I’ve been spending a lot of time in the Capital Wasteland recently. Ends up (as usual) I’m late to the party for Fallout 3 but I’m glad I’ve put some time into it. I see a theme with recent games continuing to come back to the alternate reality/post apocalyptic themes. I site mainly Bioshock and Fallout (although to be fair, Fallout 1 was created like a million years ago). I think Borderlands has that going as well (Don’t know, haven’t played).
Both Bioshock and Fallout are extremely enjoyable and inspiring. Games can really effect you on a deep level much like a great movie or piece of music (I would even argue that they effect you MORE than other forms of entertainment). Both Fallout and Bioshock are on alternate time lines and have a real ‘big picture’ thing going for them which I enjoy. Bioshock, for example, has handed me heavy interest into a period of time (50-60s) that I otherwise would probably care less about. The music, culture, art is all influenced throughout both games, and has given me some insight, which breeds interest.
I think in the end it comes down to us wishing there was something more than the world we’ve been given. These games allow you to emerse yourself in a different world with a fantastic story. The truth is, these are not worlds that would even be desirable in reality (violence, poverty, filth, hardship) but for whatever reason it’s refreshing to experience something so different in a meaningful way (more meaningful than watching a screen for 2 hours or reading a book at least). The strange thing is, I have no complaints about the REAL life I live, so I’m not sure what really grasps me about these other worlds. It must be the sheer fact that it’s different.. I’ll have to think more about it.
ALSO Bioshock 2 is on it’s way! I can’t wait but part of me feels it won’t be able to stand up to the original. We can cross our fingers…