Video Game Characters as Role Models?

[ahappycamper]

Greetings to the Escapist, after lurking for a while (initially attracted here as the website that hosts yahtzee) I decided to join and say hi.

That out of the way I would like to start a discussion (see title). My question is does anyone else get so immersed in a game that they start to idolise the protagonist? As an avid player of Devil May Cry, God Of War, Gears and the like I have always thought of those title characters as something to aim for (not saying I want cheesy one liners or to be a mass murderer). Does anyone else see this, the effortless cool of those characters, how they handle themselves, and try to emulate their characteristics, maybe by training in a martial art for example? Furthermore when you don't live up to your idol do you feel annoyed with yourself? I know what is depicted in the game is impossible, but does anyone else strive to be as bad-ass/flawless as the characters they play?

I did a search on this and couldn't find anything (I've lurked long enough to know to use the search-bar).

This feature is probably relevant to this discussion http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_183/5631-What-Would-Yoshi-Do

 

[BaronXS]

When I was a little kid, I started playing the original Harvest Moon, and suddenly I wanted to own a farm.

 

[PhantomCritic]

Well I know I may have said this in a bulk of my previous posts, but my role model of my choosing would be this guy

Spoiler

I like to think I can be as destructive as him in the actual game.

 

[Radeonx]

I'd be Splinter, from whatever Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game he is from. His cane is badass.

 

[skitzo van]

I wanted to beat the shit out of turtles when I was a kid. I bet no one can guess who inspired me to do that.

 

[wolfy098]

used to get that in FF games

You don't really get it as much in FPS's as in RPGs

More in JRPG's than WRPG's

 

[ahappycamper]

Well, no epople in games are really role models, they are too unrealistic. But I guess it does happen with crazy kids!

Sirbryghtside-not a government agent *wink*

Exactly, they are too unrealistic, which is why It is so hard to try to be as awesome as they are, but I can't help trying to be. If I play prince of persia for more than an hour I can usually be found practicing his acrobatics.

 

[Chocomint]

There are a few I can say I wish I had the skill set of, but I don't think I'd try to find a gun / do parkour / take martial arts lessons just because of that.

 

[ae86gamer]

I think Snake is the best role model. He's calm, wise, full of knowledge, can fight, use guns, and is just generally awesome.

He also has an eye patch. That adds to his awesomeness.

 

[WrongSprite]

After playing port royale I wanted to be an 18th century sailor/merchant. Seriously.

 

[HardRockSamurai]

My vote would have to be Gordon Freeman, for teaching us too be quiet and humble, for showing us that every problem can be solved with the correct application of physics, and for telling us that orange is in, all year round!

 

[ahappycamper]

used to get that in FF games

You don't really get it as much in FPS's as in RPGs

More in JRPG's than WRPG's

This rings true for a few JRPG characters, Auron, Zack from FF7, WRPG's do give you almost complete control over the character of the protagonist though don't they. Don't you think they put more character into FPS protagonist nowadays, although they are a bit similar.

 

[barryween]

Hmmmmmmmmm.... Niko Bellic. The tortured soul with a troubled past just trying to make things right. Usually all games are bang kill kill kill so I don't have too many gaming role models.

 

[AmrasCalmacil]

I want to be like Guybrush Threepwood. That looks fun.

 

[ahappycamper]

I think Snake is the best role model. He's calm, wise, full of knowledge, can fight, use guns, and is just generally awesome.

He also has an eye patch. That adds to his awesomeness.

I've never played MGS, but if i got into it, I'd probably start wanting a reason to wear an eyepatch. I used to imagine getting into a knife fight (as is more likely than swords) and getting a gnarly scar like Squall.

 

[Aanorith]

Fallout 3 dad <3

 

[ahappycamper]

Fallout 3 dad <3

That character actually made me wish I had a better dad.

 

[The Maddest March Hare]

Daxter. There is so much a loudmouth rodent can teach you.

 

[ahappycamper]

Daxter would be the ultimate pet though.

 

[Lexodus]

No! You mustn't post this thread! Jack Thompson is watching!