True Confessions…

Posted by danleone on October 23rd, 2007 filed in blogging, funny

OK, I need both of you to keep a secret. It is critical that you do in order that I maintain my “manhoodliness.” I have come to the realization lately that after 43 years on this planet, I do not play any video games. That’s right, no, meaning none whatsoever, video games. But not only that, I have never really played any video games.

I checked to make sure that all the parts that “define” me as a man are still intact. Check. Then checked again for the fun of it. I confirm that I am unequivocally male. Add to that my genetic predisposition to think of sex every 7 seconds interspersed with the words Red Sox and I am confident that I am still male….at least ceremoniously.

But somehow I was out the day that video games were invented. I lived a couple of miles, and hung out in, a local mall. I know there was an arcade. I know my friends were in there playing all those new-fangled arcade games, like Pacman, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Tempest and Centipede. We all remember those games where you had just a single joystick or, if you were really fancy, a button and a giant trackball. All my friends were in the arcade, so what the eff was I doing while they were playing? Was I a bystander? Was I out shopping at Chess King because I was all about fashion (a trait that clearly has lingered to this day)?

Truth is, I have no idea what I was doing, but I can tell you, without hesitation, that I was not playing video games.

Part of the problem is that I am not a very competitive person. I was never one that needed to crush my opponent. That desire is mostly lost of me (check manhood here. Yup, still intact). I am not even competitive with myself. Add to that, I feel like I am completely unable to immerse myself in the strange new worlds promised by the video games.

Even now, with children, I do not play video games with them despite the fact that their thumbs are the only part of their bodies that gets exercise. They can quite literally sit in front of the Game Cube, which I bought for them, for days, maybe years on end without looking up.

So, here I am, at 43, trying to figure out this video game thing. Here is my plan: I want to take your suggestions and purchase a video game (for the computer and not the game consoles). I then want to write about the experience as I work my way up the learning curve. I can only imagine that this will serve as riveting blogging…if my blog was not riveting enough.

So, to get me started, I need your advice downloading or purchasing a video game. I know there are different types of games, like first-person shooters, sports, puzzles, arcade-style, strategy and role-playing games.
If I had my druthers, I would not choose a F.P.S game. But I can be convinced. A general rule is that it must be playable on a basic PC laptop with the out-of-the-box graphics card. No hardware mods allowed. I would gladly give up slick graphics for interesting gameplay . The other criteria is that I am not required to pay monthly subscription fees to use the game. I don’t have two pennies to rub together, and last I checked I have a couple or three children that need to be fed (on a rotating schedule) so please don’t make me pay to play.

Questions for Both of My Readers (BoMR): Since I am at best only a geek-wannabe, I need your help.
What video game should I purchase as a 43 year old’s first introduction to the world of gaming?
What are your thoughts about gaming in general?
I know many of us are parents so does that mean you have less time or perhaps more time to engage in games?

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15 Responses to “True Confessions…”

  1. t'other Dan Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 1:30 am

    Haven’t got a great deal of time to go into any depth, but wanted to leave a comment just in case I forget to come back later.

    In my oppinion you’re best starting out with a “god sim” (or god simulator – where you design and create zoo’s or cities or civilizations or theme parks or whatever). These are fun, don’t require good reactions, and although can be a little complicated are easy enough if you go through the tutorials.

    I don’t know what the specs of your laptop are, but I’ll be surprised if you can’t run Sim City 2000, Zoo tycoon, Theme hospital or something like that. I’ve always liked the settlers series of games too.

  2. Kristina Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 4:21 am

    Wii is fun!! It’s a hand held device that has some sort of scensors within it. Games like bowling, tennis, golf, you actually stand and act as if you’re really participating in the sport.

    Not sure what other games they have to offer…I was hooked on the bowling and was actually a lil sore the day after playing. Yes, pathetic!

  3. Jodi Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 8:48 am

    Well holy moley there are just way too many to pick from…depends on what you like to do..
    there are first shooters, rpg’s, or strategies…I personally am a fan of SIMS and SimCity4 or 3…I also like the old phantasmagoria(do not play alone and in the dark…freaky). I am more the strategy, scavenger hunt, build…type.
    But if you like to blow things up? Medal of Honor, Doom(kinda scary too), Fear, I could go on.
    Of course you could go hunting and find the original nintendo and start there,lol. I have all the zeldas. Yeah so I just made a huge admission too, dont tell anyone.
    Does this help?

  4. terri Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 6:08 pm

    This probably doesn’t count, but the only one I play is Jeopardy. But if you ask my boys, you should get Medal of Honor. Both available in computer versions.

  5. paisley Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 8:17 pm

    i am here to advocate the use of the SIMS games.. they are like life only better cuz if you get bored in one house and with one family,, you just create another,, no divorce no palimony no nada… hit and run… i love it.. when i get really depressed,, like when my dobie died i played non stop for days till eventually i had controlled enough other lives,, and i was ready to come back and take care of my own… oh SIMS all the way!!!!!

    you know i must like it if i am willing to use capital letters to endorse it…..

  6. Deb Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 9:03 pm

    I have played them. They’re not my thing, despite the fact that I am hyper-competitive. FPS games are not allowed to be played in my or Kiddo’s presence, so I commend you on your desire to steer clear of them. I’d vote for Sims, too. Only because I see them on the shelves in the store all the time, and they’re the only ones that (theoretically) interest me.

    Can I be your official third reader?

  7. Deb Says:
    October 24th, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    P.S. I just did some checking myself, and it’s confirmed: I am NOT a man.

  8. reasonable robinson Says:
    October 25th, 2007 at 4:06 am

    Hi Dan, well as someone who has spent his life in the games and gaming business, I’ve been a compulsive games player for years…I still play and I’m 10 years ahead of you mate ;) The games I like are Real Time Strategy Games such as Ages or Empire – you can get a free demo off the Microsoft Site AOE 111 which is fun and should give you a taster. I like first person shooters too – Unreal is great but the youngsters are too good to play against on-line, Total War is another good RTS. For mind numbing banality Railroad Tycoon is good if you haven’t the space for a real trainset. I’ve just bought Oblivion but now need a new PC to run the bloody thing !! ‘cos the graphics are so demanding.

    I find driving games – samey, and novelty platform games a bit old hat and frustrating with key presses and stuff.

    Action adventures like Lara Croft are OK too.

    For realism try Medal of Honour series – it’ll remove any aspirations of joing up and going to Iraq I assure you!

    have fun mate

    Cheers
    RR UK

  9. danleone Says:
    October 25th, 2007 at 7:07 am

    Well thanks so much everyone! Part of the hidden benefit to my post is to hear that many of you are gamers in your “real life.” It is exciting to hear.

    I got a couple of votes for Sims, as well as some EXPERT advice from Reasonable Robinson. I like his idea about downloading a demo version. That makes a lot more sense than spending 50 dollars on something I theoretically don’t have the time for!

    Most of all, thanks Deb for the confirmation. I can honestly say no one questioned it for a second!

    Dan

  10. poojitha Says:
    October 25th, 2007 at 11:46 am

    Halo would be cool,man

  11. Vanessa Says:
    October 25th, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    Okay first, I’m not sure I can help. Though I am certainly not a man, I do own a video game system. The upshot on this is that it’s an Atari 2600. Yep, you read it right. I own a fully functioning Atari system complete with Space Invaders, Frogger, Donkey Kong, Pong and Centipede.

    Second, I know many women who refuse to date men who own video game systems. We think it’s weird. The Atari is cool though and I must admit it is a man MAGNET! I can’t tell you how many times I have lured innocent menfolk to my lair with, “Hey, wanna come in my bedroom and play Space Invaders…” Well, I could. But I won’t. Okay. Fine. It worked once.

  12. meleah rebeccah Says:
    October 26th, 2007 at 11:04 am

    Um… where is my son when I need him?

    The only GAME I can play with any success is Mortal Kombat.

  13. Sleeping Beauty Says:
    October 26th, 2007 at 9:35 pm

    Dan, Dan, Dan, are these words actually coming out of your mouth? LOL That is OK though because you are willing to try, I do not like video games (on the TV) I think I grew out of that around 10, right around the time I found boys. Anyway…. IF given the time, without children, work and such, I would sick my ass down and play the SIMS all day and night. I am not kidding, I have dont it many times before. But I warn you…. I cheat….. I need all the money to build houses and to buy all the cool stuff. And you can even make your couple “woo woo” in the bed or hot tub! Ha! Any way…. Its the SIMS2 and get the expansion packs! Awesome!!!!!

  14. Avery Says:
    October 26th, 2007 at 10:27 pm

    I’m a Simmer, too. But if you are going to play on a laptop, I might suggest getting Sims 2 Life Stories instead of the Sims 2 and all the expansion packs. The Sims 2 is a HUGE game (with all the EP’s). And I had to upgrade my graphics card and power supply unit to meet the requirements of some of the later EP’s. (I might also add it’s not worth getting the Sims if you’re not going to get all the other packs. JMO.) Let us know what you decide!

  15. Jill Says:
    October 30th, 2007 at 1:15 pm

    If you can get your hands on one snag a WII. I’m not a “gamer” but I love it. So much fun to play with my husband or the kids. Boxing rocks!! You actually get a workout-and when your not playing it’s HILARIOUS to watch others do it.

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