Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Restarting is harder than Starting
The chat erupted into laughter as the anchors delved into the games of these budding designers, finding it all in good fun. How could anyone in their right mind spend money on such inexplicable creations?
The game's file size was modest, swiftly downloaded with just a click.
"Take a gander at this game's introduction, folks," Brother Yin announced, ready to share the details with his audience.
"This here's a rock climbing adventure, meant to toughen up your mental fortitude. Let's hope y'all can tackle it with a grin. And when you clear a level, be sure to share a heartfelt word. It's a breeze, I tell ya!"
[Ding!]
With the download complete, Brother Yin eagerly dove into the new game.
"Hey there, folks! Today, we're diving into Digging the Ground and Seeking Ascension. Brace yourselves for the thrilling debut!" he exclaimed with a grin as he clicked to launch the game.
Onscreen, a figure seated within a jar, brandishing a slightly rusted hammer, greeted him. The man's bare arms bore the weathered marks of sun and wind.
Brother Yin chuckled as he surveyed the scene. "Saw this fella on the cover and figured he was doing some hard labor. But now that we're in the game, turns out he's really putting in the work!"
The protagonist wielded their hammer with both hands, executing a series of actions like pushing, pulling, and hooking to progress.
Meanwhile, the chat couldn't help but voice their opinions:
"I wouldn't touch this game with a ten-foot pole! Brother Yin deserves a medal for not refunding it yet."
"Who came up with this character? Are they even a game design major? The industry's in dire straits!"
"I agree, let's not let them graduate."
"It's so absurd, it's actually hilarious!"
"No wonder the creator had us in stitches. Their sense of humor is on point!"
...
"This is just too much. What's the message here? Making fun of people with disabilities?" Brother Yin pondered aloud, guiding the character through the game.
With just a few clicks, he propelled the character forward, navigating the challenges with surprising ease.
Ahead, a lone tree stood amidst a sea of earthy stones, its presence oddly conspicuous.
As he passed by, Brother Yin couldn't help but wonder about its significance.
The rock wall before him, uneven and daunting, conveyed a clear message to seasoned gamers like himself.
With a deft flick of the mouse, he guided the character to scale the cliff's face, reaching the summit with practiced ease.
"Ah, piece of cake!" he exclaimed, "It's all very straightforward!"
In a glance, he deciphered the game's premise: a climbing challenge where mastery of the hammer was key.
As he prepared to continue his ascent, a sudden interruption brought the game to a halt.
A deep voice echoed through the background music, delivering a cryptic and mocking soliloquy.
[Well, thank you for embarking on this journey with me. Whenever you need to call it quits, I understand. Just find a safe spot and take a breather. Don't fret, I'll always be here to save you, even if you slip up.]
The chat exploded in response:
"Too funny, the narrator's a real gem!"
"This kid may not be great at gaming, but they've got a knack for messing with people's minds!"
"Just a mistake, and now they're taunting us?"
"I might just buy this game to leave a scathing review and get a refund."
...
Brother Yin's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the flurry of comments, his mind reeling from the sudden realization.
This game was playing mind games!
With a mixture of amusement and frustration, Brother Yin resumed playing, adopting a more cautious approach.
Yet, the more careful he became, the more he struggled with the controls.
The mouse, though responsive, felt cumbersome against the character's jerky movements.
And with each misstep, his resolve waned.
For three grueling hours, his mental fortitude was put to the test.
"Stay focused, stay steady, inch by inch, we'll get there," he muttered to himself, his grip tightening on the mouse.
As the character soared towards the peak, Brother Yin's heart raced.
But then, a moment of hesitation led to disaster.
The hammer slipped, sending the character hurtling back to the ground.
"No, no, no!" Brother Yin cried out in anguish as he watched the character's rapid descent.
Unable to cling to the rock wall, the character tumbled downward, landing back where they started.
It took several seconds for the protagonist to come to a stop, the impact resonating with the viewers.
Once more, the lone tree stood sentinel, its branches bare against the sky.
And as the narrator resumed their monologue, Brother Yin couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity.
[There's no feeling quite like 'Starting Over,' is there? It's like deleting your assignment the day before it's due. Been there, done that. Starting over is tougher than starting up. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, like you're facing more stress than you should at your age, take a break. I'll be here for you.]
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