Now, before any gamers decided to go crazy on me, allow me to explain. I have what is called: An addictive personality. This means, that If I were to ever smoke (which I don’t), I’ll probably smoke till the end of time. This means, that if I were to participate in certain substances (which I don’t), then I’ll probably wind up on the Jeremy Kyle show. Anyway… I digress.
Monster hunter 4 Ultimate is probably the most amazing 3DS game I’ve ever played. I love the thrill of chasing after a creature, only to have it flee to another location – chase after it again, before slaying it like a true hunter. I enjoyed the many hours, days and nights of crafting better equipment, from the fallen materials of my kill. As time went on however, I wanted this experience to end (So I could get my life back). You see, the game is so good, nothing else matters when playing it, and it’s my gamers belief to always complete a game – no matter how hard or difficult it may be.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end. The ending which I thought was the end… didn’t end. There were more quests to complete, more monsters to slay, and more things to do and see. The game was about to take my soul, and I almost let it. I used every ounce of courage in my feeble little brain and turned off the game. However turning off the game was not enough. I had to do the same thing I did with my copy of animal crossing… – dispose of it.
(Spoiler alert. This is for those who have already completed the game.)
Back in the day, I was fortunate to play a game on the playstation one. This game was of course Capcom’s Breath of fire 3; the third instalment in the series. The series sees the main protagonist Ryu on his search to find out his missing past, and a mysterious goddess that guides him through his travels. Oh… And did I mention that Ryu happens to be a dragon? What I am going to focus on is not the graphics, sound and story – but rather the underlying message that I realised after completing the game – one that addresses: Racism, poverty, religion, and change.
Throughout Ryu’s journey, he makes friends with:
Teepo (a homeless boy with no past who later turns out to be a dragon lord)
Rei (an anthropomorphic homeless boy who can transform into a Were-tiger)
Nina (a fairy princess from the royal family of Wyndia)
Momo (a scientist girl with a passion for… science?)
Garland (an anthropomorphic Griffin and dragon slayer who’s calling in life is to serve a goddess)
Peco (a strange onion thing creature that doesn’t possess the words to speak.)
Smile… You’re on camera!
Despite their differences however, the beautiful characters endure experiences together, putting aside their own personal flaws and learn to appreciate each other for who they are. We see many examples throughout this journey where the bonds of friendships are created, tested and celebrated. The issues and topics within this game reflect the same within our own society, and presents a simple yet unique truth that we all can resonate with. You see, much of Ryu’s friendships begin with him being a child. They are all children when they first meet, and as such have no judgments to the other, based on titles or social requirements that adults have. This is quite significant, for although children are far from perfect, they are innocent and naive. Providing they are not manipulated to believe a parents view on different individuals, children more or less can grow up with different creeds or cultures, without a care in the world. This same acceptance of differences highlighted strongly within Breath of Fire 3, and paints a great picture of how people can learn from one another. There comes a point within Breath of Fire 3 when the cast grow up (a span of 7 years). The world changes, and more social indifferences, judgments and titles is seen – however the bond between Ryu and his friends remain the same. There are times when they fight, become enemies, only to make up once again – reflective of our own friendships within the real world. Whenever the group is faced with a situation that threatens their bond, they simply remind each other of loyal promises and childhood memories to spur them on. Some of the cast are also torn between choosing their faith or duties over friendship, and it is examples such as these that many of us have experienced as adults.
Ryu and Nina – so different and from completely vast worlds – yet a childhood friendship is all that is needed to create a lifelong bond… And possible love?
Garr – a loyal follower of a religion who’s teachings require the death of Ryu, just for being of a different race. does this sound familiar of any teachings within our own world? Fortunately the bonds of friendship is enough to disregard such beliefs within the story.Rei – an orphan who who’s only friends and family is Ryu and Teepo. However after a traumatic separation, Rei becomes mentally unstable, unable to cope with life, and goes on a mass rampage against humanity. It is only when Ryu encounters him as an adult that Rei comes to his senses and realises the friendship that existed so long ago.
To sum this all up, I believe the creators of this game set out to purposely send a message to those of us that were fortunate enough to experience this game. What needs to be remembered was that those of us at the time were also children, or younger teens – experiencing changes within ourselves, others and society. Back then, a lot of us were simply focused on the action and graphics, rather than an underlying message. It is only when re-visited as young adults we see a different aspect to the game that we couldn’t see before. The world we live in now is far from perfect – however many good changes have happened because of young bonds that continue to stay with us till adulthood. If we can be more like Ryu and his friends, the world will be a better place for all… Awwww. Peace out everybody!
Apparently Capcom will soon release Breath of Fire 6! I wonder what underlying message this one will have? Wait… It’s a mobile game? Excuse me while I jump off a cliff. Sigh…
Rickybaxter 