I hate when I hear, “it’s such a
nice today. You should be outside than inside playing video
games”. To me this implies cultural discrimination. Somehow staying ‘inside’ is
for degenerates and normal/successful people are out. Regardless, of if it’s a
nice day or not, which could mean going to the cinema I don’t see how video
games should be treated differently.
Recently, I have been playing Fallout 3 (Bethesda Games Studios, 2008)
and enjoying its beautiful post- apocalyptic world, set in the 50s. You play as
a girl/boy in search of their dad. The
style of the game makes you think tactic in ammo and speech. Each day I’ve been playing more and more,
immersed in its freedom. Compared to
most open world games Fallout 3 is
fluid in game play and unique in this sense. Although, I have to admit, sometimes
I have no direction and spend a lot of time killing; however violence
metaphorically suits its dog –eat -dog world. When you tactically kill someone you
get to witness graphic scattered limbs in a very cinematic montage. This may
seem problematic to an outsider, but I feel Fallout
3 has helped me morally. I gave a fellow explorer some water and helped a character
find their family.
However, there was also that time I
caught slaves to gain entry into Paradise Falls. After seeing it’s so called
‘paradise’ which had slave children and prostitutes, it made me feel bad and wished
I hadn’t been so corrupt. Luckily one of the children spoke to me, he pleaded
for help. I couldn’t do it straight away
due to lack of achievement points and ability to hack into a computer. But once
I achieved this, I went back and helped them escape. I become Dirty Harry and used my own code, this
was a terrific and rewarding moment.
In another scenario, I stumbled
across the location Oasis, a sacred space where people worship a giant tree
which spreads energy and serenity. However, it was told different by the tree.
He is really a man trapped inside and wants you to end his life. But the leader wants you to expand the tree’s
energy and spread its root. Luckily having such freedom in game play allows you
to decide whether you want to take part in the mission or not. Although, most
of the missions are pretty cool and morally challenging I don’t see why you
wouldn’t. I needed longer to think. I stopped the game and reassessed my
thoughts. To me this was social
commentary on euthanasia and a tricky one. Whether to listen to the tree’s
wishes or keep Oasis green. I helped the tree.
Currently, I found a new area with escaped
slaves. The leader was hospitable and offered my food and a place to sleep. I
thought considering how hard it is to find food that it is nice to see a caring
side to humanity. He told me about a
plan he has, although, he didn’t give me much detailing it involves rescuing
other slaves. I thought brilliant. Hands down, my favourite moment was rigging
a conservative political dictatorship from a guy called Dave who has two wives
and a nasty tongue. I convinced his first wife who used to be in a feminist
type organisation to get involved. When the winning vote went to Dave’s wife it
proved yet again, a satisfying moment.
I’m still playing and not sure if
I’m close to finishing. I could go
outside and read or do something ‘productive’. But then I’m having so much fun exploring,
learning and actively making moral stances that I wouldn’t normally get the
opportunity to make.
.
