VIDEO GAMES (part II)

the greatest victory
Tuesday night I accomplished what many of you are probably not capable of understanding. I beat Ninja Gaiden. That's right, over the past month full of blood and tears and sweat, I have laid waste the Holy Vigoorian Emperor and his band of evil servants. I cast aside the black dragon blade and claimed my place in the dragon lineage as a protector over such matters. I will now return to my home village and begin rebuilding all that was lost, never to forget the events that lead to the destruction of all that was once dear to me. Just as Rachel and Alma's destiny has been cast before them, so will I seek out that for which gives me purpose. I am Ryu and I shall go on forever. It is time...for restoration.

Okay seriously, this may be one of the most difficult games I have ever played AND beaten (just shy of Top Gun for NES). I have come to understand that such an experience changes people. Beating this game has given me a good sense of accomplishment, and pride, and video game prowess. I am not seeking to flaunt my accomplishments, but such honorable deeds must be known among the common gamer (or non gamer).

I felt a little like Hercules fighting the Hydra. I was not alone...oh no! I had my partner...Eolis! My brother Adam must have watched me play countless hours of this game, offering suggestions, and occasionally taking up the true dragon sword himself as an offering of service for the completion of the game. The game didn't stand a chance with TWO Hughes brothers' efforts.

Beating a game like this can be much more rewarding and fulfilling than a day or week in the office. When I am finished with all my Sunday stuff, I can't help but think...okay, it all starts again on Monday...it is an ongoing story...one that rarely leaves you with a feeling of closure. But a video game...you might spend 20+ hours of your life making your way through its story and side missions and exploring and bosses...and when it is all said and done, the credits roll and you can shout, "victory is mine!" for you have seen it all the way through. Sure you'll pick up another game, but it is a new game, with new characters and a new story.

As I said before, this game can change a person...and although I would say that I have stayed reletively the same over the last month, the game's difficulty has taught me to speak fluent "drunken sailor." Oh and Adam and I threatened more than once to write a letter...