Today, I was playing some Street Fighter 2. Yes, crusty and old, but I love it. I got to thinking while playing. The games I have played in my life have influenced me a lot. In school, work, my social interaction, my ideals, and my goals. Growing up, I didn't have the "best" role models in my family. I was mostly quiet and kept to myself with my reading and games. But I don't think I left any more alienated because of it. Thinking back, I would say it made me a better person all around.

For example, one of my earliest heroes is Ryu from Street Fighter.


When I first beat Street Fighter 2, (DAMN YOU BISON!) it was a proud accomplishment I took away. I expected Ryu to be up there dancing about like the bad ass he was. But no. You see Sagat and Bison standing on the podium at number 3 and 2, repectively. Where is Ryu? He is walking down the path, into the sunset. No, it was not the victory he fought for. It was for the fight itself. I learned that victory is not the most important thing in this life. Bettering yourself is a worthy goal into itself. Defeat is motivation to get stronger. And if you suffer a knockdown, Dragon Punch your way back on to the path to life.

Another fond memory of mine is playing through Pokemon ever so long ago.


Who doesn't remember their first pokemon? Mine was my lovable squirtle. All the trials, the tribulations, the walking back 5 miles to a pokecenter cause I was too Scrooge Mcduck to buy antidotes. I learned with dedication, hard work, and just a little luck, you too, can become whatever you desire. And crush your jerk rival. That counts too.

One more while i'm at it. My first MMO, Final Fantasy 11.


This one made me realize what kind of connection we all share being gamers. The sense of community you get from an MMO cannot be described properly by me. It is just... joy and happy incarnate to be sharing adventures with good friends in an open, free world. This game helped me with my love of gaming. Up until this point in my life, I had considered giving up gaming. No one I knew loved gaming enough to talk seriously about it with me, my mom seen it as a waste of time, and I felt there was no one I could share the excitement and joy of gaming with. But when you are slaying your 100th rabbit, taking on a dragon with a friend and no idea what the hell you are doing, or just chatting it up with your group of friends, you just know: it doesn't get much better being a gamer.

Well, that was enough long talking for me. How about you guys? You feel as if gamings influenced you in your life? Could be negative or positive. I'm curious to hear.
I figure i'll write a more serious blog next time. Pizzakiller out.