Have I Outgrown Video Gaming?

Since the advent of my intellect and the growing comprehension levels that accompanied such a cerebral evolution, I have always looked for a challenge in whatever I do.  When my mother blessed me with a Nintendo Game Boy and a plethora of games during the Christmas season of 1994 I was instantaneously transported to a world-an escape rather-where I could distance myself from all of life’s problems at the time.  This was my way of coping with being teased at school, navigating a day amongst bullies, making sure my Power Rangers lunchbox didn’t become stolen. 

As I grew throughout life, gaming was always a core component: a few levels of Sonic Adventure before my first middle school dance, a session of wishful thinking during NBA Street a mere hours before a basketball tournament final, a replaying of Ocarina of time while lost amongst the confusion and angst of a bipolar high school teenager, the realization of adult leadership and responsibility while battling Covenant forces as Master Chief.  Gaming has been by side.  It has never left; it has been a support a system that needs no introduction, yet will never truly commence with a final act.  However, as I approach the latter half of my twenties and slowly witness a period of post-adolescence progressively decreasing in visibility-and more importantly-tangibility; stuck a purgatory of adulthood between 18 & up parties and brunch with female interests whom I encountered at day party networking events. Simultaneously facing the “attempting-to-collect-retroactive-child-support” antics of Sallie Mae along with the ascension of deeper responsibilities of manhood and the inevitable “milestone” of “thirty”, I’m left with a question manifesting an insatiable appetite for an answer:

“Have I outgrown video gaming?”

Responsibilities.  They are what accompany you once you’ve fully left the realm that is young adulthood. This can be described as managing to move out of your parents’ home and secure a place of residence for yourself. In addition, the blitzkrieg of bills that just magically appear and the realization that you do in fact need more hours in a day are all clear signs that you have transitioned from Tuesday night 2-for-1 rail drinks and more towards Saturday morning brunch networking events.  From these responsibilities, it is also evident that what was once a daily activity almost has to be scheduled for a quality session. 

It’s quite surreal when you think of it actually: while younger, I had all the time in the world to enjoy gaming. Sure, I had responsibilities: take out the trash, clean the kitchen, mow the lawn. However, none of these responsibilities affected my livelihood like the ones that command my attention today. 

Because of such, I often find myself playing a game a few times out of the week…no longer daily.  From this change in frequency, my gaming muscle has atrophied; my timing is off; sensitivity is out of alignment; I've lost many an intangible that makes me stand out from my competition. (In some instances, I have games that are still shrink-wrapped as I just haven’t the time to enjoy, let alone complete them.)  For most, this would instantly confirm the idea that they have outgrown the sport, rather the culture that is video gaming.

Not me.

Rather, I embrace the challenge to find time to game.  Gaming has been integrated into my life from such a young age. As aforementioned, gaming has been an integral part of many milestones of my life.  Although I cannot enjoy the sport as often as I would like, my genuine love for it is not something that can be “outgrown.” Life itself is one video game played on the most real of consoles.

So, to answer the aforementioned question: “No, I have not outgrown video gaming-nor will I ever.”  Gaming is a tradition that withstands the test of time.  It is a lifestyle that matures with each generation. It is the support of the high-resolution variety and the soundtracks of boss battles that prevent the mental collapse of many a troubled soul.  If anything, my lack of time to game is a bonus level that I've yet to discover how to conquer.  As with any level, with enough patience, trial and error, and the right inventory, I’ll be sure to complete it expeditiously.

…I’ll be sure to enjoy myself while doing so, I’m booked with meetings for the rest of the week.

Destiny: An Enjoyable Waste of Time

A random level begins; ammunition for my weapon of choice (leveled up shotgun) is nowhere to be found. Rushing the lush broken forest with five others, I make a sharp turn passing what used to be a functioning staircase; now only a discontinued pile of rubble caressed by wrapped, wilted ivy.  Radar beacon shows incoming hostiles.  Bolting down a narrow corridor with the utmost uncertainty, I engage with-what looks to be-a Titan; a level 26 Titan at that-(more on that later.) As level 24 Warlock, I’m quite confident in my abilities to vanquish this imminent threat.  Full clip sprayed; jump glide-reload. Cover. Vortex grenade released-little effect. Shotgun ammo? A feverish run ensues, energy from the pulse rifle spewing past me; critical damage sustained. Recovery time not available. Two shells loaded. The Titan turns the corner; a puzzling look commences-he looks up. With regal robes having a parasol-like effect, I descend.  “BOOM, BOOM” I deliver the final blow. 

The Titan was dead.

Such is the sequence from what is arguably the most enjoyable mode of the game Destiny: multiplayer. Developed for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and previous generation consoles, Destiny tells the story of The Guardians-the last defenders of humanity and their continued fight to ward off the Fallen.  However, there is just one problem: there isn’t any story that’s being told. 

With a proposed $500 million budget, Destiny was created with high ambitions and even higher expectations, so upon booting Destiny, one would assume that you’d be in store for an immense, detailed story with rich character development and outstanding voice acting.  (I mean, this is Bungie we’re talking about and this is Activision we’re talking about. Yes, those people that created that universe that’s defended by that Master Chief guy-yea, those people.) Wrong. If you’re looking Sony’s response to a comparable Microsoft sci-fi shooter that has beautiful, vast environments, an excellent combat system, and a story that compels you to eagerly await a sequel, you’ll only find the latter two. 

The game begins with some cutscenes of astronauts that I won’t spoil and your Ghost companion.  Soon, you’ll be able to select from three classes: Titan, Hunter, and Warlock; then three races: Human, Exo, or Awoken. Each have their pros and cons, and depending upon what kind of player you are based on your prior FPS (first-person shooter) experience will determined which class resonates best with you. (Let it be noted that race has no impact on character ability.) Although initially a great game, you’ll quickly notice the repetitiveness of the missions, its environments and the misdirection, or lack thereof, or the story’s progress.  Enemies vary in difficulty due to your current level and which level you chose to play the mission on.  Missions are replay-able, however, never at any point does Bungie or Activision expound on the story in any way, give some insight into the background of the Guardians, the Fallen-nothing.

As I stated earlier, the most enjoyable aspect of the game is the multiplayer.  It is eerily similar to that of Halo 3 with Pulse Rifles expelling shots reminiscent of Covenant in hot pursuit.  The formula remains the same: Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag-referred to as “Control”, and a few other variations on what has be developed as a tried and true formula.  Also, once you “max out” at level 20, oftentimes, you’ll find yourself diving right into multiplayer battles with friends instead of attempting the same missions again.

Though initially impressed, I have to admit that I’m disappointed in what was heralded to be an AAA-game of epic proportions is no more than a generic cross-console title that regrettably managed to get $60+ and time from me that I can never get back.

…But like I said, it is an enjoyable waste of time. 

For The Love of the Game.

This is a amazing synopsis of all things great about video games.  Click the link and be prepared to smile from ear to ear.

...I know I did.

http://www.polygon.com/2014/9/2/6096631/video-game-love

Xbox One $399: Is Microsoft Leveling The Playing Field?

Earlier this week, Microsoft made the somewhat shocking, (although analyst predicted), retailer-recommended, and heavily user-demanded announcement that their newest console-the Xbox One-will go on sale without Kinect for $399-the exact same price as its number one competitor-Sony’s PlayStation 4-starting June 9^th.  This announcement comes after 2^nd quarter reports show that Sony is outselling Microsoft at a pace of 4 to 3.  Such a trend is not a great way to start a campaign into the new generation of consoles six months in.  Furthermore, it will no longer be necessary for Xbox One and Xbox 360 to have an Xbox Live subscription to enjoy streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and YouTube.  This same lift of restriction also applies to the Xbox One’s OneGuide, Internet Explorer, and Skype.

Let’s make one thing clear: Microsoft knew that this was a move that was much overdue; a move that was needed to stay competitive in generation of consoles that still lacks the “must-have” titles to sway consumers off of the proverbial fence of reluctance.  Microsoft has essentially alienated loyal consumers by requiring the purchase of Kinect with the system.  What was once a novelty peripheral has since become a mandated piece of equipment for a system still in its infancy, which, furthermore, does not even have a title that fully utilizes the Kinect. 

This is strike two for Microsoft. (See DRM controversy.)

Now that that system is slated to be priced identically to the PS4, the determining factor amongst the two systems will be one thing: software exclusives.  At launch there were few exclusives that demanded a consumers’ purchase. Granted, there was Killzone and Ryse, but these failed to attract the attention that Halo 3 and Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots did. Sure, there’s Halo 5: Guardians, an untitled Gears of War titled for the Xbox One, and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Kingdom Hearts III, and an upcoming entry to the “Uncharted” series, but these are all at least a year from release. 

These systems lack content now.

Since its release last fall, the PS4 has maintained a full head of steam both entering and exiting the holiday season.  The question remains, however, if that same level of momentum can be maintained now that its key rival has leveled the playing field and are rearranging their armament for an impending war that will divide the gaming community once more.

The Xbox One is coming-but will it be enough?

“Prestiging” has never had so much meaning.

The Answer to Your Questions.

#StayTunedForGreatness

Only 90s Gamers Would Understand lol.

I saw this post and immediately grinned having experienced these events firsthand. These were the 2nd iteration of the video game golden ages.  Enjoy :D

http://www.gamesradar.com/problems-only-90s-gamer-could-understand/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_155986

"Where Is The iPhone Going?"

     Introduced January 9^th and released June 29^th 2007, the iPhone has captivated the technological aspirations of almost every man, woman, and child in some capacity. It has had a cultural impact that has reached various points of the world that otherwise would have little to no concern with the smartphone market.  A once open race for the taking, the smartphone market saw spurts of dominance in the form of the Motorola Razor and T-mobile Sidekick.  However, no phone has held as much dominance and illustriousness in the market as the iPhone.

     Apple’s last iteration of the iPhone-the iPhone 5S was-was not as warmly received as past iterations as it lack monumental features as upgrades.  Sure a faster processor and (somewhat) larger screen are decent upgrades, but this left many of the once clamoring iPhone fanatics with a lukewarm feeling of anticipation.  There were fewer-if any-stories of people huddled outside for days upon the iPhones release. (During the release week I was an employee for a marketing company doing promotion in a very popular electronics store and I can attest to there being very little fanfare about the device.) This begs the question: “Where is the iPhone going?”

     Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S5, the HTC One, Motorola’s Moto X are all making a strong attempt to capture Apple’s market share by offering larger screens (all measure in at about five inches and above), a more adaptable OS (Android is not nearly as stringent an operating system as iOS), expandable storage (Apple refuses to include expandable storage); overall these companies are giving strong indicators of what Apple won’t produce: a powerful smartphone. Granted, the iPhone is an excellent phone, however since the introduction of the “S” line of iPhones, we’ve seen a bit of a decline in regards to what to expect from Apple.  Whereas the first four iterations of the iPhone built upon the previous version by quantum leaps, the 4S began the trend of installing minimal upgrades to the phone; not enough to warrant a purchase if you had the previous generation by most standards.  Although the 4S did not have a host of major upgrades it was well received.  The same cannot be said for the iPhone 5; it is clear that the one-trick pony of minimal upgrades does not bode well with Apple’s consumer base as evidenced by the severe decline in their once highly praised stock. 

     With 4.7 and 5.5-inch screens and a bevy of other much-needed upgrades, one can only hope that Apple’s rumored “iPhone 6” models will be just the spark that the company needs to revitalize the once dominant product and feared competitor.

The Reflection In The Mirror

Right now I am in the midst of applying to grad school. 99% of the schools I want to attend wouldn't take a second look at me due to some issues I experienced during my academia. Nevertheless, I applied to a particular school and sent the personal statement listed below. 

Nothing excessive, nothing flashy-just truth-and a love for my craft.

Dear Admissions Committee:

My friends are convinced that I am a “hacker” because I know how to navigate the Command Prompt on Windows computers.  Conversely, I am anything but.  The illusion of an über-chic, cyberpunk-clad, Mountain Dew ravaging young male asserting his dominance by weaving effortlessly through “Matrix-like” monitors fueled the connotations that powered their assertions.  (It didn’t help that my screens possessed a black background with a cascading green font however.)  If anything, I “hack” to master as much as possible about internet security so that I can attempt to quell my mother’s fear of purchasing the latest upgrade for Candy Crush Saga for her smartphone from an application store. 

My name is Sammie L. Johnson, Jr. and I would sincerely appreciate an opportunity to learn from your university.

Raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey I was surrounded by what, to the outside world, seemed to be a consistent resort paradise-this was not the case.   Although my city is famous for casinos, the Miss America Pageant, great food, boardwalks, and salt water taffy, it lacked major diversity when it came to job security.  As a young Black male you had three options: become a professional athlete, get a record deal, or profit from illegal drug transactions.  The first two options were feasible-not realistic. As for the last option-let’s just say I know individuals who served as an example of “success” (of lack thereof) from that life; it wasn’t for me. I knew I wanted to live a life where I could help others, but I could make a great living as well.

College seemed like it was the best option; not because I necessarily wanted to go, but because I could pretend that the evils that I had been subjected to in my 18 years of life didn’t exist…at least for four years. I was wrong.  I quickly discovered that I had not escaped from the evils; instead, I encountered them head-on covered only by cloak composed of my faith in God and an impending degree.  My matriculation was anything but pleasant as my guarded cloak was slowly degraded thread by thread at each instance of life’s rips, pulls, and tugs: failed classes, unemployment, eviction, and hunger.  However, although my journey was elongated, and my garment no longer luxurious, I proudly wore my severed cloak across the finish line-I graduated.

Throughout my life I have always been fascinated with electronics, particularly with computers and system workings. However, it was not until I became a victim of identity theft that I realized no matter how much I can compile data, build a system, or maintain a server there must always be someone who knows how to protect a system and its data. I aspire to be that person.

I am firmly convicted that NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering will bestow upon me the tools to become not only a CIO of a technological organization, but a world-wide authority in the field of Cybersecurity.  My perseverance is rooted in the fact that there are people who have suffered from the same level of anger, confusion, and disarray that I endured.

I strive to prevent that-and I will.

Thank you.