Why Discriminate?
I’ve been playing video games for a fairly long time. I’m not quite old enough to remember when the whole industry crashed in the early 80’s, but I do know I got a hand-me-down Atari 2600 out of it a year or two later. My Dad loves to tell the story of how he scored an Intellivision on the super-cheap around that same time, getting it for $5 at K-mart on sale, after rebate. Thus began my gaming life, playing Pitfall and Burgertime on an old black and white TV in my basement.
Not too long after those days, Nintendo resuscitated an industry on life support with their revered Nintendo Entertainment System. The gaming industry hasn’t looked back since. Growing each year, seeping into mainstream culture and creating an entire generation of gamers. The burgeoning of the industry has given fans more gaming options than ever before. That brings us to the initial question: why be a discriminating gamer? Why take to the time write about said discrimination?
First of all, games and consoles aren’t getting any cheaper. Quite the opposite, each new technology sets a new bar in the realm of cost to us dedicated gamers. As in my youth, finances often dictate well thought out gaming selection. I read previews, keep track of the hype surrounding new games and read reviews as release dates approach. If I’m dropping $60 on a new game, I make sure I’m confident it’s really good.
Strangely enough, being a discriminating gamer can end up being more expensive in the long run, because to really be able to play all of the finest available games you’ll have to own all the available consoles. I am a dedicated Nintendo fan above all other companies, but to ignore Microsoft and Sony means missing out on Halo, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, Guitar Hero, and the list goes on and on and on…
Even though I’m frugal (read: cheap), money isn’t the main reason for this blog. Actually, my time is much more valuable to me than money. You won’t find any negative reviews on this blog, because I don’t waste time with crummy games. I’ve always been fairly selective with the games I will devote hours of my life to. When I was young, financial constraints dictated that I be absolutely certain a game was great before I plunked $50 down on it. I stuck to eventual classics like the Zelda series, Super Mario Bros., Castlevania, Mega Man and games of their ilk because bad games just didn’t keep my attention.
(To be continued - This essay is a work in progress…)