The Art of Video Games Exhibit

 By: Ryan Seiler

 Posted: July 28, 2012

Recently congress concluded that, yes, video games are an art form; a hotly debated topic the past few years. No more could an organization of outraged mothers be taken seriously when requesting games be censored, games they themselves bought their children. And no longer could arrogant movie reviewers run their mouths, spewing out inaccuracies like games are and “never will be art.” (Cough, cough. Ebert). Soon after the confirmation was made, The Smithsonian Institution, the Collection of collections, known the world over for showcasing the rarest and best, announced it would be opening a new exhibit to showcase The Art of Video Games in The American Art Museum. Proponents for the ‘’games are art debate” rejoiced, as it seemed that not only had Washington agreed with gamers, they were actively supporting them as well.
 

The museum began an online campaign to get gamers interested in the project with the promise that their input would shape the upcoming exhibit. Game journalism sites leaped into action, promoting the endeavor, urging readers to contribute. Being the team player I am, I jumped into the fray. The Smithsonian website hosted a “which is better” tournament in which readers could choose between two similar games. As a participant you would choose a console, then a genre. You would then be given a choice of two games, then another two, and another two, etc. Scenario:  you select Xbox 360, then action. Half Life 2 and Castle Crashers pop up. Then you select adventure. Limbo and Prince of Persia are chosen. Out of thousands of visitors participating in the process, the Museum was able to pick five games from five genres for a selection of consoles. I’m sure you can already see cracks in the decision making here, but I’ll get to that later.

6 Great Video Game Teammates

 By: Ryan Seiler

 Posted: July 14, 2012

Ever since the first wire was plugged into the second controller port, allies have been an essential part of gaming. Maybe it’s a second gun on the field or even an annoying girl, crying and whining as you drag her around by the hand. Maybe it’s someone who serves the story. Maybe it’s just someone who’s damn likable. Regardless, single-player gaming can be lonely. Why else do MMO’s exist? Having a devoted crew of computer controlled allies along to save the world can be a reward unto itself. And anyone who disagrees clearly didn’t grow up an only child.

Earthbound | Déjà-Review

By: Ryan Seiler

Posted: July 2, 2012

Every hobby has its grails. Game collecting is no different. Grails can be rarities (Nintendo World Championships, Little Red Hood, or Super Noah’s Ark 3D, just to name a few), are incredibly rare and fetch insane prices. Such games aren’t usually what you would call quality, though; their rare status stemming from low demand and lackluster development. Other grails are more a matter of personal taste typically being referred to intimately by owners as classics. Games like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, meanwhile, embody classic, defining a generation, selling well in their time, and beloved by players then and now. These titles are high on collectors’ wish lists as well as short lists of games never to part with. Earthbound is one such game, topping the charts for both most wanted and most beloved, and demanding triple digit prices for even poor condition cartridges.  

I spent years wondering what was so amazing about this near mythical game. Nintendo seemed disinterested in it, barely acknowledging its existence. Little did I know that Earthbound was the second game in the Mother series, the first and third only having a Japanese release. In Japan, characters from Mother 1, 2, and 3 are among Nintendo’s most famous,  fitting right in with Smash Bros.’ most famous characters, even though in other countries the Mother misfits might seem out of place.

I recently acquired this legendary cartridge, thinking it would at least be a good addition to my collection. I expected a traditional 90’s RPG. You know the kind: a band of four sprites set out on a journey to save the world, leveling up as they go, blah blah blah. But after five hours had drained away, it was 5am, I hadn’t blinked in ages, and I began to realize Nintendo had committed one of the most heinous gaming crimes of the ‘90s.