My son loves video games. No just any and all, he gravitates toward the first person shooter with scenes of war, nuclear holocaust and alien nations. I used to view all the games he wanted to be sure they were kid appropriate. They weren't, they aren't, I forbid, we argued and now I have acquiesced. Losing this battle but hoping to win the war as they say.
Anyway, he came to me Sunday to see if I wanted to perform a "quest" for him. With that only-for-mom smile, puppy dog eyes and sing song voice he provided me with about different gift cards. He had to have the new Call of Duty video game which came out that morning. I said we could go after school but no it just wasn't good enough - the game had to be in hand asap to avert the "sold out" or "waiting list" respond. I guess I should have been thankful as he stated his friend's dad waited at the store at midnight and let that kid play for two hours pre-dawn on a school night! I couldn't refuse his request.
So with his gift cards in one hand a new large TIm Horton's in the other, I entered the store at about 10:00 am. Found the clerk and asked if he new of some new release Call of Duty. He gave me a "I know so much more than you do " look, clarified the name and pointed to a line of about 8 people. Oh yes, 8 adults standing in line in the morning to get a video game. Could they all be doating moms like myself? Apparently not. At least 6 were mid twenty something guys. What no jobs? I was privy to the language of this gaming set as I overheard who beat what when. It was like i was in PAris again - everyone speaking a language I had no idea about. I left, game in hand, with a plan.
Of course giving the game to my son was one of those great mom moments. I teased him for about an hour. He was thrilled to have the game (and the gift certificates back because I just cannot have him spend his own money - another issue for a different rant). I let me play last night for about an hour and then that was it. After hubby and son went to bed, I snuck downstairs and popped in said video game. About 20 minutes of figuring out how to use it, I started my plan to really understand the allure. Fifteen minutes later I was done. I don't get it. Shephard and Captain, airplanes firing, forts, scuba. Sounds like it should be quite the adventure. Well it makes me dizzy.
Happy I tried it. Won't be trying it again. Too old for playing but just right fro buying.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think its great that you actually tried the game. Most parents, escpecially Mom's, would never even attempt such a task. Sure, you like many parents, ventured out to get the game. Present author included. But to actually play, now THATS cool. I too am a video game junky. I went out to get the game yesterday as well......for my (cough) boys, to enjoy. I actually wanted to give it to them for Christmas. That was'nt happening. Couldnt wait to play myself. The allure you refer to is a chance to do something that you either normally couldnt do or wouldnt do. That is why FPS (first person shooters) and RPG (role playing games) are the most popular. Boys like to blow things up. But they dont actually want to be shot at in real life. Its an escape. A chance to live in fantasy with no real damage. In factm it actually helps many cognitive and motor functions. In moderation of course. Thats a blog I should write about.
ReplyDeleteNow if they could only create a game based on Gentlemans Clubs, perhaps you, D, T, L and Di could discuss other topics.
I stood in line for my son, two days after a foot surgery, on crutches, foot throbbing, in the freezing cold, to get my son the Wii He sold it on ebay just two years later for a PS thing.
ReplyDelete