Prior to the age of seven, my experience with video games could only be described as somewhat limited, largely summed up as a few games on an older cousin’s Atari 2600, and the odd encounter with an arcade machine. The event that changed this was the receiving of a TI-99/4A as a birthday gift. Along with it came the side-scrolling shooter, Parsec, and the shameless Pac-Man clone, Munch Man. The former especially became something of a major obsession.
I also had a book of game programs that were compatible with the TI’s version of BASIC. I remember this as a source of great satisfaction, after hunting down my errors and getting a program to run, but also as a source of frustration, as the tapes that I tried to save my efforts on were never of a high enough quality to be readable again.
In 1985 my family bought an XT (8088 CPU, 640K RAM, dual 5 1/4” floppy drives). It blew my TI out of the water completely, and games like King’s Quest and Pitstop II kept me going for quite some time. Eventually the system grew (20MB HDD, 8087 math co-processer) and so did my game collection.
I remained almost exclusively a PC gamer, moving up through various x86 models over the years, until I moved out of home 1995 and my flatmate at the time had a C64 and a SNES. Games like Bubble Bobble and Super Mario Kart then entered my repertoire. In the years since, I have owned an N64, a GameCube, a PS2, and a Wii. No matter what systems I game on though, video gaming has been predominantly a solitary habit for me. I’ve enjoyed some same-room multi-player gaming on numerous occasions, but the frequency with which I get online to play a game is rare. I don’t consider myself an anti-social gamer, as board games with friends is a huge part of my life, but video games tend to be something I do to relax, and as such occur on my own schedule in my own time.
What is the worst game you ever played (and why)? I’ve lost count of the number of games I have picked up for five minutes and never enjoyed at all, but one that was really quite a bad game but, for some reason I will never fathom, I persisted with anyway was the PC port of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. I guess it looked okay, but the gameplay was fiddly, and the whole experience rather mind-numbingly repetitive.
What is your favorite video game-related memory? Because anticipation for something is often a cause of indelible memeories, the release of the N64 is something that stays with me. Nintendo really took its time releasing the PAL version of the system, and so the wait seemed interminable. In the weeks immediately following its launch, I developed a friendly rivalry with my friend on Wave Race 64. We each tried to better the other’s time trial results, until our recorded times were probably approaching the best they could possibly get.
How long was your longest single VG-playing-session ever (and what game(s))? I couldn’t tell you exactly how long it was, but there’s no doubt that one of the least healthy bouts of gaming I did came with the release of Civilization IV. I was waiting for that game like you would not believe, but on the day it came out I had the single worst bout of vertigo I’ve ever experienced to this day. I was at university at the time, I had a gap in classes, and was up to date with all my studies. My plan was to spend that week playing Civ IV, and that’s exactly what I did, despite being unable to move without feeling awful for virtually that whole week, for 8-10 hours at a time. I should have gone to the doctor, but I played a video game instead.
What is your current platform of choice? PC. I’ve had my flings with other platforms over the years, and I still have a Gamecube, PS2, and Wii plugged in and good to go. But I definitely spend the majority of my time and money on the PC. I think that the PC as a gaming platform these days is stronger than ever. Not only do the majority of AAA releases come out on PC, but the indie scene on the PC is just amazing.
What are you playing now, and what will you be playing next? I have two games on the go at the moment; Bastion and Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I’m enjoying both quite a lot (except the DXHR bosses), and expect to probably be done with both of them in the next couple of days. After that, I’ve been intending to go back and finish Xenoblade Chronicles for quite some time.
Do you ever cheat in games? No. I’ve been known to peek at an FAQ for tips to beat an annoying boss, or track down some elusive hidden item now and again, but even then only rarely, and I never mess with the game experience in any other way. I think that there’s nothing at all wrong with anything one does to enjoy a single player game, but I have very little time for someone who uses cheats to gain an unfair advantage against another player.
What is your favorite contribution (of yours or of another user) to VGG? Something that has been both enjoyable to contribute to, as well as having made a positive impact to my gaming habits, has been kevster’s geeklists (2011 and 2012) of games VGG users have beaten. Not only has reading other people’s summaries made me aware of games that I had otherwise overlooked or forgotten, it has spurred me on to actually finish the games I start (and also enjoy). As it gets easier and easier to get games cheaply (Damn you Steam!), I have been guilty of moving on to the next new game before finishing with what I am currently doing. Since coming upon kevster’s geeklist late last year, I have made a greater effort to finish my current game before moving on. Not only does it give each game I play a fair shake, but I find I enjoy gaming more when I add a sense of accomplishment to the other positive feelings I get from video games.
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I had long ignored VGG in preference to the BGG side of things for a long time. With video game stuff all over the internet, and VGG so new, I was slow to see the appeal. That all changed a few months ago when I discovered what makes VGG unique. Compared to every other site on the internet dedicated to video games, VGG is the only place I have spent any time that feels like I am among my peers. The discourse here is at times hilarious, and at times intelligent and insightful, but most importantly it’s a place where users treat each other with understanding and respect. I think anyone who has listened to voice chat in an online FPS can appreciate the contrast. I am both humbled and honoured to be nominated for VGG GotW.
What video game has your favorite music? Is there any VG music you listen to just by itself? What video game has your favorite voice acting? Alpha Centauri is one of my favorite games ever. Do you have a favorite faction in that game?
What video game has your favorite music? Is there any VG music you listen to just by itself? What video game has your favorite voice acting? Alpha Centauri is one of my favorite games ever. Do you have a favorite faction in that game?
Have a great week!
Thank you Ryan and Brian.
It's hard to pick a long-term favourite, though I have to say that I am loving the music in Bastion at the moment.
Yes. I do. I don't often seek out soundtracks on their own too often, so most of those that I do have tend to be ones that come bundled with their respective games. Though I do have the Piano Collections for Final Fantasy VII and X.
If pressed to pick my favourite voice acting in a game, I'd probably have to say Blade Runner. Admittedly that has a lot to do with the attachment I had at the time for the film.
When playing Alpha Centauri I tended to alternate between University and Gaia. Both let me rocket up the tech tree fairly rapidly, which is how I tend to play most Civ games.
It's always a pleasure to read your comments and viewpoints.
A couple of questions:
1. How did you pick your user name? 2. How did you choose your avatar? 3. How do you feel about the statement that video games are the art form of the 21st century?
1. What is the most underrated game in your opinion? 2. What would you like to change about the gaming industry? 3. What do you love most about gaming? 4. Given unlimited resources what game would you like to see developed? 5. What is it about current gaming that has you excited? 6. What do you like most about where you live? 7. Tell us about some of your other hobbies.
When playing Alpha Centauri I tended to alternate between University and Gaia. Both let me rocket up the tech tree fairly rapidly, which is how I tend to play most Civ games.
I have the same philosophy about Civ games. I usually go for the University or Morgan Industries.
It's always a pleasure to read your comments and viewpoints.
A couple of questions:
1. How did you pick your user name? 2. How did you choose your avatar? 3. How do you feel about the statement that video games are the art form of the 21st century?
1. My username comes primarily due to my love of language. I wanted my username to be a real word, but not one that I would find reusable everywhere I went online. Also, it's a very loose reference to my university days, where I majored in linguistics.
2. It's a picture taken from one of the AD&D Planescape books, specifically one done by Tony DiTerlizzi. Not only do I like the image, but it's a kind of reference to both one of my favourite video games of all time, as well and pen & paper role-playing. Something that I virtually never get to do any more, but has been a big part of my life.
3. Every medium has its light entertainment and its more ambitious works that strive for more. When trying to use games as an artistic medium, it presents a whole new set of challenges due to the interactive element. But as gaming grows, so too will more people who want to tell stories and explore the human condition be drawn to it. It's still a medium in its infancy, but it shows great promise.
2. Is there a gaming feat you've wanted to accomplish but haven't been able to?
3. Have you ever played the Virtual Boy? If so, what did you think? (One of these days, I'll find someone else that has played this system!! )
4. What's your favorite dessert?
EDIT: Thanks for the shout-out in the original post. Glad you're enjoying the geeklist!
1. The entire climactic sequence of Mass Effect really sticks with me. I guess it wasn't so much the boss fight itself, but everything that framed it that made it one of the most memorable game endings ever for me.
2. I played Blast Corps to the point of near total completion back when it was new, but a couple of the platinum medals always eluded me. I don't think I could go back now and do it though. I think I'm probably too old, as well as too intolerant of the sub-standard analogue sticks on the N64 to try again.
3. Sorry, no. It's as much of a mythical relic to me as it is to most people.
4. Sticky date pudding. Much like the line in Seinfeld about not liking peas, but liking pea soup, I don't care that much for dates, but I love me a good sticky date pudding.
1. What is the most underrated game in your opinion? 2. What would you like to change about the gaming industry? 3. What do you love most about gaming? 4. Given unlimited resources what game would you like to see developed? 5. What is it about current gaming that has you excited? 6. What do you like most about where you live? 7. Tell us about some of your other hobbies.
Enjoy your time in the sun.
1. SpaceChem. Yes it got some rave reviews, and it did only come out last year, but, but... wow!
2. DRM. I'm sick to death of it. It won't ever stop piracy, and it punishes the people that actually pay for their games.
3. The variety and inventiveness of the medium. While most of the resources of the industry does tend to go towards cookie-cutter clones of past games (though I do enjoy some of these too), there are always new ideas and novel games coming out all the time.
4. I'd love to see a high-end epic RPG come out some time that returned to strategically complex turn-based combat. I know I can get my fix of one or the other separately, but a return to a game with both together would really excite me.
5. Indie game development. Games keep popping up out of nowhere that I've never heard of before that turn out to be fantastic. I'll always be looking forward to the next big thing (i.e. right now that's Bioshock Infinite for me), but there's nothing like being surprised by a new game that does something different and does it well.
6. Food. All things being equal, I'd probably like to go back to living in Sweden (where I met my wife), but Melbourne has one of the most diverse food cultures there is. Between the restaurants and the sheer variety of ethnic grocers just within walking distance of where I live, it's something that would be very hard to give up.
7. A couple of years ago I returned to painting miniatures, after about a 10 year hiatus. Also, I have been known to go on enormous binges of science fiction novels from time to time, as well as occasionally dabble with writing. Though with the latter I have never quite reached the level where I am willing to share any of it.
Congrats Luke! I have always enjoyed your posts! Thanks for helping me with the Defense Grid / Portal expansion. Sadly I still have not gotten the gold medal in that one level (the name escapes me at the moment).
1) Mustard or Ketchup? 2) Hotdogs or hamburgers? 3) What is your favorite gaming snack? 4) What is the longest you have spent playing video games straight? 5) Are there any business simulation games like Capitalism, Sim City, Cities XL, that you really enjoy? If so which? 6) Who is going to have the better swim team in the Olympics this year? Australia or America? 7) Do you hate Crocodile Dundee?
Congrats Luke! I have always enjoyed your posts! Thanks for helping me with the Defense Grid / Portal expansion. Sadly I still have not gotten the gold medal in that one level (the name escapes me at the moment).
1) Mustard or Ketchup? 2) Hotdogs or hamburgers? 3) What is your favorite gaming snack? 4) What is the longest you have spent playing video games straight? 5) Are there any business simulation games like Capitalism, Sim City, Cities XL, that you really enjoy? If so which? 6) Who is going to have the better swim team in the Olympics this year? Australia or America? 7) Do you hate Crocodile Dundee?
1) Mustard 2) Hotdogs 3) Anything with that bright orange cheese powder on it 4) Probably one time when my then girlfriend (now wife) went on a weekend trip with some friends. It was shortly after Phantom Hourglass came out, and I'm not sure when I started playing it, but it was daylight then next day when I went to bed, and that was in central Sweden in the winter, so not early. 5) Yes. Though I generally have the problem with those kinds of games of knowing when to stop. The open ended nature of that kind of game brings out the obsessive side of me, so I am generally fairly wary of playing them these days. The last one I had to quit cold turkey was Sim City 4. 6) Given that the Australian news media seems to be focusing primarily on Ian Thorpe's mediocre comeback effort, I'd be inclined to favour the US, but I wouldn't necessarily rely on my own advice on the matter. 7) I generally reserve "hate" for things that I had some expectations for and felt let down by (e.g. Star Wars prequel trilogy). For something like Crocodile Dundee, I can usually just ignore its existence (until someone inconsiderately brings it up)
Looking at these stars suddenly dwarfed my own troubles and all the gravities of terrestrial life. I thought of their unfathomable distance, and the slow inevitable drift of their movements out of the unknown past into the unknown future. H.G. Wells
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. Chief Seattle
Congratulations Luke!
1) Truth or beauty? 2) Speed or precision? 3) Justice or mercy? 4) Steadfast or flexible? 5) Cynicism or naivete?
What is your favorite contribution you have made to the geek?
I have really enjoyed contributing reviews. I have only done a few so far but it like I get to use all those essay writing skills that school and university forced me to develop.
1nf1n1ty wrote:
What is your favorite part of the site?
Basically just any of the forums. I enjoy being able to talk about my favourite hobby with like minded people. As popular as gaming is, that opportunity is rare to the point where I feel like VGG is the only place on the internet where that is possible in a civilized and enjoyable fashion.
1nf1n1ty wrote:
Are there any games you are looking forward to buying?
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures - I have enough link cables and GBA-SPs to run it, but I never got around to actually buying it. But my wife is a big Zelda fan, and having recently remembered this, I've been keeping my eye out for a reasonably priced copy. L.A. Noire - Just waiting to find it for the right price Bioshock Infinite - I enjoyed the first one, skipped the direct sequel, but this looks to among the more interesting (probable) 2012 releases The Witness - Looks to be very much in my wheelhouse The Firaxis X-COM game - It looks great, though I need to get around to playing the original first. I've had it on Steam for a couple of years now, but have yet to do more than watch the intro. Perhaps the upcoming game is the kick in the pants I need to play the others.
1) Truth or beauty? 2) Speed or precision? 3) Justice or mercy? 4) Steadfast or flexible? 5) Cynicism or naivete?
1) Truth - or at least as close as we can get to it with the tools available 2) Precision - If I don't take my time I always mess things up 3) Mercy - The pursuit of justice is usually painful, and ultimately futile. Mercy is usually works out better for tormentor and tormented alike. 4) Flexible - Without adaptation we are all doomed 5) Cynicism - Things don't get better if you refuse to acknowledge what's wrong in the first place.
That may well be the hardest question I have been asked so far! I'm not sure I can give a simple answer. While I go through my phases of favouring one genre or another for a time, it's always changing. There are a few genres which I only rarely play. But among those that I play often, I just can't pick a favourite.
1. What is the strangest video game you have ever played? 2. What's you're favorite meal? 3. What's you're favorite drink? 4. Do you (or have you ever) played Board or RPG Games? 5. Will you congratulate you're BGG and RPGG counterparts?
Challenge your preconceptions or they will challenge you.
Congrats Luke!
What is your favourite colour when playing a boardgame? Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Do you play an instrument? If yes, which one and for how long already? Having fun? What would have been your name if your parents didn't name you Luke? What is your favourite snack? What is your favourite day of the week? What is your favourite time of day? What character would you be in a Star Trek setting? What makes you "tick" (inspires you, why do you get up in the morning)? What is your life-long dream?
1. What is the strangest video game you have ever played? 2. What's you're favorite meal? 3. What's you're favorite drink? 4. Do you (or have you ever) played Board or RPG Games? 5. Will you congratulate you're BGG and RPGG counterparts?
1. One memory that sticks in my mind was the first time I played a very Japanese console game. I can't remember what it was called but it was a kind of Zelda-esque RPG on the N64 that I rented from the video store one time. I remember thinking it was an average game, but oddly compelling for its use of cultural references that I simply didn't understand.
2. I really like most Indian food, especially Malai Kofta (vegetable dumplings) and Aloo Paratha (bread stuffed with a spicy potato filling).
3. When I used to be more of a drinker it was whiskey. These days I have it too infrequently though, so these days I guess my favourite drink is Calpis.
4. I've been roleplaying almost as long as I have been playing video games. I started of with the D&D Basic Set (the red box) sometime around 1987, and progressed from there. Excluding the terrible stuff that most families have in their hall closets, I guess the first thing approaching a board game I played was Battletech, starting around 1991. A couple of years later I was simultaneously trying to support a Magic: The Gathering and Warhammer Fantasy Battle habit with the limited resources of the student. There were a few others over the years as well, but I didn't start collecting a significant number of board games until around 2006. It started with Carcassonne, then I discovered BGG and it snowballed from there.
5. Having not spent much time on BGG or RPGG of late (except for a PbF game of AD&D I just started), I hadn't thought that much about it. But now that you mention it, it seems the courteous thing to do.
What is your favourite colour when playing a boardgame? Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Do you play an instrument? If yes, which one and for how long already? Having fun? What would have been your name if your parents didn't name you Luke? What is your favourite snack? What is your favourite day of the week? What is your favourite time of day? What character would you be in a Star Trek setting? What makes you "tick" (inspires you, why do you get up in the morning)? What is your life-long dream?
Enjoy your week!
1. Black 2. In Melbourne I guess it's Spring, but really the seasons here aren't that differentiated. I much prefer cold-climate Autumns. 3. Yes, bass. But not nearly as often as I should. My wife is the real musical talent in our home. She's light-years more talented than I am. 4. I try 5. I know my father was very much determined to name be Sacha, but my mother was dead-set against it 6. Mini quiches (assuming they fall from the sky with no labour required to make them) 7. Saturday. My wife usually sleeps in, and usually get some quality gaming time in before she wakes up, and then we play board games together (often with other friends too). 8. Mornings. I never used to be a morning person, but the older I get, the more I appreciate mornings. 9. Miles O'Brien or Julian Bashir, just because they get to spend so much of their free time gaming. 10. Knowing stuff. I am a voracious consumer of information (science, history, politics, general knowledge). 11. Publish a novel, and have a lakeside cabin in Lapland that by some miracle has a good internet connection.
Om nom nom nom nom nom nom nom
What video game has your favorite music?
Is there any VG music you listen to just by itself?
What video game has your favorite voice acting?
What is your favourite colour when playing a boardgame?
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?
Do you play an instrument? If yes, which one and for how long already?
Having fun?
What would have been your name if your parents didn't name you Luke?
What is your favourite snack?
What is your favourite day of the week?
What is your favourite time of day?
What character would you be in a Star Trek setting?
What makes you "tick" (inspires you, why do you get up in the morning)? 
What is the best game intro from those you own?
What is the worse game you enjoy playing?
Star Trek or Star Trek?
