I was a massive game fan... until I was struck with nervous exhaustion. Seriously... at the end of last year I was playing 'Rainbow Six:Vegas', online on my 360, from about midnight 'til 4 or 5 in the morning. I'd then go for about two hours sleep and then get up to start work. I did that for about 5 weeks... until my body and brain said 'Oi... no more!'
I basically cracked up… a combination of no sleep and stress-inducing game-play. I then panicked about my health which led to a downward spiral of fear and anxiety. I spent three months of this year on pills to prevent dizziness and nausea... and beta-blockers to alleviate panic attacks. Specialists, MRI scans… you name it. I’ve even been seeing a psychologist.
I’m a lot better now but I’m still not able to watch the kind of motion that first-person play creates on-screen… I get nauseous almost immediately. I even get a little sick with normal monitor use.
Here’s to excesses!
Anyway… ‘Rainbow Six’ was/is brilliant. And one day, when I’m fully recovered, I’ll be able to play again… although this time in moderation!
Apart from that… you can’t beat the old classics. I used to love ‘Manic Miner’ on my Spectrum. If you saw it now, you’d laugh… but it had a charm many games just don’t have anymore.