Video Game Trauma
October 29, 2007
My wife has been playing this game called Heavenly Sword. The usual swearing and cheering ensued once she began, depending on what part of the game she was stuck on or just finished.
I’m not really one of those people who’s that into video games. I like a quick fun game (Bust-a-Move or Mario Kart), but I can’t get too involved in those long adventure games. Seeing my wife swearing and frustrated doesn’t encourage me.
What’s worse is when she goes to an online walkthrough to see if there’s a trick to solving some part she’s spent hours trying to get through and the walkthrough says something like, “This part’s easy. Just shoot the fifty guys and move on to the next part.” That’s what happened last night with Heavenly Sword. She spent hours trying to get past this part where you have to protect a slowly limping old guy by shooting arrows at people trying to kill him. Watching the frustration was painful, so I offered to help. I wasn’t really much help (not that good at video games myself), but I think I offered enough temporary relief from sweaty hands that my wife was able eventually to get past that part.
Well, for her, it’s worth it. I thought video games were supposed to be fun…
October 29, 2007 at 2:33 pm
I am soooooooo right there with you. I have never really gotten into the post-arcade gaming thing. But hey, when you are an old man, at least you know you will be well protected.
October 31, 2007 at 4:15 am
I don’t exactly like long games either. It’s not very fun ALMOST getting past a level or something and than failing
November 4, 2007 at 7:19 pm
I always find it can be really rewarding when you finish something really challenging. In certain games if you don’t have any challenge then what’s the point in playing.
Different games for different people :)
I do enjoy both, party games are super fun but obviously boring as heck to play alone. While games like these are great to play alone.
November 19, 2007 at 3:05 am
Gaming is to some people… hm… I don’t know. Sure, nobody really likes being frustrated when they’re playing a game (I myself generally turn it off at that point), but sometimes that frustration begets an… I’m hesitant to use this word (I feel it’s too strong), but I will anyway… obsession to get past that particular part. I guess it really depends on the person.