The choices we make

     We are all very aware of our ability to choose in life, but in the media that choice is grossly limited. It usually comes down to 'will we watch this movie, or not?' Editing seems irrelevant as a story will not shape itself well around what you have cremated so a movie is a movie and music is music. But, something delightful exists in the world of games.
     Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Jade Empire, Arcanum, Baldur's gate, Planescape: Torment, Oblivion, Bioshock, and more. All games that offer the ability to choose (more or less) in very moral, dynamic, difficult, or no-brainer ways. Now, let me put this very plainly. In these games you can be very, very wicked. The whole foray is offered in many of these games from murder to sex, but this also means you have the most appealing and heart-felt moments doing good as well.
    As a paragon in Mass Effect I talked a young lady out of suicide, promoted inter-alien kindness and forbearance, stopped a young man from foolishly joining a dangerous mission, and helped a delusional man return to his family. In fact in my entire gaming career I have stood up for honesty, morality, love (not lust), patience, mercy, God, independence, responsibility, kindness, forgiveness, diligence, loyalty, and almost every other virtue imaginable. And? the effects were wonderful. These were moments that left you thinking, applying, and desiring good in your own life. The decisions at times were hard with long running consequences on the line. And, sometimes these decisions were downright tempting, but dangerous; the effects irreversible in the game and in this life (Yes, that Witches Gone Wild achievement will forever be inscribed in my account).
    This ability to decide helps us choose in our own private imaginations and they let us shine in a world of darkness as a symbol and reminder to ourselves, that there is good in this life. I salute all games that bring with them thought, decision, and true good in the form of imagination. They do contain horrors (Oh truly they do), but as always in life we are free not only to avoid, but to remove and eventually heal them. Inspiring, moving, fulfilling, may we all make the hard decisions in our very own microcosms. Happy creating to you in all of your worlds.