Gaming Blog 2

 In the last blog, we discussed not just the advantages, but also the importance of video games in today's world as a way to discredit unsubstantiated opinions on the supposed dangerousness and harmfulness of video games in young people's lives. I also talked about what video games meant to me. Since this blog is more of a self-expression rather than a general essay on whether video games are a boon or a bane in modern society, I would now like to discuss my personal favourite masterpieces in terms of video games.

The first game I ever had the honour of playing, the game that taught me how to master all racing games, and one that is still my favourite today is undoubtedly, Forza Motorsport 2 for the Xbox 360. Almost every day after pre-school and elementary, I'd spend hours on end perfecting the art of driving in one of the most realistic racing games ever made, especially for its time. This was the closest I could get to driving an actual car as a car enthusiast and it was more than I could ever ask for back then.

Forza Motorsport 2 was released for the Xbox 360 in North America in May 2007. This game is the very root of my entire journey with video games over the span of the last fifteen years. It is one among the most visually appealing and engaging experiences of the 21st century. Receiving overwhelmingly positive critic scores at the time of its release (90/100 Metacritic, 9.2/10 Gamespot, 8.9 IGN), it became an instant hit and boasted sales of over 3.5 million units worldwide.

Once the game starts in career mode on Level 0, it throws you right into the action without any tutorials. You are told to pick a region from which your starter car comes from. For example, picking North America as your region will allow you to choose between cars like the '98 Eagle Talon TSi and the '03 Ford Focus SVT (both American brands), and will give you discounts on cars you buy from North America. 

You then progress as you earn money from races where each level reached will grant you newer and more high value and lucrative rewards like faster cars and higher cash bonuses until you reach Level 50. This means that this game is basically along the lines of most career-based racing games. But don't let its genericness deceive you, as beneath that "average 2000's racing game" exterior, lies an intricate and unique system of racing events, one for each class of cars ranging from everyday city cars to mighty exotic cars and purpose-built racing class cars. There is also a penalty system in which you lose seconds on the timer on account of going off the tarmac or making direct physical contact with opponent vehicles, as well as a limitless and meticulously detailed customization options where you can add vinyls. manufacturer decals, add special types of paint to your car, specialized bodykits for the car's exterior, wheel rim designs and a plethora of endless possibilites to enhance the cosmetics of your car. On Xbox Live, this game also featured an Auction House system where one could buy, sell, and trade cars with other Xbox Live subscribers.

This game will always be the greatest example of interactive digital media to me. It has provided me with years of enjoyment and intriguing information about cars. It is the founding reason behind why video games are an integral part of my life, even today.

To be continued..