Simple Is Best

Everyone talks about playing the latest video game. What’s it now, Battlefield: Vietnam? Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow?

The latest game I’ve played would probably be Final Fantasy XI (on the PC). Hehe, I’m just so outdated. Even then, the game is far too diverse for me to actually say I’ve played it through and through. I may have much more free time to dedicate to that game nowadays, but it’s spent on levelling and more levelling. I’m not at that stage where you can “have fun” yet.

Let me introduce you to the simplest videogames in life which would probably bring back memories. These games are pretty much timeless, so much so that one doesn’t ever feel tired of playing them. Yes! One of them is the game that come complimentary with every copy of Microsoft Windows since 3.1. One probably learnt how to play it when one first get his computer (or access to one) and once in a while, when he’s tired of all other games, he’ll load it up to play once more.

How many of you have actually tried completing a game in three card draw mode? Or Vegas mode? I think most people stick to the easiest there is to win, which would be single card draw Standard mode. That’s fine, but add some spice to your gaming experience. It may not be easier to score (and more frustrating even), but it forces you to use your brain once more.

And then there’s the game which people probably played as their first step into “real” handheld gaming. Stack and disappear, stack and disappear. It’s probably available in the form of a 100-in-1 handheld right now for a price of $9.90. It was first packaged with Nintendo’s Gameboy as well. When was the last time you’ve played that game? Can you still hum the Russian (or was it Arabian?) music that comes with it?

Let’s go a bit further into the present. These games are most often seen on the MRT, played by those donning Pocket PCs or Palms. Line up 3 gems to remove them. Or click, click, click until the squares are gone. Hey, I wonder if those businessmen know that they are gaming. And hardcore gaming too, if they can’t get their eyes off the game while answering a phone call or even miss their stop when they forget that the games have a pause function built in. Hmm, I’ve seen those games played in computer labs too where the only thing accessible was Flash.

What point am I making? Give those games a chance. Load them up in the presence of friends, compete with them for the highest score and discuss strategies on how to make them even higher. Don’t stick to 3D graphics, 6.1 surround sound, WSAD and a mouse.

And now for some shameless plugging. Do check out the forums, yeah?