Problem-solving is fun! I learned this lesson not from my teachers, not from a book, but from computer games. Specifically, from text adventure games like Zork, Lurking Horror and Leather Goddesses of Phobos. Typing in commands like “go north,” “take candy,” “ask sam about instrument,” allowed you to […]
Wargames are huge and always have been. If you think the latest videogames are anything new, think chess. Think toy soldiers. They’re fun, they’re violent, and they have a moralistic narrative frame that makes them palatable to most political persuasions. Not mine, however. I’d always prefer to be […]
I love to dance. This always seems to come as a surprise to people, me with my big gangly 6’3″ frame and all, but I quickly qualify: “Oh, I’m not good at dancing — I just love to dance.” It all started at a grade seven school mixer […]
Two ravers are discussing how ridiculous it is that videogames are blamed for inciting killing sprees. “Yeah,” one says to the other. “We grew up playing Pac-Man, and it’s not like we’re running around in the dark, popping pills, and listening to repetitive electronic music.” This internet joke […]
Games are often criticised for not having any plot. What isn’t given much consideration is whether it’s possible for there to be too much story. The Longest Journey (Funcom, 2000) made me think about this a lot.
A recent letter to eye (Letters, June 12) implied that this column was in league with SARS. “The locals going out and spending their dollars is all we have to cling to right now. And I want to open your paper and be encouraged to go out and […]
Find t-shirts, mugs, totes and more at our new Guttermart location at Teepublic!
The Cultural Gutter 