In 2003, Jesse Petrilla developed
Quest for Saddam, a first-person shooter
where the player storms a crude temple
and viciously rips through scores
of turban-crowned enemies. On the walls
hang pixelated pictures of Saddam in lingerie.
Here, rabbits’ coats change color in winter,
berry bushes morph to agave, an old mariner appears only
when it rains – unbreathing – to tell me
what I’m not ready for.
white boy
with blonde hair and blue eyes
fits all sizes
Once per lifetime,
you may trade fish
for the blessing
of the Lake Goddess.
Successfully hook the elusive
blue trout, throw it back.
The Goddess emerges,
green-haired specter
over water, and boosts
your choice bachelorette’s
affection fifty points.
Here you can slide on the ice
with your sister
Here when you are hurt your body is shortened
legs chopped from beneath you
Here if you hold the a-button you can linger in the air
a canyon-jumper
We think video games are literature, and so why shouldn't there be literature about video games? That's the question we're hoping to answer here. Read more.
