Monday 25 October, 2010

Super Columbine

Well I already feel really antsy about playing this game, knowing about the massacre. My brain is struggling to interpret the font. I think it’s due to the graphics, but I cannot change them at all. I am playing as Eric, and I have an RPG status menu that displays my level, hp, exp., weapons, and gear. The game has a very cozy RPG asthetic about it. Soon after I begin to play, Eric states that people will probably blame things that he likes for what he is about to do, such as Marlyn Manson and Doom. I already know that these were attacked in reality, so I believe that this is the designer’s choice to bring up the ludicrous nature that a game and singer would bring about this massacre. Playing this is giving me a strange sensation, due to what I think has to see their actual faces in dialogue boxes. This kind of creeps me out, since I am constantly being reminded that these are not fictitious events. Also I am trying not to think about what I know I will inevitably do. I have picked up some homemade explosives and put them into a duffle bag. I have another party member! Typically in a normal RPG I would typically respond with excitement, but in this instance I find myself saying: “ uuuhhhh,” in a baffled and slightly nervous fashion. The funny thing is that I keep saving the game, so that I don’t lose progress. This is probably due to muscle memory, but nevertheless, I found that to be kind of interesting. Now I am watching what I believe is Natural Born Killers for inspiration. Time to go set the time bombs in the cafeteria. It is kind of interesting seeing this interpretation of being in their shoes, yet it is also nerve-racking. This game really tests the player into making the decision if they really want to replay this event, especially as the gunmen. I keep getting caught, I guess that makes me a bad gunman, but I think deep down that is what my moral compass is telling me to do. I keep failing at making it to the cafeteria, and in my last attempt I pulled the fire alarm. The marilyn Manson CD gives all my stats a boost. Reiterating the media attention that was given due to this game.

"This kind of creeps me out, since I am constantly being reminded that these are not fictitious events."

Why do you think this game has that effect, yet others that may also be based on historical events (e.g. World War II) don't?