Category: Reviews
Published Date
Written by DerrickH
Everything ends. Everything. We all know it, so whats the point in trying? When you finally, truly accept it, that single truth can affect you deeply. Some people try to ignore it. They'll feign surprise when the destruction comes. Others rage against it, damning God and the universe for taking away what they feel should be theirs forever. For me, it had a calming effect.
For the past few months, I'm not ashamed to say, I've been a wreck. I would look at my life know that things were going pretty well. And that disturbed me greatly. And the fact that it disturbed me was even more unsettling. My head was a jumble of thoughts going off into all directions. Things were good, and that was difficult to handle. Because deep down, I knew that it couldn't last long. Eventually the pieces would crumble and leave me with just memories of what once was.
The simple fact is, the natural state of the universe is entropy. Nothing lasts forever. As soon as something is created, it begins a headlong rush towards oblivion. Those mountians on the horizon, will one day be gone. The ocean will dry up. The sun will go dark. The very universe itself has an expiration date. So why would anything I do be any different.
But for a while there, I forgot about entropy. I saw a path that led away from the falling rocks and drying seas. That path seemed to be solid and real. It was so bright, blinding. Part of me knew that it wasn't possible. But for a while, I was able to ignore the gentle, relentless tug of chaos.
And then it happened. The path slowly began to shatter and the true nature of the universe took hold. It took A PSN game to guide me through the shards.
Soldner-X understands how the world works. The downloadable PS3 title is not very different from the hundreds of other side scrolling space shooters that have come and gone over the years. It may have HD graphics detailing its 5 different worlds, but underneath, its an allegory for entropy. Nothing lasts forever. Soldner-X wont coddle you or try to lull you into a sense of security. From the beginning, its difficulty will grab you. Its a strong grip that at first seems overwhelming. But the more you play it, you begin to appreciate its take on the world. You won't win. Sure, it's possible, just not for you. At no time does Soldner-X cradle you and tell you everything will be okay. Instead it prepares you for the harsh reality of life by tossing wave after wave of obstacles in your path.
For some, it could get frustrating. Fighting a battle that you know you'll lose. Aware that the harder you try the tougher life will be. No matter how powerful your weapons or honed your skills, entropy will win. Its the way things are. The way things have to be.
Thats when you have a decision to make. You can surrender to the unwavering destruction ahead of you. Or you can keep moving foward, taking solace in the struggle.
Just because you can't win, doesn't mean you don't try.
Score 8/10