Tag Archives: Gaming

Gaming role models: Aloy vs Lara Croft

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to start making videos. Well, said videos are happening. I did my planned Facebook Live on Sunday evening, and of course, life happened and there were interruptions. But I think it went pretty well, although due to interruptions I sort of lost my train of thought at times and didn’t give as much depth and detail in my argumentation. But that’s okay – that’s what the written word is for! So, here is a bit more insight into my assessment of the Aloy vs Lara Croft argument.

It’s something I’ve been thinking about after getting a platinum in Horizon Zero Dawn. Yes, I loved the game. A lot. The gameplay, the story… so much of the experience really resonated with me. And a large part of that was because of Aloy, the protagonist. What made her so unique? Why did I like her so much? I still love Lara – she’s the original trail blazer of a gaming icon – but Aloy is just, different. But first, let’s talk a bit about role models. Continue Reading

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2 Comments Gaming, Geek

Final Fantasy XV is character-driven story-telling at its finest

Final Fantasy XV is character-driven story-telling at its finest

I have been playing Final Fantasy since the very first one on NES. Yes, I know that gives my age away, but I really don’t care. My mom laughs at me when I talk about Final Fantasy, with each numbered installment serving as a reminder of how much time has passed.

I remember making the jump to PlayStation when playing Final Fantasy required a memory card. Dean and I met while I was busy playing Final Fantasy XII, and we bought a PS3  when we realized that the new Final Fantasy would be coming and we might as well bite the bullet and get the new console. Each time, the game has pushed the limits for graphics, RPG elements, and story-telling, but Final Fantasy XV took things to a whole new level. Continue Reading

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1 Comment Gaming, Geek

This is how you play video games with a baby

While I’ve managed some gaming time since Harley was born, it’s not the way it once was. I can’t wear a headset because I need to be able to hear if she cries, and I can’t really play online either because if she needs me she can’t wait while I finish a mission. I managed to get in some single player gaming, but as Harley has grown the way that works has changed. Sure, it’s best to play while she naps, but I’m also learning to hold her and play at the same time – I even managed to play a game while nursing her the other night.

But the best way is if someone else can hold your baby for a bit. At least, I like it because it means I can sort of focus on playing (even if Harley still always has some of my attention) and just relax and have fun. Plus, most people like the chance to hold Harley. I saw most people, because this video with Sam is quite possibly my new favorite thing. Continue Reading

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2 Comments Gaming, Geek, Parenting

Games I can play while nursing

There are awesome moments for gaming with a newborn. Whenever she’s napping, it’s easy enough for me to boot up the PS4 or my PC and get some quality game time in. Of course, there is the unpredictability of her waking up that prevents me from playing online games. But I’ve managed to get a bit of time in with The Witcher 3 and I finished Tomb Raider a month ago, so it’s not like all my gaming has come to a halt. However, most of the time I have to find a way to play games with one hand while the other is busy holding her.

While one-handed gaming is usually alluding to something else, for me it has been a way to keep myself busy while Harley is doing her thing. Even when she’s done nursing, I often need to hold her while she sleeps – as soon as I put her down, she wakes up and the cycle of tears and comforting starts all over again. As a result, I’ve found myself playing certain games that don’t require both hands’ worth of input mechanisms. Continue Reading

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3 Comments Gaming, Geek

If parenting a newborn were a video game

When it comes to a newborn, “parenting” feels a bit like a misnomer. I mean, there are some things I’m doing to try to develop her little mind, to introduce her to the world, but mostly I seem to fall into an endless cycle of changing nappies/cleaning her, feeding her and getting her to go to sleep. She is only awake for a little while at a time, and most of that time is spent looking after those baser needs. However, there can be more to it, and in the early hours of the morning, I start to think of it as a video game.

Seeing as it keeps me entertained, I thought I would share the various genres of games that I think parenting falls under at this fragile age. I’m sure as she gets older, it will take on more tactical elements and perhaps some elements of psychological thriller or horror, but for now most of her parenting falls into these genres.
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2 Comments Gaming, Geek, Parenting