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In the wake of the tragic shooting in Connecticut, a fair number of people have returned to the 'stop violent videogames' campaign. As tends to happen in these situations,. videogames are vilified as the source for violent impulses and generally degraded behavior (think of the language of Halo's online multiplayer community).

That is not what I want to discuss in this thread, so please do not do so.

Instead, I want to look at the other side of the story (regardless of whether the above is true or false): how have videogames made you a better person? More precisely, one could easily reply with something about strategy-building games, etc., I want to ask this question:

Which videogame characters or situations have made you a better person, and how?

The question is motivated by an article I read this morning about how Laura Croft: Tomb Raider inspired confidence in a timid teenage girl gamer. The article is rather well written, and it's a great story; a videogame that taught someone not just an analytic skill but actually helped teach them a valuable lesson on how to live life.

Critics demanded this question of novelists in the 18th and 19th centuries; they demanded it again of the film industry and the internet, and will likely continue to do so for every future form of entertainment. I think now, given recent events, is as good a time to ask it as any. So. who are your gaming role models, and what have they done for you?

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Currently Playing : Final Fantasy V
Most Recently Beat : Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Favorite Game : Final Fantasy X

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Ramza from FFT is an obvious choice: he was offered countless easy ways out, but he always stayed the course showing me what it truly meant to be noble.

And I know this was not meant to be the topic for this forum, but video games are often used as a means of venting rage, not enticing it. When you escape all your troubles into a world where right and wrong are often determined by Player 1 (boy that name brings back memories) so your imagination takes your mind away from your earthly troubles.

Ryo Hazuki (Shenmue) is very dilligent in his martial arts practice, without being a violent character himself.. after playing a bit the other day I was inspired to keep to my own exercise regimen..which was flagging somewhat

There, a very short term example

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

I think Frog from Chrono Trigger is a big one. A talented yet humble and self-effacing warrior whose theme is one representing determination and responsibility against unfavorable odds.

(Also, "Laura Croft"?)

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Xan Kreigor has given me much to aspire to.

Flesh is a design flaw, and you fight like nali.

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Okay, but there was a goat!

Duke Nukem is the greatest role model anyone could have. He taught me that if you have money women will show you their breasts.

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This one time I punched a bear in the forehead TO DEATH! I still have the scars on my chest. I am the manliest man that ever did man.

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