gotta do a run down of different types. Racing games, some shooters. Maybe Gears maybe not. Definetly some Mario, definetly some Zelda.
Criteria really is a game that can be impressive to non gamers. It has to show gaming in a good light otherwise they will be annoyed, and it cant be too complicated and/or have too many gaming cliches. For example, the last game my Dad played was the ski jump mini game in super monkey ball just cause he could understand it.
No posting of just game titles. Id like some reasoning behind why these games would show off gaming well, and an interesting discussion on what games can validate gaming. To my parents, you see, gaming has always been a waste of time with no substance and no real benefit. Id like to show them something that is as 'valuable' in a way as a good movie or a book. Something which shows gaming as a medium akin to television than a kids toy. Which is why I think Bioshock is a good choice. Its mature but also very moody, and new so the graphics can really wow. I wish I had a PS3 to get something kick ass in there. The HS demo with the cutscenes would have been killer to show on a graphics point. And none of this 'games are art' bullshit. Thats a different discussion, but suggestions like Okami are great. trying to convince them games are art is futile, even though I support that viewpoint. My main thing is to try and say 'this is what ive spent thousands of pounds throughout my life on, was it worth it? yes!'
They arent looking to change their lives, they just want to see what I have been harking on about for my whole life and what they have never understood. Kinda touching really, Ive spent my whole life trying to get em interested and they finally have. What do I show to prove it hasnt been all a waste? The Wii is definetly coming out, Wii Sports they already know about cause I wrecked that shit at christmas. Glorious.
Im talking more hardcore gaming, almost a run down of classic games. Has to be a variety, and something they can be involved with and something they would understand. Im leaning towards leaving out most RPGs and JRPGs, and excluding a lot of sports games in this kind of 'presentation' thing. Mainly I just wanna show off the medium as best I can and show it for something more mature and developed than the last time they took interest (which was playing Aladdin on my Mega Drive christmas day when I got it)
The_Scarab on
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Well, if you're going for mainly storytelling and such, I'd suggest a Metal Gear Solid game. Not the most impressive graphics in all the land, and Kojima definitely has not been taking his sanity pills like the doctor ordered, but well-presented stuff nonetheless.
Theres so much left for your interpretation, you're slaying these enormous titans to save a girl, but you can empathize with them, you feel almost guilty at times when you're trying to defeat some of them, where others you're too busy thinking of your survival to even think about it.
Its not overly difficult either, the controls are relatively simple and its something you can give to a person as a example of what stories can be told with gaming as a medium.
As you said Bioshock is a must. The intro is impressive, you can have game saves at the ready showing off eye candy, and Ryan is very quotable.
You might also consider burning some trailers to a DVD of Ratchet and Clank ("Looks like a Pixar movie!"), Uncharted (Hrm well maybe compare it to Indiana Jones?), etc..
Another Iffy idea (completely depends on your folks) would be to show them Defcon (compared to the movie Wargames) and some of the trailers to World in Conflict (Cold War tension/fear of commies). I thought the GC2007 trailer fit very well ( http://www.gametrailers.com/game/2529.html ) considering its not some tin foil hat conspiracy its something that very well could of played out.
And dammit, i need a career in games to give my side more validity.
edit: just a thought, part of the reason i don't like showing off games to people, even ones like Bioshock or Half-Life, is that where i'm trying to show off the story, the action gets in the way. If i were to try and get either of my parents to follow the Bioshock story, they'd be sat watching me fight swarms of splicers before getting to the next story-building piece, although the audiologs help keep it more flowing. But yeah, i'll find i'll talk on about how great the story and atmosphere is, and they'll get bored watching me shoot things before it gets to the reason for them being there.
any Mario - all have easy controls, fun gameplay
Geometry Wars - basic yet fun gameplay and easy controls
If you're having them play rather than just showing them I would avoid FPS' because the control schemes aren't easily picked up by someone that has never played an FPS.
I think Mario Sunshine is on the list so far. If for no reason other than my sister got all 120 shines in it, and she doesnt game at all. Like, at all. Has to be something accessible to it.
Also, Im thinking RE:make, some parts nearer the end in the labs.
though i could put on nosferatu and leave the room and go to subway or something for an hour =D
edit: after skimming the OP, i'd try showing them the intro and opening level of Half-Life 2. The G-Man's speech should be intriguing enough, and getting to look around City 17 (if they're at all familiar with 1984) should be enough of a hook. Then you could bring in some saves from later story-building moments. This, of course, requires either sitting them round a pc, or waiting for the Orange Box (i know i've already mentioned HL2, but i wanted to elaborate a bit)
It would be.
I was also thinking, strangely, Max Payne. Need to grab a console version though. That was good.
Im trying to figure out what makes a good game to show off to people. graphics or sounds? you cant really include plot cause you dont have long enough. maybe online title, then have foreign voices play via speakers not headset.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wheel_of_Time_%28video_game%29
I think in the end though you will probably get the most bang for your buck from Bioshock. The intro is just flat out amazing. You'll have them quoting Ryan. "Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow?" "No!" Says the man in Washington, "It Belongs to the poor."
Very good idea.
Wind Waker is also exactly what you want. To wit:
* Beautiful to look at. Interesting environments.
* Gore factor is low, so it's a good first point of entry for gaming newcomers (of an elder generation esp.)
* Like all Zelda games, it's a masterpiece of contextual learning. Hrm... I can't get past this spot. What, here's a Boomerang (Bow, Bomb, Mirror, etc.)? Maybe I can use this somewhere...
* It's part of a canonical series spread over multiple generations of consoles and so is by itself a useful framework for discussing the history of the industry, including the importance of handhelds.
* It has gameplay elements from multiple genres (adventure, rpg, shooter, puzzle) and so becomes an excellent reference when you start showing them other games. For example, say you show them Deus Ex down the line. You can talk about how in Wind Waker your character became more powerful through heart pieces (more life) and various equipment. In Deus Ex, Mom and Dad, you still have equipment, but instead of heart pieces you have a choice of how to make your character more powerful. That choice becomes part of the fun of the game. Now when we look at harder core role-playing games like the Dungeons and Dragons series, that customization becomes even more robust...
Man, I'm getting all worked up just thinking about it.
I'm a gamer and my wife isn't, although she'll jump in on some Smash Brothers or SSX Tricky if folks are playing. Whenever I was playing Wind Waker, though, she would come and watch. And not just watch, but talk with me about it. She got engaged as a player without playing herself.
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However you may want to show some of those niche games like Beyond Good & Evil, apparently it's like Zelda but I haven't played a Zelda since the SNES (yes yes I know) so if you're already showing Zelda it may not be worth it. Then there's something like Oddworld, I know that one has a broader appeal as well.
But I'd suggest breaking your "display" into 2 distinct areas. Games they can play and are easy to pick up (Geometry wars for instance) and games you can show them that they may not really want to sit down and play (more complicated or difficult games like Ninja Gaiden).
I wouldn't say that's true... many great movies, at their heart, have a very simple story... it's just the characters are so well portrayed as to make you care for them. Even the best written movie would fall flat with horrible actors, while the worst written ones... while they wouldn't be good, can still have a high point with a good actor playing the parts well. And of course.. a poorly written book is still a poorly written book.
Games have had the stories to equal a good movie for a long time... they have just lacked the ability to really tell it in a way that could rival a movie or even a book because they need to be interactive.
Since the Dreamcast days games have begun to come into their own with a more robust storytelling format.
They aren't there yet, but many of the more cinematic games are getting there (I mean in presentation.. not just sitting through one giant set of cut scenes with little or no gameplay).
My thoughts are as follows:
Grand Theft Auto 3. Now I know what you're thinking, but it is specifically because this game is so infamous that it makes such a powerful demonstration. I know most people who aren't into gaming know this game purely based on its reputation, and its reputation is basically "shoot cops kill hookers kill kill bad example for kids Columbine bloody kill kill kill". However, a proper demonstration of a game like this would note that while its reputation for violence is justified, the series is modeled after films like Grand Theft Auto and Scarface, with a similar approach to violence, albeit with a satiric edge. What's more, going around senselessly killing things gets really boring really quick, and players are even discouraged from doing so by the increased police presence this causes. Conversely, what made this game so popular, aside from the sensationalism, was how amazingly open-ended it was, and the freedom it gave to the player - sure, you could go on a killing spree, but you could just as easily follow the game's intricate story, or taxi people around, or even go around putting out fires.
Half-Life 2. As an example of a heavily-scripted game designed to ensure players are led through a constant thrill-ride of awesome at every moment. You might even point out areas where players are subtly guided by the game design so your folks can see how subtle game design makes for a better experience. It also doesn't hurt that the game still looks absolutely amazing. However, Bioshock also makes for a good demonstration in this regard.
Silent Hill 2. While there are folks that will argue for Res Evil 4, I can think of few games that set an atmosphere better than SH2. This game is a great example of the importance of sound design in a game, and if you really want the full effect, you should turn the lights out and the sound up to show just how encompassing the experience can be (also, if you can freak out your parents, even better!)
One of the Gran Turismo/Forza games. These games are probably the best thing on the market when you're looking for something that can imitate reality. You can show just how in depth they are as simulators, going so far as to having adjustable parts and whatnot. On the other hand, replays of these games are probably the closest you'll get to a videogame that actually looks like real video.
Burnout 3. Yeah, you could go with a newer one, but I still think 3 is the best in the series. Just take it to a crash mode and let 'er rip. Easy-to-play, but extremely fun, and one of the easiest instant-gratification games out there, going from 0 to fun in just a few minutes.
Geometry Wars. Simple. Easy. Accessible. But damn fun and impressive.
And, while I know it probably goes against all gamer logic, I'd recommend against using Zelda as a demo, because these games usually take a bit of time to get going, and by the time you reach something especially interesting, your folks may well have lost interest. If you have to, I'd say to go for Wind Waker so you can show off the unique graphical design.
One other note: As a game to demo/impress non-gamers, Shadow of the Colossus is much better than Ico. The subtle beauty of Ico is amazing, but its easier to pull someone into something with "holy crap, that's HUGE!"
I've had alot of experience with nongamers being subjected to games and this one is the worst experience for them from what I can tell.
A close friend of mine can't even watch it without getting a headache much less play it. He couldn't even really describe why it made him feel ill.
It might be different of course for the OP's family but just keep in mind that we have been de-sensitized to what may be an overwhelming experience to others.
As for other family members, mine will enjoy adventures games in passing, but only as an observer, but it's never too hard to get people to jump hands on with a game like SingStar or Guitar Hero, trite as that may sound.
Are you talking about motion-sickness or content? I can only assume The Scarab knows enough about his folks to know whether either of these might be a problem.
The way he describes how he feels its something like motion sickness but I've play other games like gran turismo with him and he's fine.
Oh and he said Burnout "Jars his senses". I don't really know what that means.
Bejeweled or similar PopCap Game
Wii Sports
Dead Rising
And if you want a solid RPG, I would recommend Fallout 2. Although this will require a significant time investment to pay out.
Admittedly it slips later on, but they don't need to know that!
PSN: SirGrinchX
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Once you've decided what you want to prove to them, decide what content they'll be comfortable with. How might your parents handle gore? How would they handle suspense/horror; do they like horror movies? How will they handle video game conventions like lifebars or magic points; that is, will metaphors we take as a sort of standard language be too foreign to them? What will they be more/less receptive to? Can they even play the games we're suggesting?
Most of these have already been mentioned, but I think these are pretty validating:
If you want to give them a brief history of games, you might also show them various Marios, Zeldas, etc., but I don't think that will go far to prove that games are more than a time sink. Katamari Damacy is super charming too, but it sounds like the OP's parents are already somewhat antagonistic toward games. Half-Life 2 was also mentioned, but there's so much more gameplay than appreciable story elements, I don't know if I support that suggestion.
EDIT:
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy added thanks to Mr_Grinch's reminder.
Or if you really want to impress them with how video games can be a viable career, just hide a 10 pound note in a DS, open it up and go "Look! It really does print money!"
Yeah, I meant storytelling, rather than storyline I guess. Even so, cinematic games are pretty terrible if you take the cinematic experience and isolate it from the game itself. And if you're not really interested in the game, then that doesn't help. Sometimes you need that 20 hour investment in grind to really get the payoff to mean something.
Another thing is, how the story interacts on the gameplay. E.g. Bioshock may have a great story that's really deep. But how does that interact with the game? Absolutely nowhere. You run around, and shoot everything.
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henrry jenkins stuff is particularly good, if a little on the brainy side
this is a great intro to video games
this is a little more esoteric but also very fascinating
Brain Age - my mom has played 3 video games ever, and this is one. There is no learning curve, and gratification is instant. The box might as well say "This was tailor-made for your parents, and you might enjoy it too."
Soul Calibur - it has the depth that more serious players like, yet is still easily accessible and will often reward you with cool-looking moves just for random mashing. Gratifying for both new and experienced players.
Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates - one of the most beginner-friendly MMOs around, and really emphasizes the socializing aspect of the genre.
Medal of Honor Allied Assault - the D-Day level.
I'd show cutscenes from Mafia, Clock Tower 3, Zelda WW, MGS, RE4, Day of the Tentacle.
I so agree. In my opinion, the first step is to show ways in which games are unique as a media format: interaction and gameplay. I'd start with simple classics - Tetris, Super Mario World, etc - and explain why they're still regarded as classics despite their ancient technological limitations. After you have this focus on engaging interaction, come up with more modern examples that demonstrate specific points you find most important about game design. Personally, I'd include Diablo II as a lesson in character customization, Shadow of the Colossus for its minimalism in menus and storytelling and atmoshpere (Silent Hill or REmake might be good for this as well), and maybe Myst and Zelda for giving the players a sense of accomplishment and/or discovery.
I wouldn't touch storylines with a ten foot pole, though. Even the best plots in gaming aren't something you want to highlight, really. Unnecessarily convoluted plotlines, poor dialogue, and shallow characters abound in even my favorite gaming stories.
For games they might like playing, try Brain Age (got my mom to buy a DS and play it every day), and Wii Sports.