Top 10 Most Influental Games (In My Life)

(In Chronological Order)

# 1 - Snake

Snake - a simple game, probably one of the first I ever played.

# 2 - Jetpack

I could waste hours in jetpack, playing, building levels, randomizing plays, versus mode, or all that stuff.

# 3 - Command & Conquer

This game was basically fun at its core. You build stuff. You destroy stuff. And that was fun.

# 4 - The Secret of Monkey Island

I have never laughed so much in a game since TSoMI. It was my first "real" adventure game, and will always remain my favorite.

# 5 - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past introduced me to the epic quest. The game was so long; the world was so huge; the items were so plentiful; the dungeons were so menacing; the story was so epic; and the game was great.

# 6 - Transport Tycoon, Theme Hospital, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Sim Tower, Dune & Millennium: Return to Earth

Strategy games for some reason are just fun. You don't need a story; you don't need characters; all you need is great gameplay, and that's what these games delivered.

# 7 - Final Fantasy VI

I had always heard of Final Fantasy, but I never really knew what it was, or what it was about. I finally picked up FF3 (a.k.a. FF 6 a.k.a. FF VI) and started to play it. The combat system confused me and I had no idea what to do. After trying to play it for the third or fourth time, I finally stuck with it and played it all the way through. I don't think I'll ever play another game that has the same emotional impact that you get from the story, the characters, and the game world.

# 8 - America's Army

Everyone gets their start in the first-person-shooter somewhere. The first FPS I happened to play also happened to be the first competitive online game I ever played. Since then, gaming has meant a different thing to me. Multiplayer was just as, or more important than single-player.

# 9 - Half-Life 2

Every once in awhile a game comes out that totally redefines what a game can be. First you had text-adventures; then you had 16 color pixels; then you had 256 VGA; then you had Super VGA; then you had 3D; and then you had Half-Life 2.

This game just blew my mind away from the opening monologue, and continued to shatter my brain throughout the rest of the game. I didn't even know those things were possible in a game, yet I was playing it.

# 10 - Counter-Strike: Source

Some games are just so fun, and so ridiculous, that it doesn't matter if it's a good game, or a bad game. Counter-Strike is one of those games.

America's Army -> to CS

How to switch to Counter-Strike Source from America's Army

Rule # 1
Never hold down fire. With rifles you want to BARELY burst the gun for 1 or 2 shots, sidestep to dodge, and then burst again. The sidestep allows time for your gun to regain it's accuracy, so then you can fire again, while also dodging.
Rule # 2
Crouching is almost always bad. Crouching makes you slow, and immobile, and the increase in accuracy is not really that helpful. NEVER crouch around corners. STAND to strafe around corners. It makes you faster, a harder target, and allows you to strafe back in if it's not safe.
Rule # 3
Aim for the head for single shots. Aim lower if you spray your gun (aim for the torso/legs).

Basic Rule for Shooting
The majority of your shots you want to be STANDING, NOT MOVING, and in between your bursts, you want to be strafing left and right to avoid enemy fire. Cover helps for strafing.
If you are spraying with a rifle, you generally want to be aiming DOWNWARDS towards their waist. If you are spraying with a SMG, just aim towards the neck/upper torso.

ALWAYS:
Run with your knife or pistol.
Buy a defusal kit.
Cover/Execute the objective.
Help your teammates.
Check every corner and watch your back for any flankers, no matter where you are.
Choose Auto-Assign.

NEVER:
Stay immobile in a long shoot out with an enemy facing you.
Ignore the objective (Unless it proves beneficial in the long run $$$$ if you're being stacked)
Crouch to approach an enemy.
Rush into a mess of enemies, especially when it is unneccesary.
Stack (Join the unfairly advantaged winning team).

Yes, counter-strike source is a terrible, unrealistic game.

Mountain Pass SE

JoshTheGeneral's America's Army Guide to Mountain Pass SE (MPSE):
Note: This would probably be a more effective and more useful guide if I wrote it over two years ago.

100% = Excellent Strategy. Minimal Chance of dying and Excellent chance of winning.
50% = Works half the time. Die sometimes, works sometimes. 50/50.
0% = Never do this strategy.

General Strategies for MPSE:
DEFENSE:
1. GENERAL DEFENSE 95% Go to Defense Peak and shoot at the road for awhile, or until it's clear. After that, watch South-East hill for awhile from a safe distance shooting enemies, or helping your teammates in trouble. Afterwards, have your teammates report enemy positions and act accordingly to central peak, south-east hill, or the defense fork ridge, all while staying a safe distance from 203 spots and watching the convoy.
2. SOUTH-EAST HILL 76% Rush South-East hill by going straight over the top of DPeak and down the front side. If you maneuver correctly, you will not get hurt at all from the fall. Rush to the hill (while bewaring of snipers and enemy 203s on the assault cliff ledge) and pull out a nade as you approach the top. Pull it out and start cooking it 1 second before the other side is visible. There is a good chance you made it here before enemies, and now you can toss nades onto their heads while they scream in terror. Throw more nades and shoot enemies, but make sure not to get sniped or 203'd by anyone in the back trees or near Assault Spawn. After the hill is clear by sharpshooting or whatnot, you can either return to GENERAL DEFENSE, or SPAWN FLANK.
3. UPPER RIDGE RUSH 55% If you choose a slot that spawns on the ridge, rush up as fast as you can and get prone behind the first trees. Barely stick your head out the bottom side of the tree, so that the main portion of the North Cliff is visible. DO NOT, DO NOT stick your head out to the view of angry 203ers waiting at the North-East Cliff bump. Shoot any enemies who come into view, hoping not to get 203d. After it's clear, you can rush the ledge if appropriate, and begin a SPAWN FLANK or return to the convoy as fast as possible.
4. SOUTH CENTRAL PEAK 68 % Rushing South Central Peak is dangerous. Very dangerous. If you want to, you can rush out on the road, shoot any enemies looking at Defense Peak, and then start a SPAWN FLANK. Or, you can camp on South Central Peak, wait for the West High Ledge to heat up, try to pick them off, and then return to GENERAL DEFENSE. Or, you can camp on South Central Peak, wait for the road rushers and upper ledge rushers to pass, sneak around towards the road to the North side of central peak, and the kill the unsuspecting Assaulters on the West Upper Ledge by sharpshooting.
5. VALLEY RUSH 79%You may rush valley if it deems worthy to your team strategy. This strategy works best if you rush on the left side of the valley, stop and hide while the South-East Assault rushers to pass, and then go into the Valley Cubby"tm" to either shoot enemies, or wait it out. When appropriate you can flank South-East hill and return to GENERAL DEFENSE, or you may attempt a SPAWN FLANK.
6. SPAWN FLANK 83% A spawn flank consists of you entering the Assault spawn. This would probably be by the valley mouth. If you reach this early in the match (About 7-8 minutes left.) you may wish to flank upper ledge, although it is ALMOST always better to flank Central Peak. Flanking central peak consists of you running down the road, screaming "DONT TK ME" to your teammates, and then sitting on central peak shooting all Assaulters from behind. This is the best strategy for defense if done properly.
7. CONVOY CAMP 75% Camp at an appropriate spot in the convoy. My best spot is in one of 2 special trees that allows for an excellent view of the objective, while also keeping you hidden completely.
M-16 All of the strategies apply to M-16.
203 The 203 should probably stay on GENERAL DEFENSE. Occasionally, you may wish to rush SOUTH-EAST HILL, and attempt a SPAWN FLANK.
M-24/M-82 Will probably want to preform GENERAL DEFENSE, or, they may wish to rush the lower ledge, and camp in the corner for an ultimate flank. Other alternatives include Central Peak (NorthWest side) or South Central Peak, or valley.
M249 SAW The SAW is exposed and loses the stealth element because of its tracer bullets. You would NOT want to do UPPER RIDGE RUSH, and you probably would NOT want to do VALLEY RUSH. GENERAL DEFENSE is appropriate, as is SOUTH-EAST HILL.



ASSAULT:
THE EARLY GAME:
1. THE ROAD RUSH 40% This consists of you being a maniac, rushing the assault trail, dodging 203s and sniper shots left and right, reaching Central Peak quickly, perhaps killing any Defense players who were foolish enough to camp at the base or rush the upper ledge, then preforming CENTRAL PEAK GAME.
2. CENTRAL PEAK 85% When you reach central peak, you are in a standoff with the Defense team. Once on Central Peak, you must be wary of enemy snipers, sharpshooters, or 203ers facing your direction. Jump hop, and side-step by whatever means necessary to dodge bullets and don't peak out too far. If the coast seems clear, or you need to move out, rush down south central peak into the valley mouth, where you will most likely be protected by enemy fire. Enter LATE GAME.
3. ROAD CAMPEROO 88%If you are a sniper, you may hide in a special trees, but DO NOT, EVER IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, stick your head out of the front of the tree. This exposes you very easily. When you need to see Defense Peak, slide out barely from the SIDE OF THE TREE. This minimalizes exposure. Or, you may wish to snipe through holes in the tree.
3. A. ROAD SNEAK 80% If you are not a sniper, you may wish to RUSH THE ROAD, except not as a maniac. You can hide in a tree in front of the assault trail, stay hidden from all 203ers and snipers for several minutes (Perhaps until the timer goes to 8 or 7.) and then move out onto assault trail. But watch the road for any rushers while camping. Check Dpeak, and if you are lucky, there will be no Snipers or 203ers watching you. Then you can rush to Cpeak easily.
3. A. ASSAULT CLIFF CAMP 94% This strategy mainly applies to the 203 or sniper. Camp near assault cliff ledge, watching Defense Peak, the Valley, or the Road for any enemies. When timer ticks down you may go South-East for the LATE GAME or go towards CENTRAL PEAK for the LATE GAME.
4. SOUTH EAST ATTACK 60% Rush South-East hill either off the Assault Cliff or the valley Mouth. This attack splits up into two categories:
4. A. CAMP and HIDE (SE HILL) 75% Hide in a tree (preferably on the back side of valley) and wait for the entire defense team to pass through. You may either shoot them as they try to flank, or emerge stealthily and head for Defense peak. Transfer to LATE GAME.
4. B. KING OF THE HILL 50% Rush to the top of SE hill, using the left side (preferably), and avoid all nades at any cost. Use your gun at this moment, it is more efficient than your grenades. Wait for the enemies to come over and shoot them as best as you can. After the ensuing firefight, try to sharpshoot enemies on top of Defense Peak. Time ticks down, so transfer to LATE GAME.
5. VALLEY RUSH 77% Rush into the valley using trees as cover to avoid being seen from Defense Peak. This is your primary concern. If you are seen from above, your stealth element is exposed for the LATE GAME and you may be naded. Once you reach the cliffside, you are safe from DPEAK, and now you have to worry about the valley. If there are any enemies, take them out and proceed towards the West valley Mouth. Shoot any enemies on Central Peak and creep up into the valley mouth when appropriate. Enter LATE GAME.
6. UPPER LEDGE 84% When you go upper ledge you must be cautious of 3 things: South Central Peak Rushers, North-West Central Peak Campers, and Upper/Lower Ledge Rushers. After all enemies are taken care of, rush down to Dfork and enter LATE GAME.
LATE GAME
1. VALLEY MOUTH 85% -
You may use smoke on the convoy to create a distraction. Do not use smoke as cover for the objective, it will only draw attention that the objective is getting taken. Unless you're sure the only enemy watching it is a sniper or something.
1.A DPEAK TOP 80% Rush up DPEAK from the left side, careful of any 203 or sniper fire. After getting halfway up, check the Yeti Ledge, then continue up the side. Once at the top clear out dpeak from behind, and kill all enemies. Take the convoy once it's clear.
1.B CONVOY RUSH 80% Go right from the valley mouth and rush towards the convoy. You may use the hill below fallen tree as cover to sharpshoot enemies. Once in the convoy, you must carefully check the pit and the cars, and the surrounding trees for enemies. Take the convoy if necessary.
2. SOUTH-EAST 90%
2.A. SNEAKY B 80% Sneakily rush the far valley towards B, and take it from behind the door while no-one is looking. This is an excellent strategy if you are far outnumbered.
2.B DPEAK BEHIND 77% Rush the far valley, but go up on DPEAK From behind and kill enemies. Take convoy, etc.
2.C DPEAK FRONT 84% Instead, go up the front and repeat enemy killings.
3. DEFENSE RIDGE:
3.A. Go to Central Peak and Commence Valley Mouth.
3.B. Rush Down and preform the CONVOY RUSH.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES:
DEFENSE:
Apply GENERAL DEFENSE 95% , or if necessary, do a SPAWN FLANK any time possible. Check any of the areas for weakness that will allow an easy flank and rush them.
ASSAULT:
ASSAULT CLIFF CAMP 94% will almost always be your best bet. If you have sniper, you may want to be a ROAD CAMPEROO.

GENERAL TIPS:
Take cover from 203s, snipers, and keep the high ground. Do not peak out of a tree - Slide out of a tree while using the road as a dark camoflauge. Hiding is your friend - There are many trees to help you. Always check the fog - You can always spot enemies who think they are invisible. Never peak out more than you need to - Snipe their heads while only exposing the hair of your head. Use burst on M-16... maybe.

Thanks for reading.

Americas Army--circa 2003

Playing an Online FPS for the first time:
Thesis statement: Playing an Online game for the first time is a unique experience.

Playing on the internet against real people, in a real fun game for the first time is an exciting thing. But I had never experienced it until they year 2003.

Back in the days of dial-up, pixels, and ugly 3d graphics, I didn't get to play many first person shooters, especially those on-line ones. I had so much fun playing Goldeneye multiplayer for the few hours that I did, and thought it would be awesome to play it with twice as many people, and with a keyboard and mouse.
But those games cost money, and they cost an internet connection, something of which I didn't have.

Then came along a free pn-line FPS that didn't absolutely suck. Having downloaded it and then realizing we also needed a machine that was 5x better than what we had, we still couldn't play.
But to make a long story short, we started playing Americas Army in late 2002/early 2003.

Why Americas Army was so fun:
I joined a server and realized... hey, that guy over there is a real person! It's not a dumb computer who barely moves and has terrible aim! I played around a little and thought, this map is crazy! I wanna go everywhere and stuff. Then there were enemies, objectives, and hiding places! It was crazy!
Days pass and you join more games. There's so many different maps to try out. If one map is so fun, then the others must be fun too. You could play different sides, try out different guns, try out different maps, use different strategies, get different objectives. It was so different, new, fun, and interesting.

I would join a game one day and think: Ok, what strategy can I use against THIS specific Defense Team to assault into the pipeline building? Ok, I'm in. How should I approach this door? There might be an enemy on the other side. Should I flash it? Nade it? Smoke it? Or just run out, guns blazing?
I would kill the enemy, or I would die, learning a new lesson in FPS.
So many crazy situations would come upon me, and so many different ways to handle them. You could run, hide, close doors, nade, shoot, go prone--all sorts of different stuff.
You could spend hours learning strategies and how to handle specific objectives whether you were on Assault or Defense. It was so fun, and it never got old, because almost every situation could play out a different way, depending on dozens of variables.
Fun times.

Then years pass and you get used to this thing called "Online gaming." Playing with real people isn't so crazy anymore. Strategies and tactics are like 2nd-nature. Fun still? Yes. But new, exciting, different? No.

And now it's 2006. Online gaming is old. FPS games are old. Strategies are old. Tactics are old. Games are very, very, old.

Conclusion: I'm not exactly sure. Online games are not the same today as when you first played them.