Thoughts & Memories

So I've been sitting in this chair of mine for quite a while tonight and for all of that time I have been in deep thought. I've been thinking about what exactly is the purpose of blogging or more accurately, why do I do it? Perhaps these writings will serve as a platform to which I shall leave an everlasting (or as long as Blogger remains) mark on the Internet, one that houses my thoughts and memories? Or maybe I just don't have anything better to do? Or it could very well be a combination of both those reasons and more?

It is a question I doubt I'll be able to answer, but nonetheless it does house both my thoughts and memories alike. With that being said, I have been inspired to a degree to write down a list (of no particular length) of games that I've enjoyed. Thrilling, yes?

I think it serves a bit more purpose then meets the eye, particularly because of the fact that there are so many games (or RPGs) that just don't cut it the way they once did. Surely it could just be that I've grown older and don't quite enjoy the same things I once did. Or maybe after seeing the same story time and again, the appeal has just faded away.

But no, no... I will not think of this in that way, because when I do pick up games that I have played in the past, that feeling of fun returns. Add to that the memories of past adventures through lands that stretch far beyond our imaginations. Personally, a great many of these games ultimately helped in shaping and expanding my own imagination, which ties into my writing.

- Final Fantasy II (IV): While I didn't have to name this one first, I am obligated in a sense to do so because this is the very first RPG that I ever played. Not to mention the fact that it was because of this game that I became forever hooked into the worlds and lives that would come in the years to follow.

My fondest memory of the game (when I was a kid) was the airships, the Red Wings as they are called in the game. I was fascinated by the idea of these flying ships and just watching the opening scene, with them flying in formation, drew me into the world instantly.

Another memory was when adult Rydia returns to save you in the Underworld. First off, it was awesome to see her return, especially after the fact that she went overboard after Leviathan attacked the ship which she and your party were travelling on. It also just blew my mind the power that she wielded, which was considerably more.

- Final Fantasy III (VI): I admired the fact that Square included as many characters as they did into the game, not to mention the story of the game was nothing less then amazing. What impressed me even more so was the fact that none of these characters were just "there." Each of them had a name and they all had their story and their reasons for being among the resistance or the "Returners" as they called themselves.

Like Final Fantasy IV, my fond memory of this game again revolves around the airships. It was so very cool when you finally get to control the Black Jack and even more when you attain the Phoenix, during the second half of the game.

I also remember this game as the first (I think) and last FF game where the Ultima spell actually kicked ass.

- Vandal Hearts: I wonder how many people played this game? I remember reading about this game in one of those Playstation magazines and being wowed by it at first sight. Yes, this is what got me into buying a PS1, all those many years ago. My only regret with this game was never getting Ash (the main character) to his ultimate job class...

(SIde Note: I am surprised to have read on IGN, apparently a Vandal Hearts game is in the works for the Nintendo DS. Consider me intrigued.)

- Chrono Trigger: This was just a purely fun game, from the game play to the characters to the story itself. It was a masterpiece of it's time and I'd even dare say it remains so today. I think my favorite moment was when you can recruit Magus into your party, whom I believe was a very kick ass character (next to Frog and Crono).

- Suikoden I & II: Both of these games were absolute addictions for me, mainly because the stories for both games were very well told. I think this game is evidence that you do not have to have the absolute best graphics to have an incredible game. Not to mention the fact that you could actually amass an army, which I also got addicted to because I always loved seeing how your castle/headquarters changed when your army increased in number.

- Wild Arms: This game was a favorite almost instantly for me, though I am sadden to admit that I ended up not giving it it's due back in the day because of a game called Final Fantasy VII. Hands down, I prefer this version over the Alter Code F remake.

- Final Fantasy VII: Dear god, I believe this game was dubbed "The Most Anticipated game of 1997" and for damn good reason. I'd go on about memories, but there are just too many for me to be able to list them all. Ah hell, I'll give this as good a shot as I can.

One thing I remember was Aeris's death, which still stands out in my mind pretty strongly whenever I think about this game. I remember that sinking feeling in my gut and I remember being pissed off (I was deeply involved with the game as a kid) and wanting to hunt down Sephiroth.

Another memory is Chocobo breeding, which I spent what probably could amount to a lifetime (lie) in this little side game. My gold Chocobo ruled all!

- Earthbound: I think this was about as weird an RPG as I ever played on any system, past and present. I mean I'll never forget the Blue Cult or the monster named Belch or even Mr. Saturn! Just thinking about this makes me wish I could play this one again... right now!

- Final Fantasy Tactics: I can remember the hours spent on convincing enemy units to jump sides. I remember resetting the game when I couldn't revive a vital party member in time. Hell, I remember using T.G. Cid (after teaching him the Time Mage's Warp ability) to end battles in a single turn.

And I'd love to continue on, but my eyes are refusing to work with me by staying open long enough to muster up more memories of games from the past. I may continue on again...