Gaming Through the Ages

On the way back from Dekalb today, we discussed how my parents dislike the games I enjoy playing. Not because they have an issue with the game itself, but because it's too complex without enough "instant gratification" as my dad said.

Using the example of one of my more commonly played games - Clash of Clans, here's an overview.

Build buildings, train units, attack other players to steal their resources. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Under the title 'buildings', there are defensive, collectors, storage, offensive, and neutral buildings. Under units, there are 4 sources, and 3 major types (offensive, defensive, and spells). Even something as simple as attacking is made complex by unit caps, different levels of units and defenses, and the style of the other player. They might be farming, meaning they're an easy target but their resources are heavily defended. Or they might be pushing, meaning they've got their base defended in such a way to make it incredibly hard to defeat. Don't forget, anytime you're offline, there's a chance someone will attack you and steal some of your hard stolen resources. Add into that mix two different currencies and the ability to join a clan (50 people total to a clan), and the game suddenly seems much more complex.

If that blew your mind, try using a simpler game as an example - my other usual past time in the gaming world, Skyrim. Start off by escaping a death sentence by means of a dragon's timely attack, complete numerous quests while fighting other humans, dragons, elves, orcs, bears, sabre cats, skeevers (imagine giant rats), and the assorted fish and crabs that might attack you on occasion. Oh, and the giants and draugr - those guys aren't fun to take on when you're out of health potions and your follower just died from a spike wall trap. By the time you've gotten down the basics, you will have leveled up a few times and probably found out that you can get perks in many different skill areas, from archery to alchemy to smiting. Oh, and at some point, you'll have chosen a side in a civil war and now get to champion an army as you slowly take over the land of the side you didn't choose. Eventually, you'll have either taken over the entire country, or you'll have silenced the rebellion, depending on which side you chose - Stormcloaks are rebelling, Imperials are trying to maintain their rule. Sound like fun? I think so.

To my parents, these seem not to be as much fun. Dad has been quoted as saying "That's a stupid game, where's the color?" after watching me play Skyrim for a few minutes. I don't blame him, however, as I was in a cave and it really was all grey scale. Mom and Dad prefer games with more instant success and less waiting. Running across a bog in search of hagravens or waiting 8 days to upgrade to a Town Hall level 8 doesn't appeal to them. For Mom, the ORIGINAL Super Mario Bros (ancient 16-bit graphics) and Tetris are where the fun is (after I made Dr. Robotnick's Mean Bean Machine stop being fun because I got good at it...after about a week.) Dad, it's all Sonic (the Hedgehog, not the restaurant). Personally, I'll take the Mean Bean Machine over Tetris any day, Mario will always be awesome, and Sonic just isn't my speed.

So what did I learn?

1. My parents are impatient when it comes to video games.
2. If you beat someone at a game they liked, they enjoy it less. The more you beat them, the less they enjoy it.

If anyone wants to purchase a game mentioned, you can find them here:

•  Clash of Clans (by Supercell) is available on Android and Apple products (Smartphones and iPods/iPads/Tablets)
• Skyrim (by Bethesda) is available for Xbox at most supermarkets that have an electronics section, along with Gamestop.
• Super Mario Bro's, Sonic, and Mean Bean Machine are all available in the Wii Store, and I think Tetris is as well.