Video Games

These are some of the most prominent video games I've encountered in my life.

2-D: Comix Zone
I haven't played this game until last year, and though I've become somewhat desensitized to the innovation of modern video games, I found myself quite gleefully surprised by the uniquity of this game. I am a huge fan of martial arts, and I am a huge fan of the comic book medium. This game combines both beautifully. The concept of the game is fairly simple, but I feel it was masterfully executed and definitely shows that you don't need a 3-D game to be extremely entertained by kick-ass martial arts.

3-D: Shadow of the Colossus
Absolutely amazing. This game is a marvelous piece of artwork. I feel this is the quintessential form of 3-D gaming taken to the next level. Even now, as we approach the end of the PS3/360 era, I feel this game tops most of the games' innovative quality that have come out since this game's release.

Choice Pick: Rule of Rose
A very bizarre game. It's chilling plot and atmospheric music shows how the storytelling implemented within a video game can completely influence the experience of a game. I don't think there is a single game like it because it is very unorthodox in terms of traditional gameplay. It is like a playable horror fairy tale rather than a typical horror/thriller video game. The gameplay can be compared to that of the original Silent Hill ( frustrating controls, a fighting system that renders the protagonist borderline helpless, fixed camera, overwhelming influxes of enemies, etc.), but the story is what drives this game, and I feel it is very innovative as far as how to present a story within this medium.