Video Games

On the topic of pop culture as it relates to video games- I’ve noticed the trend seems to be towards activities you could actually get out and do, but choose not to because apparently simulating them with a game controller is so much more fun. I thought a lot about games such as the Sims and the website Second Life, but these are actually interesting in that they allow you to change your identity and “interact” with others in ways that you wouldn’t necessarily do so otherwise.

The games that I was mostly thinking about for this entry simulate activities you could easily do without a controller and game console. Obviously, Dance Dance Revolution is the first example that comes to mind, but it at least has merit in the fact that you get a workout while you’re doing it. The activities simulated in other games have gotten increasingly ridiculous, though, especially with the new Nintendo Wii remote that allows you to simulate swinging a baseball bat, tennis racket, or golf club. I guess this is far more amusing than actually going outside and playing a game of baseball or tennis or going golfing with your friends.

Perhaps the best example, though, is the Guitar Hero game for PlayStation, which I heard about over Thanksgiving from one of my friends. Apparently you “play” by pressing buttons on a controller that looks like a guitar, and can do competing “guitar solos” with your friends, among other activities.

Or hey, you could always be old-fashioned and just take guitar lessons like people used to do back in the good old days…