Flying Solo

Today's topic will be about going at it alone. Not because you necessarily want to but because it's best. This is a continuation of sorts to an article that can be found on the Video Gaming Hard Corps website called "Player Two Is Not a Necessity".

I won't sit here and say I didn't get much as kid. I'd even go as far as to say I got more than most. Even with that being said, I can honestly say I worked for a good portion of the things I have in my room. There were several points in my lifetime where I felt like I couldn't necessarily turn to my parents for help. They were there where they can be, sure. No one is perfect though. There was a time where I almost didn't finish high school and really, I had no one but myself to blame. I made some dumb decisions and needed to fix them knowing that options to get various tutors was not an option. An exception was made for math because there was NO WAY I was gonna get through that class otherwise. For everything else, I stepped my game up. This is just one example of many different life situations.

The same applies to gaming. You can get help in lots of different things via co-op modes in games, but it takes away from that thrill of learning and adapting on your own. Plus, if your friends are nowhere to be found, you really have no choice. Take it from me, never get a game to either humor someone, or base it off a single person. You will regret it. When you suddenly find yourself not playing the game how you want it, you'll wonder why you decided to tie yourself down. Ideally, you seek a sense of fairness and try to be at the same level (character wise) or in the same place in the game (progress wise). Nice in theory but doesn't always work out well. When you throw life into the mix, this is even harder to arrange. I recall a more recent arrangement that simply never happened due to lack of time. It was all on me but it stopped me from playing the game. This was for Gears of War: Judgment. I still have barely touched it. Good thing I rented it...

Flying solo is where you truly test yourself as a person and learn the most in general. Sometimes you just have to face the storm on your own. This funny thing always happens where something bad will happen and something good will follow not long after. My latest job in sales is very much like that, although sometimes you will be waiting a long time. When you get that big deal though, it feels good. Damn good. Watching the numbers rise as you write more and more deals. It's like seeing your achievement number go up. I can actually blame my latest job for making me want to try and accomplish more in almost every aspect of life. While I've been dead set to improve things for myself over time, the job has kinda set a new standard for me. A standard in which I shouldn't settle for less than what I deserve, and on top of that, I should try and excel at things I enjoy. Considering how much I enjoy gaming, I end up playing games on the hardest difficulty. Because, why not?

In a game, it's viewed as being a masochist, especially depending on the game. In life, it's simply having the will to challenge yourself. As much fun as it is to be social and enjoy life experiences or games with others, sometimes it just doesn't work out, or they get in the way. It's hard to find an Ellie or Elizabeth nowadays. Someone who can actually be worth having around and will support you. Should one be opposed to a player two? No, definitely not. Just give me an opening and I'll take it. Just know that flying solo is built into my blood. If someone wants to take the journey with me, so be it; but they better live up to the challenge. Just remember as stated in my article that started this, player two is not a necessity. How are you gonna act as a team if you don't even know your own potential? There are things you just have to do alone. Or you could cheat. There is always the cowards route. You can't cheat life though, so IRL you actually have to think things over. It's said thinking though that makes a difference in what you do or don't do throughout the time you are granted here on this earth.