You know, when you play a game a lot, and realize that you have a lot in common, and you want to take the game a step further? I do.

That's me and Rez.



Back in 2002, Rez and I had something special. I've always been a rhythm game junkie. When I heard about Rez, I knew there was something to be had. I bought it for the Playstation 2, and there was magic. Rez and I had a great time together.

Rez was a masterpiece, a game I proudly displayed on my shelf.

*Sigh*

Lately, I've been hearing that Rez is hanging out with the wrong crowd. It's fallen into the hands of some stoners who abuse it. I can't do anything about it.

Imagine a group people in a museum talking about Guernica. You love the painting; it's bizarre, it's surreal, but it's still quite an emotional experience. Then, you hear an ignorant young man come along and say "Dude, that shit looks awesome when I'm stoned out my ass". That's how Rez is today.

And, quite frankly, I'm not happy about it.



Rez is a work of art. It is a game where every facet of the game increases the immersion. Mizuguchi made sure that every aspect, from the stylized "coded" graphics to the pulsating trance soundtrack enhanced your experience as you shot targets in sync to the kick of the bass.

According to the kids who were only recently introduced to this game, however, it sucks unless you're high. The visuals have no worth on their own whatsoever, and the gameplay is easy enough for you to go through the game without sobriety. The fact that people think one of my favorite games of all time is better when you're high leaves a terrible taste in my mouth.

As much as I'd hate to admit, I can understand this rationality when it's pointed at Space Giraffe, which goes out of it's way to obscure your vision as you go through the game. But Rez? Come on. This game is pure unadulterated sex, why enhance (Read: lose) the full experience of something like this?

Ugh.



(In before Jim Sterling provides a simple, yet insulting counterpoint)