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Thursday, October 22, 2009

A HISTORY OF ADDICTION

This is part 2 of the Geek Series.

**********
Living in a village where most of your neighbors/playmates are well-off could be pretty sad for a kid like Engel.

While his dad was an Overseas Filipino Worker, his parents didn't really have the budget to afford for him toys that are pricey. Yes, he could get away with the small action figures from time to time, but for video game consoles, that was a wish that was never granted. In fact, it was never even considered by his parents. Even after several attempted tantrum outbursts, it didn't work.

When Engel was about 5 years old, there was only one house with an Atari entertainment system. Unfortunately, the kids who owned those games weren't in his age bracket so he was never allowed to play any of the games. He wasn't even allowed to touch those games. He'd often just look while the kids play Pacman and Battle Ships. And more often than not, at night he would go home crying because he was scolded by their neighbor because he touched the joystick.

Two years later, a couple of neighbors finally bought a Nintendo Entertinment System and that hundred games in one family computer system. Fortunately, the kids were younger than Engel so he'd often pick on them so that he could play those games. Alot of different emotions came rushing through the young writer as he plays Super Mario, Adventure Island, Twin Bee, Circus Charlie, Duck Hunt, The '88 Olympics Game and all those old-school video games his neighbors had. He'd often sleepover his neighbor's house on the weekends so he could finish Level 1-2 of Super Mario 3.

If kids could be mean, there are some who could be really manipulative. They use their consoles as a bargaining chip so you could be "bati" with them, when you decide they're not fun to play with. They'd often crank their television sets to full volume while playing Contra until you come knocking on their door to beg for forgiveness. Children back then were cruel.

GAME GEAR
There was one time Engel's tantrums worked on his dad. Fifth grade, his father went home when the clan's patriarch died, and of course being the only one then who worked abroad in the family, Engel's father was obligated to shoulder a fraction of the overall expenses for the burial. Anyway, while in Duty Free, the son saw that Game Boys and Game Gears were sold for discounted prices, so the young Engel did not leave the stall until what he wanted was given. The parents were bargaining for a different toy instead, but Engel had enough of never having a video game device.

The moment he laid his hands on that black shiny colored handheld device, he told himself, never again. Seven months later, Geary (the name of his Game Gear) broke down and was never fixed again.

PLAYSTATION
For his high school graduation gift, he asked all his relatives to pitch in so he can buy the original Sony Playstation console. And he did. At that time, Engel got so excited about the console he forgot that he had to attend the graduation ball at some posh hotel in Manila that evening. He was only reminded when his mom told him his cousin was already dressed to go to the party.

That was the time he was introduced to Role Playing Games like Final Fantasy, Chrono Cross, Suikoden and Parasite Eve. This was where most of his 'baon' would go to. A pirated copy of Resident Evil 1-3, Metal Gear Solid and Parappa the Rapper. He even bought himself the dance mat for Dance Dance Revolution.

His PS stayed with him for four years before passing it on to his cousins because he had to finally upgrade his console.

PLAYSTATION 2
December of 2002. Last semester before he graduates. He already knows that he'll be graduating. And better news was that he was part of the Dean's Honors List that year so he demanded an upgrade. He asked his favorite Aunt if she could give him a few more pesos so he can finally buy a PS2 for Christmas. He actually had options back then, it's either that or a trip to Singapore. Seeing as if he chooses the trip, he'd have to work on processing a passport, he opted for the video game console.

While Engel's still not a seasoned gamer, he improved his gaming skills with this device. He learned to like shooting games more. He got addicted playing Resident Evil 4, Metal Gear Snake Eater, Dragon Quest, NBA Live and the rest of the Final Fantasy games. The graphics was much better, voiceovers are now possible, and the games are just much more awesome. He'd sometimes play these with his friends, but most of the time he plays games by himself.

2007 when he resigned from his company, he decided to sell the beloved console because he didn't have allowance anymore. He was out of work for four months.

2 XBOX 360'S
The first one, he bought September of '07. That was where his backpay from his previous company went to. He's been itching to buy one since he found out about the console. This was cheaper than the PS3 and looks slicker. The games also looked cooler and everything about Microsoft's console's just awesome.

During the summer of 08, Engel found himself jobless again. And this was his companion throughout that period. He'd play day and night video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Elder Scrolls IV, Gears of War, Halo 3 and just about every pirated version of all the cool games released at that time. One time he was even complained to by his neighbors for playing war games at 2 in the morning (he had to crank his speakers to max volume when he plays his games). Unfortunately, after nine months of loyal service, the console died (3RLs). It almost got fixed, but a week later, the console died again.

So for his birthday this year, Engel bought another XBox. This is much better, because now he has two controllers, more games and a big screen tv. But he's taking good care of this one this time. He doesn't play alot anymore (well because he has work now), his hours of playtime isn't as unforgiving as before. He doesn't want what happens with his first console to happen to this one again.

But it does get tiresome playing videogames sometimes. Specially if you're playing games alone.

23 comments:

engel said...

wow, i just realized this is a long boring post.

Mugen said...

Hindi kaya. The entry tells much about you. It tells of an Engel who has a future being a techie. Lol.

<*period*> said...

natagalan din ako sa level 1-2 ng super mario 3.and nahirapan akong hanapin yung mga flute.

sa ngayon, nilalaro ko pa rin ang super mario 3.hindi na nga lang sa family computer ng kapitbahay, kundi sa PSP

and oo, tama si galen.hindi boring yung post mo, kuya engel

rudeboy said...

I have no problem playing with my XBox - alone.

John Ahmer said...

im not fond of playing those stuff'
'i don't think your entry is boring.
'it reminds me that...ive missed half of my life.

The Scud said...

we also didn't own a family computer. i and my bro would spend afternoons at our neighbor's house who own one. when an aunt gave us a nintendo computer system sila naman tumatambay sa bahay.

i am not into RPG. need for speed, tennis, super mario ang mga gusto ko.

your post is not boring. ikaw lang mag sabi nyan. :D

Anonymous said...

this one brings back youthful memories. and i must say, i started earlier than you. remember game n' watch?

i am beki said...

this post reminded me of my college days sneaking out of the house to play at my college pal's house with auron, yuna, tidus, rino, squall and the rest of the gang.

i don't think it is tiresome to playing videogames on your own. you will just have to motivate yourself to finish what you started.

now i rarely play console games or any games for that matter.

hanggang plants vs. zombies na lang ang nalalaro ko!

hahahaha.

@john_stan loz @ game n watch

carlotta1924 said...

nice post. enjoyed reading this, as it also reminds me how i enjoyed playing console games. i also enjoy playing super mario on nintendo (yun na lang ata nilalaro ko dun) and tekken and soul calibur. (these two are great stress busters hahaha):D

Anonymous said...

I told you man, you're not a geek - the fact that you were so conscious of the long post you have written. You call it EQ!

It's long, yes, but not boring. Only those who cannot relate with this entry will get bored.

This reminds me of childhood, the long forgotten one. I only got hooked with these for a very short span of time. After finishing FF8, Legends of Legaia, FF10, Resident Evil series, the passion somehow died down. And I just dont seem to care with these anymore. :(

If I were you, I must have chosen the trip to Singapore! :)

Unknown said...

ako din naiingit sa kapitbahay kase wala din pambili parents ko, emo tuloy ako, hirap maging mahirap :(

domjullian said...

When I was young, kahit meron kaming nintendo, hindi ako na addict. Its still a bliss playing outside with my real friends rather than the virtual ones. Naging alternative lang cya pag umuulan at pag hinid pinayagan lumabas dahil may ginawang kasalanan.

Niel said...

Parang ganito din kwento ng doll addiction ko. It started when I was young and can't afford.

I Am Lukayo said...

I stopped console games at PS1. My lil bro still continues on up to today. Nakikilaro na lang ako...

Ahh.. those sleepless night leveling up Sabin in FF3/FF6J.

Eternal Wanderer... said...

I'll be the lone dissenter and say that I never got into the groove of playing video games :(

Weird ba?

B. said...

Final Fantasy was my favoritest game!

Anonymous said...

I play, but I'm not that techie to know all of those game consoles. And I think that period is over for me now.

iurico said...

rudeboy - I have no problem playing with my XBox - alone.

eto tlaga si rudeboy - kahit anong line nagagawan ng malisya! LOL. hehehe

Engel - laro tayo Dragon Quest, NBA Live and Star Wars - the force unleashed! hehehe. Ito lang lagi mga kaharap ko pagumuuwi ako galing work.

the geek said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
the geek said...

you are a geek of different specie.

Anonymous said...

naalala ko, adik na adik ako nun sa castlevania:symphony of the night sa ps1. kahit na 2d sya at side scrolling game, ilang linggo ko pinagpuyatan. yun yung game na nagpahook sa akin sa RPG games. pero nakaget over na din ako sa kanya nung naintroduce sa akin yung mas enhanced na RPG games sa ps2 like god of war and FF.

i'm secretly wishing na may malaglag na malaking box sa doorstep ng bahay namin with my name on it from the sky tapos pagbukas ko, ps3 laman. para sakto sa release ng gop of war 3 this coming february. hehehe.

Cubaoboy said...

nice engel we're kindred souls pala when it comes to gaming. I love consoles and hand helds. I had a sega gamegear and a gameboy, snes, panasonic 3do, ps1, sega dreamcast, ps2 and now i have nintendo wii and i'm planing on buying a ps3 kaso ps4 is in the works na daw kya i'm might wait for it nalang hehehe. cool cool!

Fumbler said...

wow daming gadgets!