Replaying Old Video Games

Video gamers are always on the lookout for the hottest and newest video games. Pre-sales of Halo 3 went through the roof. Even before games such as Gran Turismo, Half Life and Vice City hit the shelves; we crave them like a drug addict needs crack.

But what about our old video games? Should we throw them to the side? Should we toss them into a box so they never see the light of day again? The answer is no my fellow gamer.

Every now and then I like to blow the dust off some of my old favorites. It's like visiting an old friend you haven't seen in ages. It brings a sense of gaming comfort.

Shadow Hearts one, two and three are my ultimate favorite trilogy in gaming. The games are a little obscure. But if you give them a chance its story lines will pull you in. The judgment ring can be frustrating and fun. Characters like Yuri and Johnny are full and rich. They draw you into their plight of saving a troubled world from a host of demons.

Before the World of War Craft and Guild Wars there was Diablo. I have spent countless hours building up sorceresses, barbarians and paladins. There have been many long nights going through and killing and looting various monsters. I can relive the thrill of rushing in alone or in a group to kill Baal or Mephisto. Did you ever acquire the coveted Stone of Jordan?

The Crash Bandicoot saga has always been a family favorite of ours. The kids and I would take turns trying to get Crash through different and strange levels. We would help Crash spin and double jump so he could beat the evil Dr. Cortex. Of course the younger sister, Coco never gained the popularity of her old and bigger brother.

Dark Cloud one and two never obtained the gaming immortality it truly deserved. I can remember thumbing through page after dog-eared page of a walk through guide trying to build the perfect weapon for Max or Monica. The original and its sequel revolved around a young boy that fought creatures and putting destroyed worlds back together again like a modern day Humpty Dumpty. Worlds that were obliterated by evil villains hell bent on bending the will of others and dominating all they surveyed.