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When I was seven, I went on the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage ride at Walt Disney World. It was a magical voyage that hit the movie’s highlights (from finding Atlantis to fighting a Giant Squid) in about three minutes. I loved it and got back in line to ride it again.
The second time around wasn’t so magical. I noticed the wires holding the props in place. I saw the ride’s track in the background. I found that I could look up through the portholes and see people waiting in the ride’s line.
The ride closed in 1994, but the experience stayed with me.
The first time I played Deus Ex, my thoughts were: okay shooter, okay stealth game, okay role-playing game, derivative story. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed by a game which became a landmark title. However, the second time around, I experienced Deus Ex’s pure genius. I’ve played through Deus Ex four times, each time trying something dramatically different, and have had four unique experiences.
To me, the second playthrough is the most important. During the second playthrough, the essence of the game coalesces. You either experience the same game in a new way or you play the same game, except this time the wires holding the props in place are visible.
On July 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, Silvercube wrote:
Very nicely written :)
Yeah, unfortunately, most things in my childhood history that I thought were awesome are now not so amazing.
The only thing that has stood the test of time is two tv shows, X - Files and Care Bears, a couple video games starring Kirby, and my blanket. lol
I don’t usually re-play through games a second time around as I just don’t have the time for that. The only game that I have played extensively was Pokemon Blue, Kirby Superstar and Animal Crossing.
I have also played a lot of DDR and Lumines, but that’s different since it’s always a “different experience” since its a puzzle or music rhythm game.
They don’t get old or worn out as quickly.