Prominent Keyword: Game Preservation
Game preservation is a topic that has gained increasing attention, especially in light of recent events. The delisting of Marvel’s Avengers and the cancellation of Hyenas remind us of the heartbreaking reality that some games may be lost forever. Behind these games are talented individuals who pour their passion and effort into their creations, only to see them fade into obscurity. It’s a terrible situation that we may witness more frequently. Just as Hollywood produces movies that never see the light of day, and TV shows that are never binged, game developers are dedicating significant portions of their lives to make games that may never be played. It’s a tragedy that deserves our attention.
Rethinking Game Preservation
While the impact of game preservation may seem insignificant compared to the loss of jobs, recent game releases offer a glimmer of hope in preserving the memory of absent games. However, it’s no easy task. Games like Marvel’s Avengers and Hyenas, which rely on online multiplayer and deep player communities, present unique challenges for preservation. Even older single-player offline games pose difficulties. This is why there is a growing shift in how people perceive game preservation. Many are now asking: what does it truly mean to preserve a game or its memory? The concept is constantly evolving.
The Making of Karateka and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to play two games that exemplify different approaches to game preservation: The Making of Karateka and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. Although these games are vastly different, both share a deep connection to preserving the essence of the past. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a spiritual successor, breathing new life into a beloved game series that has been absent from our screens for decades. It’s a testament to the love and dedication of a new team, reviving someone else’s ideas with sheer passion for games of the past.
On the other hand, Karateka strives to establish a Criterion standard for video games. It takes the influential Karateka game by Jordan Mechner and weaves a narrative around its creation, unraveling the elements that make it special. The game even includes various versions of Karateka to play, along with demos and vignettes that contribute to the Karateka story. It’s an utterly wonderful and moving experience.
Preserving Memories: Qrth-Phyl
Recently, I received an email from a long-lost creator who had been silent for years. Matt Verran, the developer behind Hermitgames, had caught my attention during the early days of Xbox Live Indie Games. His creations, characterized by flickering arcade nostalgia and a deep understanding of the golden age of arcades, left a lasting impression. One of his games, Qrth-Phyl, which I had played on the Xbox 360, was now available on the Nintendo Switch.
Playing Qrth-Phyl again this week reminded me of its timelessness and the central role of memory preservation in the game. Qrth-Phyl pays homage to Blockade, an arcade game from the ’70s better known as Snake. It takes the basic concept of Snake, where a line of pixels grows longer as it consumes dots, and elevates it to three dimensions. The game showcases Verran’s signature shimmering layers of light, creating a colorful and kinetic experience that feels like a modern marvel.
In Qrth-Phyl, you navigate your snake around the exterior of a 3D shape, occasionally venturing inside to glide through the air. The challenges are generated dynamically, ensuring each playthrough offers a unique experience. At its core, Qrth-Phyl is a score-chasing game, meticulously tracking every dot you consume.
What sets Qrth-Phyl apart is its digital museum, a hidden treasure that tells the story of Blockade and its influence on the gaming world. It’s a journey through time, with your snake transforming into a green-scale DNA strand, transporting you to pivotal moments in Blockade’s history. From its creation to its appearance at trade shows, the rush to a saturated market, and its connection to the lightcycles of Tron, the museum immerses you in the rich heritage of Blockade.
Qrth-Phyl encapsulates the essence of memory. It brings us close to beloved games, but also reminds us of the barriers that prevent us from fully reliving those experiences. Memories are sharp because they take us to the edge, only to stop us from going any further. Qrth-Phyl understands this concept wholeheartedly.
Preserving Gaming’s Legacy
The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and with it, the challenges of game preservation. As gamers, we have a responsibility to appreciate and support the preservation efforts that bring forgotten games back to life. Whether it’s through spiritual successors like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, deep dives into game history like Karateka, or innovative approaches like Qrth-Phyl, we can celebrate the games of the past while embracing the future.
Let’s cherish the memories and stories that games hold, and ensure that the legacy of gaming lives on for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference in preserving the artistry and passion that goes into creating these virtual worlds.