After the recent Los Angeles earthquake, our own Editor Chad Concelmo realized (while curled in the fetal position under his desk) that there could be some ideal games to have on hand to play in case of such a natural disaster.
Similarly, I find myself battening down the hatches here in Miami awaiting the landfall of Tropical Storm Fay, wondering what games would be best to have on hand should she morph into a hurricane by the time she makes landfall and chews a hole through my condo. Unlike the President, I like to come prepared (see Hurricane Katrina, as in Colette’s experience with). Have I mentioned I live on the bay of Miami?
1. LostWinds (WiiWare)
Lost Winds is an excellent warm-up for a few days before the hurricane hits. It might be good to practice your wind control, get accustomed to being blown around, etc. The peaceful atmosphere is only thing that kind of throws it all off, unless you want to pretend you’re playing in the eye of the storm. Try turning the music down and playing a Halloween sound effects CD to get that chaotic noise vibe going (the track with the screaming is preferable).
2. Mega Man II (NES)
Mega Man II, or the boss fight against Air Man in Mega Man II to be more precise, is an ideal starting point for your day-before-the-hurricane prep gaming. You may very well need assistance moving through tremendous gusts of wind if a hurricane is heading your way, and just in case you decide to ignore the pleas on television to evacuate. A worthwhile note: hurricanes are not as easy to defeat as Air Man.
3. Disaster: Day of Crisis (Wii)
Unfortunately, Disaster: Day of Crisis is not out yet, so in the meantime I’d recommend you watch the trailers (pay attention to the tremendous swell of water headed for the coast as you get prepared for storm surges) and do your best to channel your natural survival instincts and add this to your list to play once it does come out (whenever that will be). Hopefully we’re not all dead by then.
