As video gaming continues to evolve into a billion-dollar industry, laden with high-definition graphics and intricate narratives, one aspect increasingly overlooked is the nostalgic charm of physical collectibles. These items, often referred to as “feelies,” hold a special place in the hearts of long-time gamers. Infocom, a pioneering company in the text-adventure genre, understood this nostalgia even in the mid-1980s, packaging their games with artifacts that straddle the line between functionality and absurdity. The concept of feelies goes beyond mere physical components; they encapsulate a unique experience that modern games often fail to replicate.
Scott Krol’s exploration of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy adventure game emphasizes how heady expectations can sometimes overshadow the quirky small treasures tucked away in a game box. Indeed, it’s hard not to feel a jolt of excitement when unwrapping a bag that hints at something unseen, perhaps an “invisible” object. These trinkets—the tangible manifestations of a game’s world—allow players to immerse themselves deeper into the story, giving physicality to the often ethereal experience of digital gaming.
Rethinking Protagonism with Arthur Dent
Victoria Regan’s reflection on Arthur Dent, the beleaguered yet endearing protagonist of The Hitchhiker’s Guide, provides a fresh lens through which to scrutinize his character. Traditionally viewed as an anxious and hapless figure—largely influenced by Simon Jones’s portrayal in the BBC series—Regan’s analysis adds depth to his role in a chaotic universe. She highlights Arthur’s “stoical response to a sea of surprising events,” which elevates him from a mere comedic figure to a symbol of resilience against absurdity.
This characterization resonates on many levels. Life, much like Arthur’s journey, often presents us with unpredictable quagmires. Facing these absurdities with a sense of humor and a readiness to confront chaos offers a glimpse of courage worth admiring. Regan’s depiction invites players to reconsider what it means to be a hero—a perspective that adds layers to a narrative that could easily be dismissed as comedic science fiction.
The Quest for the Hidden
The allure of gaming often lies in the thrill of discovery. Regan mentions her and her brother’s motivation to persevere through puzzling adventure games, captured by the “urge to find out what was hidden.” In an era where information is readily accessible, the delight of unearthing secrets and surprises is increasingly rare. The excitement surrounding game launches today is frequently overshadowed by marketing hype and pre-release leaks, which strip away the organic thrill of exploration. Players are often left with curated experiences dictated by external expectations rather than their personal journeys.
Regan’s viewpoint resonates deeply, illuminating the contrast between the rich history of gaming experiences driven by exploration and the modern trend of predetermined narratives. The landscape of gaming has shifted toward items that feel manufactured and soulless, unlike the whimsical chaos of early collectibles. The joyfulness of discovery, once a cornerstone of the gaming experience, has become nigh obsolete in an industry that prizes polished perfection over unpredictable adventure.
Collectibles: Beauty in Imperfection
Moreover, there’s something deceptively charming about the so-called “useless” items—those that serve no tangible purpose yet evoke a sense of joy and wonder. Unlike today’s standardized collectibles that bank on nostalgia with limited-edition statues and merch, Infocom’s feelies playfully acknowledged their own frivolity. They resist the urge to assert their value and instead invite players to appreciate their eccentric nature. In doing so, they create an atmosphere of authenticity that modern gaming collectibles often lack.
The standardization of collectibles suggests that, in many ways, the gaming industry is becoming uncomfortably uniform. Collecting statuettes and posters offers little excitement when compared to charmingly impractical items that whisper secrets of a digital realm. The richness of gaming—its stories, characters, and even its “useless” items—offers limitless possibilities for engagement. A call for more quirky collectibles that embrace their own absurdity is essential in an age where genuine surprises are rare.
Exploring these phenomenal objects encourages a shift in perspective: ludicrousness and impracticality can enhance our connection to the story and the medium itself. So, let’s celebrate the so-called “tat” that cultivates a sense of belonging and intrigue. Embrace the beautifully useless; after all, it’s these oddities that make the gaming world enchanting.