The Escapist, Issue 24: Season's Gaming

[Evil Avatar]

Holidays often mean something special to gamers - it might be memories of their introduction or a favorite title, or just the anticipation of something new to play. Our writers tell us stories and share thoughts about the holidays and games in this week's issue of The Escapist: Season's Gaming. Articles include:

Pat Miller: Season's Goodbyes (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/24/3)
"Have you ever really looked at an arcade cabinet? Most casual arcade-goers don't." Pat Miller talk about his lost home, BEARcade.

Patrick Dugan: A Fine Fantasy (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/24/9)
"Looking back on the history of gifts received, my Christmas mornings line up like a gallery of classic plays." Patrick Dugan relates the experience of Final Fantasy VI

Michael Zenke: The Games of Christmas Past (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/24/12)
Gamers always love holidays, and often remember a particular one as their introduction to gaming. Michael Zenke relates how Christmas, over many years, has affected him as a gamer.

Sean Fischer: Exile in Midgar: A Holiday Story (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/24/18)
"A lot of the times when I enjoy games, it's not because of the way it plays or how good the graphics are; it's usually about how the game made me feel, from giddy to amazed." Sean Fischer relates his first experience with Final Fantasy VII.

Bonnie Ruberg: Video Game Merchandise (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/24/21)
Sure, the holidays are about love, family, and good will ... but they're also about shopping! Bonnie Ruberg comments on gamers as shoppers, and game merchandising.

[Dirty Harry]

Man that arcade article strikes a chord with me personally.

[Bydo_Empire]

My brother and I used to do the trick of getting up super early, carefully opening up the wrapping paper, taking the cart out, wrapping the empty box back up and playing brand new Intellivision games all night. Good times. I have matured a bit, though. I know a Guitar Heroes-shaped box when I see one, and although my wife probably wouldn't notice, so far I've resisted the urge to open it a bit early.

[Heretic Machine]

Mmm... I remember getting FFVI on Christmas Eve... good times. Same with FFVII actually, I stayed up all night playing that and Monster Rancher when I first got my PS1.

[Adam Blue]

I remember getting the Genesis on Christmas. That was the best Christmas ever. Still one of the greatest systems ever.