My passion forgaming: A Lifelong Journey (part 1)

My Passion for Gaming: A Lifelong Journey part 1 - The Early Days

PC Futbol 5.0, the most famous football simulation game in Spain in the 90s.

Gaming has been a central part of my life since childhood. I spent countless evenings immersed in the strategic depths of Age of Empires, commanding armies and crafting tactics to outsmart my opponents. The intensity of the battles in PC Fútbol had me managing teams with precision, carefully planning each match as if I were on the sidelines of a real stadium. These early experiences planted the seeds of a passion that would grow over the years, combining both strategy and action to fuel my love for gaming.

My first foray into console gaming came with the iconic Gameboy and the powerful Sega Megadrive. The Gameboy introduced me to the world of handheld gaming, with its monochrome screen that could transport me to new adventures no matter where I was. Meanwhile, the Sega Megadrive brought home some of the best gaming experiences of the time, from platformers such as Sonic and Sonic 3D to action-packed adventures like The Lion King. It was a thrilling time, and these early consoles opened the doors to immersive worlds where imagination thrived.

However, despite my love for console gaming, my dream of owning a PlayStation remained just that—a dream. Family restrictions made it impossible, and despite my persistence, I wasn’t able to experience Sony's PlayStation at the time. Still, my love for gaming never wavered. Instead, I threw myself into the ever-evolving world of PC gaming. Titles like Starcraft allowed me to explore complex sci-fi worlds, while Driver brought adrenaline-pumping car chases to life. The thrilling chaos of Grand Theft Auto 2, with its top-down action and endless mayhem, kept me hooked for hours.

As gaming technology advanced, so did my determination to stay at the cutting edge. The release of Grand Theft Auto 3 was nothing short of a revelation—its massive open world, dynamic freedom, and immersive storytelling changed the gaming landscape forever. To make sure I could experience it fully, I upgraded my PC, investing in a new graphics card just to handle the demands of such an ambitious game. This felt like a defining moment for me, one where the boundaries between reality and virtual worlds began to blur, further cementing my dedication to gaming.

PlayStation 2, Sony´s incredible sucess

2nd most sold console in videogames history

In the early 2000s, when the PlayStation 2 was announced, my excitement reached new heights. The PS2 wasn’t just another console—it represented a leap forward in gaming technology. With promises of cutting-edge graphics, DVD playback, and a vast library of innovative games, it was poised to redefine what home entertainment could be. I found myself eagerly devouring every issue of Hobby Consolas and Micromanía, two of Spain’s most renowned gaming magazines. These magazines were my gateway into the world of consoles, offering sneak peeks, reviews, and rumors about the PS2’s potential.

I can still remember the feeling of turning the pages and marveling at the screenshots of upcoming games like Metal Gear Solid 2, Final Fantasy X, and Gran Turismo 3. Each preview made the PlayStation 2 seem like an unattainable dream machine. The articles would detail every technical aspect of the console—the 128-bit "Emotion Engine" processor, the revolutionary graphics, and the enormous possibilities the system held for developers. As someone who missed out on the original PlayStation era, the PlayStation 2 felt like my ticket to experiencing the best of both worlds: the latest innovations and the ability to dive into the vast library of PlayStation classics.

But there was one thing that stood between me and this gaming revolution: the launch price. At 75,000 pesetas (about 449 euros at the time, or roughly $545 in 2024), the PlayStation 2 was far beyond my reach. For a teenager like me, the price tag felt like an insurmountable barrier. I was crushed, knowing that owning the console on my own was nearly impossible. My parents had been supportive of my passion for gaming to a degree, but I knew asking for something this expensive would be difficult.

Determined not to give up, I struck a deal with my parents. If I achieved top marks in school, they promised to reward me with the PlayStation 2. This became my driving motivation during my final year of high school, a pivotal time as I was preparing for university. Not only was I pushing myself to get into the program I wanted, but now I had the added incentive of the PlayStation 2. That year, I worked harder than ever, fueled by the dream of finally having the console that could unlock so many new worlds for me.

When I got my final report card, I had done it—I hit the high scores my parents had asked for. I was ecstatic, knowing that I had fulfilled my end of the bargain. However, life had a funny twist in store for me. Instead of the PlayStation 2, I received an Xbox. My immediate circle of friends had all started purchasing Xbox consoles, and me and my parents, influenced by my friends choice, decided it would be better if I had the same system as my friends.

At first, I was a little disappointed. I had dreamed of the PlayStation 2 for so long, and I had all but envisioned myself playing Final Fantasy or sneaking through Metal Gear Solid. But that disappointment quickly faded as I started exploring the Xbox and its library. The Xbox turned out to be a completely different experience, offering its own range of games that quickly captured my attention. What followed was an unforgettable chapter in my gaming life.

First console from Microsoft

The Xbox became the centerpiece of many social gatherings. My friends and I began what we fondly referred to as "Xbox parties." We would meet up at each other’s houses for long afternoons filled with multiplayer sessions. Halo became a cornerstone of these events—its epic battles and cooperative gameplay made it the ultimate game for our group. I remember the joy of strategizing with my friends, working together to take on enemies in the campaign, or going head-to-head in competitive multiplayer matches. The feeling of being part of a team, communicating and adapting strategies, brought a level of immersion I hadn’t experienced before. And then there was Dead or Alive 3, a visually stunning fighting game that left us all in awe of the Xbox’s power.

Those multiplayer sessions were more than just gaming—they became social events that strengthened my bonds with friends. Gaming had evolved from a solitary activity to something deeply communal, where victories were shared, and defeats were a reason for laughter. The Xbox, while not my original choice, had gifted me some of the best gaming memories of my life.