Gaming Life
Lucky Wander Boy by D.B. Weiss
At first, I didn't like this book; I found the writing trite and contrived. The characters were as two dimensional as the games mentioned in the narrative. It was only after reading through the first 60 pages that I became attached to the protagonist, Adam Pennyman, I slowly began to gain a deeper appreciation for the text. This appreciation was center on my connection to Pennyman as a gamer. I cannot truly say that I have been obsessed over a video game the way that Pennyman is over Lucky Wander Boy (although my infatuation with Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow allows me some insight into this world), but I can say that I understand the power of nostalgia that many games can conjure up. I felt that the sections discussing Pennyman's effort to cure his grandmother's cancer via playing MicroSurgeon were completely heartfelt and touching. Besides the sentimental value of this, this connection between reality and game becomes the central theme of the text. This theme is important because we are entering a period where gaming is starting to be considered seriously and academicly.
PSP:
I just got my PSP; unfortunately, I have to wait til I finish work and a few errands to get to play it. I also purchased Lumines and WipeOut Pure. In the realm of accessories, I bought a screen protector and a larger memory card (512 MB) for pics, vids, and music. I need to purchase a case soon. This device should revolutionize portable media.
Initial Reactions:
(coming soon)
Development Curve
Games, like books, should have a steady development curve. You should begin at level 1 and gradually work you way to level X upon which you can complete the game. As you read, you steadily develop an understanding of the internal dynamics of the character and plot, which chapter by chapter and word by word prepare you for the climax and closing. In narrative, the completion of the story is the reward. The same can be said of the video game. Defeating the final obstacle signifies the completion of the game. You build your avatar through playing and leveling up.
