In this next evolution of “The Video Gamer’s Experience” I turn to you, the gamer, to find out what makes you tick when it comes to this entertainment medium based on interactivity, technological boundaries being obliterated, and emotional moments shared by thousands of people across the globe. Today’s interviewee: Alice Pika.
What’s the first game you remember playing?
My first console was the Sega Genesis and I only remember having a few games. I don’t know which one was my first ever but it’s between Sonic 2 and Mrs. Pac-Man
When did you realize you were a gamer?
I think middle school made me realize I was “different” when most of the other girls in my class made it very clear to me that they weren’t interested in video games, so they called me a “gamer.” Oh, but I don’t mean to imply I was bullied for it; my classmates were chill and I found a little group that accepted me.
Is there one story in your life that was directly impacted by a game?
I actually probably wouldn’t have met my ex-boyfriend if I never played Assassin’s Creed 2. Desmond Miles shared his name and my ex first found me on Facebook. I normally ignored random guys, but his name was so cool to me that I had to add, and then the rest was history!
What’s your favorite video game genre?
It’s between Action/Adventure and RPG. I love the intense storylines of Adventure games, without the leveling up like RPG’s, but I love RPG’s for their huge amount of content and challenges that comes with a leveling system. Throw in strategy and puzzles and I’m a fan!
What’s your favorite video game franchise?
Assassin’s Creed 2’s storyline (present day mostly) was so intense and fascinating for my 17-year-old mind. It was the first game I played on the new PS3 I got for Christmas, and all I did was look at a list of games online and chose any random title that stuck out to me with no context. I was so hooked that I finished it by New Year’s Day and made sure to get AC1 and their PSP title, Bloodlines. I even bought their corresponding novels!
Is there one game you’ve never had the chance to play that you regret not playing?
I started and kind of played around with Skyrim, but I never finished it nor put that many hours into it, only about 10. I do regret it since it became such a cultural phenomenon, and so many of my friends played that game. I’ll definitely be playing Elder Scrolls VI though!
What’s the best video game purchase you made?
So many to choose from! But I do have to refer back to my previous answers and mention Assassin’s Creed 2. I sound like such a stan but my life would have probably been so different had I not picked up that series. I met so many amazing people through that one franchise. My second choice is Detroit: Become Human for its incredible storytelling and chilling predictions for the future. When they mentioned the President of the US is a VLOGGER I was floored because I can actually see that happening!
What’s the worst video game purchase you made?
1000% 1-2 Switch was the worst $54.43 I’ve ever spent in my life.
What video game character do you most relate to?
I think I relate to Pyra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 the most. She knows what she wants and she won’t stop until she gets it, and when she does, she’s unapolagetically affectionate. I was going to say Mythra but she’s too prude and shy towards Rex, Pyra was 100% sure Rex was her man from the beginning and I love that kind of transparency in a woman.
If a game based on you was made what would it be like?
Oh man. I’m the type of person who has always been very trusting of my intuition and gut instinct, even when I wasn’t very religious. Now that I’ve become a bit more spiritual I can see myself as the main character of a game being guided by a spirit, kind of like Link from the Legend of Zelda, or Noctis from Final Fantasy XV (but I’m not royalty like Noct). Both were always aware of there being a higher power and trusted in that spirituality to protect them as they accomplished their goals. I’ve recently been through a lot of misfortune but it’s been greatly reduced because I trusted my intuition and acted on it. So maybe it would be like Breath of the Wild but a lot more mature in content and humor because I’m very raw.
What are you playing now and what are you looking forward to playing in the near future?
I’m currently trying to finish Persona 5 but it’s a little slow for me. I want to know what happens in the end so badly!! I really look forward to playing Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Jump Force (that title releases on my birthday, Oct. 26th!!), Kingdom Hearts 3, World of Final Fantasy Maxima, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!
Your desert island games?
I’m just not the type of person to keep playing the same game once I’m done with a storyline, but Xenoblade Chronicles 2 keeps adding new content so I’ve been returning to it often! I’d also take Smash Bros with me. I’d definitely get good at that game if I had nothing else with me because I’m such trash at fighting games, but I own it and I’m not ashamed to admit it! And I can’t forget Fortnite if that desert island has Wi-Fi!
How can people keep up with everything you’re doing?
Twitter is my most convenient option! @TheAlicePika
