Have you heard about this ‘internet’ thing? It’s the latest rage out of Europe, and with it apparently comes a new way of life: instant communication, instant information, and free porn. I wonder if it will hold all of the secrets to wonderful world of video games…
Recently I’ve been playing classic NES games on my Nintendo DS. In doing so, I’ve been reliving a world of aliens, wizards, and nostalgia. I started by sticking in Metroid, but once it became too difficult to get the Screw Attack, I quickly moved on to my favorite game of all time: The Legend of Zelda.
Aside from the glorious fun that the game contains, there was an added bonus in trying to remember all of the secrets and strategies of the Triforce. I was particularly excited when I remembered the secret heart container above level five in the first quest. But then around level seven I did something unexpected: I Googled “Zelda”.
The decision to do so was almost involuntary, instinctual… habit. As soon as those bastard wizards and Like Like’s started showing up and eating my Magical Shield, I became frustrated after three attempts. I was curious if there was a way to bomb my way around that particular annoyance of a room, so off I went seeking a map of the level. Then it dawned on me: what did I do 20 years ago?
Then I realized when I was having trouble remembering how to get the Freeze Ray in Metroid, I pulled up a YouTube video. And when I eventually gave up on the Screw Attack, I submitted to watching a 16-part video series of someone else beating the game instead of beating it myself.
With the Internet being quite literally everywhere at every moment, it’s nearly impossible to resist temptation to reference it for information. So I suppose the question is having the ability to have the answers to accomplish your task more quickly having a positive or negative effect on game play?
There are so many video games these days. With three main consoles (not even including PC games,) there is an onslaught of games to be played, even compared to ten years ago. In order to play all the games on ones ‘to play’ list, perhaps it’s easier and faster to refer to an Internet guide on how to obtain all of the Bobbleheads in Fallout 3 or Enemy Intelligence in Modern Warfare 2. But is that a cop out? Is that getting your $60.00 worth out of the game?
I find it amazing that someone somewhere figured out that you had to shoot the ceiling in Metroid to get the Varia Suit. I remember playing that game for months and months and barely beating Ridley. Someone somewhere figured out you have to stab Ganon in his pig face before shooting him with a silver arrow. Someone somewhere figured out how to get the Atma Weapon in FF3/6.
Unfortunately, I don’t necessarily have an opinion on whether the convenience of the Internet has a positive or negative effect on video gaming today. There are definite advantages and disadvantages. Are today’s gamers pampered? Were yesterday’s gamers deprived?
I can say this though… I’m now on level four of the second quest in Zelda and I’ll be damned if I can remember how to get this damn raft. Everything in my body is telling me to look it up online, but I’m resisting. If I could do it when I was seven, I can do it when I’m twenty-eight.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s definitely less fun to follow step by step instructions in a game unless you are literally bald from pulling out your hair because you can’t figure something out.
Having the achievements/trophies is also a double edged sword. I love the idea of feeling accomplished, but for some of those secrets…I fold. Pull up Google. But only after I’ve beaten the game at least once.
Oh man, the trophies (I’m a PS3 owner,) are bad news for a completist like me. I guess more than anything it’s about self discipline.
And I’ve definitely started balding from games… but it may have been the stress on me at a young age trying to destroy the Mother Brain coming back to haunt my hair follicles!
It is different for every gamer though.
“Pull up Google. But only after I’ve beaten the game at least once.” EXACTLY.
When I was young and I got stuck in a game I used to go to the video game section at blockbuster where they had the strategy guides. I would just read the solution in the store then go home and play until I got stuck again and I’d call my friends and ask them or go back to the store. For me the internet is kind of like that. You take a peek for free when you’re stuck so you don’t have to buy a strategy guide.