In real life, I am quite pathetic.  I look in the mirror and see an extremely flawed individual that will never amount to anything.  In so many ways, my cowardice and ineptitude has me wonder how I can justify my existence.  Even in my dreams, I often end up cowering in fear.

But in videogames, I am not afraid.  In these interactive fantasies, I have saved the galaxy, rescued my friends, gotten the girl, and been worshiped by millions.  Most importantly, I have acted.  I did not stand back and hope that someone else will fix the problem.  I did not hesitate with my actions.  I did not hide in a corner hoping not to be seen.

Videogames are not simply about wish fulfillment.  They are about being the better person that we are too afraid to be in real life.  Sure, in Star Wars:  Knights of the Old Republic, I selfishly quested for power and destroyed all who opposed me; but that was my second play-through after first sacrificing everything and forgiving my enemies not because I could, but because it was the right thing to do.

Critics would say that videogames are empty and have no consequences; that being able to save and reload games means that we don't have to pay a price for our actions.  I say that videogames allow us to create the selves we desire to be – that being able to undo a mistake means that we are willing to attempt actions that may result in bad consequences.  We are able to fix our poor choices and continue on rather than forever be in the shadow of improper decisions – or worst, like me, unable to act due to fear of making the wrong choice.

Being a hero may mean standing up for what is right and acting without fear for personal safety.  I can never be a hero in real life, but at least because of videogames I can pretend to be one.