Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 96

Just a couple screenshots of the MindMaze. I played this game as a kid and recently dug out the CD.

Entryway.

First screen upon entering the MindMaze.

Full Throttle, or my first real game

Full Throttle was probably the first real game that I was exposed to as a child. I watched my dad play through it, and I later played it on my own many times, most recently during my junior year of college. It has always been close to my heart because it was such an influence over what I enjoy in video games: good writing, story, themes, and humor.

Full Throttle was published by LucasArts in 1995 and follows Ben, the leader of a motorcycle gang called the Polecats, through a series of unfortunate happenings. It is set in a vague post-apocalyptic future (there are hovercrafts!) but still definitely in the Western United States. The general tone of the game is more serious than what is typically associated with LucasArts. There is still a great sense of dry, sarcastic humor that permeates the game, however.

The artwork of Full Throttle is gorgeous, even now. I think it has some of the prettiest painted skies ever. The voice acting is excellent, with Roy Conrad providing the voice of Ben. Mark Hamill does the voice of quite a few characters, mainly the villain (Adrian Ripburger), and veteran voice actor Kath Soucie lends her voice to Mo. The music is mainly provided by the band The Gone Jackals, who are awesome; I have the album that Full Throttle's music is culled from.

Full Throttle also has my favorite opening sequence ever. In less than five minutes, it establishes everyone's characters perfectly. It can be viewed below: 



Full Throttle is not a long game by any means. However, this is not a concern for me, as it tells a fantastic story.

All of the following screenshots were taken by me during my most recent play through of the game. My goal is to highlight the artwork and some quotes that I find enjoyable.

The Kickstand.

Rolling down Hiway 9.

Loot from the Old Mine Road.

"NOTICE: Jumping the Poyahoga Gorge, although tempting, is highly illegal and dangerous. We recommend the recently-constructed Poyahoga Gorge Bridge for trans-gorge travel. Drive safely!"

Approaching Corley Motors.

And from behind. Look at that sky.

The Vultures' hideout.

Ben: Corley Motors! I've been meaning to come here for years! This is really a religious pilgrimage for me. A religious pilgrimage with a lot of butt-kicking.

After traversing the mine-filled area outside the Vultures' hideout with bunnies...lots of bunnies.

Nestor and Bolus. Nestor is voiced by Maurice LaMarche, popularly known for his role as The Brain on Pinky and the Brain.

I can't say enough about the skies.

The end of the line.

Ben: No momentos. I'll have scars enough to remind me of this trip.

Ben: No walls. My bike is my home.

Father Torque: Life...was a game to him. And he played it by his own rules. He was a mystery to most of us. And yet, an inspiration to us all. He gave us FREEDOM. He gave us POWER. He gave us WINGS. He gave us WHEELS. Thank you, Malcom Corley, for givin' us a DREAM that will never die.

Horrace: I don't think you have the commitment that's required for the Corley Bunny Value Pack. Sorry, son.