#and i like replaying games 1 bajillion times

[stinkrascal]

you know what though i am gonna change elisen’s vallaslin color

[thesophiewhit]

6 Surprising Storytelling Techniques Video Games Teach You

Video games are art in that they stay with you. They’re a full-bodied, visceral experience. The death of a major character might even feel like the loss of a loved one to you, that’s how close they become. 

Without further ado, here are six storytelling techniques video games can teach you…

1. Branching

Now, this might be more of a thing for those old-school, text-based RPG gamers or the Choice Of/ Telltale variety. But anyone who played the choose-your-own-adventure style games (whether online or by flipping through the pages of a novel) knows that there are 5 bajillion (true math) choices to make in a video game. Choosing to go left instead of right might make you turn the main character into a villain for all you know, or unlock a hidden ending. Branching is the complex webs of design that go into that framework for a video game that has multiple endings (think the True Good End/ Neutral / Bad End type of routes a la Undertale or Bioshock). 

It just goes to show you, sometimes in stories, we might not be able to see the butterfly effect when we’re in the midst of an adventure, but it definitely sees us.

2. Sometimes, Going Off the Beaten Path is Way More Interesting 

We’ve all done it. The wise old owl giving you your quest tells you to diligently pick up your sword and fight monsters. Instead, you smash every vase in every house in Hyrule just for laughs. Or maybe, some spectacular world-building catches your eye, and instead of running after the companion leading you on your journey, you choose to chase the holographic sunset instead.

Sometimes, a story takes you one way, but you’re caught up in discovering something you weren’t even meant to take that seriously. Sometimes, the story becomes entirely unexpected, and that’s where the true adventure awaits you.

3. Consider Belief Suspended

You’re telling me I’m a tiny red-clothed plumber running around outer space and fighting a spiky turtle? 

Am I an assassin inside an assassin game inside an assassin game trying to assassinate me?

Twelve-year old fighting pet monsters against each other to become a professional monster trainer to kidnap other monsters I find out in the wild?

Sounds legit.

The quickest way to accept a world entirely different from your own is when you enter a video game world that just enchants you. You might not be human anymore. You could be an embodied teacup, but the world is still realer to you, somehow, than the one you escaped... at least, for a little while.

4. Music Brings Back Memories

Undertale does this beautifully, presenting subtle themes that overtake you... (Sometimes, for especially chilling effect.) Or like in Transistor, when the absence of sound can be even more heartbreaking than its implication. 

Whatever song makes you laugh or cry or be immediately taken back to the end credits of Portal, just know that the power of music is real to you. 

5. A Replay is a Whole New World

It might seem counterintuitive. Even if there’s no branching effect, and it’s a linear quest story... A replay will still have different meaning. That’s the beautiful part of games, isn’t it? Of art?

Viewing a painting, reading a book, rewatching a movie... The second time feels different. You grow, and so does your interpretation of what happens, even if it’s the same exact thing.

You change, and so does the replay.

Isn’t that amazing?

6. Transportation

Call this Ready Player One, but whether it’s VR or a simple handheld console...

There’s no denying that by entering the ludic circle of a video game, you leave this world behind for a new one.

Even Dungeons & Dragons, just a pen, pencil, some playbooks and your imagination.

Video games teach you to see what isn’t there, and to believe in the unimaginable.

Never stop dreaming.

[watchingthesuperbowl]

Notes taken during Super Bowl XV

PREGAME

This is the last Super Bowl that I don't remember. I had just turned 5 years old when this game was played.

Star wipes! I love star wipes! A bajillion star wipes in NBC's open.

Enberg: It's 70 degrees outside, 70 degrees inside at the Superdome.

Enberg and Olsen talking about the two-week break before the game as if it's unusual. Was this the first time there was an extra week off before the Super Bowl?

Olsen: Eagles a running team, want to control the ball. Raiders a long passing team.

Len Dawson and John Brodie reporting on the field. Dawson looks like he's wearing a toupee. Did he wear a toupee?

Enberg: Raiders have 11 players who have appeared in the Super Bowl. Eagles have zero.

Olsen: Eagles play most of their games on turf. They have an advantage there.

Introductions: Raider offense. Offensive line, then receivers, then backs. Turns out Mark van Eeghen was Oakland's all-time leading rusher.

Introductions: Eagles offense. Same order. I remember almost none of these Eagles. Maybe that's why they lost. Oh, hey, Harold Carmichael. He was good. Wilbert Montgomery. Ron Jaworski!

Introductions: Referees. Tom Dooley, line judge. He doesn't appear to be hanging down his head.

Color guard. USA flag, plus flags of every state with an NFL team. I guess they probably threw Louisiana a bone, even though the Saints went 1-15.

Moment of thanks for the safe return of the hostages.

Helen O'Connell sings national anthem. Toledo's own!

Southern University band plays "Tie A Yellow Ribbon". There's a huge yellow ribbon on the dome. Every fan in the stadium got at least one yellow ribbon. At least 97 miles of ribbon were used.

Coin toss: Marie Lombardi, Vince's widow. When asked what Vince would be thinking with her doing the coin toss: "Somewhere up there he's looking down and saying 'What in hell is that woman doing out on the football field?"

Eagles win the toss and will receive.

FIRST QUARTER

Eagles start at their own 23 after an okay return.

Eagles WR Charles Smith is playing with a broken jaw.

First play: Pitch left to Montgomery. Hits the hole in a hurry. 8 yard gain.

First pass is a play-action pass, Jaworski is picked off by Rod Martin. He threw into double coverage. Jaworski was intercepted only 12 times all year.

Eagles were second in the NFL in defense in 1980.

Philadelphia goes to a nickel package on 3rd and 8. Eagles jump offside, Plunkett throws deep for King on a free play, but it falls incomplete. 3rd and 3 from the Philadelphia 23 now. van Eeghen plows through the middle for a first down.

Plunkett to Branch on a quick pass, they get 15 yards. 1st and goal from the 5. Olsen says the 3-4 defense is vulnerable to passes on first down.

First two plays after first and goal: van Eeghen up the middle, van Eeghen up the middle. Third and goal from the 1.

Eagles allowed 222 points in 16 regular season games, tops in the league.

...and now they've allowed seven in the Super Bowl. On third down, Plunkett fires a bullet to Cliff Branch in the end zone. 7-0 Raiders.

Another decent but unremarkable kickoff return from the Eagles out to their 25.

Eagles having a bit of success moving the ball on the ground. Not a ton, but some. Getting a couple yards at a time. 3rd and 6 after two two-yard runs by Montgomery.

Jaworski rolls right and throws into traffic on third down. Very nearly picked off, incomplete, and here's Max Runager to punt. Nice kick and the Raiders take over near their own 20. 7:06 left in the quarter, 7-0 Oakland.

Cutaway shot: Al Davis. Enberg talks about Davis's in-progress lawsuit attempting to win the right to move the Raiders to Los Angeles.

Oakland linebacker Rod Martin being treated on the sideline. Maybe a scraped knee on the artificial turf.

Raiders go three and out, here's Ray Guy to punt. Averaging 53 yards a punt in the playoffs, not counting the Red Right 88 Game in Cleveland, where it was like four degrees kelvin outside. Guy mis-hits it and still manages to kick it 44 yards.

Quick pass from Jaworski to the tight end on first down gets the Eagles 8 yards, and they're out near midfield. Montgomery up the middle on the next play gets the first down.

Enberg: Ted Hendricks doesn't like to be called "The Mad Stork" anymore, now wants to be called "Kick 'em". I'm not sure you get to decide your own nickname, but I'm not going to be the guy to tell Hendricks .

Another quick pass, this time a screen to Wilbert Montgomery. First and 10 from the Oakland 40.

NBC shows the Eagles' gameplan, which...wow. The quality of this recording is low enough that I can't tell whether it's a blank template or the actual gameplan.

Another screen pass, this time the Raiders are ready for it. That's been the one consistently effective play for Philadelphia.

Third and 10, Jaworski rolls right and throws into the end zone and Rodney Parker makes the catch for a touchdown! Or not. Illegal motion on Harold Carmichael, who mistimed the snap and cut forward a split second too early. Instead of a tie game, it's 3rd and 15. Parker can't catch a third down pass and now it's time to punt.

Enberg: Harold Carmichael is the tallest receiver in the league: 6'8". That's ridiculously tall. Yeesh.

Third down, Plunkett scrambling, looking, throws to Kenny King on the sideline and he. is. gone. 80 yard touchdown pass and it's suddenly 14-0 Raiders in the first quarter. That motion penalty on Carmichael was HUGE.

Plunkett: 4 for 4, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns.

First quarter ends after the ensuing kickoff. 14-0 after one.

SECOND QUARTER

Montgomery still moving the ball. 8 yards up the middle on first down. At this point, the rushing game isn't the problem for the Eagles.

And, as soon as I say that, Reggie Kinlaw blows up a 2nd and 2 run. Now it's 3rd and 2.

Olsen: Eagles have a dentist on the sideline in case Charlie Smith needs one for his broken jaw. He has to come off the field more often than normal because his mouth is wired shut and he has to breathe through his nose.

Nice play-action pass to John Spagnola gets the Eagles into Raider territory. One play later, Smith appears to beat Lester Hayes deep, but Hayes makes a nice recovery to tip a pass away in the end zone.

Eagles offense is clicking now. Jaworski finds Montgomery on a post pattern, down to the Oakland 20. Montgomery lined up as a wide receiver on that play.

Now it's Montgomery around left end for six yards. 2nd and 4 now from the Raiders' 14.

Olsen: Eagles feel they can run outside.

The drive stalls after a run for no gain and an incompletion. Here's Tony Franklin for the 30 yard field goal attempt. Nails it. 14-3 Raiders. 10:28 left in the half.

Return man (Moody) gets absolutely annihilated on the ensuing kickoff. Takes a crushing blow to the hip/pelvis from the side. He fumbles and is injured. Oakland's Rod Martin recovers and Moody eventually wobbles off the field. I don't know what the specific injury is, but he almost looks concussed despite not having been hit in the head.

Raiders go three and out and Ray Guy is on to punt. He's standing around his own 10 yard line. Less than nine minutes in the half. Another mediocre kick, Eagles return it to their own 41, but there's a flag down. Clipping. Philadelphia gets the ball at their 26.

Olsen: Both punters say they can kick the ball better/farther in the dome, both placekickers say it's harder to kick in a dome.

John Brodie: Eagles haven't been able to achieve their top goal, run wide effectively. I'd suggest they haven't tried very hard to establish that outside run game.

Enberg: Super Bowl will be replayed in its entirety at 1AM.

Philadelphia goes three and out. Runager comes back out to punt it away. Nearly blocked. Oakland takes over at its 35. 7:23 left in the half.

Is that...a Merlin Olsen impersonator?!?

Olsen: Good running backs can be measured by the yardage they gain after they get hit. Van Eeghen always moves forward after he's hit.

Cutaway shot: Lester Hayes coating himself with stick 'em. He's covered in goo. Enberg says he looks like a guy making pralines.

Plunkett goes deep down the middle for King. Huge collision between King and safety Bernard Wilson, ball falls incomplete and both players are fine.

Plunkett deep left to Branch. Got it. First and 10 from the Philadelphia 36.

3rd and 6, Plunkett scrambles and is hit just shy of the first down marker. 4th and inches, Chris Bahr comes on to attempt a 45 yard field goal. Nope. Short and wide right. Eagles take over, down 14-3, 3:34 left in the half.

Only two rookies on the Raiders: Matt Millen and Marc Wilson.

2nd and 10, Jaworski goes deep down the middle and hits Oakland's Burgess Owens right in the chest with a pass. Owens somehow drops it. He can't believe it.

One play later, Jaworski with an intermediate pass to Carmichael over the middle. Right past the outstretched hand of Lester Hayes. Carmichael is finally pulled down after a 30 yard gain. Eagles near the Oakland 40 as we reach the two-minute warning.

That, my dude, is NOT an eagle.

Jaworski to Carmichael again, to the Oakland 27 for another first down. 1:30 or so, clock running.

Olsen: Jaworski ran the sidesaddle T offense at Youngstown State. A quick Google search indicates that the sidesaddle T offense is super-cool and something I need to learn more about.

3rd and 10, swing pass to Montgomery for a first down after a spin move. Eagles get to the Oakland 12.

Olsen points out the Eagles ran a play-action pass on first down in a situation where it was pretty obvious they'd be throwing. Didn't fool anyone. Incomplete. Next pass is also incomplete.

3rd and 10, less than a minute left, Eagles have 1 timeout left. Another incomplete pass. Jaworski has thrown 22 passes in the first half, which is an absolute ton in that era. Tony Franklin on for a 28 yard field goal attempt. Blocked! Ted Hendricks, who has blocked more kicks than anyone in history, gets another. It can't possibly be comfortable for Franklin to be a barefoot kicker on artificial turf.

Raiders kill the rest of the half. 14-3 Oakland after two quarters.

HALFTIME

Enberg: Raiders 27-7-1 all-time against the NFC

THIRD QUARTER

Raiders receive opening kick. They take over at their 23.

Cutaway shot: John Matuszak. He's starring in a movie to be released later in the year: "Caveman". It's a bit much to say he 'starred' in it. He was a supporting actor. The stars were Ringo Starr, Dennis Quaid, and Shelley Long.

Play-action pass, Plunkett goes deep for Chandler, coming across the field. Raiders in Eagles territory to the 33.

Now Plunkett goes deep for Cliff Branch in the end zone...and Branch steals it from DB Roynell Young. Branch had no business making this catch - Young had position, but Branch came flying laterally across the front of him. 21-3, Branch has two touchdowns.

Now the Eagles botch a kickoff return. The ball goes out of bounds, but Philadelphia touched it first, so they start this drive at their own 10.

Average yards on first down: Oakland 4.1, Philadelphia 2.6

This dude brought a monkey puppet to the Super Bowl.

Jaworski fires a bullet to Carmichael and the Eagles are out of the shadow of their own end zone. Out to the 32.

Olsen: Eagles thought they were quicker than the Raiders. Outside running game hasn't given them the edge they hoped for. I'm still saying they didn't try very hard.

Spagnola coming across the middle, he's essentially tackled by Matt Millen while the ball is still in the air. Pass interference, first down.

Now another laser from Jaworski to Carmichael into Oakland territory. Nice throw. Could have gone through a brick wall.

Jaworski back to pass again and Rod Martin picks it off again. That's Martin's second interception of the day. Jaws tried to force it and paid the price.

Enberg to Olsen: With this lead, will the Raiders change their gameplan? Olsen says they'll feed van Eeghen and not fool around with throwing passes anywhere near linebackers.

8:05 left in the third. Action is stopped while trainers attend to injured Eagle Carl Hairston. Looks like maybe a calf cramp.

Cutaway: California governor Jerry Brown wearing a Raiders jacket. California uber alles!

Plunkett to Ray Chester out near midfield for a first down. Philadelphia needs to get the ball back and they need to do so soon.

Now Plunkett to Chandler. Another first down at the Philadelphia 32.

Enberg: Tom Flores is the first Hispanic coach in NFL history.

Enberg: Raiders have been the underdog in every playoff game. They relish the role.

Fourth down. Chris Bahr to attempt a 46 yarder. Got it. 24-3 Raiders, 4:35 left in the third quarter.

Bahr makes a good tackle on the ensuing kickoff. Another flag on an Eagle kick return, another penalty on Philadelphia. Clipping. They'll start at their 12 instead of the 40. That's rough.

Enberg: Eagles are a good second half team, particularly in the fourth quarter.

2nd and 10, Jaworski under pressure, very nearly tackled for a safety, chucks it long and finds Charles Smith inside Oakland territory. That was a huge swing - instead of a four-score lead for Oakland with just over a quarter to play, Philadelphia is now approaching scoring position.

Smith had a broken jaw and, as a result, a goofy looking facemask.

Second down, Carmichael is WIDE open down the middle, but Jaworski misses him. 3rd and 7 from the 32, 1:15 left in the quarter. And now Carmichael drops the ball. Would have been a first down inside the 20. Philadelphia will go for it on 4th and 7.

GOT IT. Fourth down conversion! Jaworski to Rodney Parker, down to the Oakland 12. Nice throw, nice catch, Eagles still alive.

Third quarter ends, Oakland up 24-3.

FOURTH QUARTER

Jaworski finds an open Krepfle in the end zone. 24-10 Raiders. Oakland burns a timeout on the extra point. Enberg references the Jackie Smith drop two years ago. Ouch.

I'm now watching from the Starbucks on Taryn Trace in Zanesville, Ohio. Long story I can't really get into here.

Eagles consider onside kick, but change their minds and kick it deep. They stuff Matthews, the returnman, at his own 11. Louie Giammona makes the tackle - he's head coach Dick Vermeil's nephew.

Safe to assume the Raiders are going to keep it on the ground and chew clock. van Eeghen gets eight on first down, then four more on second down. Tick, tick, tick. 13:00 left. Clock rolling. The guys in silver and black are in no hurry.

Enberg: Lester Hayes stutters, many people have thought he's unfriendly, unintelligent or cocky, but he's a normal guy who doesn't talk much because it's difficult for him. Lets his play do the talking.

Eagles called for roughing the passer after a completion. 15 yards on the catch, 15 more on the penalty. At least it stopped the clock. Philadelphia defensive lineman semi-politely questions the referee's sanity as microphones listen in. It doesn't help his case.

Plunkett to Chandler in a seam down the middle. Raiders have the ball inside the Philadelphia 30. Chandler was the leading receiver in the NFL from '75-'78.

Raiders in field goal range, less than 10 minutes left. A field goal makes it a three possession game. Clock still rolling. Now it's under 9:00 left. Clock still ticking, Raiders still have the ball. Plunkett throws into the end zone on third down, which seems mildly insane. Herman Edwards tips it away. Here's Chris Bahr to make it a 17-point lead. Yep. 27-10 Raiders. Philadelphia needs two touchdowns and a field goal in the next 8:30.

Eagles running the ball. Fans don't seem enthusiastic about this.

Olsen: Eagles' goal was to get to the Super Bowl. Raiders' goal was to win.

Jaworski to Smith, out to the Philadelphia 40. 7:30 or so left. Now to Wilbert Montgomery at the Oakland 41. 6:30 left. Jaworski frustrated, waiting on signals from the sideline.

Now Harris tries to run and loses a few yards. Some low-level murmurs and slight booing from the crowd.

Not that it matters, because Jaworski fumbles a snap. Willie Jones of the Raiders falls on it. 5:30 left, Raiders have the ball up three scores. Game over, for all intents and purposes.

Enberg: It'll be interesting to see Al Davis with Pete Rozelle. Davis was suing the NFL for the right to move his team to Los Angeles. Olsen says there was a rumor the players might boo Rozelle, but he doubts that would actually happen.

Ray Guy on to punt. It's the first punt of the second half for either team. 4:01 left in the game. It's academic at this point, barring a miracle.

Everybody in the stadium knows what's coming. The Eagles will pass downfield, the Raiders will sit and wait for the Eagles to pass downfield.

Cutaway of Dan Pastorini. Started the season as the Raiders' starting QB, got injured and missed the rest of the season. Olsen says it's rumored that Pastorini has already been traded to Green Bay for James Lofton. 

Pastorini looks thrilled.

Enberg: Plunkett won the Heisman at Stanford. His coach was Dick Vermeil.

Plunkett: 13-21, 261 Yds, 3 TD. Enberg says he's likely to be the MVP. He probably should have been.

Olsen: Eagles have built the base for a good football team. Built the team with rejects, and will have a full draft this year.

3rd and 5, incomplete pass, but Jaworski is roughed. Personal foul, Eagles get a first down. Jaworski gets in the faces of Oakland linemen. Olsen says the Eagles are an emotional team and that's worked against them.

Next play, Jaworski rolling, lobs one over the middle, and is picked off by Rod Martin. Martin's third interception. Jaworski threw 12 interceptions all year.

2:50 left on the clock, Oakland has the ball and a 17 point lead. If this game weren't already over, it sure would be now.

Cutaway shot: Jaworski has a sad.

Cutaway shot: Mexican broadcast team.

Two minute warning. Philadelphia has burned all of their timeouts, Raiders have the ball. Enberg says some Raiders have already gone to the locker room.

Foreign broadcasts: Australia, Bermuda, Canada, England, Guam, Guantanamo (!), Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Pamama, Phillipines, Puerto Rico, Saipan, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Germany. I'm calling shenanigans with Gitmo, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands.

Raiders just rolling clock. Nothing of note happening.

Phillies won World Series, Sixers lost NBA finals, Flyers lost NHL finals, Eagles lost Super Bowl.

Super Bowl bonus for the Raiders: $35,000/player.

Game ends. 27-10 Raiders, final.

Enberg: Plunkett almost quit, seriously considered it, was talked into staying by Al Davis.

Before the celebrations in the Raiders locker room, there's a team prayer. Would have been awkward for any Muslims on the team.

Flores to his team: We were the best team, we deserve to be World Champions, I'm proud of you.

Gumbel: Raiders get the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in four years. Gosh, that wait must have been rough for them and their fans.

Flores: Greatest moment of my life. Don't tell his wife and kids.

Flores: I knew we could win with Plunkett when Pastorini got hurt...Al Davis would never let the lawsuit be a distraction...Very together team and courageous bunch of guys. Never believed they could do anything but win.

Rozelle: Raiders first wild card to win Super Bowl, tremendous compliment to organization, a great credit to Al Davis, Tom Flores did one of the great coaching jobs, and a marvelous collection of athletes. You've earned it, congratulations.

Davis: Finest hour in the history of the Oakland Raiders. Coaches and players were magnificent out there. Davis welcomes hostages back to the USA. Says this is the sweetest SB win.

Davis: I don't want to talk about move right now. Don't want to take away from players.

Rozelle: All you can do is complement Raiders.

Gene Upshaw: Presents trophy to Ed Magaw, general partner.

Vermeil: Raiders deserve to be champs

ESPN mic flag at the postgame interview