I’m very aware that if I spent more time studying for my classes as I did playing video games, I would produce more “As” than I currently have this semester. I can remember the first video game system I ever had, an Atari. Yes, an Atari, and I can clearly remember watching my cousin play “Vigilant,” a fighting game that we never seemed to have beat. Seems like day in day out, we were playing video games. I personally have been gaming since I was four years old. Actually, maybe since I was two, but it took me until I was four to realize that my control wasn’t actually plugged in, and I wasn’t really playing.
So I’ve had a love for video games since I was two, got smart when I was four. After Atari, we were blessed one Christmas with a Turbo Grafx 16. I can still visualize my favorite game “Bonk,” a character with an oversized head that used his cranium to kill off the bad guys and collect fruit. Sega Genesis, Nintendo Dreamcast and Playstation 1 soon followed. And finally for my 18th birthday in 2002, my parents bought me a Playstation 2, equipped with a DVD player and the latest in high tech graphics. Even today two years later I’m still playing my PS2 just as much as when I first got it. I’ve acquired over 12 games and over 50 DVDs. Each game for its own reason brings great enjoyment and entertainment when I pop it into the console. By far my most favorite game for my PS2 is NBA Live 2004. Yes, I know 2005 is out, and I have it, one of the first in line at Gamestop to get it, but in my opinion it doesn’t compare to it’s predecessor. Live 2004 is a simulation basketball game based on the NBA.
In the game you are able to play as your favorite team and beat your rival in quick play. Or you can manage your favorite team, in franchise mode, from making trades, to signing free-agents, to workout camp to get your players in tip-top shape. Live 2004 also allows users to create themselves in the game, be it that you are male. I personally have created over four dynasties in the franchise mode, and these are teams that I must manage constantly and try my best to take to the playoffs, and ultimately win the championship.
I believe Live 2004 is my favorite video game because it’s the one that takes more than most of the time I spend playing video games. When Live 2005 came out I was just as excited as the next NBA Live super fan. I’ll admit that I haven’t spent too much time playing ’05, for the simple fact that I’m still involved in advancing my teams in ’04. Maybe because of the lack of my skill and a few changes in game play, Live 2005 doesn’t bring the same happiness that playing ’04 does. I’ve had almost a year to perfect my game in’04 and to create teams and build them to a great dynasty, and that’s just something I can’t give up.
So, Live 2004, last year’s game that I actually acquired from an ex-boyfriend, is my favorite video game. With NCAA Football 2003 in a close second, and yes ,I do own NCAA Football 2005. That’s another story.
Maybe one day I’ll put in my Live 2005 and actually give it a chance.After all I did pay for it. I heard the dunk contest that was absent in 2004 is a great addition. Give me a few weeks to hone my skills, and then I’ll challenge you, or anyone to bring it on.