Reality is no match for memories
In the late 1990s, in the deepest recesses of London’s East End, my gaming habit really took hold after life dealt me an unexpected blow. My one solace in that time was a newly launched gaming console that offered me an escape from reality.
So I was excited for the launch of the PlayStation Classic ($169.99), Sony’s mini version of its original PlayStation – but I found the itch wasn’t scratched how I wanted.
Nostalgia’s a funny beast – especially with retro gaming.
Research has suggested the psychological benefits are plentiful, from evoking happiness to promoting good mental health.
But, for me, the launch of the PlayStation Classic is about recapturing the good and the bad of a less-than-ideal time in London – it’s just a shame that with the 20 titles on it, some of the best are missing.
Sure, there’s Abe’s Oddysee where you have to beat devious traps to escape a creature processing factory, but there’ s no sign of racing game WipeOut; there’s Resident Evil, but no Crash Bandicoot or Parappa The Rapper.
Some may scoff at what they perceive to be elements of millennial indignation, but if you’re going to tap into my childhood (by which, I mean, later adulthood), you’d best make sure that what I remember is there. Though granted, the mini console is a lightweight thing of beauty that evokes much when you fire it up and the original title screen springs to life.
I feel for Sony. It’s stuck between a rock and a hard place, given that music licences may have prevented it getting clearance, but it does feel like a blow to cherished memories.
Talking of looking to the past, Melissa McCarthy’s compelling turn in 1990s-set cinema release Can You Ever Forgive Me? – the true story of literary fraudster Lee Israel – is a strong reminder of why she can do more than broad, gross-out comedy.
Word has it that it could land her an Oscar nod (read the story on page 29).
I’m a sucker for a gorgeous animation, and Madman’s Studio Ghibli anniversary sets (DVD and Blu Ray) are beautiful.
Start with Ponyo, an abstract take on The Little Mermaid.