Would You Rather? - The Gaming Edition
Ah, there’s nothing like an internet questionnaire to help you out when you’re scratching your head, desperately trying to think of something to write about. I don’t consider Blaugust to be complete unless there’s at least one of these “question and answer” style blog posts doing the rounds. This one is courtesy of Krikket over at Nerd Girl Thoughts. Do go and have a look at their unique take on the various questions. Naithin has also tackled this line of enquiry and you can find his answers at Time to Loot. As ever I tend to deviate from the somewhat binary nature of the questions but that’s the whole point, isn’t it? To open up the scope of the discussion and potentially encourage others to join in. This is why I like these sorts of internet questionnaires and think they contribute much to Blaugust.
Q: Would you rather play games only on console? OR Would you rather play games only on PC?
A: It very much depends upon the game. I recently bought a Nintendo Switch to be able to have access to games such as Mario Kart 8. Playing games of this variety with a controller is ideal. However, I find that playing some game franchises on a PC is preferable, such as Assassin’s Creed. Both platforms serve specific purposes and occupy a particular niche. As I’ve written previously, I made the change from console to PC gaming roundabout 1995, although for a few years I used both platforms equally. I do find console exclusive titles a little frustrating although from a business perspective I see the sense of them. This is why I was both surprised and pleased when Days Gone was unexpectedly ported from the PS5 to the PC. However, all things considered PC gaming is my platform of choice and the majority of the games that I own are for this format.
Q: Would you rather play only singleplayer games? OR Would you rather only play multiplayer games?
A: I am predominantly disposed towards singleplayer games, as your enjoyment and progress are not in any way dependent on other people. However, I have spent many a happy hour in the company of friends in an MMORPG. Out of all the varieties of multiplayer games, that is the genre I enjoy the most. Mainly because your interaction is with established colleagues who are a known quantity and there is less scope for drama and shenanigans. Although I will play games such as Call of Duty: Warzone, it is a lottery as to whether you’re going to have an enjoyable and productive time, due to the random grouping that occurs and the overall nature of pickup groups. I think that multiplayer games, where possible, should always have an AI bot option.
Q: Would you rather play only games you already own? OR Would you rather play only games you would need to still acquire?
A: The grass is always greener, especially with regard to games you do not own and that everyone else is playing. I have numerous game libraries spanning multiple platforms filled with games that I haven’t yet played. And then there is the Epic Game Store which regularly gives away premium titles. Do I really need them? No. Do I still acquire them? Yes. I suppose what this ultimately highlights is the ephemeral nature of video games. A game is the talk of the internet one day and then six months later, very much yesterday’s news. However, if you’re content to play titles that others may consider “old hat”, then you’ll have plenty of good and reasonably priced games to play through.
Q: Would you rather play only games that challenge you mentally? OR Would you rather play only games that challenge you physically?
A: I primarily play games for entertainment. That may include a degree of both mental and physical challenge. However, I tend to avoid games that are based exclusively upon either of these two options. I no longer play complex platformer games where rhythm and coordination are paramount as I find them frustrating. I don’t like games that are rife with puzzles or require you to manage numerous resources because to me that simply isn’t fun, it’s a job. I don’t mind a challenge in a game but I don’t actively seek those titles that are comparable to the labours of Hercules. I don’t seek or require personal validation through success in a video game. I have, however, fallen off my chair playing Mortal Kombat.
Q: Would you rather play only long / endless games? OR Would you rather play only games that are less than 20 hours long?
A: Again both types of games have their virtues. I like MMOs as they do grow in content over time and their longevity offers the illusion of stability and routine, which is very comforting. However, I like games that can be completed in 20 or thirty hours. Some RPGs can outstay their welcome, narratively speaking. As ever with video games, what I play is very much dependent upon my frame of mind.
Q: Would you rather play only games released in the last 10 years? OR Would you rather play only games released more than 10 years ago?
A: ’m not overly enamoured with the binary nature of this question, as I play both old and new games. Furthermore, there are numerous games from a decade ago that still hold up incredibly well. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Mass Effect 2 and L.A. Noire for example. However, from a logical perspective, sticking with newer games is by far the better option. Older games get reboots or remasters and there is always a continuous output of new material. Hence, this choice is the best of both worlds.
