I was playing Portal the other day, and once I completed the game, I went back to read some information about it online. Some of the information explained how parts of the game referred to Half-Life and vice versa. I had a few moments when those connections clicked, and even after having completed the game, I found a new enjoyable experience involving it.
This got me to thinking about comic book universes. You have Marvel, for example, and at any given moment you could be reading a Spider-Man comic and come across another hero. You might see something minor like a crate labelled Stark Enterprises. You might discover a last name that connects a secondary character to the story. It's something we take for granted usually, but the "universe" concept adds a depth and complexity to comics that is an important part of the story-telling.
So why is that lacking in video games? There are some examples, but a fighting game like Super Smash Bros. or Soul Caliber are really just introducing outside characters into a different world. Characters sometimes cross over, but even in a case like Mortal Kombat vs. DC, you're looking at a unique world created as a means to bring the characters together.
What would really be interesting is knowing you're playing Dead Rising, but you're also walking in the same universe where the Umbrella Corporation is at work, perhaps even influencing some of the events of Dead Rising. Of course, this is difficult considering how many developers there are; I selected Dead Rising and Resident Evil specifically because they're Capcom titles. Still, it's an intriguing thought. The number of games Konami has released alone would warrant a universe similar to DC and Marvel. It might even force developers to think a little deeper when it comes to the story behind their game.
Are there any I'm missing? Crossovers aside, are there games where characters and storys cross paths regularly? Let me know.
I've been thinking about Godzilla a lot lately (no reason, just have been). As I was looking over some stills from various Godzilla and Gamera movies online, I began to wonder if it was weird that I sometimes wistfully daydream about such things actually happening. What would it be like if a real giant monster attacked? What would be the social and cultural repercussions of a giant monster attack? I eventually came to the conclusion that the good to be gained from a giant monster attack completely outweighed the potential bad. Below is a list of six reasons why we would benefit from an actual Giant Monster Attack (GMA).
Unite World Powers
There have never been any world crises that have united the planet, and even under the most horrific of circumstances, differences of opinion eventually cause nations to drift back into conflict. I'm not saying a GMA would bring about world peace, but it would be very hard to maintain disputes over petty differences when you never know if a giant lizard is about to stomp your city into concrete jelly.
Resolve Energy Crisis
With a three-headed pterodactyl rampaging in the skies, there's going to be a hell of a lot less frivolous travel. And since Hummers, Escalades, and limousines would be the most attractive moving treats for that nuclear-powered robot gorilla, it's a pretty safe bet sales on those gas-guzzlers would fall off almost completely. Add to that the fact that motorcycles are small, maneuverable, and gas-efficient, and there goes transportation. Consider also that it would be wise to turn off all your lights at night, and you have all the proof you need that we'd suddenly become a very conservative race.
Correct News Perspective
We all know how terrible the media has become regarding stories like Paris Hilton's incarceration and the 10 year celebration of Diana's death. I'm pretty sure all useless television time would soon be dedicated to new and interesting stories like "Mothra: Is He Really Our Ally?" Considering the number of times a moronic reporter has been eaten or crushed in a GMA in films, it seems like an excellent way to thin the herd as well.
Avert Urban Decay
Simple and obvious: if you're constantly rebuilding a city, it can't fall into disarray. New buildings would be cropping up all over the place. Eventually, enterprising citizens would find ways to draw the GMA to older areas in the city that need some renovating. Another benefit would be the elimination of eyesore advertisements. Watch a Godzilla movie. Do you see hundreds of billboards and neon signs? No. Because advertisers think about the millions they'd spend on what amounts to a flashing monster-attractor. What's the point?
Refocus Scientific Community
I read an article last week about a scientific study to determine how much memory a cat has. Very helpful. Scientists have gotten pretty damned lazy lately, so more than anything else on this list, we need GMA's to push the scientific community to develop more important advancements like shrink rays, teleportation devices, and giant robot technology. It's time to bust some science out.
