Game Theory

by Cytotoxin

Rating: teen
Tags: Random, Slice of Life
Length: 4694

Having copied the technology of electronic computing from the parallel world, Mane 6 are charged with reviewing the games procured with it, to determine just how far the cultural contact should be permitted.

Having copied the technology of electronic computing from the parallel world, Mane 6 are charged with reviewing the games procured with it, to determine just how far the cultural contact should be permitted.

In the same time, they just might figure out some unexpected things about themselves as well.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-06-20 18:41:24 UTC

Foreword

As everypony reading this article would know, the recent advent of electronic computing have had been a subject of much controversy and opinionated discussion in Equestria. While nopony denies the tremendous opportunities afforded by computers, there is still much debate about the cultural impact of such an invention. It is not a secret that the technology itself is not of Equestrian origin - it`s been born to civilisation having very little in common with equinity. As such, many of the concepts that this civilisation is holding for granted are either alien to ponies, or are, at best, in infancy.

One of such concepts is the Internet. While the entirety of this concept could easily serve (and already had, in fact) as basises for doctorate works, we will limit ourselves with the simplest explanation for the sake of brevity. Simply put, Internet is a world-wide (Yes, this is correct. World-wide.) network connecting the computers into a singular medium of computation and information transfer. The implications stagger the mind, when one considers that such a construct enables every single pony with a computer assess an entirety of equinity`s wisdom and knowledge with just a few strokes of a button. Still, that much is only a pipe dream now. Sure, the research is going on, but it will take decades to lay down the appropriate infrastructure to even begin to recreate Internet in Equestria.

However, even without the overarching net, there is plenty of methods for information transfer on physical carriers. In theory, it is feasible to use regular books and scrolls to store information meant for computers, but compared to magnetic and optic methods of storage they are woefully slow and lacking in density. A simple "compact disk" can easily hold the entirety of cirriculum for a university, from the first day to the graduation. This also allows for storage of entertainment data of unparallelled complexity. Songs, dictation, images, even whole recorded scenes (referred to as "movies" in common parlance already). And... games. Which will be the focus of the following article.

In the interests of gauging the culture of which the technology came from and to determine just how compatible it is with Equinity, a group of pony exemplars have had volunteered to play those games and give their opinions on the experience of thereof. The group in question, the Mane 6, also known as bearers of the Elements are the best ponykind has to offer, and their reactions are the best medium by which we the ponies can possibly judge ourselves. So without further ado, let us examine their reactions.

The four following chapters are being split according to the age and popularity of games showcased. First chapter, "Old games" will examine the games created as the forerunners of industry (And currently, the only ones for which we the ponies have some kind of analog for - the arcade cabinets.). "Classics" will examine the games which are widely known as the trendsetters and pioneers of ideas that shaped the gaming. "A-list" will consider the reaction to the games created to push the technology and possibly, excitement to the limits. Finally, "Curios" will examine the games which did not see huge commercial successes but nonetheless established cult followings. For each game, all of Mane 6 will offer their thoughts and opinions, with the possible addition of extra participants where their reactions warranted specific mention.

Old Games

1) Pac-Man.

Twilight Sparkle - "It was fun. For about ten minutes. After that it got really repetitive. I suppose it could be a viable time-killer in the absence of anything better, but I`d rather read a book."

Rainbow Dash - "What? You made me lose a life! Cant you wait until Ive beaten it?... What do you mean, it`s impossible to beat it?"

Fluttershy - "...I thought it was fun until I accidentally ate a ghost... I don`t want to play it anymore."

Rarity - "I have to concur with Twilight. It was amusing for a few minutes, but quickly became tedious."

Applejack - "Yah, Rares and Twilight said it. Gotta be a better way to amuse mahself then this."

Pinkie Pie - "How did they know!? We`re in a game, whee! I have to tell Inkie and Blinkie about it."

2) Tetris.

Twilight Sparkle - "At first, I thought it would be the same deal as before, but this game is much more engaging then I gave it the credit for. I believe it is tied with the fact I do have to consider it as an ever-changing puzzle, where in previous one, I could rely on reaction alone."

Rainbow Dash - "...What do you mean this one is impossible to beat as well!? If all the games are like that, then... oh, well, why didnt you say so? Whats next?"

Fluttershy - "Its, um... nice. A bit boring, though. Not that its a bad thing, but... um."

Rarity - "WHY!? WHO MADE THIS? SO MUCH CLASHING COLORS... ARGH!"

Applejack - "Flutters is right. Ain`t much fun either, that one."

Pinkie Pie - "Whee, blocky blocky blocky! I`m so making cookies later."

3) Arkanoid.

Twilight Sparkle - "Another reaction game. I begin to see a pattern emerging here."

Rainbow Dash - "HAH! I gotcha now, DOH! Who`s your mommy!?"

Fluttershy - "Oh dear. Rainbow Dash spent three days on it. Im... pretty sure I dont want to play it."

Rarity - "This game was far too destructive for my tastes. And so much clashing color again. I do understand the limits imposed by technology and the necessity to provide contrast, but... ew. Just ew."

Applejack - "Reminds me of ping-pong. `Course, it would be more fun against a pony."

Pinkie Pie - "Why!? Pastries are our friends! Why would they block my ball so much?"

4) Leisure Suit Larry 1.

Twilight Sparkle - "...That was quite a combo breaker. Ive started the program expecting to be treated to another of the reaction tests, and instead... this. I have no words. It was like reading a book which I could change as I played. Of course, it was a bit of a coarse book, and Larry really needs a friend to tell him how to be a better... humie? Human? But still, this is very much different from the three previous ones and extremely interesting. Im considering learning to program in order to translate more of the books into that kind of format. Not all the books could be adapted to this, of course, but entertainment belletristics certainly could be, and that could make all the difference for enticing foals to start reading in earnest."

Rainbow Dash - "Larry is such a loser. Still, it was kind of awesome how he just wont give up. I mean, I can dig this kinda attitude. He just keeps going. Not that I could ever be a dweeb like him, but... hes got my respect. When you have a dream, you gotta reach for it. Granted, his dreams kinda sleazy, but hey. Were all grown-ups here, right?"

Fluttershy - "I feel so sorry for Larry. All he wants is a little love. I was very happy when I finally managed to find the happy ending. It`s so heartwarming, you know?"

Rarity - "I wonder what polyesther is. If it could stand to all the rigours Larry puts his suit through and remain white, why... this fabric should be the wonder to behold. What?... Oh, the game? It was alright, I guess. Larry himself is a boor, of course, but unlike certain prince I will not name he is not such out of malice, but rather out of naive ignorance. He really could use a friend... and some fashion advice, while at it."

Applejack - "Well, looky here. Ahve had such a chuckle outta all this. Reminds me of that time Big Mac got the idea hes good with the ladies in his head. Darn fool, but a loveable one. Somma things, though... Ahm hopin this aint for foals? Cause Ahve gotta have some words with maker of this if it is."

Pinkie Pie - "I wish I could give Larry a cupcake. And throw him a party. I mean, he did manage to get himself a party in the end, if you know what I mean, but that`s just not a Pinkie Pie party."

Princess Celestia - "My students excited gushing had prompted me to take a look at this game personally. While I can understand Twilights excitement about such a novel and entertaining way of telling stories, I found the story of Larry to be a bit.. undignified. If thats the usual way of conducting oneself... But lets hope not. The game implied pretty strongly it`s an exaggerated caricature, not a life sketch."

5) Rogue.

Twilight Sparkle - "The simplicity belies the complex nature of this game. After a few turns I found myself constructing a story in my mind. Alas, my story was cut short by a particularly lucky ork at the level seven."

Rainbow Dash - "...Twilight said Im no longer allowed to play those till I win, so I didnt. But one day, I will win this, or my name isn`t Rainbow Danger Dash!"

Fluttershy - "I didnt like this game at all. So much killing... Even if its a pretending kind of killing, I didn`t like it at all."

Rarity - "A little bit too abstract for my tastes. Twilight is certainly charmed by it, though."

Applejack - "Gotta agree with Rares. Aint bad, but you haveta imagine a whole lot. Apple Bloom an her friends sure love it, though."

Pinkie Pie - "I tried to take my usual shortcut but the game stopped working. I guess it just can`t handle Pinkie Pieness."

6) Golden Axe.

Twilight Sparkle - "While the game told us a story, it was quite clear that the focus was on the fighting. Spike is a little innerved by all the dragon riding, too."

Rainbow Dash - "We sure showed that Black Adder guy, Applejack! Mostly me, of course, but you just can`t argue with awesomeness."

Fluttershy - "No, just... no. Last game had implied killing, this one shows it. It`s not good at all."

Rarity - "Watching Rainbow Dash and Applejack play was far more pleasant then trying to play myself. I have to admit, for all it`s simplicity, the story has a certain charm. To rescue a princess... hmmm..."

Applejack - "Ah think the best part is that you can play with somepony else. Ah cant imagine this bein as fun on my own."

Pinkie Pie - "I`m with Flutters. Way too much swords, and not enough cake."

7) Loom.

Twilight Sparkle - "Incredible. Another story game, and this one has a markedly different tone. While the story of Larry Laffer was a bawdy yarn, this is a bona fide fairy tale. And yet, the music-based magic was wery well thought out and showcased many of the problems contemporary magic faces. The idea of irreversible spells may be simple, but game does not shy away from showing just how wrong it can go."

Rainbow Dash - "It was kinda awesome. Sometimes. Some parts of it were just boring and lame, but there were also cool parts. It`s like a book. Gotta read good parts with the bad parts."

Fluttershy - "Hic... Hic... I... I`m sorry... I just... poor Heather..."

Rarity - "This is the best game out of what we`ve seen so far. Drama, adventure, magic, bittersweet ending... All of this, set to classical music. If not mistaken, the game showcases the music of one of the famous human composers. Sadly, it does not do it justice a fully staffed orchestra could, but even as is, it was simply lovely. Tremendous tale."

Applejack - "A heck of a tale. Made me wonder just what is that on the other side, it did. Is it just... fulla stars like this one?"

Pinkie Pie - "They all could use a party. But now that I think of it, maybe that`s where all of the swans in the end went. To have a swan party!"

8) Dune 2: The Building of Dynasty.

Twilight Sparkle - "Astonishing. The new genre was not quite as surprising as the first time, but nonetheless, I have expected nothing of a sort. The setting is incredible, and the technology... Even if what we saw was blatant science fiction, just the ideas alone are very much thought-inspiring. Much to my chagrin, however, I haven`t had much luck in actual game. A general I am not."

Rainbow Dash - "Huh, so thats how being in charge is. I guess its kinda cool, but I wish I could join in. Commanding is all good and nice, but there`s just no substitute for leading personally."

Fluttershy - "Why are those games so violent? First fighting, and now a whole war? I have to say, I`m not liking those humans at all. They seem positively mean to enjoy things like this."

Rarity - "Fluttershy is right. This game was wholly unlikeable. It shows war at its dirtiest, dustest, sandiest, grimest... Huh, maybe thats the point. I, for one, was filled with utter distaste for the whole concept of war after seeing... this."

Applejack - "Well, Im of two minds about this. On one hoof, Flutters and Rares are quite right - war just aint good. On other, it aint like anypony is actually dying in this. Ah mean, what if we could use this to fight wars instead of actually takin up spears and slings and such and going to it? Oughta be whole lotta cleaner and safer fer everypony. Wait, what? The game? Salright, I guess. Pretty fun achally, if ya aint thinkin about war too much. Ah`m pretty good at it, looks like."

Pinkie Pie - "Mentats were funny! They all have blue blue blue blue blue eyes! Spice, huh? I wonder if I can get blue eyes if I eat enough spices. ...Oh, right, my eyes are already blue. Silly me."

Shining Armor - "This is very interesting game. While there are obvious limitations and shortcomings, this game can pose a clear challenge to a military commander. I`ve had to both dust off my tactics training and think hard about it to make it through. While this particular one has a setting too far off our realities to be suitable for generic training, a similar game with more realistic units could very well be adapted to give our cadets a taste of tactical engagement and the possible strategies of thereof."

9) Civilisation.

Twilight Sparkle - "...Once again, Im shocked and pleasantly surprised. This time, by the sheer scale of idea. The game to take on the role of... of, well... princess Celestia, I would say. An eternal leader taking her tribe from the obscurity to the pinnacle of the world, this is a tremendous concept for a game. I admit it, I lost myself to the daydream while playing. What pleased me even more is the fact that its not limited to warfare like the previous game. Science, taxes, luxury, the infrastructure of the land and the placement of settlements, the decisions on industry and agriculture, on diplomacy and defence, on research and expansion... Incredible, simply incredible."

Rainbow Dash - "Well, this game taught me one thing. Being princess is TOUGH. I mean, I always knew princess Celestia works hard for us, but I had no idea just how hard it is, before. And this is just a game. The real deal must be like ten times harder, at least."

Fluttershy - "This game is far better then previous one. They got one very important thing right - you dont need to start wars just because you can. I was very encouraged with this game. Its entirely viable to be peaceful and yet build a strong, bountiful civilisation."

Rarity - "I wish this game wasnt quite so, well... schematic. Dont get me wrong, it was incredibly interesting game, but.. sadly, it glosses over so many details. I do understand it simply wasn`t feasible to have realistic royal courts and grand balls and diplomatic meetings, but.. A part of me is sad so much of a detail had to be sacrificed in favor of grand idea."

Applejack - "A bit too much for me, this game. Ahm no princess, and ahm pretty sure ah ain`t got tha first idea on how to be one. Ah think this one is better suited fer Twilight."

Pinkie Pie - "It was great! But, um, there was no option to hold a royal party. And I really didnt understand what communism is. Twilight doesnt know, either! When I asked, she started reading through civilopedia, then got all thoughtful and stuff and said ponies didn`t invent it... yet."

Princess Luna - "We are no stranger to politics, yet... This game had proven to be quite a challenge. We have had prevailed, of course, but still we feel that many of the options we had to take to do so were quite less then our best. We shalt attempt more of this game, we believe, for it is quite an excellent tool to sharpen our neglected political acumen with."

10) The Seventh Guest.

Twilight Sparkle - "Macabre, yet oddly enjoyable game. The puzzles were varied and challenging, yet each one had logical solution. The scenes inbetween the puzzles provided the story... and scared the living daylights out of me, to be honest. Stauff is simply demonic."

Rainbow Dash - "...Pfft, like I`m scared. This game sucks!... Ok, ok, fine, I was a little bit scared. Happy now?"

Fluttershy - "It was very scary. I`m so glad we managed to save Ted from that nasty evil Stauff."

Rarity - "The game charmed and repelled me in equal measure. The mansion was simply lovely, and Ive admired many a room, for this particular game is head and shoulders over each single one weve seen so far, as far as presentation goes. The story, however, is simply ghastly. I shudder to think a monster like Stauff could possibly exist."

Applejack - "Way too brainy fer me. All them puzzles make my head hurt. And scary, too."

Pinkie Pie - "Stauff is a big meanie! Though he had a cake. Big points, there. It was scary cake, sure, but its the first cake in games, ever. Still Im glad he got defeated."

After the ten games were played, each of the participants have had been interviewed to get their overall impression so far. Here are their respective responses.

Twilight Sparkle:

Im impressed. At first, I was of an opinion there is not much more variety then your average arcade, but then... Well, youve heard my response to the fourth game. I was positively shocked by the idea. Further on, Ive began to grasp the diversity of possibilities, and Ive been utterly stupefied by it. At least half of those games forced me to use my brain extensively just to progress. Several of them contained ideas I`ve never even considered before.

Particularly, the game called Civilisation. Its simply staggering. While other games contained heavy doses of fiction, this one seems to be entirely based on the existing civilisation of humans. If this is indeed so, then their civilisation is far beyond what weve been able to glean so far. The concepts described in Civilopedia are incredible. The styles of government, for example... Obviously, anarchy and despotism are known concepts. Our nation is constitutional monarchy, so no great surprises here. Democracy... I know of it, in theory. Some of the free holds and lesser countries practice it, as a matter of fact. Republic and Communism were revelations for me, however. Republic, apparently, is the way to have democracy-like government on larger scale and we do have something similar to aid princess Celestia in governance. Communism is... stupefying. The idea of major industry belonging not to specific owner, but to people in general is very strange to me, but I have to admit there is sense in that. Very strange kind of sense, and one I don`t feel any country in the world is ready for, at least yet.

The Wonders of the World section was a source of constant wonderment for me. Each entry contained bona fide historic information on the wonder in question. At first, I believed them to be fictional, but... It does not seem so. Instead, it looks like most of the wonders have had been created already. And that... that insinuates a civilisation with history and legacy easily dwarfing our own. Of course, in some areas we are ahead, and it does not seem like humans know magic at all, but... I`m still awed by the weight of the ages hiding in this unassuming game.

The rest of the games were of varying enjoyment. I found much entertainment in The Seventh Guest and Loom... And yes, I enjoyed the misadventures of Larry Laffer, as hapless as they were. My aptitude with war games leaves something to be desired, and the rest were barely more engaging when your average arcade. Which, in my case, is "not engaging at all". Almost forgot - that Rogue game was pretty fun, once I got the controls downpat and started imaging the story to go with it. Still, the game itself was almost an afterthought to that story.

Rainbow Dash:

Well, Im not terribly impressed. Some of the stuff was pretty cool, I guess, but I expected at least twenty percent cooler. All those games are kind of slow. Ive had some fun with this paddle game, at least, and playing the fighty game with Applejack was pretty fun, but, come on. Where`s all the flying? The speed? The excitement?

What I liked the best? I guess that fighty game. Shh, dont tell Fluttershy, she was really upset about it. Still, I mean, its not like we really killed anyone, right? Its just a game. Shes sometimes taking things way too seriously for her own good, you know?

Fluttershy:

A lot of those games were very violent. I was very upset with two in particular, because they simply dont give you a choice not to do violence. I mean, I understand that sometimes you just have to fight for what is right, but neither of the games even tried to let you talk things out. Its straight to fighting with them.

I am most certain that this Dune game is entirely, completely, totally unsuitable for any foals. I mean, even a professional guard had trouble with it. To expose minors to war, even a fictional version of it, is unthinkable.

However, I have to be fair.. the Civilisation game really turned things around for me. I was about ready to give up on this whole gaming business as a lost cause, when it came up. And this game? It has things right. You can fight, but you can choose not to. You can go to war, but you can also negotiate peace. The right choice is not always the easy one, but it is still there, you can take it, and it has its own rewards. It is... fair. Its harder to be a better pony, but you can win and maintain your principles while at it. It`s a very important lesson.

Rarity:

Those games are quite a mixed bag, that they are. To be honest, I cared very little for what was shown in the beginning, but as things went on, Ive seen some real jewels. What Im talking about is Loom. I admit, the topic of fabric is near and dear to me due to my vocation, and I`ve been enthralled by the idea of loom that weaves the tapestry of the universe itself. The symbolism and musical content of the game are simply darling, and bittersweet end have had me in tears. It is a game I will recommend to any artistic soul, for it touched mine dearly.

The rest of the games pales in comparison with this sublime story, Im afraid. However, for completeness sake, I must say a few words. The story of Larry Laffer left me chuckling, yet also a little uneasy. It dances the fine line between bawdy and salacious, and at times I felt that it went too far in latter. The Seventh Guest is macabre. It is interesting and its presentation is bar none, so far, but... It scared me. Im not ashamed to admit Ive felt uneasy playing it, and I`m not sure if I care for a repeat of this feeling.

Finally, the game of Dune has left me with a lasting feeling of distaste. It showed me the unvarnished, ugly side of war, devoid of any glory or honor. Purely technical side of it, as a matter of fact. And Ive been disturbed profoundly. It was not an epic legend, it was not a tale of glory. It was work. Routine work. The industry of war. I dont know if I`ve ever uttered the words more chilling.

Applejack:

Welp, it was pretty interesting. Ah admit, ahm not much fer playin games, but even so, a coupla caught my eye. I haveta admit, Larry made me laugh. Hes got this hapless charm about him. Ahve also liked the whole Loom story. It`s kinda like the tales Granny Smith used ta tell me fer good night, when ah was little like Apple Bloom.

The rest, well... As ah said, ahm not much into playin, though workinthrough that Axe game with Dash was fun enough. Kinda a surprise ahm pretty decent with that thar war game. Course, now that Rarity done told it`s like work, ah can see why.

Pinkie Pie:

Fun! I like games, and those were all fun! Well, some more then others. I liked all the arcade-style games, buuut, well, the rest of them were kind of, yknow... not for Pinkie Pie. I mean, I liked them, I really did, but I get this feeling somepony else liked them more. Though now I really want to bake that cake with skulls and tombstones. It was pretty fun! I think Ill bake this cake for next Nightmare Night.

Princess Celestia:

After my curiosity got the better of me during fourth game, Ive taken my time to observe several others. What Ive seen encourages and disturbs me in equal manner. Human civilisation is clearly a vast and diverse one, and they are definitely not strangers to war. Yet, they are also capable of creating things of beauty... and fear. Watching my little ponies raise their Civilisation from the humble beginnings was uplifting. At this moment, I knew beyond the shadow of doubt that even if I falter and fall, many other hooves will rise up to keep Equestria standing tall, and I grew proud.

Shining Armor:

After being called in as a military expert, Ive lingered to see what other surprises the otherworldly games could pack. The following two games were... impressive, each in its own unique manner. Civilisation is stupefying. Twily had already said much about it, so I will limit myself to admitting that this game is beyond any other entertainment in it`s profound message. It is my honest belief that any career politician should play it at least once.

The Seventh Guest spooked me. I admit that without shame and without falsehood. I was not scared, but I was spooked. This being, Stauff? He reminded me of the darkness lurking deep in the hearts. Truly, only a moment of weakness separates us from the monster that each of us can become.

Princess Luna:

We are, upon some consideration, alarmed. The concept of game presumes a foal. If those humans entertain their foals by giving them games equal to us the princesses, they are most powerful, indeed. Yet, in the same time, we found ourself agreeing with captain Armor. Tis a game each politician of ours should take a try in, for it demands understanding and thought - two qualities we have found lacking in our courts. We shalt confer with Tia to determine if its legally feasible to mandate this game for any aspiring politician henceforth.