21 Gaming Questions

Questions are fun! Especially about gaming. I found this through the tech-support friendly Welsh Troll who links the original author and other bloggers there as well. Off to the races!

When did you start playing video games?

I started playing video games right when the Commodore 64 came out. I had a family member who worked for Commodore (I actually had the Vic-20 first, but really started gaming on the C64. So, 1982? I was 8. My favorite games are all from there – Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders, IK+, Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, Pool of Radiance, M.U.L.E!

What is the first game you remember playing?

I actually programmed (on a tape drive no less!) my first real game. It was an arkanoid clone. It was amazing. Other early games that come to mind is HARDBALL! for the C64 – played that a lot with my brother early on. There are so many. If I had to pick one defining game I would choose M.U.L.E. It had everything that made gaming great for me.

PC or Console? 

PC mostly, but I also own a Wii (which is now rarely used) and an Xbox 360 which I use for co-op gaming with my 9 year old. Telltale Lego series mostly. We recently graduated to Diablo III there. (nice stretch, eh?)

XBox, PlayStation, or Wii? 

Xbox and Wii (Wii is dusty…) – got ahead of myself on the prior question…

What’s the best game you’ve ever played? 

Best is a tough definition! Longest stretch was EQ, DAOC or WoW. I pumped weeks of my life into those games. The best memories for me though is anything on this list.

What’s the worst game you’ve ever played?

I honestly don’t even recall. I think every game has a good point, none I have ever played would qualify as “the worst”

Name a game that was popular/critically adored that you just didn’t like.

Splinter Cell – I never got into that series. Solid Snake just seems like a jackass. Even his name is. =)

Name a game that was poorly received that you really like.

Beach Head 2002. It reminded me enough of the original beach head and I played that a lot longer than anyone should have =)

What are your favourite game genres?

RPGs, MMOs, and Sports games. Baseball in particular, which makes me a sad panda for both PC and XBOX.

Who is your favourite game protagonist?

The ones that I make in my games. Me! =) I did love The Grey Warden in DA:O. Who was also me.

Describe your perfect video game.

Non grindy, community oriented, engaging to the mind and heart.

What video game character do have you have a crush on?

Alyx Vance, HL2.

What game has the best music? 

I’m not music oriented and I often play with the sound off.

Most memorable moment in a game:

Ragnaros kill in WoW. Defining moment for me in raiding and gaming. When he popped up for the first time it was JAW dropping. Heart raced as we executed our strategy. Amazing moment.

Scariest moment in a game:

I’m very jumpy in scary games – I remember some zombie dogs in one of the Resident evil series.. but can’t recall exactly which one! They jumped out, I spilled my drink all over my keyboard, had to buy a new one.

Most heart-wrenching moment in a game:

Not even game related – but I was in a game, EQ, and my daily questing partner shared with me that he was suicidal. It was a real, human connection in a virtual world. We sat there just talking for hours about it. If it was in person I would have hugged him and bought him beer. Unfortunately, I could only be a digital supporter and it felt so helpless that I couldn’t truly help him, or be there for him physically. I remember the place too – it was on the shores of Lake of Ill Omen. It’s a powerful gaming memory for me that spilled into real life.

What are your favourite websites/blogs about games?

I read blogs mostly, and on my blogroll over there—> are the ones I read the most. I sometimes go to joystiq or gamasutra and the like, but for the most part, its blogs.

What’s the last game you finished? 

I did a round of Civ 5 recently, that was the last. Also finished Diablo III act 4 in anticipation of act 5.

What future releases are you most excited about? 

Everquest Next is top of mind, Star Citizen if they actually start making a game at some point.

Do you identify as a gamer?

Yes! Among friends and family I’m known as the gamer geek.

Why do you play video games?

It’s active entertainment. I consider TV/MOVIES passive entertainment. I hate absorbing content by watching and listening – I like to contribute to content through actions!

There are my 21 – I kept them pretty short and sweet but some were hard to not expand a bit on. 21 ended up taking me a lot longer than I had expected – but it was a fun look back (and at present) to think about.