Gaming Ramble Weekly

The consistency streak continues here at Gaming Ramble Weekly, and I appreciate you for joining me! I’m writing this from my hotel room in Swindon while on a work trip, and so I thought this week it would be nice to write about just why I love video games as a form of media so much, and why I’ve taken the inspiration to keep writing and pursue this dream of mine! While not entirely news focused, I hope that something I say this week will strike a chord with you as you read.

My journey with video games really started when I was around 5, maybe 6, and my recollection is that the credit should go to my Uncle and my Grampa. My Uncle was then, and still is now, a total tech-head, always buying the newest and greatest stuff (I remember playing his GameCube and being totally amazed), a trait I have taken on for myself. It was he that gave my family a PS1 after he got the PS2, and some years later, I would buy his PS3 off him whenever he no longer wanted/needed it.

But really, it was my Grampa who fully introduced me to my favourite franchise, and I have no doubt that it will forever remain that way. Those of you paying attention will realise that I am of course, talking about The Legend of Zelda, and while I know this is not a niche franchise to have as a favourite, it’s very personal for me and something I will always love. The first I saw of Zelda was Windwaker on the GameCube, and as a child, the graphics sat perfectly with me, the cartoony nature constantly catching the eye and being a constant source of wonder.

It wouldn’t be until Ocarina of Time’s 3D release in 2011 that I would be fully converted. My Mum and Uncle gifted my Grampa the limited edition Zelda 3DS along with Ocarina of Time for Christmas, and as someone who had played parts of Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks on the DS, I was interested to hear his thoughts on the game. Well, when he showed me one of the dungeons, I was blown away. This was my first exposure to 3D (and non-cartoon) Zelda, and so, when I got my 3DS, the first game I picked up was Ocarina of Time.

I was about 13/14 at the time I was playing Ocarina of Time, so at an age where the game was accessible, while also presenting a good level of challenge, so while I was able to get through every dungeon and complete a lot of the puzzles, it was taking me a good while to get it done. My Grampa on the other hand, who was in his late 60s at the time, was probably playing the game at a similar pace to me. I have memories of seeing him every week and the both of us updating each other with our progress, making sure not to spoil anything for each other. Eventually, it got to a stage where I’d be giving him some tips to get past some of the more difficult puzzles, until eventually, we both finished the game.

And as much as I absolutely adore Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, there’s a level of sadness there, as these games are just far too difficult in concept for my Grampa to ever give a go. He is absolutely a traditionalist in the Zelda sense, and when I tried to explain the format of the new games, he was lost at “open world”. All I can do is carry on the love of Zelda down the generations, and continue that trend that he passed down to me.

From a general sense though, video games are really the only form of media aside from live sports that manage to truly hold my attention without ever feeling bored. I find myself totally immersed in the experience, eager to keep playing to find out what’s next in the story or who the next boss is going to be. I love the thrill of completing a difficult mission, finding some loot off the beaten track, or beating a boss after an hour of trying. There is nothing else quite like it.

Video games are really the only form of media aside from live sports that manage to truly hold my attention without ever feeling bored

No other media has the sheer scale and scope of choice for its consumer, with so many different genres, ideas, franchises, consoles and experiences, it feels as though gaming can become a real personalised experience, one where ultimately, each individual will have a very personalised selection of games that they truly truly love. Some love Call of Duty for the thrill of a win and the concentration of executing game-plans, others love simulation games such as The Sims or Animal Crossing as it provides an escape from the difficulties of life, and others love Soulslike games because they love the sense of accomplishment that only games of that genre can provide. There are such a wide variety of experiences we can choose from, and as technology gets better and developers become even more knowledgeable in their field, we can only hope that these get even better in quality.

Finally, there is nothing better than the feeling of turning on your console after a long day at work, or whatever you’ve been at, knowing that you have a couple of hours to get lost in whatever game you’re playing. I’m currently running through a second playthrough of Lies of P, and currently, while I’m away at work, I’m genuinely gutted that I can’t continue for a few days. When you find that game that just connects with you, it really does become all consuming. For me, video games are the best form of media, and I’m grateful to be able to play so many great experiences, while also being excited for so many more to come.