Video Games Archives - My Geek Wisdom

“I wrote a blog post about why I fucking hate video games. Because this is what it does. It appeals, like, the male fantasy.”

From: The Internet, Buzzfeed and memes

Genre: Internet, Video Games

Who said it?: Claudia Restrepo

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote is more of a meme that was derived from a Buzzfeed video. The video featured self-identified feminists playing Grand Theft Auto V for the first time. The video itself has been taken down from YouTube but is still available on Buzzfeed’s Facebook page here.

The clip has been used with a more satirical look as, after she delivers the quote, clips from other video games, which do not depict the classic “male fantasy” is played.

Geek wisdom: There is always more to the story that what you might see on the surface. People do have a habit of developing tunnel vision, either closing themselves to new ideas or refusing to see the negative aspects of things we enjoy. Always try to broaden your horizons.

“Good men mean well. We just don’t always end up doing well.”

From: Dead Space 3

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Isaac Clarke

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the third game in the Dead Space survival horror franchise. The games are set in the future where alien artifacts called Markers emit a kind of electromagnetic frequency which can cause hallucinations and cause the dead to come back as monsters.

The quote comes near the end of the game. Isaac Clarke, the survivor of the first game, and soldier John Carver reach the Machine that they believe can be used to stop an event known as the Convergence. Carver then tells Clarke to finish the mission no matter what happens to him. Carver believes that by getting them this far, he’s made up for his sins and is ready to die. This is when Isaac Clarke tries to reassure his comrade he’s still a good man by delivering the quote

Geek wisdom: Even the people who mean well will make mistakes. We are all human after all. We shouldn’t condemn others and ourselves for the things we’ve done in the past. It’s what we do afterwards that should count.

“Infinite ammo.”

From: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Solid Snake

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the PlayStation 2 game, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the much anticipated sequel to the PlayStation smash-hit, Metal Gear Solid. In a rather controversial move, Hideo Kojima places you in the skin-tight sneaking suit of Raiden instead of Solid Snake.

The quote comes near the end of the game. Raiden has just escaped capture on board Arsenal Gear. He meets up with Solid Snake, who gives Raiden his sneaking suit and a sword. As they are about to take on great enemy forces, Snake tells Raiden that, if he runs out of ammo, he will give him some. Raiden then asks if Snake would need some of it. Snake then points to his bandanna/head and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Snake pointing to the bandanna is a wink and a nod to an Easter Egg from the first Metal Gear Solid, as it’s a special item that does grand him unlimited ammunition. However, you can also say that Snake is pointing to his head, referring that his brain has “infinite ammo.”

The brain has limitless possibility and potential. You can actually say it’s unlimited in what it can do. The thing is you have to put it to work.

“What is better – To be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?”

From: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Paarthurnax

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the massive RPG game, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, by Bethesda Softworks. The game is one of the most beloved video games of the modern generation because of the huge swath of land you can explore as well as the numerous paths you can take in your quest as the Dragonborn to eliminate the legendary Alduin, the dragon that is prophesied to destroy the world.

During the main questline, the Dragonborn is sent out to meet with Paarthurnax, the leader of the Greybeards sect. It turns out that Paarthurnax is actually a great dragon himself. During your conversation with the dragon, Paarthurnax tells the Dragonborn that, while he did commit atrocities in the past, he has overcome those base instincts through hard work but that part of him is still alive within him. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Everyone has the potential of changing and better themselves. However, the journey of doing so will not be so easy. It will take dedication and perseverance for change to happen. But the change will happen if one really strives to do so.

“Stand in the ashes of a trillion dead souls and ask the ghosts if honor matters. The silence is your answer.”

From: Mass Effect 3

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Javik

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the third installment of the original Mass Effect trilogy of games from Bioware. The game puts you in the shoes of Commander Shepard as he tries to prevent the Reapers from destroying all sentient life in the galaxy.

The quote comes the Javik, the only survivor of the Prothean race from the last Reaper cycle. Commander Shepard and Liara try to communicate with the previously thought extinct race. Javik pledges his allegiance to Shepard but warns him that he will destroy anyone else who sides with the Reapers. Shepard says that there may be other reasons and that the war isn’t black and white. However, as the Prothean has experienced the war and how it decimated the galaxy before, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, life is all about survival and you will have to swallow your pride and you may have to do horrible things in order to just keep on living. It isn’t a pleasant thought but the world and life isn’t fair. Life can be harsh but we have to push on to live on.

“It’s only game. Why you heff to be mad?”

From: YouTube/The Score

Genre: Video Games, Internet

Who said it?: Ilya Bryzgalov

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from an old viral video involving, of all things, hockey. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a whole lot of wisdom here.

In 2006, a prominent Edmonton Oilers player named Chris Pronger was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. This was a controversial trade at the time and Edmonton Oilers fans became upset with the player. This led to an interview with the goalie for the Anaheim Ducks, Ilya Bryzgalov. He was asked about his thoughts on the trade and what he thought about why fans are upset. This led to the Russian giving the quote in reply.

Geek wisdom: We can take things a little too seriously at times. If we become extremely passionate about something, we can even take things a little too far. Sometimes, it’s best to take things in perspective and check whether something is important enough to be upset about.

“I gotta believe!”

From: PaRappa The Rappa

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Parappa the Rapper

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Parappa the Rapper, one of the very first rhythm games to ever appear on the PlayStation. In the game, you control a dog named Parappa and press the buttons at the right time to keep up with the rhythm of the stage’s song.

Usually, before playing the stage, Parappa will encounter some situation where he decides that he has to learn a skill to impress his crush, Sunny Funny. Before he does go try to learn this new skill, he utters the quote, which is sort of his catchphrase.

Geek wisdom: If you want to achieve your dreams, you have to believe you can. But, not only that, you have to work at it. Simply believing that you can doesn’t mean that you will. Parappa may only be doing small steps but those small steps are the first ones he needs to take to actually make his dreams a reality.

“The world could always use more heroes.”

From: Overwatch

Genre: Video games

Who said it?: Tracer

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Blizzard Entertainment’s most recent hit, Overwatch. Overwatch is a first person team based shooter where you control various heroes to complete different objectives. Since the game’s release, Overwatch has garnered critical acclaimed and secured itself a large and loyal fanbase thanks to solid game mechanics as well as incredible characters.

The quote comes from the poster girl of the game, Tracer. During the cinematic trailer, she says it to two young boys that helped her and Winston fend off Widowmaker and Reaper while in the Overwatch museum.

Additionally, you can select the phrase to be one of her in-game quotes as well.

Geek wisdom: In this day of age, we have to be more that just bystanders when we see bad things happen. We have to be much more active and act like the heroes we can be. We may not have the ability to rush into danger but we can still be heroes in our own way by actually doing some things to curb the wrong in the world in our own little way.

“It’s super effective!”

From: Pokemon

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Narrator?

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Nintendo’s franchise, Pokemon. This game was one of the biggest reasons why the Game Boy was a smash hit. In the game, you play the role of a Pokemon trainer who tries to travel the world and capture all of the possible Pocket Monsters out there. However, you will have to defeat them by pitting your own monsters against them as well as defeat other trainers who have the same goal.

There is a strategy, however, regarding which Pokemon to unleash. Depending on what element the creature is, you can dish out more damage by selecting the proper creature that has the opposing element. For example, Pikachu, who is the electricity element, will be able to do more damage to a Slowbro, which is a Water type Pokemon. When you do pick the right Pokemon and it does an attack, you’ll get the quote.

Geek wisdom: It’s always best to use the right tools for the right job. You can try to use a substitute tool and it could work. But it may the job much harder. Try to work smarter, not harder.

“There was a HOLE here. It’s gone now.”

From: Silent Hill 2

Genre: Video games

Who said it?: Unknown

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from, Silent Hill 2, a Konami game that was released before the company was still heralded as one of the best in the industry and before the entire #fuckonami movement. The game revolves around James Sunderland, a recent widower, who receives a letter from his deceased wife, Mary, to return to the town of Silent Hill. Of course, the instant James enters the town, things go frighteningly wrong.

The quote comes early in the game. James explores Silent Hill and comes across Neely’s Bar. In the bar, he gets a vital item that helps him push through in the game. But also, scrawled on the newspaper covered windows, is the quote.

Side Note: When I played Silent Hill 2, I can vividly remember going to Neely’s Bar in the “Otherworld” first. I do recall seeing a hole on that very spot but James didn’t want to go through it. This is why I returned to the bar after returning to the “normal” world. This was when I saw the quote… and it really creeped me out because it was like the game knew what I wanted to do!

Geek wisdom: Things change. Landmarks and old hangouts you used to love going when you were a younger may not be there anymore when you get old. You can drift away from family and friends you were close with before. We never thing about the possibility they may be gone in an instant.

Cherish the time you have with the people and places you love. Enjoy spending time with them while they are still on this earth… and not the Otherworld.