HIStory - EP.03 : CRONOTK (PARCOURS, ATTENTE GTA 6, JEUX ROCKSTAR PRÉFÉRÉS...)

This podcast episode features a conversation with Chrono, a journalist for Les Numériques, who discusses his lifelong passion for video games, particularly Rockstar Games titles, and his anticipation for GTA 6. Chrono's gaming journey began in his childhood, influenced by his father's early computing and Sega consoles. He emphasizes that video games have always been his primary hobby, even above social activities, and have significantly shaped his interests, from martial arts to music discovery through game soundtracks. He highlights three key aspects that define his gaming experience: the initial discovery of games, the challenge of difficulty, and the immersion provided by a coherent and engaging universe. He recalls being both thrilled and traumatized by early experiences with games like Doom due to their content and religious upbringing. A pivotal moment was discovering the challenge in games like Ninja Gaiden, which led him to play all his games on maximum difficulty to push his limits. He also values visual quality and consistent world-building, citing Mass Effect as an example of a universe that, while not realistic, is internally coherent and immersive. This appreciation for immersion explains his interest in VR and first-person perspectives in games like GTA V. He shares his formative gaming experiences, including early Sega titles like Psycho Fox and Zilion, and the impact of Prince of Persia and Doom. He distinguishes between different types of difficulty, preferring the reactive and tactical challenges found in games like Ninja Gaiden over the more pattern-based difficulty of FromSoftware games, though he enjoys both. Among his most influential game licenses, Chrono mentions Dead or Alive for its combat system and the work of its creator, Tomonobu Itagaki. He expresses a deep affection for Rockstar Games titles, particularly the Grand Theft Auto series, and notes the significant impact of Crysis in shifting his preference towards PC gaming due to its technical prowess. He also highlights Mass Effect and Bioshock as impactful mainstream titles and expresses fondness for older games like Secret of Mana. He admits a dislike for most racing games but found an exception in Forza Horizon. He also champions Titanfall 2 as an underappreciated FPS. Chrono identifies as someone who enjoys both solo and multiplayer experiences. He plays solo games slowly, focusing on exploration and immersion, while in multiplayer, he values the strategic and anticipatory skill over raw execution. He expresses less enthusiasm for purely cooperative games where players might not share the same pace. Reflecting on Rockstar's evolution, Chrono points to GTA IV in 2008 as a significant turning point, marking the beginning of Rockstar's "golden age." He credits the introduction of the Rage engine and Euphoria physics for a monumental leap in visual and physical realism, making Liberty City feel truly alive. This era, from GTA IV through Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire, Max Payne 3, and GTA V, is seen as a period where Rockstar consistently delivered ambitious and technically impressive titles. He fondly remembers Vice City and San Andreas for their atmosphere and storytelling, but GTA IV's immersion and technical advancements truly solidified Rockstar as his favorite studio. During this golden age, Chrono was particularly impacted by the first Red Dead Redemption for its compelling story, characters, and overall immersion, even though the Western genre isn't typically his preference. He also expresses a strong liking for the Max Payne series, particularly the first two games for their narrative depth and the third for its refined gameplay, though he notes the shift towards arcade-style gameplay in Max Payne 3. He regrets not having played Bully, which he acknowledges as a highly innovative and ahead-of-its-time Rockstar title, and expresses curiosity about Manhunt, though he has no personal experience with it due to its controversial nature. Chrono considers GTA V his favorite Rockstar game, not necessarily for its story depth compared to GTA IV, but for its accessibility, immersive modern world, groundbreaking first-person mode, and the vast number of personal memories attached to it, including playing online with his father. He acknowledges that GTA V's enduring popularity is partly due to its 13-year lifespan and the emotional connection players have developed with it. Regarding GTA 6, Chrono is highly anticipating the game and has few fears, primarily concerned about potential censorship that would compromise the developers' original vision. He hopes for unbridled visual and technical innovation, with a focus on immersion and an authentic sense of wonder. He is open to a Bonnie and Clyde-style romantic narrative, provided it is executed credibly and coherently. He also expresses a desire for Rockstar to continue surprising players with future projects, regardless of the setting, embracing the unknown with enthusiasm.