Lots of Monkeys

The word “experience” really is an apt descriptor for Shadow of the Colossus. At a certain point, it ceases to exist as a game you play and becomes something you experience.

The narrative (which isn’t a very accurate word, there’s not a lot of talking) is simple: A wanderer on horseback brings a young girl’s body to an ancient temple. The wanderer knows the legend of the Colossi. If they are defeated, they grant power great enough to bring people back from death. His path is clear.

This is their story.

How well crafted is it? There are niggling bits that I could mention that are simply limitations of the media. * To mention them would be like complaining about a stellar movie that I watched simply because it is always the same no matter how many times I see it.

As games go, Shadow of the Colossus is beautiful. The music, the landscape, the story, the mechanics are such that I was driven to complete it. That does not happen often. It’s that good.

The sense of accomplishment and elation after defeating a Colossus is unparalleled. However, that celebratory feeling is laced with doubt. Is this the right thing to do?

There is a very poignant moment near the endgame which nearly had me in tears. I had to pause the game and compose myself before continuing on.

This is one of the most emotional games I have ever played. Please do not miss Shadow of the Colossus.

* Minor camera issues. I mention this because I feel that I would be remiss if I did not bring it up. After having completed Shadow of the Colossus, I realize now that when I was fighting with the camera trying to look at something else, it was actually pointing me at what I should be paying attention to. It was a not so subtle hint that I was ignoring. In fact, the last Colossus would have been much simpler (and not a two hour confrontation) had I just paid attention to what I was looking at. Thank you developers.

I spoke about Shadow of the Colossus earlier, and it’s very different from most games out there.

It is engrossing, however, as I brought down seven Colossi last night without thinking about how late it was.

Without revealing too much, every time I defeat one, I find myself questioning if it’s the right thing to do. I’m fairly certain that it’s not, just from the snippets of plot that I’ve digested. Why the protagonist even starts this quest, I’m not really certain.

Mortals are mortals after all.

I don’t know how to answer whenever I’m asked, “Have you gone back?”

They always mean the Philippines. I know a few things about the Philippines.

Hundreds of islands. Dozens of dialects. Corruption in the government. Fought (and lost) a war against the United States for its independence. Really bad traffic. Surprisingly cool in the mountain provinces. Soda in a plastic baggie.

There’s more, but I find all of this self acquired knowledge woefully incomplete. I don’t know where the stereotypes end and my culture begins.

I know these things, but I don’t know them. I haven’t experienced them firsthand. So how could I return to someplace that I’ve never been?

Julie sent me a link to one of those online name profiler pages. After fiddling with it for a while, we were disappointed when we found out that it only says nice things. Inspired, I wrote a quick profile for my version of the site.

You are a nexus for hatred and spite. Despite this, you are incredibly charismatic and will amass a legion of followers, only to sacrifice them in order to achieve your evil deeds. You are selfish, and this trait brings nothing but suffering to those that find themselves in your presence. You are vicious, petty, borderline schizophrenic and people are naturally hesitant to be in the same room with you. You hate all of humanity and constantly plot its eradication and ultimate doom.

You also enjoy knitting.

Ah. Now to find out it already exists.

Windows Apple Media Center™ also known as Front Row makes its debut today. Also they announce Photo Booth, an app I feel should have been present at iSight launch.

The announcements of the video iPod, and videos available in iTunes Music Store, are not really “news” so much as people have been predicting that for a while. Then I read that television shows will be available for $1.99 a pop. For a brief moment, watching BattleStar Galactica Season 2 on the commute to work was a media junkie fantasy.

Then I remembered I walk to work, found out the videos are 320 x 240 with FairPlay DRM, and HD quality versions of the shows cost me nothing. I watched all of BSG season one this way.

I would like to support digital distribution. I think it’s a great idea. I used Steam to buy Half Life 2. However, there are issues if I want to watch QVGA on a certain 32″ Sharp Aquos that threatens to force its way into my condo.