Gaming: GTA4

[whatevergirl]

I already beat GTA IV about a couple of days ago. Overall, I’m a big GTA fan.

I wonder if my son has ever chatted with you in other games…lol He wears the headset for Call of Duty…do you play that one? That one is quite realistic…

 

[lotusblossom]

I wonder if my son has ever chatted with you in other games…lol He wears the headset for Call of Duty…do you play that one? That one is quite realistic…

Not to derail the thread, but I wonder if your son has chatted with my brothers… They are Call of Duty nuts, amongst many other games…

 

[Belgarion]

Gosh…there are more gamers here than I expected…

Personally, I avoid GTA

My uncle likes it, but I try to persuade him to look towards more wholesome games…Like Oblivion…or …a game where killing ALIENS is the objective…not killing cops

 

[Nepenthe]

Slight Spoiler Alert!

Hm, like Mirdath, I don’t know much yet about GTA4, although I know enough of the protagonist’s background a a little of the story, and if the writers and voice talent are as good as that of GTA3 (as well as the loosely interwoven continuity of all GTA games), I’m fairly interested. There’s loads of ‘foul language’ in GTA3, so if that’s too much for you, stay away, but the writers did such a great job with CJ’s character (he is a very bright and pretty darn moral guy - though he has to bootstrap himself out of a world of pain, and sometimes it ain’t pretty) that CJ’s dialect changes considerably yet subtly depending on context. In some situations he sounds more ‘gangsta’ and in others, rather classy. Most of the other characters are very well-written too (Woozie!)

And at the end of it all, there are some very complex, important, mature moral messages, if you’re paying attention. In fact, the game is really all about what maturity means, to people both just at the edge of it, and their elders. So, I think the 17+ label is spot-on for most, excepting the over-sensitive/scrupulous or anyone who can’t separate fantasy from reality very well. CJ grows up in the School of Hard Knocks, BUT he graduates, and even helps his brother (who had essentially been his father, hero and best friend all in one) get a higher degree in it.

But I confess to being much more of an Elder Scrolls nut myself. Oblivion is good…but a little uneven (thank goodness it’s moddable; I mean really, having ALL enemies level with you, ALL the time?), and it’s not as good as Morrowind in my opinion. Sure, I was expecting a more vanilla feel to things in the center of the Empire (it being based on Imperial Rome, after all), but it’s just not as interesting as the really weird, yet well-covered and depicted Dunmer culture, religion, morality/ethics and history.

The Dark Brotherhood arc is actually one of the best-written and sandbox-y parts of the game, so I recommend just rolling with it, and get to know your fellow nasty assassins since they’re quite a colorful bunch of individuals! But some parts of Oblivion feel like they had the ‘B-team’ doing the writing and interior/level design (were the Ayleids just naturally monotony freaks?)

On the other hand, there’s some terrific writing too, and enough hints are dropped in Oblivion that I’m willing to guess at least some of what the next chapter will be about - Civil War and/or the prevention of such, very likely taking place in Elsweyr, and possibly at least a little of Valenwood. And I couldn’t resist jumping up from the desk and yelling ‘YESSSSSS’ the other day that the next ES game is greenlighted and they’re getting started up on it! Yeah, I’m a nerd.

fake edit: For those with an interest in video games with serious examination of morality and ethics, emotional depth, and sheer brilliance in writing (as well as being pretty ‘clean’ in language), I highly recommend an oldie - Planescape: Torment. It’s not 100% perfect, but it’s still amazing after all these years.

 

[whatevergirl]

Not to derail the thread, but I wonder if your son has chatted with my brothers… They are Call of Duty nuts, amongst many other games…

See if they have heard of RedSavior. Whatta small world if they have!

 

[Belgarion]

Too bad…I don’t have CoD4…

I have Halo 3, but my XBL: Gold subscription expired

Perhaps still someone’s seen me.

Gamertag: Gilver

 

[dazzi]

I just want to comment, I play all these games lol from Super Mario Galaxy to GTA 4, i feel personally its how a person reacts i know its extremly wrong to do so in real life and I would never atempt to think about killing someone but for people who cant control them selves i dont recomend it.

 

[Eagelswings]

Wow, first I found these forums, and already a thread on gaming.

I’ve been an avid gamer for a VERY long time. (Think back to the days of pong, LOL). However, I don’t think I’ll be buying GTA. It’s not that I’m against violence in games, to me, they are just that, games, entertainment etc. and I enjoy them thoroughly, however, violence for the sake of violence is not something I am interested in.

I DO admit however I am enjoying the heck out of Super Smash Bros. on the Wii, and am looking VERY forward to MGS4 on the PS3. Recently played stuff I really enjoyed includes COD4, Uncharted - Drakes Fortune, Zelda Twilight Princess and Oblivion. (If I had to pick, I’d say the RPG genre is my favorite).

Game on!

I don’t know, there is a lot of bad content in games despite there innocent look.

I was looking to play Super Smash Bors. Brawl at one point so I began to look up vids on youtube. Eventually I found different videos that were posted by fans and they posted the soundtracks from the game. Then I found one sountrack called “devil’s calling on your heart”. That really turned me away from the game. I would not want to play a game, although innocent looking, that has such a sountrack.

Although then later on I played Fallout 3. I liked the setting of the game but there is so much profanity and sexual content, I honestly don’t know what I was think playing this game.

Then I played Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires. It was a T rated game, but it had some soundtracks called “Slash the demon” and “the woman from hell”, then I found that you could wear an occultic robe in the game.

I played InFAMOUS at my friends. In this game you could choose to be good or evil, but I later found that one of the villians was a woman who was mutated. Although the mutation on her didn’t allow you to see any thing private, she was still half-clad. And the main character of the game tends to be a bit of an anti-hero whether you choose the good side or not.

I really would like to find a game that does not exalt hell, does not have strong sexual content, or even mild suggestive themes, and does not use the name “God” in a wrong manner. I think a lot of caution should be used when looking for a game to play.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I really would like to find a game that does not exalt hell, does not have strong sexual content, or even mild suggestive themes, and does not use the name “God” in a wrong manner. I think a lot of caution should be used when looking for a game to play.

Oh I know one. Blues Clues
Then there’s Tetris. How about Dr. Mario?

In all seriousness though… don’t you think you’re being rather petty? You’re judging games simply because they have words such as “devil”, “hell”, in their soundtrack?

And what’s wrong with anti-heroes? Let me tell ya, what’s good about anti-heroes is that they can be more human than the traditional cartoon superhero in spandex who swoops to save the day (insert cheesy fanfare).

With regards to ‘occultic costumes’ what’s wrong with that? Doesn’t really sound any different from dressing up during Halloween. :ehh:

Finally, as to nudity, well that depends on the context. I’ve seen some games who take kinky stuff over the limit (shudders) but if it’s something like showing a girl/biological weapon floating in some tank, then I don’t see what’s wrong.

 

[jjordan]

I played through GTA4. I have enjoyed all of the GTA games since it went 3D. I have finished all of them except GTA: Vice City. If you’re offended by movies like Scarface, Casino or any of the other ultra violent mob movies I don’t suggest playing this game. However, I find this game to be a work of art. It is a technically impressive game and very polished. The story is very good, IMHO. Unlike most violent games, there are consequences to your actions. Most of the likable characters die. I had to restart the game more often then not because the cops are relentless. You do make some tough choices.
Ultimately, though the character you play is not a very nice person and has no morals what so ever. I wouldn’t loose any sleep at night if they where forced to stop making them, but I will most like play the next GTA.

 

[Eagelswings]

Oh I know one. Blues Clues
Then there’s Tetris. How about Dr. Mario?

Didn’t expect you to show up here buddy. Good answers though, gave me a good laugh.

In all seriousness though… don’t you think you’re being rather petty? You’re judging games simply because they have words such as “devil”, “hell”, in their soundtrack?

With regards to ‘occultic costumes’ what’s wrong with that? Doesn’t really sound any different from dressing up during Halloween. :ehh:

I actually did try to get past that part by avoiding the songs. But since the game allows you to wear occultic costumes it’s better to just avoid it. And honestly, who the heck in the right mind would wear something like that since it promotes satanism, even if it’s just for halloween? he way I see it, you can’t have one foot in the light and the other in the darkness. This isn’t the yin-yang theory.

And what’s wrong with anti-heroes? Let me tell ya, what’s good about anti-heroes is that they can be more human than the traditional cartoon superhero in spandex who swoops to save the day (insert cheesy fanfare).

I actually didn’t mind the anti-hero part too much, but these are not the kind of characters I would reccomend for those with over-active imaginations. I think a better person would be someone who has internal struggles but also has virtue in him. If I found a way to post pictures I would show a character I drew with such a personality. At least these people can show comapassion on their enemies and not jump the gun on the smallest crime commited.

Finally, as to nudity, well that depends on the context. I’ve seen some games who take kinky stuff over the limit (shudders) but if it’s something like showing a girl/biological weapon floating in some tank, then I don’t see what’s wrong.

Yeah some games to use sexuality as a source of entertainment with video games… But still this villian was able to wear pants and have an undershirt inside of her hoodie. Esspeciially since this game (InFAMOUS) is a T rated game. I guess T rated games are not what they used to be.

Lost_Wanderer:

 

[Timbothefiveth]

If it’s like the other GTAs, the violence isn’t even normal video game violence, (and I think the pope has been talking about violence in the media, so that’s already questionable) it’s a lot of carjackings with maybe the occasional shootout with the cops and various other stuff that doesn’ seem too wholesome.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I actually did try to get past that part by avoiding the songs. But since the game allows you to wear occultic costumes it’s better to just avoid it. And honestly, who the heck in the right mind would wear something like that since it promotes satanism, even if it’s just for halloween? he way I see it, you can’t have one foot in the light and the other in the darkness. This isn’t the yin-yang theory.

On the contrary. Ever played Kingdom Hearts? How about Disgaea? Both games had characters with explicitly dark powers and had “occultic” affiliations. Still, they were the good guys and I don’t mean “good” to be taken as something subjective here.

You see, what you’re doing is actually an upgraded version of judging by appearance. You know just because you get to look “occultic” doesn’t mean you’re promoting Satanism. I mean following your logic, a non-Catholic dressing up as a priest or playing as a crusader means they’re promoting Catholicism.

 

[Eagelswings]

On the contrary. Ever played Kingdom Hearts? How about Disgaea? Both games had characters with explicitly dark powers and had “occultic” affiliations. Still, they were the good guys and I don’t mean “good” to be taken as something subjective here.

You see, what you’re doing is actually an upgraded version of judging by appearance. You know just because you get to look “occultic” doesn’t mean you’re promoting Satanism. I mean following your logic, a non-Catholic dressing up as a priest or playing as a crusader means they’re promoting Catholicism.

Dude, the game literally said “You have unlocked ‘occult leggings’”. It really speaks for itself doesn’t it?

Look I will confess something to you lost wanderer. I suffer from scrupulosity, but I think this is really serious here. I know the difference between fantasy magic and real magic(k) as you discussed in one of your other threads. J.R.R. was devout Catholic and one of the best character in his story the Lord of the Rings was a wizard.

Anyway, I don’t think anything that allows you to wear “occult leggings” is good. Media tends to promote a lot of immoralty in today’s world.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Anyway, I don’t think anything that allows you to wear “occult leggings” is good. Media tends to promote a lot of immoralty in today’s world.

And I suppose if a pagan wiccan were to play as a Paladin and pick up a holy sword named Excalibur, it’s good? Come on man, get real. Just because you wear something that says occultic/satanic/demonic or whatever, it doesn’t mean you’re promoting immorality. It’s different from when you beat the crud out of innocent bystanders like they do in dumb games like GTA.

 

[Eagelswings]

And I suppose if a pagan wiccan were to play as a Paladin and pick up a holy sword named Excalibur, it’s good? Come on man, get real. Just because you wear something that says occultic/satanic/demonic or whatever, it doesn’t mean you’re promoting immorality. It’s different from when you beat the crud out of innocent bystanders like they do in dumb games like GTA.

Not really different. We don’t drink both the cup of God and of satan, so why wear the appearel of them both? I honestly think it’s a good thing to find that magick circle to be repulsive.

Jesus said “No one can serve two masters”. What if a blood was wearing crips colors? Wouldn’t he get into some serious trouble with his own gang? Think about it. We wouldn’t wear occultic clothing to Church would we? So why do it at all?

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Not really different. We don’t drink both the cup of God and of satan, so why wear the appearel of them both? I honestly think it’s a good thing to find that magick circle to be repulsive.

Jesus said “No one can serve two masters”. What if a blood was wearing crips colors? Wouldn’t he get into some serious trouble with his own gang? Think about it. We wouldn’t wear occultic clothing to Church would we? So why do it at all?

First of all, you’re comparing fantasy with reality. Secondly, why do you keep avoiding my analogy? Are you actually saying that a pagan wiccan would get in trouble with his own brethren if he were to play as a Paladin or a Priest in game?

And the magic circle? Pff. There are different kinds of “magic circles” (especially fictional ones). Heck, I myself design them in my head. You can even find them in a Statistics class. Are you saying Statistics should be avoided now?

You said so yourself, you suffered from scrupulosity. I think it’s starting to manifest. :ehh:

 

[mlubczyk]

ON the topic of GTA IV. At first it’s a great game, but later you figure out that the story goes nowhere!!! Nowhere!!!

In addition, it’s the only one of two games (the second being Ninja Gaming Sigma) that has enraged me to the point of wanting to throw the controller into the Television. My brother himself threw a rage-fit and threw the controller into the wall. For an adult man like him to do that, it must be one aggravating game.

Once you play the game long enough, you realize the game is shallow, buggy, ultra repetitive, cheap, extremely cheap and a technical mess. The game encompasses everything I hated in 1980s game design.

I have no idea how this frustrating of a game sold over 14 million copies. Most gamers must be masochists out there. I’d bet that less than half ever finished the darn thing. I’ve surprised people would line up to buy more chapters of this thing on the Xbox 360.

 

[Dtmccameron]

…
And I totally agree that there are plenty of great “what-ifs” out there in video games. But I don’t really see the point in some of them. Sure, I could play games in order to go around shooting people indiscriminately, stealing from the poor, or picking up prostitutes, but why? That doesn’t sound fun at all, and I’d never want to do it in real life.
…Sam, the Neon Orange Knight

So you could say, “Burn! I am the dragon! Come slay me knight! I await the Sword of Justice upon my neck! Strike me down in righteous fury!”

And so we can rejoice as the screen goes black knowing that goodness triumphs once again.

Though in most games, I’m left amidst the ashes saying, “Knight!..Knight?..sigh”
For “I, that am rudely stamp’d, and want love’s majesty…Deformed, unfinish’d, sent before my time into this breathing world, scarce half made up,…Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, have no delight to pass away the time,…And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, to entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain, And hate the idle pleasures of these days.”

And that, in a nutshell, is my morbid delectation with villainy. Though the evils in GTA disgust me. I wish they’d truly allow the player freedom, to be both the maniac who’ll be quickly silenced by the forces of Justice (or indeed! Even criminals recognize threats!) or perhaps join up with said forces of Law and Order. Perchance even take up something so profane as a profession, and simply waste away the hours doing for entertainment what others do for a living.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

So you could say, “Burn! I am the dragon! Come slay me knight! I await the Sword of Justice upon my neck! Strike me down in righteous fury!”

And so we can rejoice as the screen goes black knowing that goodness triumphs once again.

Though in most games, I’m left amidst the ashes saying, “Knight!..Knight?..sigh”
For “I, that am rudely stamp’d, and want love’s majesty…Deformed, unfinish’d, sent before my time into this breathing world, scarce half made up,…Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, have no delight to pass away the time,…And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, to entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain, And hate the idle pleasures of these days.”

And that, in a nutshell, is my morbid delectation with villainy. Though the evils in GTA disgust me. I wish they’d truly allow the player freedom, to be both the maniac who’ll be quickly silenced by the forces of Justice (or indeed! Even criminals recognize threats!) or perhaps join up with said forces of Law and Order. Perchance even take up something so profane as a profession, and simply waste away the hours doing for entertainment what others do for a living.

That’s pretty much why sometimes engage in text-roleplay. Or better yet, it’s why I write stories where the character is my shameless self-insert.