So, apparently, I have a fickle heart when it comes to video games. I abandoned the flashy lights, the quarter rolls, and the console for my computer. What enticed me to leave those faithful old companions?
For the most part, it was one company that did it. That was all it took. Of course, this company is no ordinary company - it's Maxis and its breathlessly innovative figurehead, Will Wright. I played the various incarnations of Sim City, from the first Mac versions to the 2001 version. By far, my favorite Maxis game would be The Sims. I can spend countless hours playing The Sims, even now. It's very clever, fun, and interesting. Most games have one specific goal you need to reach in order to win. However, Sims doesn't - it's open-ended. You set the goals for your characters when you create them, and there's no "win" or "lose." You play the game however you wish to - positively or negatively. You can have a successful family - or you can have a house where your goal is to inflict misery (or even death) on your characters. You even have your pick of the neighborhoods - there are eight you can choose from. There are also the expansion packs - which started with mostly new furniture, but have really improved as time went on. You can buy packs that allow your Sim characters to have pets, or to go downtown on a hot date, or go on vacation. The latest is "Makin' Magic," which not only allows your Sims to cast spells, but to also bake goods, churn butter, or go to a carnival.
Another game that really snagged me was Railroad Tycoon II. One plays as the founder of a railroad company which you spur to success - or drive into the ground. Good maps, a dizzying array of trains, and some unintentional history lessons make this a great game. Once I actually hired Eugene V. Debs to be my company manager, and made my stockholders very angry. Players also have the ability to make their own scenarios with the included map maker. Railroad Tycoon 3 found its way under my Christmas tree this year, and I'm looking forward to playing it.
Another enticement deserves its own category. Within the last couple of years, role playing games have come out. I am very fond of both Dungeon Siege and Neverwinter Nights. Each of them has certain charms - DS has really nice graphics and is fairly straightforward in its gameplay, while Neverwinter allows you to have one character to develop however you wish and more complex gameplay. I still haven't finished Neverwinter - Sweetie and I have been playing the multiplayer version together. DS I've finished the stand-alone campaign four times, and have played through the multiplayer world once. I'm actually working on my fifth stand-along campaign because I am testing out an idea - can I win with an all wizard group? They die too easily in combat, and they really go through mana, but so far I'm not doing too badly. I think I'll be able to go all the way with this group.
Okay, I admit it - I'm hopelessly addicted to gaming. Since I started this blog, not only have I been watching less tv but I've also been playing less. I tell myself this is a good thing - but then I get sucked back in again for awhile. I don't think that gaming in and of itself is bad - just depends on how much time (and money) you spend at it.
