There are so many reasons to be drawn into the world of video games, with their fantastic adventures, crazy powers, and evil-to-the-core enemies to vanquish. Within the virtual realms, we also find a large number of items that are just so fun to use. Inventive gadgets have always had an appeal among a certain crowd, which is why the James Bond movies are still popular, and also why specialty shops carry expensive replica lightsabers that they have no problem selling.
Watching on-screen heroes utilising powerful technology is one thing, but taking control of these gadgets ourselves is something entirely different, which is why games are the perfect place to feature them. Many of them are fantastical, impossible and super-cool, and we always find ways of bending their powers to our will.
We’ve all said “I want one of those!” while playing a video game before. We know that it’s never going to happen, as the technology simply doesn’t exist, but there’s no sense in giving up the dream. There are so many examples of neat gaming items that an entire book could no doubt be written on the subject, but unfortunately, I just don’t have time for that. However, here’s a short list to get the ball rolling.
This list is not the top five video game items, merely five that I desperately want. That you desperately want. That the world desperately wants:
Handheld Portal Device (Portal)
Yeah, I started with the most obvious - the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, also know as the Portal Gun. I don’t think a single person played Valve’s excellent puzzle game without wishing they owned one of these awesome gadgets. Being able to link two areas opens up a world of possibilities, but doesn’t come without its dangers. I could see many broken legs, necks, arms and spines following the release of such a device, but I suppose a pair of Long Fall Boots and some practice would help immensely.
Stealth Camouflage (Metal Gear Solid)
Turning oneself invisible isn’t an idea exclusive to Metal Gear Solid, but unlocking that Stealth Camouflage and running circles round your enemies highlighted the need for such an awesome device. I think we’ve all experienced times when we’d like to disappear, and Stealth Camouflage would be just the ticket. Not only would it have practical applications in modern warfare, but would give guys the chance to finally live out the age-old fantasy of sneaking into the girls’ locker room. Voyeurism FTW!
Jetpack (Grand Theft Auto series)
Another invention that’s appeared in fiction since the dawn of sci-fi, the jetpack allows its wearer to soar above the city and laugh at the ant-like people below. It may not be original, but I just had to include a flying device in the list. Being able to fly is the ability that so many people would love, which is why superheroes tend to have this power. No more traffic, no more walking, no more fear of being mugged as you make your way home late at night - that’s what you get when you strap on one of these bad boys.
Dagger of Time (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time)
Okay, this is a bit of a weird one, as it’s not quite clear exactly how one would use it, but being able to slow, stop and rewind time has got to be handy. In Prince of Persia, the price would rewind time after a fatal fall, but of course, a fatal fall would leave the owner unable to trigger the power. However, it would be useful after embarrassing yourself or doing something you instantly regret. To quote from the awesome game, Braid, “If we’ve learned from a mistake and became better for it, shouldn’t we be rewarded for the learning, rather than punished for the mistake?”
Potion (Just about every RPG ever)
Health Potions are ubiquitous with video games, but are best know in RPGs, including the popular Final Fantasy series. We’ve become so used to their healing powers that it’s easy to forget how amazing they are, but a single drink that brings its owner from the brink of death back to physical perfection is possibly the most useful item on this entire list. The medical profession would become child’s play if such a beverage existed, as it would heal wounds from any injury. Plus, they tend to come in pretty stylish bottles!
There are so many more interesting, clever, and enviable items in gaming that this list barely scratches the surface, but I think it’s safe to say that these five items would have limitless potential in the real world. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw at least one of them within our lifetimes (the jetpack or stealth camo, probably), as life tends to imitate art once science catches up.
So now I leave it to you - which gaming items or gadgets would you like to own, or otherwise see brought to life? Leave a comment and let us know.
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