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Video Games and Story
I love video games for the same reason that I love movies and books: they can tell great stories.
Video games have the added advantage of putting you into the action of the narrative. This has gotten more and more complex since the days of the Atari in the 1970s, but, even in a simple game like Super Mario Bros., you get to put on the mantle of a courageous plumber and explore a world full of menacing turtles without ever leaving your couch.
I had the great joy of growing up in one of the golden ages of gaming — the period of 1996–2000. We got Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy VII, and so many more. It was a pivotal time in the development of the industry when these digital stories became fully immersive. Instead of being trapped in a 2-D world, you got to explore 3-D spaces, hear voice acting, and get full-motion video cut scenes that developed the characters and plot.
For me, and so many other nerds, one of the defining games from that period was Final Fantasy VII. It’s hard to really say why this game forged such a connection with gamers (and non-gamers). If I could guess, I’d say it’s the characters. Every character in this game is complex, intelligent, and badass. It also features one of the greatest…
