Friday, February 29, 2008

Down the Rabbit Hole

I'm happy to report that my cold is finally abating, unfortunately a new illness is upon me. This new sickness is an addiction - an addiction so great that it could easily threaten my health, my family and my ability to hold a job.
I know you're asking yourselves, "Is Petula smoking the crack? Chasing the dragon? Paying a visit to Mr. Brownstone?" (because that's how you guys talk). No, it's something far more insidious: the video game American McGee's Alice.
I read about it when it first came out about eight years ago and really wanted to try it, but it was for pcs and in those days we just had a Mac. Since then they've released a Mac version and I've switched to a pc, but I'd already forgotten about it.
Just a little while ago I ran across a reference to the soundtrack of the game which jogged my memory and caused me to hunt it down. How was I to know the mayhem that would ensue?
After a rough beginning (I'm a complete novice at video games and definitely not a natural) I got completely sucked in. Morning turned into afternoon which turned into night. At midnight I tore myself away and went to bed, only to toss and turn sleeplessly as I imagined myself battling the Queen's guard cards and evil mushrooms. I then caught myself thinking, "Hmmmm....maybe I should go downstairs and play a level or two just to help me relax." Just a little fix, that's all I need....
Today has been more productive, but only because I'm using the game as a carrot on a stick. In fact, the only way I was able to write this post was to tell myself that as soon as I finished I could play another level.



edited to add: I've put in at least 12 more hours of playing time and I'm still not at the end. I think my addiction might be on the verge of curing itself as I've started to develop a hostility towards the game.



5 Comments:

Blogger Julia Pequlia said...

Oh God, I know the sickness. I do it in a far more nerdly year once a year with a Dungeons and Dragons type game.

At least your sickness is for a cool game.

Are you getting help from Morris and Midge?

8:17 PM, February 29, 2008  
Blogger Petula Darling said...

I'm sure you'll be shocked to learn that Morris and Midge have been absolutely no help at all.
I'm glad to hear you have a game addiction too - pathology loves company!

7:26 PM, March 03, 2008  
Blogger Catalyst Of Calamity said...

Just give in to the addiction. The best way to get over it is just to let go and don't say no until it passes. The more you try and stay away the more you'll want it. Oh, how I know...What's that? You say I should go play The Sims for a bit just as a treat? Why, yes, I think I will!

4:22 PM, March 04, 2008  
Blogger Gretel said...

Oh I've got this,I haven't played it for years, but it is fantastic isn't it? I never did finish it, I might have to dust it off and see if it will run on Vista. It is a very long game...but then, they usually are. ;)

6:22 AM, March 12, 2008  
Blogger artandghosts said...

im the same. i am not a game type of person, but i was hooked to this - it had far more depth than a typical game, and if you havent got to the end yet, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as alice comes to some pretty hefty self realisations.
wonderful stuff indeed!

i adored the music too and had to find the cd;)

Lou ^_^

7:08 PM, March 19, 2008  

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