My Life with Gaming by Raina
Jun 05, 10:00 am

As I sit here and ponder my gaming history, nostalgia sets in. I started gaming when I was about six, since both of my parents were gamers. It all started with Atari.  In my opinion, Atari is the founding father of the home gaming console revolution. I developed an obsession, rather, infatuation with Frogger. I played it for such long durations my hand would run raw, tingling electricity followed by some unpleasant spasms. That joystick always ended my flings with Frogger, it was unwelcome and much too soon.

A few years later to my surprise and relief, NES came along, introducing my first love, Mario. Running a close second was Link. What first comes to mind when reminiscing about the NES was blowing air on the cartridges and banging the top of it to get those 8 bit graphics from dancing vertical lines to warp into recognizable characters. I also remember my dad and me playing Punch-Out on the NES, those were great memories, especially when I would win. Soon after, I welcomed Sega with open arms. A little blue blur named Sonic came rolling into my life. He was the new kid on the block. I played hours on end with Sonic, everyday. I had forgotten about Mario.  I did particularly enjoy playing Astyanax on the Sega, just an afterthought. Those were my halcyon days of gaming.

What I enjoy most about the action/adventure genre is that feeling of exploration, an exotic world, whether it’s space, ocean or fantasy. Some of my all time favorite games are, Metroid, Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, Legacy of Kain, Okami, Rygar (original 8-bit), Devil May Cry, Primal, Super Mario 3, Prince of Persia, Oddworld, Tomb Raider, and Final Fantasy VII. I’m not so sure what I loved about games back in the 8-bit days though, I must have had one hell of an imagination. At present video game graphics are so advanced that it’s allowing more interactive game play possibilities. Games are becoming more incredible. Okami, for example is one of the most beautiful and unique games I’ve ever come across, it’s pure playable art. What I look for in action/adventure games is gorgeous scenery, strong story line, interesting characters, strategic puzzles, and quests and fighting. Speaking about action, I just recently started getting into MW2. I can honestly say, I don’t know why I didn’t play it sooner! It’s fun, challenging and packed with nonstop action.

Currently I’m playing Final Fantasy XIII, Super Street Fighter IV, Bayonetta and Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, just to name a few. I’m inspired by the creativity, dedication and hard work it takes to make a great game, because of that, I’m pursing a career in game developement. I look forward to making my own playable masterpiece. What I have come to realize in thinking about my history with gaming is it’s always been in my life, early on. I can remember having a stressful day at school and come home to my games, all the ill feelings would dissipate as I began to play.  To this very day it has the same effect. Gaming isn’t only recreational for me it’s a lifestyle, it’s my Zen.

My GT is SaintPistolWhip on Xbox and PSN. You can friend me on facebook and catch my tweets@SaintPistolWhip. So, I’ll see you around out there in virtual land.