Puzzling
I'm playing through Myst III Exile again, mostly because I wanted to see how it looks on my new souped up computer. (Answer: Fabulous.) I am playing it with the walkthrough, though, just to get through it quickly. I don't have time to figure out all the puzzles again from scratch.
The game reminds me though how odd these game worlds can be. So many things are there simply in service of the puzzle.
I mean, who would build something like this giant pinball machine, as cool as it is? And in order to operate it, who would build all these puzzles that need to be solved in order to make the machine run?
Also, the solutions to these puzzles always exist in the world, but usually in a location removed from puzzle itself. It's like the equivalent of storing your computer passwords in a drawer in your desk. Or, to be more accurate, storing them in a drawer in the coffee break room. When you need a password, just head over to the coffee break room, get the password, and return.
In these games, you usually have to travel over here, flip a switch or something that has no business being there from a functional standpoint, and then go back over there to enter the door you just opened, or whatever.
Oh well. There is still joy in seeing these gorgeous worlds some talented artists designed.
The game reminds me though how odd these game worlds can be. So many things are there simply in service of the puzzle.
I mean, who would build something like this giant pinball machine, as cool as it is? And in order to operate it, who would build all these puzzles that need to be solved in order to make the machine run?
Also, the solutions to these puzzles always exist in the world, but usually in a location removed from puzzle itself. It's like the equivalent of storing your computer passwords in a drawer in your desk. Or, to be more accurate, storing them in a drawer in the coffee break room. When you need a password, just head over to the coffee break room, get the password, and return.
In these games, you usually have to travel over here, flip a switch or something that has no business being there from a functional standpoint, and then go back over there to enter the door you just opened, or whatever.
Oh well. There is still joy in seeing these gorgeous worlds some talented artists designed.
1 Comments:
At Sun Jun 12, 02:35:00 PM, Anonymous said…
i wonder if the brainiacs can get us some urban combat stuff/games/simulator modules that can help train the us forces.
the decreased recruitments rate bode ill for the republic. first major war with volunteer concept. read a good column last week from a former draftee now prof at mit? or some other highbrow skool and he had what was the first rational proposal for a draft/national service that i have ever came across in public debate.
most of the usual claptrap revolves around some unrealistic pie in the sky "bring back the draft" which will never happen short of armegeddon.
the ideas i have formed over several years of military service and observation led me to conclude years ago the current model doesnt work.
case in point: the officer vs enlisted system. come on, do you really think a concept of a european medieval feudal class system is relevant in the space age!!!????
its stooopid. and i could go as to why but i aint got the time here.
but suffice he (and I) conclude national service of some type is useful and necessary for instilling civic duty and development of citizenship(see starship troopers)
mil service would still be voluntary but if it comes to that then there must an equitable lottery system. i and other historians have looked at past systems and draftdodging did not only happen in vietnam, its as old as ancient rome and greece.
but i forsee dire consequences when 90% of congressmen have no one in harms way when we commit to foreign adventures. case in point, i am not calling for sons AND daughters of congress AND the pres AND the VP to enlist, HOWEVER, how much more a better example would it show if they would committ to a period of national or international service ie Medical, humanitarean, etc? Jenna and Barb are you aware of this?
the so called greatest generation, Ie george bush sr. (or another one of my favorites t. roosevelt for that matter) felt a sense of duty and served honorably throughout their life. just look at the career and resume of bush sr. quite impressive and america is better of for his service.
his granddaughters should do no less than contribute at least minimally and present a good example.
right now we have way less than 1% of citizens facing and shouldering the risks of carrying out our foreign policy. WRONG answer, we all need to carry the fair share or contribute.
bk
Post a Comment
<< Home