Video games have been a huge part of my life. As far back as I can remember, gaming has always been there. From playing Driver and Spyro on PS1, eventually jumping onto the PS2, and so forth, gaming has always been a constant interest for me. In many ways, gaming has shaped me as a person and is largely who I am. Today, however, let's take a look at three trilogies that shaped me as a gamer. These were heavy hitters, particularly for Sony back in the day.
I've always loved science fiction. I grew up and still live and breathe sci-fi greats like Star Wars, so Ratchet and Clank was right up my alley. Not to say it's like Star Wars, because it's not. It's just what I'd classify as a sci-fi adventure. I loved the different and unique planets that these games offered; the 3D platforming was on another level (pun intended), and the stories were always so captivating. As a kid, the titular heroes, Ratchet and Clank, as well as many others in this universe, worked so marvelously together in providing goofiness, laughs and heart. These were the first characters I remember really connecting to on a deeper level. Maybe because I was getting older and understanding more, or perhaps because they were so well written. Regardless, the world of Ratchet and Clank is fascinating to dive into, with so many creatures and beings!
Jumping to Ratchet and Clank 3, the title being “Up Your Arsenal”, made me feel like I was super rebellious. I'd say the title out loud in front of people and just feel like such a badass. Back then, I didn't realise how funny “Going Commando” was, but as an adult, I still giggle.
Still on the topic of Ratchet 3, I adored the Starship Phoenix. You could walk around and explore it; I felt like such a space traveller ready to take on anything with my army and unique weapons! I also feel like the music choice in these games was on point! Upbeat, engaging music really helped set the tone here.
Sly Raccoon was a staple of my childhood and really fuelled my love for stealth games, as this was, in fact, my first stealth game. Growing up, what kid doesn't love ninjas? Because this is exactly how I felt playing these games. Now, these characters are anthropomorphic, which means they were humanised animals! I can never look at a raccoon, hippo, or turtle the same, thanks to Sly, Murray and Bentley.
These games stick in my mind as being quite challenging in parts, and as such, are the first games that I fully remember learning how to persevere through and not give up. Before this, I'd have adults help me. The Sly Trilogy is beautiful in that it really drove home the importance of friendship and how they can be your family, which looking back, is very important to remember nowadays. I remember feeling so incredibly sorry for what happened to Bentley, ultimately having him become wheelchair bound. It was a huge emotion as a kid!
WOW, Jak is maybe the most memorable here and for good reason. This game taught me that change is sometimes a good thing! Going from The Precursor Legacy to Jak 2 was arguably a massive shift in tone. Not only was Jak 2 now dark and edgy, the world wasn't bright and colourful anymore; we had cities with skyscrapers, and Jak was actually talking. I know you've got shooters like Ratchet and Clank, but to me, the Jak games, particularly 2 and 3, really got me into the shooter aspect because the controls were so tight. Being able to explore via hover vehicles was mind blowing. It didn't feel like a huge bombastic adventure, it felt like a street-level gritty drama, and for that, I adore it. All three games here all feel otherworldly, and it is so unique and fresh even to this day.
These trilogies all played a huge part in shaping me. They taught me the importance of friends and family, fueled my love for the similar art styles on show here, and even taught me life lessons like perseverance in the face of difficulty or just being there when I needed comfort in my formative years.
What games shaped you? Let me know in the comments!
