Do Cheaters Really Prosper?

I had only just recently completed Uncharted 3 on hard, I was however reduced to finishing it in periodic stages due to the frustration nature of this title, and obvious self-evident lack of skill, but there is only so many grenades to the face that one mans ego can endure before being reduced to a quivering, mess of frustration and shame. But with a little perseverance, through alcoholicly, enhanced determination, I finally overcame Uncharted’s relentlessly, vicious bombardment and emerged victories, with my faculties relatively unscathed (sort of). The sense of pride that empowers you as you watch Nate ride off into the literal sunset is dizzying, it’s conceivable however that these euphoric emotions were down to the alcohol I consumed, but it’s more than that, it’s the knowledge that these accomplishments were solely down to your certitude, your ability to manipulate your temperament, and to harness this anxiety to overcome the seemingly obstinate impediment in your way. The gratification you can only experience through your own hard work, but I wasn’t always so persistent in achieving these honestly endeavoured pursuits, I used to cheat…….a lot!

Back when I was a naive teenager and a far less accomplished (lazy) gamer, if a gaming situation occurred with which I felt little desire to overcome, without any hesitation, I would shamelessly cheat my way to success without the slightest indication of remorse. I was utterly shameless, and often deceitful as I boasted to friends of my illegitimately acquired successes. “The bank job in Vice City? Yep, did that, it was sooooooo easy”*, whilst simultaneously polishing my nails on my chest and exuding a sickening smugness befitting of Simon Cowell. As they looked at me with obvious inferiority at my clearly superior skills, blissfully unaware of my treachery. In my defence I had actually completed this notoriously difficult mission, just with the aid of time, patience and an invincibility cheat. But I would like to believe that have matured considerably since *written by a man in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle T-shirt*, and the notion of cheating to succeed no longer appeals to me, the rewarding consequences of cheating are so fleeting and leave you feeling almost instantaneously hollow. Sure there is added fun to be had with codes that allow you to control a flying tank, or engage in virtual “nocturnal” activities notoriously associated with San Andreas, but do we really need assistance from cheats anymore?

*Campness insinuated may not be accurate.

Do you still use cheats? Do you consider game guides as cheating? Let me know your opinion’s.