What Makes Games Memorable

Introduction

Entering the world of gaming, we're set to explore what transforms games from mere pastimes into lasting memories. Beyond the buttons and screens, we'll dig into the emotional highs, the catchy tunes, and the characters that leave a mark. Join us as we navigate through the essence of gaming, where each moment adds to a collective memory. It's not just about playing; it's about discovering what makes games truly stick with us. Welcome to the exploration of what turns gaming into an unforgettable journey.

Emotional Impact

Memorable games have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether it is the adrenaline rush of a high-stakes battle, the heart-wrenching sadness of a character's sacrifice, or the joy of overcoming an insurmountable challenge, emotions create a lasting connection. An emotional impact can happen throughout the journey of the game or a specific moment in the story. A few games that come to mind that have left an emotional impact are Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, God of War (2019) and the Telltale Games, The Walking Dead developed by Telltale Games.

In Hellblade you play as a young Pict warrior who suffers from severe psychotic mental illness. In the opening scene, haunting voices whisper warnings and inquiries, providing a glimpse into her psychotic mental landscape. Throughout the journey you hear all the thoughts and emotions Senua goes through. In the opening scene you can hear voices telling you “It's not safe here”, “Go back, they’re watching” “Who are you” etc.…these auditory elements weave a tapestry of emotions that resonates deeply with the player, creating a lasting impact.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice ~ Ninja Theory

God of War unfolds a touching moment that highlights the emotional evolution between Kratos and Atreus. During the act of releasing the ashes of Atreus’s mother, Kratos, in a pivotal shift, addresses him not as "Boy" but tenderly as his "Son". This shows how the bond between Kratos and Atreus has increased throughout time and now Kratos does not see him as a boy that he is responsible for but rather his son. As Kratos embraces the term "Son," the resonance of the moment extends beyond the virtual realm, leaving a lasting emotional impact on the players.

God of War ~ Santa Monica Studios

Finally, The Walking Dead delivers heart-wrenching moments as players guide Clementine through the agonizing decision to end Lee’s life. Lee unfortunately gets bitten by a zombie, causing him to become infected, which compels Clementine to make the excruciating choice to end his suffering. This emotional climax serves as a reminder of the harsh realities within the game's apocalyptic world, leaving players experiencing a profound and lasting emotional impact.

The Walking Dead ~ Telltale Game

These are just a few examples of games that have left an emotional impact. Any game from Minecraft: The Story Mode to Call of Duty can leave an emotional impact on players.

Iconic Characters

Entering the next level of our exploration, we encounter the magnetic pull of iconic characters – the digital legends that breathe life into virtual realms and transform pixels into personalities. Building upon the emotional impact we've explored, these characters step into the spotlight, each with a unique tale to tell. They aren't just avatars or game elements; they're the heartbeats of the gaming narrative, serving as friends, foes, and fascinating personas, who make gaming a remarkable experience and leave an enduring imprint on our memories. So, as we navigate what makes games unforgettable, let's explore how iconic characters add that extra layer of charm that transforms games into unforgettable adventures.

Nathan Drake

First off, let’s start with Nathan Drake, the protagonist of the Uncharted series. What makes Nathan Drake a memorable character? It’s his profound relatability to players. His character is not confined to a one-dimensional hero; instead, he navigates complex relationships that add layers to his personality. Whether interacting with his mentor and friend, Victor Sullivan, or with Elna Fisher, Nathan’s relationship with other characters brings moments of camaraderie, tension, and humor. These relationships add emotional depth to the character and provide players with a more immersive experience which leads to Nathan being a memorable character. Nathan Drake often uses his humor as a coping mechanism in dangerous situations. It not only makes him more relatable, but it instills a delightful dose of humor in his character.

Source: https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Nathan_Drake

Sonic The Hedgehog 

Now, shifting our focus from the daring exploits of Nathan Drake, let's race into the realm of Sonic the Hedgehog, a character synonymous with speed, attitude, and a dash of nostalgia. Sonic's memorability springs the charm that makes Sonic the Hedgehog an enduring icon in the gaming universe. Sonic's striking design, marked by his signature red shoes and vibrant blue quills, sets him apart in a crowd. Beyond his aesthetic appeal, Sonic's cool and laid-back personality shines through, portraying a character with a sense of humor and unshakable confidence. It's this relatable demeanor that forges a connection with players, making Sonic not just a hero on the screen but a virtual friend. 

Source: https://sonic-x.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog 

Mario

Diving into the enduring appeal of Mario, the iconic plumber whose influence extends far beyond the gaming realm, unveils a character defined by both simplicity and versatility. Mario's straightforward, yet charming design has made him instantly recognizable. His distinctive red hat, mustache, and overalls have become iconic symbols of the character. What sets Mario apart is not just his appearance but his remarkable adaptability. He has seamlessly transitioned across various genres, from side-scrolling platformers like "Super Mario Bros." to racing games like "Mario Kart" and sports titles like "Mario Tennis" and "Mario Golf”, ensuring his relevance across the gaming landscape. This adaptability has allowed Mario to remain relevant and appeal to a broad audience over the decades. Beyond his in-game adventures, Mario has also become a cultural phenomenon. His presence extends beyond the gaming world, with appearances in cartoons, merchandise, and even a feature film. The iconic "Super Mario" theme music and the character's catchphrases, such as "It's-a me, Mario!" further contribute to his status as a pop culture icon.

Source: https://mario.nintendo.com/

Memorable Soundtracks

Having delved into the emotional landscapes and iconic characters that games can involve, let's now shift our focus to another essential element that lingers in the echoes of our gaming memories: game soundtracks. We've discussed how emotions weave into games, and now, imagine those feelings backed by music. It's like the subtle element that makes the whole gaming experience unforgettable. These melodies aren't just background noise; they're the heartbeat of a game, adding a layer that makes the whole adventure resonate in your memory, even after you’ve put the controller down. Let’s explore the charm of two of the most notable game soundtracks. 

Halo Soundtrack

The Halo soundtrack is known for its epic and cinematic quality. The music is grand and sweeping, creating a sense of scale and significance that complements the epic nature of the game's storyline and battles. The orchestral arrangements, combined with electronic elements, contribute to a powerful and immersive auditory experience. The main theme of Halo, also known as the "Halo Theme" or "Halo Chant," is one of the most recognizable and iconic pieces of video game music. Its Gregorian chant-inspired vocals and powerful orchestration set the tone for the entire franchise, instantly evoking the atmosphere of the Halo universe.

The Last of Us

The music effectively captures the central themes of loss, survival, and the emotional journey of the characters in the game. The soundtrack reflects the somber and reflective nature of the narrative, adding emotional weight to the player's experience. The music is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, enhancing the player's immersion in the story. The soundtrack dynamically responds to in-game events, creating a more interactive and emotionally resonant experience. For example, in the event of an ambush, the music drastically intensifies, giving the players a sense of damage and a large-scale fight. While when the player is traversing the open city depending on the area they are in, it is calm and not intense. 

Conclusion

In our gaming journey, we've explored how emotions, iconic characters, and catchy soundtracks turn games into lasting memories. From the feels in Hellblade to characters like Nathan Drake and Sonic, gaming becomes more than just a pastime. The music in games like Halo and The Last of Us isn't just background noise; it's what makes the adventure unforgettable.

In a nutshell, memorable games are about the connections we make, the cool characters we meet, and the tunes that stay with us. So, let's appreciate these moments and keep enjoying the ride through the vast world of gaming.