Jan 30 2012: I have to second your sentiment. My eyes teared up when watching the ending cutscene.
I believe the strength of FFX is the story and its characters. The game was set up so that you discovered Spira alongside Tidus throughout the journey and this made me feel more connected to the rest of the cast. Of course, the whole game was underscored by the inevitable final confrontation with Sin. It was a load that each character carried with them but they were still able to share a laugh and enjoy the journey despite of the sad conclusion.
I don't think it's enough for people to play this game. They must live it. Only then can you take away what I believe is the most important word of FFX: together. Band together, sacrifice together, laugh together; only then can we have a hope of breaking they cycle of Sin.
Jan 28 2012: Hire them. Provide opportunities for them to grow as an individual to become active, productive members of society.
To do that, we need to address the issues of the system already in place. It's not farfetched to think that youngsters simply see life as "going through the motions" void of any meaning. We need to appreciate the variety of intelligence that people have and not just focus on what a person scored on the SATs or in academia. I believe the traditional system turns people into robots; simply another cog in the wheel of capitalism. To have any chance at tapping the true potential of a human being, we must treat, train, and nurture them as one.
Jan 27 2012: There are many games that have made me think about how I want to live my life. The one that springs to mind is Shadow of the Colossus. There wasn't an intricate story about good and evil. There wasn't a cast of characters brought together to fight an abominable evil. You weren't trying to save the world. In fact, you almost had no clue what it was that you were supposed to be doing. All you know is that there's a boy that's trying to save a girl and, in order to do so, must kill 16 colossi.
Why are you doing this? Who is this girl? Who is this boy? Who is this disembodied voice that speaks to you? These colossi haven't done anything to you. And yet you are supposed to kill them and the male character deteriorates with each one he kills.
The land is barren with just a few critters and birds to break the occasional silence. Most of the time, your horse is the only constant companion following you into battle time and time again. Navigating this unknown world presents the players with another challenge as paths diverge into valleys and forests and mountains stay in your way.
Each colossus is a struggle with each more difficult to fight than the last. Some colossi demand a few minutes of observation and analysis before you can even begin to understand how to battle against it. After each battle, you are reminded of the price the protagonist must pay.
The game made me think about life in general and how people's actions might not be the best judge of their character. Things in life are almost never black and white, good or evil. Sometimes people are pushed to make hard choices that may clash with society and its norms. What's important is to know who you are and be steadfast in your pursuit of whatever it is that you're chasing. Sometimes things are easy. Other times, situations require time for observation and analysis. Sometimes, it's best to not do anything at all.
The game taught me about the gray, about things bigger than I am, and to just live my own life.
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A reply on Conversation: Which video game has challenged your perspective on the way you live your life and how?
A reply on Conversation: Which video game has challenged your perspective on the way you live your life and how?
I believe the strength of FFX is the story and its characters. The game was set up so that you discovered Spira alongside Tidus throughout the journey and this made me feel more connected to the rest of the cast. Of course, the whole game was underscored by the inevitable final confrontation with Sin. It was a load that each character carried with them but they were still able to share a laugh and enjoy the journey despite of the sad conclusion.
I don't think it's enough for people to play this game. They must live it. Only then can you take away what I believe is the most important word of FFX: together. Band together, sacrifice together, laugh together; only then can we have a hope of breaking they cycle of Sin.
A comment on Conversation: Roughly 52% of the world's population is under 30. What is best way to harness the energy and ideas of youth?
To do that, we need to address the issues of the system already in place. It's not farfetched to think that youngsters simply see life as "going through the motions" void of any meaning. We need to appreciate the variety of intelligence that people have and not just focus on what a person scored on the SATs or in academia. I believe the traditional system turns people into robots; simply another cog in the wheel of capitalism. To have any chance at tapping the true potential of a human being, we must treat, train, and nurture them as one.
(IMO)
A comment on Conversation: Why do we need violence to transfer power?
A comment on Conversation: Which video game has challenged your perspective on the way you live your life and how?
Why are you doing this? Who is this girl? Who is this boy? Who is this disembodied voice that speaks to you? These colossi haven't done anything to you. And yet you are supposed to kill them and the male character deteriorates with each one he kills.
The land is barren with just a few critters and birds to break the occasional silence. Most of the time, your horse is the only constant companion following you into battle time and time again. Navigating this unknown world presents the players with another challenge as paths diverge into valleys and forests and mountains stay in your way.
Each colossus is a struggle with each more difficult to fight than the last. Some colossi demand a few minutes of observation and analysis before you can even begin to understand how to battle against it. After each battle, you are reminded of the price the protagonist must pay.
The game made me think about life in general and how people's actions might not be the best judge of their character. Things in life are almost never black and white, good or evil. Sometimes people are pushed to make hard choices that may clash with society and its norms. What's important is to know who you are and be steadfast in your pursuit of whatever it is that you're chasing. Sometimes things are easy. Other times, situations require time for observation and analysis. Sometimes, it's best to not do anything at all.
The game taught me about the gray, about things bigger than I am, and to just live my own life.