Classic gaming moments, lovingly recreated in MS Paint

The still life

Famed American novelist and all around cool dude Herman Melville once wrote, "To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme." Sage advice, true, but I believe Melville's scope was too narrow. Might I suggest, "To produce a mighty work, you must choose a mighty theme." Countless works of sight and sound have drawn upon universal themes that speak to the soul of our species.

I believe we can do better, thanks to the power of video games. Never since the invention of the theater has one creative discipline combined art, sound, and audience participation into a single, harmonious whole. And while gaming is still in its infancy, there remain dozens (hundreds? thousands?) of moments that have left a lasting impression in our minds. Drawing from these moments - these mighty themes - we have set upon the digital canvas and given them form. If you're having trouble seeing that form, don't forget you can click the expand arrow in the top right to get a better view.

Image source

"Boy with Tail" by Henry Gilbert (2014)

"Magical Sprite Shower" by Justin Towell (2014)

"Forbidden passion" by Andy Hartup (2014)

"Futility" by David Houghton (2014)

"Jason: An elegy in button X" by Artist Unknown (2014)

"the looking glass" by Anthony Snyder (2014)

"Forever in your arms" by Ashley Reed (2014)

"The Master" by Jann Jones (2014)

"rivalries" by Maxwell McGee (2014)

"On the importance of teamwork" by Lucas Sullivan (2014)

"Tragedy in motion" by UK contractor Sam (2014)

What speaks to you?

Now you have seen our very souls laid bare upon the digital page. What does this stir within you? Will you follow in our wake and give form to your own thoughts and passions? Sing. Draw. Create. Whatever it is, make your voice heard.

If the fine arts aren't your thing, you could also check out 5 obnoxious ways to be a troll in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare or Halo 5 beta: Hands-on with new modes, maps, and game-changing Spartan abilities.