I love video games, and I play every chance that I get. I just know that there are many other gamers out there that would balk at calling me a “real gamer” and I completely understand why (I owned a Wii and a PS3 before I finally grabbed a 360 for crissakes). I’ve heard other gamers talk about games that have changed their lives; I’m not one of those gamers. I don’t mean to make fun of or ridicule those gamers though; I’ve read many books that, upon turning the last page, have made me feel like my life will no longer be the same. And what I love most about video games is when they have a truly engaging story that makes me feel as though I’m playing my way through a great novel. I just haven’t hit a game yet that had such a profound effect on me. (I have had a chance to play some games that have completely changed my view of what a game should be though, so I’m sure that one will come along).

I also know that I’ll get some sneers for admitting that I don’t play games on the PC, and I also understand where those sneers are coming from. I know its a totally different experience, and I know that one great thing about playing a game on the PC after its initial release on a console is that all of the bugs have been worked out (or at least the most annoying ones), and I know that FPS’s are so much better on the PC. The problem, is that I work 8 to 12 hours a day in front of a PC and have no interest in sitting in front of one for another 2 to 4 hours afterward. I mainly play games to have fun and work off some stress, so sitting my ass in front of my TV and turning on a console works much better for me.

I’ve also been immune to the MMO bug so far. I have several friends that have tried to talk me into Everquest, WoW, EVE and several other MMO’s from time to time but it hasn’t hit me yet. I prefer the solitary experience for the most part; like I mentioned above, I truly love the story involved in a great game which seems to me to be more in line with single player campaigns. I do get the social aspect and how that creates a totally different experience – I do enjoy playing some multiplayer games on XBOX Live and PSN from time to time. I can’t say I won’t get sucked in once there’s a true (and truly entertaining) MMO on a console (The Agency maybe?).

Well, I think I’ve accomplished what I wanted to as an introduction. I’m planning on spewing my thoughts and misconceptions about video games and gaming in general going forward and thought I should offer some background to help reduce some flaming. Of course, you’re still free to flame.