Would you like to be Alexander ?

[David]

Dear all,I'm so glad I found this website about Alexander. I just read few messages on the forum : they all make sense and are so interesting for me, as an emerging fan of Alexander.I'm writing to launch a discussion. I am a video gamer and I think it's a shame no good video game has been released about Alexander..
Just imagine.. You could be in Alexander's skin, ruling his army, developing your own tactics...rewriting the history What do you think about that idea ? Would you like a video game that proposes you to embody Alexander ? Or is Alexander so Great for you that you think he is untouchable...?RegardsDavid

[marcus]

Welcome to the site, David!I suppose it depends on what sort of game you're talking about, David.There is a game already, called "The Great Battles of Alexander", which was released maybe 6 years ago. It's a bit basic in some ways but it's great fun, and you can play either Al or his enemies in any one of 10 different battles.I'm not aware that there's anything else, though; and I wouldn't mind seeing a more up-to-date game, with better graphics and with some of the bugs ironed out.All the bestMarcus

[neneh]

Hi David,

"What do you think about that idea ? Would you like a video game that proposes you to embody Alexander ? Or is Alexander so Great for you that you think he is untouchable...?" I'm not a great fan of video games, and I can't see even a brilliant game about Alexander changing that. Although I wouldn't mind if there was one, and I would know exactly what to get people (who *are* in to video games) for xmas and birthday presents. I don't think Alexander is untouchable, and if I had the possibility to go back there and live the life of someone close to him, or maybe even the life of the great king himself, I'd do it without hesitation. Just to know what he was thinking.

All the best,
Neneh

[Karla]

I think a game about Alexander would be great. I would prefer a nation-building game, like Caesar III, for example. It would great I think since you can create different civilizations with different qualities based on the places Alexander had conquered. I look forward to one...

[someone]

Hi David! It wouldn't mind me if there was a videogame(..interesting idea!)about ATG's life but I can't imagine myself being Alexander because of..exactly what you said. Alexander seems to me untouchable. Each personality is special and unique..especially when we talk about Alexander..the Great!

[alejandro]

Hello DavidWelcome on board.I think your idea is interesting, though a bit limited . If I am going to be the Greatest hero ever lived on earth, I will start by thinking as he did: everything must be lavish, grandiose, extraordinary. You donGÇÖt weep because there are no more worlds to conquer if your goal is only to liberate the Greek cities of Asia Minor. So letGÇÖs start thinking that way!And hence, I donGÇÖt want just a video game! I want a full virtual reality entertainment system! Where I can see through AlexGÇÖs eyes the beautiful Greek statues while they were painted and, though a bit impaired by the tears, the great pyre where Hephaistion was laid. Where I can smell through AlexGÇÖs nose the stink of blood and sweat in a close combat and the aroma of OlympiasGÇÖ hair. Where I can taste through AlexGÇÖs lips the delicious apples that allegedly he threw to Kleitos that fatal night and the ripe and soft lips of Barsine. Where I can listen through AlexGÇÖs ears the din of a phalanx drill, AristotleGÇÖs lessons and the (finally revealed!) oracle of Ammon in Siwa. Where I can feel through AlexGÇÖs hand the forceful vigour of Bucephalus and the cold of the sword he used to GÇ£undoGÇ¥ the Gordian knot.Of course, more than anything, I would like to know what he ever thought, but if that were possible, it wouldnGÇÖt be just a virtual reality game but a swap of souls!Best wishesAlejandroPS: David, please donGÇÖt think I am trying to tease you about your idea being GÇ£limitedGÇ¥, I am just kidding (though it is better to state it plainly, especially when, as in my case, English is not my first language and what may seem to me an GÇ£obviousGÇ¥ joke it is not to someone else because the wording is not the right one).

[Peter Rose]

There's a recent book titled "Alexander the Great's Art of Strategy" which shows how to be one's Alexander and details the lives of many who have practised Alexander's ways. Maybe worth a read for you.

[David]

Alejandro,Don't worry about the wording, and I fully accept the qualification 'limited' for my idea when I read the epic message you sent. It is probably a reflect of your passion for Alexander, and I'm personaly not at this point yet !RegardsD.