A lot of bloggers give you their opinions and impressions on different aspects in the gaming world but very few tell you why they feel so much passion for such a mundane thing. Let's face it - gaming is just another form of escapism but what makes it different from any other form of escapism is the way in which it captivates your mind. Whether you play the games for the graphics or the varying stories out there you are playing it because it captivates you and makes us all sit back and think, "woah!"
When I was 4 or 5 I got my very first computer - the legendary BBC. Before this I had dabbled with Amstrads and the like but what made this machine better was the fact that it was the first computer system that was mine. I loved my BBC more than anything else I had but for the first few months, it was just a hunk of metal and plastic with no viewable benefits. I had no games you see and for a kid of 5, this detracted from my interest in it and so I spent most of my time in my imagination with lego and knex. Eventually, I got my very first PC game - Prince of Persia and for months I played it religiously. Next came games like Hocus Pocus and this captivated my interest in fantasy gaming and science fiction (along with my avid Star Trek viewing :-D).
When I was 6, I lost my BBC in one of the worst thunderstorms I have ever experienced. I cried for days until, out of the blue, an IBM Windows 3.1 PC appeared in my room along with Theme Park and Star Trek: A Final Unity. I loved it and for months and months I played not only these two new games but also ports of my old games, like Space Invader. This is how I got into PCs but not entirely what got me into gaming.
The first game to get me into gaming in a hardcore way was an RTS and a now legendary franchise, Warcraft. I played it all day and all night when I got it and even missed 3 days of school just to complete it. This still wasn't enough, however, and I was still looking for more. This went on for a few years, playing various games and mostly RTS titles until one day a company I have now come to love and respect released my very first addiction - Diablo.
Diablo captivated me in a way that no there game ever has or ever will. I was not only interested in the story but also immersed my immature mind in my character, often stepping away from my PC resiting lines and, "acting," out how I though my character would act if he were real. The Diablo franchise has always had a soft spot in my heart and I still revisit Diablo and Diablo 2 for nostalgia.
The next game to hook me on the RPG genre was Neverwinter Nights. I had a sorcerer and I was obsessed with the game, playing through 3 or 4 times before I'd even vaguely got bored. Along with the expansion packs I played this game for years and never moved away from it. I never got chance to join the online community however and this was something I regret to this day.
What made me want to sit here and share my opinions and evaluations of the gaming world was a desire to help shape the RPG genre. I have very little interest in other genres, apart from RTS games but I wanted to be a part of a new player-based gaming movement.
I became very passionate about not only what I felt but what those around me felt and I decided to use my small voice to add to the crowds of people calling out and giving feedback.
Until I came to Curse and started blogging here, I didn't really have a place to write down my thoughts and specualtion but now, I feel I have found a home and I hope it will be my home for a long time and I hope people will come to not only be interested in what I have to say but also respect my opinions. I understand this is something I have to earn but hopefully, overtime, I will be able to.
Eventually, I want to do this pro. I want to be at all the major gaming expos and events so that I can report back my thoughts and feelings to the world. With no journalism qualifications and not a lot of life experience, it is going to take a long time and lots of effort to get there but it is something that I want to do and I will achieve this.
So now you all know why I blog and I hope you all will come to respect and want my opinion on gaming.
