In the sun drenched and angst-ridden world that is Season One of PlayStation 2 games are referenced throughout the 27 episode run. While sex, drugs and rock and roll were generally the driving points of the shows many faceted plot lines, some of the most heart-warming and life affirming moments came from characters connecting over a love of video games.
Many aspects of The O.C. were certainly covetable, from Ryan Atwood’s poolside digs to Marissa Cooper’s killer cheekbones. And yet, it was the humble PlayStation 2 that managed to steal the scene several times over. This (at the time of the show’s airing) latest bit of gaming hardware was one of the most desirable forms of home entertainment. Even with the beach on the doorstep, all the bagels one could wish for, and the most pimped-out trucks, the PS2 still managed to reign supreme in the lives of Newport’s elite.
While many will the moment that Ryan and Marissa first met in Season One of The O.C., locking eyes across driveways and underage cigarettes, the moment that Ryan and Seth first met is one that is just as special. Not only is it the first time that either teen finds a kindred spirit that they can truly rely on and share their many trials and tribulations with, but it is also the first time that fans of the show get to see them throw down together on the PS2. In the words of Seth Cohen, “X O, X O – it’s an unbeatable combination.” So, just what games were Newport 's residents playing during the acclaimed first season of The O.C.? Certainly no bargain bin titles, that is for sure. As with everything in the privileged lives of Ryan, Seth, Marissa, and Summer, the games are as covetable as one would expect.
The PS2 Games That United Friends and Families In The OC
From the first meeting of soon to be lifelong friends and brothers, viewers of The O.C. will quickly learn that Seth Cohen is a very capable video game fighter. After some serious button mashing on the PS2’s controller, Seth manages to decapitate Ryan Atwood’s avatar, rejoicing with “, What happened to your head, dude? Where did it go? I’m sorry, did someone die?!”
While this game is never shown on screen, given the time this scene was set, and the lovely description that came with Seth’s victory, it is safe to assume that the game that broke the ice in the friendship of Seth and Ryan was either 2002’s Dynasty Warriors 4. Dynasty Warriors 4 also goes on to be refenced several times throughout the course of Season One, although it is often referred to as the “ninja game” by the characters.
While it was a hack and slash fighter that game broke the ice between the famously sullen Ryan and the a-dork-able Seth, the next game The O.C. mentions may have made it refreeze. After his victory in battle, Seth asks Ryan if he wants to play you can steal cars.” Given that Ryan had literally just been arrested for stealing a car a few days prior, Seth becomes a touch awkward as soon as these words leave his mouth. Once again given the era of gaming that Season One of The O.C. takes place during, it can be assumed that this was GTA 3.
The only other game that can be witnessed actually being played in Season One of The O.C. is Madden NFL 2004. This game is played by The O.C.’s antagonist-turned-friend of Seth and Ryan’s, Luke Ward. While these are the PS2 games that characters within Season One do play, other notable titles can be seen within the foreground of certain scenes. These include Wild Arms 3 and The Getaway.
How The OC's PS2 Game Choices Mirrored The Characters
The games that are played by the characters during Season One of The O.C. are essentially extensions of their personalities. While Luke favors a sports game that lends itself to his “jock” type persona, Seth instead opts for manga-inspired games that tie-in with his love of comic books and art. Seth does eventually play some sport-centric games in the first episode of Season Two, when he stays with Luke in Portland following on from the finale of Season One, but it takes some convincing.
The O.C. and the PS2 may be now be nostalgic throwbacks of a time since ed, but the incredible power of connection and unity that comes from videogames is just as current, and even more important than ever. With COVID-19 still rearing its ugly head to the world, games have offered the chance for many to remain social at a time when physical interactions have become limited. Much like the PlayStation 2 offered the chance for polar opposites Seth and Ryan to bond in 2003, games are still offering the same barrier-breaking opportunities to players today.
