UPDATE 7TH JUNE: What. A. Thread. I’ve laughed, I’ve been watery-eyed, and I’ve been taken back to the carefree days of my childhood. To everyone who took part, thank you. Seriously, thank you.
It’s taken me a long time to decide upon a winner because there are so many brilliant memories. I’ve said it before about the Zelda and Star Wars memories and I’ll say it about the Street Fighter memories too: if anyone ever asks you why people play games, show them the comments here. They warm my nerdy heart.
There’s something slightly different about the Street Fighter memories, though. I notice themes emerging from the memories of each game, and a big one here, which is fundamental to what the game is about, is competition – and with it, rivalries. There have been some spectacular stories about overcoming challenges and beating – or being beaten by – an incumbent champion. Shout out to MrE26 (search for their names and you’ll find their comments), turbografx16, Faseli and Neuroniky in this regard. Neuroniky, I really felt for you!
Equally, though, there are stories about Street Fighter helping form bonds between people. DerShreckliche’s ‘cocky lad and the dad’ story made me laugh, and sandman2k22’s account of one final, epic match between friends was very nearly the winner here. AERO_HDT’s story of two young kids on the wrong side of town, spending one unforgettable night playing Street Fighter 2 brought a tear to my eye. Much of it had to do with the way they signed the memory off by shouting out their fondly remembered friend; I saw many other people do this and it’s beautiful.
I found JoilantArgus’ story of repairing their relationship with their father via Street Fighter really touching, too. Likewise, KashV1’s memory of gaming with their dad and now wanting to share games with their own family in the same way.
And oh how I’ve laughed! Humbug, your story had me in stitches. So did yours, gordon_woodbine – I can hear that northern accent even now.
There were some unexpected memories, too. I’d never thought Ken and Ryu kicking each other in mid-air could be a substitute for counting sheep but now, thanks to hkedik, I do. I especially loved JonnoHay’s memory about learning an important lesson in graciousness – both in victory and defeat – one night at the hands of a patient player, too. It’s a memory that would influence Jonno’s life and even what they teach young people they work with now, too. “Sometimes, you just need to take an L and learn from it.” Wise words indeed.
The winning memory also had an air of the unexpected about it. Weebleman, it gives me great pleasure to say you are our champion. Yours was, simply, an unforgettable tale. I did not expect that twist. Superb.
Here is the winning entry, tidied up a little, for your pleasure.
“A few years back I was in a retro arcade place enjoying a bit of streetfighter with my kid. Standing next to me was a random kid of about 8 years old. His family were on a machine next to us but he was just watching the brawls unfurl on my screen. He was asking questions about characters and what moves they can do and, being a parent myself, I was happy to answer.