|
asecco1's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PC)
|
| [September 24, 2009 12:38:41 PM]
|
1.5 hours in I feel that I have a general sense of the game. The main character values heavily loyalty and seems rather against hurting oneself. This becomes obvious when many other characters in the game of whom he once knew who were strong that are now addicted to drugs and therefore controlled by the source of the drugs. I could understand how it is disheartening to see the ones you have known and grown up with deterate into a drug addiction. More importantly, the problem with his ‘solution’ of fighting his way to the top is this sort of drug ring beat up. It may seem logical since the police seem to be in on it, but I think the game could of found a better way instead of wiping out everyone in the city to stop the drug problem. Perhaps that is not as fun, but the storyline would be more worthwhile.
Outside of the storyline, it’s interesting to look at the perspective of the software vendor who created the game. I suppose the point of a company is to make money (for their stakeholders etc.), but what impact does their product have society on a whole. I’m not sure off hand if there is any conclusive evidence for such, however, I do feel that it is a good idea that the games has a mature rating. Limiting the exposure of developing minds to this sort of environment of ‘hurting others is ok, if you feel it is right’ will be a good thing.
In conclusion, I would personally never purchase the game. Being a gangster and killing people hasn’t and probably never will be my favorite past time. I think the sense of doing good by eliminating drugs through violent means is a little misleading. One could say that it may be better for everyone in the end and perhaps those who use act utilitarianism may deem it ethical, however, I feel that act utilitarianism would be best used and given current day society such act of killing would be against such rule.
read comments (1)  -
add a comment 
|
| [September 22, 2009 05:57:18 PM]
|
In San Andreas defense, the game does try to portray some sort of sense of write in wrong in that drugs are bad. It becomes self-evident in the characters and of people of whom who were strong before and are now addicted. One of the missions to beat up a crack dealer. Granted the harm of someone else is deemed acceptable, however, the harm of oneself seems to be not. It seems like the main character doesn't or hasn't been involved with any hard drugs or majurana. The abuse of these illegal drugs come with conquenses as the storyline progress(more on this later.) Being involved with a prostute, killing civialians and defacing/stealing property is an acceptable part of the reality in San Andreas. But the body as it seems, is a temple and therefore the moralism seems to be placed on the self and not on others. San Andreas makes you eat, workout and excerise to stay fit. The bad guys are those who can't control their own actions which even includes some of the characters on grove st. (the overeater and the pot-smoker.)
add a comment
|
| [September 22, 2009 05:57:09 PM]
|
The Anti-Hero CJ Johnson in GTA San Andres represents a gangster moving back to his hometown. A lot has changed, but problems always stick around. Stereotypes are represented throughout the entire game. Various racial groups: white country folks, blacks, latinos are represented. The stereotypes takes form of the dialog, the clothes of which the characters wear, the loading screens and the radio stations. The women are represented as tools in the game. They are referred has 'hoodrats' and prostitute have a tendency to roam most streets. One could argue that these stereotypes are so over exaggerated to make the world which CJ lives in so unreal and create the disconnect necessary for our minds to justify running over innocent pedestrians without a flinch. The ability to 'pass out' and come out of the hospital alive infinitely and to lose 'wanted level' over time creates a sense of invisibility for the player. However, I'm not sure if this alternate reality is really different enough for the human brain (most definitely younger people) to distinguish it from 'real life'. The more I play the game the more I realize the importance of drugs. It starts to become self evident on the radio and in the character's dialog. It's seems that hurting others is not a problem, but how about hurting oneself? To be continued...
add a comment
|
