The level of entertainment video games have given us has evolved significantly since the first blips on a computer screen were allowed to be controlled by our hands. Games now feature beautiful cinematography, moving soundtracks, robust storylines and characters as memorable as The Man with No Name and Darth Vader. Although it’s easy to see the maturity of games that are released today, there is still a fervent campaign condemning games with the mindset that video games are just for kids.
    A passionate initiative in support of video games has arisen in the past decade, dedicated to prove that video games are a true art form. I’d like to share a few of the greatest examples proving that games are an intricate medium that is meant to inspire human emotion. Before I begin my list, I’d first like to mention that… Some Games, Just Like Some Movies, Are Not Art.
    Shooting computerized replicas of soldiers battling in a simulated war does nothing to promote the advancement of the human race. We know that. Just like we know a competition between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots doesn’t give insight into the interaction between Baltimoreans and New Englanders. For every Call of Duty¸ there’s The Expendables. Some games are created for gamers to have fun and nothing more, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way…
 
Shadow of the Colossus
(PlayStation 2)
 
    I’m starting this list off with the essential example of an artistic video game. The game starts as a young warrior named Wander brings a girl to a forbidden shrine for her to be revived. Wander is informed that in order to bring her back, he must defeat sixteen Colossi that harness the energy to spring her back to life. Gameplay is basically comprised of sixteen boss battles, in which each unique Colossus is taken down in a strategic way. As the game moves forward, more is revealed about the backstory, which tells that Wander may not be as noble as initially assumed. You start to think about each creature you slay, and your implications on the world. The story is deep and, in some parts, obscure, leaving the player to make their own conclusions. To top the experience off, battles are accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack and almost any camera angle illustrates a beautiful picture. The resulting product is one of the greatest masterpieces that has appeared on any console.

Mass Effect Series
(PC, PlaySation 3, Xbox 360)

    In the not too distant future, humankind has finally found a way of convenient space travel, and discovers there is much more going on in the universe than we ever knew. Noted as the Star Wars of video games, players take control of Commander Shepard, who helms an intergalactic crew and must save the universe from total destruction. Sure, it sounds like a generic space epic, but the beauty of Mass Effect lies in how the story unfolds. Unlike most games, Mass Effect is played in the vein of “Choose Your Adventure” books. Players choose Shepard’s backstory and are given a wealth of options to deal with each situation you’re confronted with. The creators of this game developed a morality system by which  to resolve each situation, which stimulates your brain if you use it right. I played the game not as myself, but as Commander Shepard. Before making an action, I carefully thought about Shepard’s personality (which I created) and how his past decisions led to his growth of character. With a universe so interesting and comprehensive, it’s an experience all gamers must have.

Little Big Planet/Minecraft
(PlayStation 3/PC)

    While the focus of each previous game has been the story, these games are very light on compelling adventure. That’s not much of a big deal, as they are meant to highlight the creativity of gamers. These are games in their purest form; a computerized tool used to have fun. But the fundamental idea of each game is much more complicated, in that you are provided tools to make your own fun. In Little Big Planet, you are given the tools to make your own game. You can make anything from a platformer, to puzzle games and even shooters. Countless tools are at your disposal to create almost anything you can imagine. Minecraft takes the customization a little further, by allowing you to create your own world. Starting simply with your pickaxe, you must break down materials around you such as trees and rock to create your own building materials. Sooner than you realize, you will have enough resources to sculpt the entire world. Will you build a giant fortress on top of the highest mountain? Would you like to construct a 1x1 replica of your childhood home? What about a monument honoring your favorite video game character? Any of those are possible; it’s just up to your imagination. These games have sparked a brand new genre in video games: World Builder. They are a prime example to show how a video game can inspire a person’s imagination.
    Before I leave, I must break the bad news that this is my last article of the year. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you can easily move on without reading this column once a week. On a serious note, I’d like to thank my publisher, Brenda Golden, for bringing me on to the Coconut Times. It’s been a blast writing each week and I hope the best for all Coconut Times staff and readers. Stay cool.