Toronto Thumbs

Super Happy Happy Mega-Fun Monday!
BoneStorm Edition

Good morning, fellow Thumbs! Do you know what day it is? It’s Super Happy Happy Mega-Fun Monday!

We here at Toronto Thumbs know that there are so many ways you’d prefer to spend today rather than going to (or being at) work. Of course with Christmas upon us, there’s always the chance that this isn’t an issue today. I gave that possibility some thought, but decided that my shtick isn’t going to work if I have to make adjustments every time you happen to score a holiday. Besides, this time of year can make home as stressful as work. Maybe you’re trapped inside by the snow, surrounded by family and being forced to watch The Santa Clause for the eighteenth time. I admit I’m reaching, but maybe we can try this again…

We here at Toronto Thumbs know that the holidays can be a stressful time. Perhaps family members are taking the opportunity to explain how you’ve disappointed them throughout the year, or small children have invaded your home to torment your pets. But before you steady a chair and tie that garland noose around your neck, why not let us distract you with the lighthearted remembrance of games past…

Two years ago I happened to buy a Sega Saturn bundle on the cheap. It was a box filled with the broken cases and lacklustre titles one might imagine. But near the bottom I discovered an unassuming cardboard sleeve that was the entire packaging for Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams.

This North American release was bundled with select games, but largely distributed through gaming magazines and Blockbuster. Sega’s gift to fans contained the Spring Valley level from NiGHTS, revamped with Christmas themed visuals and music. The single level is mirrored into two for the characters of Claris and Elliot. Additionally there were unlockable features including a karaoke mode, time and link attacks, and a museum of artwork.

My favourite feature is the ability to trigger surprises by setting the Saturn’s internal clock to specific dates. Selecting April 1st or New Year’s Day reveals the chance to play as the evil character, Reala, or even experience Spring Valley as Sonic the Hedgehog. It’s a surprise rarely seen in games, the most recent example I can recall found in Simpson’s Road Rage.

Christmas NiGHTS has quickly become a tradition for me, rather hard-pressed to mention any other Christmas themed games of merit. My family doesn’t quite appreciate the connection. They seem hesitant to give validity to the idea of a seasonal game experience, though remain eager to purchase seasonal films on Blu-Ray this year. Despite the growth of the casual market, I have met many members of the Wii-loving demographic who tell me that electronics cheapen their memories of Christmas. Of course we know it’s the giving not the receiving, but I’ve been told there was an innocent charm in wishing for more iconic objects, such as a bicycle. I comprehend where the argument comes from, and certainly understand how previous generations would have trouble viewing Fallout or Grand Theft Auto in a similar light. But I still try to explain how excited I was to find a Super Nintendo beneath the tree one year. I can still remember spending two weeks of winter vacation exploring the meticulously designed levels of Super Mario World. The impression of that experience has influenced a significant portion of my identity, and the attempt to explore and explain that idea continues to lead me in fascinating directions.

And if the keyword for that memory is “grateful,” it is the same word that helps me summarize my thoughts for 2008 as it nears an end. I’m grateful to still appreciate the unbridled imagination I experienced in games as a child, and to work within the industry – even from the fringes – discovering that spirit still alive and thriving in games today. Shaun and I have had the obligatory discussions about what 2008 meant for gaming, and still have many titles to devote time to. At the same time there’s the excitement for the potential surprises of 2009. Developers will certainly be challenged to explore the limits of possibility, and perhaps find the means to break perceived barriers.

Two factors particularly prevalent at the start of 2009 will be the continued influence of the economic crisis, and the growing discussion regarding the very nature of games journalism. And despite initial reactions, the latter is essential. The coming year presents a renewed opportunity to challenge companies, to think harder about their work through our example, perhaps avoiding the types of setbacks that have been experienced this year. I don’t mean to suggest that anyone outside of these companies set the agenda for development, rather that the industry needs to answer the types of questions about its products and growth that “grown-up” journalism claims to seek in the outside world. And if there is success, it will ideally be in developing a language that treats gaming as its own medium, relying less on previous models.

Regardless of what might come, I am thankful to have worked with people who simply continued writing throughout the year, seeking answers to these debates by picking up a pen and focusing on the task at hand. Despite distractions, I was fortunate to meet those committed to the evolution of voice and method, working without the fear of making mistakes. I realize I won’t be right all of the time, but know that my position at any given time will prove honest and open to alternatives. I’m thankful for the opportunity to develop my own voice within this group, and for the experiment of that effort to be judged and influenced by you. It makes my resolution for 2009 seemingly simplistic, exploring ways to continually strive for better results in this effort. To bring myself to this process, eager to create the dialogue gaming deserves. But should I meet the true challenge of this claim, perhaps I’ll feel not just thankful, but also deserving of the opportunity to impress these efforts upon you.

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