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Sunday 16 May, 2010
The first thing I noticed about the gameplay was how hard the text is to read!
After waking up in the game, I started to wander around the room. I went over to the stereo, pressed ENTER, and Nirvana started to play. I went over to the video game console and learned that the Eric is into Doom, the video game of “desensitized violence”. I went over to the calendar and learned of the current data: Tuesday, April 20th, 1999. Now the Nirvana makes sense. I learn of his attempt to join the marines which was denied due to his prescription of Luvox, an antidepressant.
With a phone call, I learned that he and his friend Dylan plan to commit mass homicide that day. Their cover is a bowling class.
Eric calls Dylan the nickname “V” on the phone which I later learn is short for Vodka.
Dylan calls Eric “Reb” which I assume is short for Rebel.
I went down to basement to gear up for the event.
There is a Marilyn Manson CD in the room which encourages “impulsive aggression and rage”.
I can clearly tell so far that this game is making the argument that these additions to a young man’s life – violent video games, rock music with mature, sometimes troubling lyrics - promote aggressive behavior and hatred.
I went over to the two large propane bombs and place them into two duffel bags on a table. While waiting for Dylan to arrive I explored the large basement room. I discovered the plan written out. I will place the bombs somewhere, gear up in a park, and then attack once they go off. I am still unsure where the bombing will take place and its significance to Eric and Dylan.
I came across some pizza which triggered a flashback.
__________
Dylan and Eric were using something called Black Powder in a discrete location. They used it to blow up a nearby dumpster.
Eric told Dylan that his boss Chris at Baskin Robins thinks he’s the best employee there because he “detonates” aerosol cans in the storage room.
Dylan shared that he has been accepted into Arizona State and might major in computer science but “who cares”.
I learned that Eric’s dad was/is in the Air Force which was the driving motive behind signing up for the Marines.
The flashback ends with the introduction of a guy named Phil who will be selling the guns.
___________
The game also seems to be making the case the childhoods of these boys might be playing a part in their aggressive plans. Perhaps having a military childhood contributed?
Back in the basement I learned that the current time is 7:05am. Dylan arrived and said “Let’s do this” and “I’ve endured this shit for long enough”.
I learned that they plan to “level” their entire school.
Before they leave, the two record a final message. Dylan expresses a parallel with what they are doing with the Doom video game. Eric expressed some remorse for how his parents will be affected by his actions. Dylan expressed that he is fed up and generally angry with everyone.
The watched a video for inspiration. It seemed to be an interview with an army/military veteran who had witnessed some terrible things. He speaks of the strength to push feelings and judgment within so you can kill.
They left the basement and in the car, Eric put on some KMFDM music. The song titles flashed by: they were all violent and aggressive.
The two then arrived in the parking lot of the school. I was instructed to go into the cafeteria and place the bombs. This was harder than I was expecting. Getting past the cameras and hall monitors took quite a bit of trial and error.
I finally arrived at the cafeteria and went through the entire room, avoiding the janitors and camera and could not figure out the right action to take. I once pulled the fire alarm which was the wrong thing to do. Before I start my next session I am going to Google the correct action to take as I am at a loss.
It seems ironic that the video game is making the argument that violent games/music lead to aggression when it itself is a video game. I find the opposite reaction to be more apparent. I empathize with the characters but at the same time feel myself to be saddened and at times am just angry at these kids.
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