While blowing people up and shooting zombies in the head is fun and exciting, another great part of video games over the years has been its evolution in storytelling. With that evolution, romance and relationships have become an integral part of the plots of our favorite video games. In the midst of the chaos and carnage gamers come face to face with in their favorite games, the romance of the characters make them that much more real, and lovable. Here are the top 5 video game relationships that have warmed my own heart, as well as those of the video game community. Beware, spoilers ahead. If you have not played the games and want to be surprised, go no further!
5. The Prince of Persia and Farrah (Prince of Persia: Sands of Time): In the first Prince of Persia game that followed the original 2-D adventure, players were introduced to the arrogant Prince of Persia, and the enigmatic and strong Farah, a princess on the opposite side of a war the Prince's father has been waging. When a mysterious hour glass housing the Sands of Time is unleashed, changing everyone in the palace save for these two into mindless zombies, these two opposing characters are forced to work together to stop the threat. As the game progresses, players see the Prince slowly becoming a true warrior and hero, and he and Farah begin to build a strong relationship, to the point where she reveals a secret word that no one but she and her mom know and which holds special meaning for her. When the Prince learns that the only way to stop the threat is to use the sands to go back in time to before Farah was captured, he does so, but in the process erases any memory she has of the Prince. When he stops the one man responsible for the threat, the Vizier, Farah is still reluctant to trust him, but with a smile, he simply tells her the one word she has never told anyone, leaving her to wonder who he is, while he is left to hold the memory of all they shared to himself.
4. Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance (Half Life 2): Throughout the mind bending game of Half Life 2, players immediately begin to feel the affects of the special bond created between the game's hero, Gordon Freeman, and his partner in stopping the alien threat, Alyx Vance, the daughter of the leader of the human resistance. In the game, Freeman was a scientist who was unwittingly used to do an experiment that would unleash a portal to another dimension, where bloodthirsty creatures crossed over and took over our world. After 20 years in stasis, Gordon returns to find the planet controlled by the aliens, and humanity on the verge of collapse, facing the alien threat and the humans who joined the aliens. Throughout the game, the two of them face overwhelming odds, constantly thwarting threats, only to meet new ones. At one point, in the DLC Episode 2, Alyx is stabbed and nearly dies at the hands of an alien Hunter, but thanks to Gordon risking his life in an alien hive, he is able to revive her, and together they face the threat once more. With rumors of an Episode 3 sill lingering in the air, we can only hope that players can finally see this unspoken romance come to bloom, and see these two deserving people finally able to reveal their love to one another.
3. Cloud and Aerith (Final Fantasy VIII): One of the most tragic love stories in video games, Final Fantasy VIII sees players are introduced to the now famous Cloud, a former SOLDIER and troubled hero. When a planetary threat emerges in the form of Sephiroth, another SOLDIER who unleashes an alien monster known as Jenova, who players learn is Sephiroth's mother. When Cloud's memories are made fuzzy and Sephiroth claims Cloud is a clone of himself, it is only with the help of Aerith, a flower girl who helps the resistance that he is able to gain his memories. Towards the end of the game, Aerith ventures into the forgotten city in hopes of finding a way to stop a meteor that is sent by Sephiroth to destory the planet. When she finds the way, Sephiroth arrives, and impales her in the torso. Aerith was the one who was able to make Cloud more likable, coming out of his moodiness and dark nature he used to mask his loving, caring side. When she is killed, Cloud is forced to release her into the lifestream of the planet, and it through her and the lifestream that the meteor is able to be stopped, but it does not diminish the painful reality that Cloud's true love is taken from him, making him continue along the path of the tragic hero.
2. Sora and Kairi (Kingdom Hearts series): One of my personnel favorites, the Kingdom Hearts series follows Sora, a young 14 year old boy who lives on an island with his family and friends, Riku and Kairi. On the island, players learn early on that it is an ancient tradition to give the one person you care most for a special fruit, signifying your love or affection for them. When Sora enters a mysterious cave, he begins to draw a picture of himself and Kari, and of himself giving her that fruit, expressing to the players his love for her. Before he can do this, however, the island is attacked by the Heartless, creatures from the Darkness. When his world is engulfed in Darkness, we learn that Sora is the Keyblad warrior, the chosen warrior to repel the Darkness. Sora then enters on a journey with Disney favorites Donald and Goofy in an attempt to free the other worlds from the Darkness, as well as locate Riku and his love, Kairi. Later in the game, when it is learned that Kari is one of the seven Princesses of Heart needed to open the door to Kingdom Hearts, Sora finds her lifeless body in front of a possessed Riku, taken over by the heartless leader Ansem. When Sora defeats him, he learns that Kairi's heart resides within his own heart, as does the hearts of all the Princesses. Knowing this, Sora turns the keyblade on himself, stabbing himself in the heart, and unleashing the hearts of all the Princesses and sacrificing himself. Upon waking up, Kairi watches as Sora disappears. Later in the game, Sora is returned to human form, and defeats Ansem in front of the door leading to Kingdom Hearts. However, in the last moments of the game, Sora and Kairi are seperated once again, returning her to her home island and restoring balance to the worlds. While Sora goes in search of Riku and a way home, Kairi finds the cave, and the picture Sora drew. The last image we see is Kairi drawing on the wall, and finished product showing herself also giving Sora the fruit, showing that she too loves him. Talk about romantic as hell, lol.
1. Dom and Maria (Gears of War): The saddest and most heartbreaking romantic relationship in video game history. Dominic Santiago is a Gear, a soldier in the fight against an monstrous race of creatures known as Locust. On the day of Emergence, when the locust first attacked their planet, Dom and Maria's children were killed. This in turned sent Maria down a downward spiral of depression that lead to her disappearing. Having known her since childhood and having been married since 16, Dom is desperate to find her. With the planet in turmoil due to the threat of the locust, however, he is forced to look for her while fighting the war. During the second Gears of War, Dom finally gets a lead on to where Maria may be. While on a mission to the underground city of the Locust, Dom and the game's hero, Marcus Fenix, Dom's best friend, venture into a prison camp where humans are tortured. Upon finding Maria, Dom is forced into reality, and sees that the happy ending he had hoped for is never going to happen. Maria has been tortured, and is haggard and unable to speak or recognize Marcus. She has been left nearly brain dead. Dom, furious and heartbroken, kisses her gently, tells her how much he loves her and how sorry he is to have arrived so late, and then forces himself to grant her peace the only way he can, by shooting her once in the head, ending her life and the torment the locust have put her through. Thus ending the desperate hope players had harbored for Dom, who had gone through hell with Marcus and the other Gears so that one day he and Maria could live in happiness once again.
Well, there you go, there is my top 5 favorite romantic couples. This blog is the first in a long series of video game related posts that I ultimately name my End of Year and End of Decade awards. I hope you enjoy them!
Friday, November 26, 2010
My Love/Hate Relationship with the Final Fantasy Series
As a dedicated gamer, it is hard not to recognize the Final Fantasy series as one of the most influential, accomplished series in the industry. Full of fantastic worlds, great characters, amazing cinematography, and stories that capture the hearts of its fans, Final Fantasy has engrossed fans for decades. However, this amazing series is not without its flaws. While I enjoy everything else about the game, one thing bothers me that I can't let go of: the gameplay.
Yes, that's right, the gameplay. For me, a game that is so rich in context and character is rare, and yet is is diminished because of the mechanics of the gameplay itself. The main problem I have is the battle structure of the games themselves. When one moves around in the worlds the game takes place in, rather than free for all fighting, you are forced into almost scheduled battle, where you and the computer take turns hitting each other. For me, this is just as slow and boring as watching football. You and the computer do battle, taking points with each attack you deal out or get blown, until you or the other die. For me, this is a dark spot on the game.
The creators of the series have integrated its characters into another series, one of my favorites, Kingdom Hearts. This game is similar in style, characterization, plot, and structure. However, it has the one thing that I found has been lacking in the Final Fantasy series, free form battles. Rather than having the battles set up, you are free to roam the world, and attack the enemy whenever you come across them. I feel that this is something that Final Fantasy needs to begin integrating. Even the latest game, Final Fantasy XIII, had one of the most intricate, detailed plots and relatable characters to boot, but the game mechanics left me frustrated and unable to get past the second half of the game. I know not everyone may feel this way, but I know some of you out there may agree with me, and I know for myself, the slow paced action of the series is frustrating, because everything else about the game is breathtaking. From the heartwarming and emotional plot, music, and characters to the all too realistic cinematic shown throughout, the stories told in this series are some of the most heartwarming I've ever encountered in a game. I just hope that the mechanics used in Kingdom Hearts can find their way into the Final Fantasy series some day, that way the games themselves will be complete.
Yes, that's right, the gameplay. For me, a game that is so rich in context and character is rare, and yet is is diminished because of the mechanics of the gameplay itself. The main problem I have is the battle structure of the games themselves. When one moves around in the worlds the game takes place in, rather than free for all fighting, you are forced into almost scheduled battle, where you and the computer take turns hitting each other. For me, this is just as slow and boring as watching football. You and the computer do battle, taking points with each attack you deal out or get blown, until you or the other die. For me, this is a dark spot on the game.
The creators of the series have integrated its characters into another series, one of my favorites, Kingdom Hearts. This game is similar in style, characterization, plot, and structure. However, it has the one thing that I found has been lacking in the Final Fantasy series, free form battles. Rather than having the battles set up, you are free to roam the world, and attack the enemy whenever you come across them. I feel that this is something that Final Fantasy needs to begin integrating. Even the latest game, Final Fantasy XIII, had one of the most intricate, detailed plots and relatable characters to boot, but the game mechanics left me frustrated and unable to get past the second half of the game. I know not everyone may feel this way, but I know some of you out there may agree with me, and I know for myself, the slow paced action of the series is frustrating, because everything else about the game is breathtaking. From the heartwarming and emotional plot, music, and characters to the all too realistic cinematic shown throughout, the stories told in this series are some of the most heartwarming I've ever encountered in a game. I just hope that the mechanics used in Kingdom Hearts can find their way into the Final Fantasy series some day, that way the games themselves will be complete.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
With the year of 2010 coming to an end, only a handful of games remain to be played. One of the last games of the year that was just released is none other than Assassins Creed: Brotherhood. The third game in the Assassins Creed franchise, the latest installment is full of great historical references, fast paced action, great cinematic scenes and beautiful scenery, and an addicting plot line that makes this a must have for the holiday season.
The game follows Desmond Miles, who is one of the few remaining Assassins in the year 2012. He and a small group of Assassins head to Italy, where they hide from the lurking eyes of Abstergo Industries, the futuristic company that is lead by the Assassins sworn enemies, the Templar order. Desmond and his companions are not just hiding, however, but are in search of a ancient artifact that they need in order to prevent a planetary disaster that could end all of humanity. Only by entering the Animus 2.0, a machine that is capable of sending the user into memories embedded in the DNA, can Desmond hope to find the artifact. Using the machine, players are reunited with Ezio Auditore, Desmond's Renaissance ancestor. Ezio is faced with rebuilding the Assassins Guild while liberating the people of Rome from the Pope's son, Cesare Borgia, who controls a large army of Borgia soldiers, members of the Templar Order.
The gameplay is stunning, with executions and assassinations improved so that players have a wide array of options for every mission. Also included are the addition of two weapon wielding, where players can stab a soldier with a sword and finish them off with a pistol shot to the head. Utilizing skills in stealth and combat, players can guide Ezio across the vast city of Rome, navigating intricate puzzles and finding clues that will unravel the mystery of the Templar's. Also included in the game is the ability to recruit other assassins, and as you upgrade their skills and abilities, you can send them all across Europe, completing missions to strike at the Templar order.
The best edition to the series is the multiplayer aspect. Making the large multiplayer experience a part of the games story, you play an employee of Abstergo Industries, and using an Animus machine, players use the memories of kidnapped Assassins and improve their skills so that they may become soldiers in the fight against the Assassins. Players can choose from a large array of characters from the Renaissance era, and must compete in missions that allow you to assassinate other players. The best part of this is that you are no longer trying to kill a computer, but rather another person, which makes their actions much more unpredictable, and that much more fun!
Overall, I have to say that this is my favorite game of the year. Full of rich history, great action, an intriguing plot, and lovable characters that I found were the only missing ingredient in the first game, I give this game a 10 out of 10, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great game to play this holiday season.
The game follows Desmond Miles, who is one of the few remaining Assassins in the year 2012. He and a small group of Assassins head to Italy, where they hide from the lurking eyes of Abstergo Industries, the futuristic company that is lead by the Assassins sworn enemies, the Templar order. Desmond and his companions are not just hiding, however, but are in search of a ancient artifact that they need in order to prevent a planetary disaster that could end all of humanity. Only by entering the Animus 2.0, a machine that is capable of sending the user into memories embedded in the DNA, can Desmond hope to find the artifact. Using the machine, players are reunited with Ezio Auditore, Desmond's Renaissance ancestor. Ezio is faced with rebuilding the Assassins Guild while liberating the people of Rome from the Pope's son, Cesare Borgia, who controls a large army of Borgia soldiers, members of the Templar Order.
The gameplay is stunning, with executions and assassinations improved so that players have a wide array of options for every mission. Also included are the addition of two weapon wielding, where players can stab a soldier with a sword and finish them off with a pistol shot to the head. Utilizing skills in stealth and combat, players can guide Ezio across the vast city of Rome, navigating intricate puzzles and finding clues that will unravel the mystery of the Templar's. Also included in the game is the ability to recruit other assassins, and as you upgrade their skills and abilities, you can send them all across Europe, completing missions to strike at the Templar order.
The best edition to the series is the multiplayer aspect. Making the large multiplayer experience a part of the games story, you play an employee of Abstergo Industries, and using an Animus machine, players use the memories of kidnapped Assassins and improve their skills so that they may become soldiers in the fight against the Assassins. Players can choose from a large array of characters from the Renaissance era, and must compete in missions that allow you to assassinate other players. The best part of this is that you are no longer trying to kill a computer, but rather another person, which makes their actions much more unpredictable, and that much more fun!
Overall, I have to say that this is my favorite game of the year. Full of rich history, great action, an intriguing plot, and lovable characters that I found were the only missing ingredient in the first game, I give this game a 10 out of 10, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great game to play this holiday season.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dead Rising 2
Zombies have invaded once again. It's been years since the release of the groundbreaking game, Dead Rising, and zombies have become once again a part of the mainstream pop culture. With the release of the groundbreaking television show, The Walking Dead, zombies are on everybody's minds right now. And with that, it is no wonder that fans were so excited for the release of Dead Rising 2.
Taking place five years after the release of the first game, the plot follows motocross champion Chuck Greene, who has traveled to the resort city of Fortune City in Nevada to compete in the game show "Terror is Reality". He has taken part in this show in order to win the money necessary to get the drug Zombrex, which his daughter Katey needs in order to prevent her from becoming a zombie. After the show ends, Chuck emerges from an elevator to find the city overrun by a zombie outbreak. Taking his daughter, they run to the safety of a shelter. From there, Chuck has three days to uncover the mystery of the outbreak, which he has been set up for causing, while hunting down the real perpetrators, saving the survivors of the outbreak, and getting his daughter the medication necessary to keep her alive.
The gameplay is much faster and crisper than the original game, and the story and its characters are much more likable and allow the player to really delve into the plot. The addition of combo weapons, in which the player can combine any two items to create a new weapon, really adds to the fun that is Dead Rising 2. Another great feature is the multiplayer aspect, a first for the series, and story related. The multiplayer allows players to enter the game show "Terror is Reality", competing in dozens of new game modes to kill as many zombies as possible. Another great feature is that whatever money you earn in multiplayer, you get to keep in the single player story. I must give this game a 10 out of 10, for the developers truly made this game fun, intriguing, and action packed, all the way to the end.
Taking place five years after the release of the first game, the plot follows motocross champion Chuck Greene, who has traveled to the resort city of Fortune City in Nevada to compete in the game show "Terror is Reality". He has taken part in this show in order to win the money necessary to get the drug Zombrex, which his daughter Katey needs in order to prevent her from becoming a zombie. After the show ends, Chuck emerges from an elevator to find the city overrun by a zombie outbreak. Taking his daughter, they run to the safety of a shelter. From there, Chuck has three days to uncover the mystery of the outbreak, which he has been set up for causing, while hunting down the real perpetrators, saving the survivors of the outbreak, and getting his daughter the medication necessary to keep her alive.
The gameplay is much faster and crisper than the original game, and the story and its characters are much more likable and allow the player to really delve into the plot. The addition of combo weapons, in which the player can combine any two items to create a new weapon, really adds to the fun that is Dead Rising 2. Another great feature is the multiplayer aspect, a first for the series, and story related. The multiplayer allows players to enter the game show "Terror is Reality", competing in dozens of new game modes to kill as many zombies as possible. Another great feature is that whatever money you earn in multiplayer, you get to keep in the single player story. I must give this game a 10 out of 10, for the developers truly made this game fun, intriguing, and action packed, all the way to the end.
Halo: Reach
You know how it ends, but how did it begin? That was the question fans had when the announcement of the new Halo game, Halo: Reach, occurred. Released nearly two months ago, I have seen the story progress, and have to say I am truly impressed. The story was totally original, and each character was as intriguing as they were heroic. The gameplay was crisp, constant, and showed no glitches or faults that hindered the game whatsoever.
Being a prequel to the first Halo game, the plot takes place on the human occupied planet Reach, the last human planet standing in the Covenants path towards Earth. The titular character is Noble Six, a Spartan who takes the place of a fallen Spartan on Noble Team. Investigating a colony on the planet, the team discovers the Covenant, who have infiltrated the planet in search of something. You must fight the alien forces off, while uncovering the mysteries of the planet and the events that lead to the first Halo game.
With fast paced action, new, fresher weaponry, and the addition of armor enhancements, such as jet packs and sprinting capabilities, this game was truly unique. Another great aspect of the game was its multiplayer, which had a great many new game modes, and included the firefight mode introduced in Halo: ODST years before. With stunning scenary and visuals that make you feel like you are living in the game, I must give this game a 10 out of 10, for I found it just as fun if not more fun than the groundbreaking Halo 3. Remember Reach!
Being a prequel to the first Halo game, the plot takes place on the human occupied planet Reach, the last human planet standing in the Covenants path towards Earth. The titular character is Noble Six, a Spartan who takes the place of a fallen Spartan on Noble Team. Investigating a colony on the planet, the team discovers the Covenant, who have infiltrated the planet in search of something. You must fight the alien forces off, while uncovering the mysteries of the planet and the events that lead to the first Halo game.
With fast paced action, new, fresher weaponry, and the addition of armor enhancements, such as jet packs and sprinting capabilities, this game was truly unique. Another great aspect of the game was its multiplayer, which had a great many new game modes, and included the firefight mode introduced in Halo: ODST years before. With stunning scenary and visuals that make you feel like you are living in the game, I must give this game a 10 out of 10, for I found it just as fun if not more fun than the groundbreaking Halo 3. Remember Reach!
Monday, October 11, 2010
New images from Batman: Arkham City
OK, so as you all know, I'm a big fan of the EIDOS company's game, Batman: Arkham Asylum. I loved the game, and especially since I'm an avid Batman fan, and comic book fan in general, I was pumped when the announcement of a sequel was announced. With plot details being released recently, I could not be more thrilled.
Following the smash hit of the first game, Batman: Arkham City takes place right after the first game. A portion of Gotham city has been sealed off and designated a part of the Arkham facility, housing some of Gothams worst criminals. When a threat emerges in the city, Batman must enfiltrate the city, and take on the likes of Two-Face, Penguin, and the return of a very ill Joker. Teaming up with Catwoman, this game is bigger and more bad-ass, but the plot itself was not what intrigued me most. The recent screenshot posted on G4 TV's website showed off a vast and expansive world, and by the looks of it, this game is going to rock. I know that this is sure to be a contender for Game of the Year, and i cannot wait for its release in 2011. Check out the pictures here!
http://g4tv.com/images/3785/Screenshots---Batman-Arkham-City/63288/
Following the smash hit of the first game, Batman: Arkham City takes place right after the first game. A portion of Gotham city has been sealed off and designated a part of the Arkham facility, housing some of Gothams worst criminals. When a threat emerges in the city, Batman must enfiltrate the city, and take on the likes of Two-Face, Penguin, and the return of a very ill Joker. Teaming up with Catwoman, this game is bigger and more bad-ass, but the plot itself was not what intrigued me most. The recent screenshot posted on G4 TV's website showed off a vast and expansive world, and by the looks of it, this game is going to rock. I know that this is sure to be a contender for Game of the Year, and i cannot wait for its release in 2011. Check out the pictures here!
http://g4tv.com/images/3785/Screenshots---Batman-Arkham-City/63288/
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
One of the action genre most well known and popular series is the Prince of Persia series. Having begun as a 2-D, side scrolling game for the PC, the Prince of Persia has become one of the most beloved characters in the game industry. Having followed his exploits and heroism for years, I am an avid fan, and the latest game in the series proves why that is.
The game is set between the first and second Prince of Persia games, and follows the Prince as he sets out for his brother Malik's kingdom. Having been sent there by his father to learn more about leadership from his brother, the Prince arrives to find the kingdom under attack by enemy forces, and Malik's army is taking heavy losses. By the time the Prince reaches his brother, his brother has decided to release an ancient army set in King Solomon tomb. When the Princes pleas to leave the army be go unheard, the army is released, first as glowing sand and then slowing become undead soldiers, the Prince must unite the seal that kept the army locked away for so long and destroy the undead army and its demon leader, before his brother and the entire kingdom are consumed by death.
Using new powers that the Prince has never seen before, players can not only turn back time, but can now solidify water, rebuild broken down buildings, and can teleport across vast distances. Using the third-person action element, the Prince must fight legions of the undead, while traveling across a vast palace and figuring out intricate puzzles that can further him in his quest. Players can also upgrade the Prince to help in his fight.
Overall, the game has proven to be the most realistic, most fun game in the series. With realistic settings, a rich plot, and an action filled adventure, the game has proven to be a front runner for game of the year. And included in the game is a challenge mode, which allows players to take the skills earned during the game and put them to the test. I give this game a 9 out of 10, and look forward to seeing what the series next turn will bring us.
The game is set between the first and second Prince of Persia games, and follows the Prince as he sets out for his brother Malik's kingdom. Having been sent there by his father to learn more about leadership from his brother, the Prince arrives to find the kingdom under attack by enemy forces, and Malik's army is taking heavy losses. By the time the Prince reaches his brother, his brother has decided to release an ancient army set in King Solomon tomb. When the Princes pleas to leave the army be go unheard, the army is released, first as glowing sand and then slowing become undead soldiers, the Prince must unite the seal that kept the army locked away for so long and destroy the undead army and its demon leader, before his brother and the entire kingdom are consumed by death.
Using new powers that the Prince has never seen before, players can not only turn back time, but can now solidify water, rebuild broken down buildings, and can teleport across vast distances. Using the third-person action element, the Prince must fight legions of the undead, while traveling across a vast palace and figuring out intricate puzzles that can further him in his quest. Players can also upgrade the Prince to help in his fight.
Overall, the game has proven to be the most realistic, most fun game in the series. With realistic settings, a rich plot, and an action filled adventure, the game has proven to be a front runner for game of the year. And included in the game is a challenge mode, which allows players to take the skills earned during the game and put them to the test. I give this game a 9 out of 10, and look forward to seeing what the series next turn will bring us.
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