I love articles like this. To me, there are four areas of games writing. News oriented, which is what dominates the industry today with hype and information. Critical, which focus on analysis and critique (and are horribly done by most of the industry. I'm pretty much restricted to reading The Escapist, Shamus Young's blog and Gamers With Jobs in this regard), Op/Ed which can be critical but is generally more broad but always with a purpose, and then Life. Life is the most under-written aspect of games writing out there, but when I read it I love it. It can have life-lessons hidden within without having to actually provide an argument. Even if it provides no overall point, it's always just nice to see what sort of role games can play in someone's life.
I might be keeping up with your blog from now on just for more like this.
As for the story itself, kind of reminds me of my 2nd year of College living in an apartment with some friends. One of them got Resident Evil 4 and gave me permission to play when he wasn't around or wanted to take a break. Somehow what emerged was a pattern where one would watch as the other progressed, then switch save files. I would play up to where he saved, catching up, but then I would progress to the next major point in the game. Then he would load up his file, play through the segment he just watched me play already knowing the tricks and secrets, and then progress to the next chapter which was new for both of us.
We never needed a FAQ or guide, and while this technically slowed the overall progress it allowed for a bonding moment. We'd make commentary, help point out treasures, potential weak spots, figure out boss fights, and in the end just enjoyed the game together.
Unfortunately after that year we all left the apartment, and I was never able to see him as much anymore. However, every once in a while I think back to that time and send him a message, getting in contact again. I don't know if I would do that if it weren't for Resident Evil 4.
