Jonathan
Ratcliffe
|
by Jonathan Ratcliffe |
| There is no doubt that the release of the Nintendo 64 was a very big moment in video gaming history. Gamers around the globe anxiously awaited Nintendo's powerful machine, and were careful not to be influenced by the hype that comes from the prozines, Nintendo, and every other direction. Hype can be influencing in two ways, however, the second of which can be nearly invisible. This is the hype that comes from disappointment. Do you find it a bit odd that there are a few individuals that absolutely despise Super Mario 64? I sure do. I don't see how it's possible that so many people could like it, but others could hate it. Their reasons? Well, it just isn't what they were expecting -- it's not the best thing this side of the galaxy. "It doesn't live up to the hype" is what these individuals may say, and they proceed to laugh at any of us who like the game, concluding that Nintendo has influenced us in a major way, and that we'll take anything they feed us. The truth is that the gamers who say these things were probably more influenced than the rest of us. Let me explain why... When a gamer awaits the game, buys the system and likes the game, they remain to be unaffected by this virus the video game industry has come to know as "hype." If a gamer anxiously awaits the game, buys the system, say they dislike it but play through the entire game, then they are, indeed, influenced by the hype. Not only are they affected by it, but they were so affected prior to the release of the Nintendo 64 that they were incredibly disappointed. This usually follows with a showy outrage. I can assure you that they didn't hate the game. I can see how a Nintendo "hater" could hate the game, as that's only natural. I can't see how anyone else would. I'm not saying, of course, that all gamers must love Super Mario 64; that would be somewhat silly. But when they go totally against every one else's view, it sure sticks out -- and they definitely get attention. It's difficult to remain uninfected by the hype, I assure you. After expecting a miracle in video gaming, and actually getting a regular game, you're angry, and it's no doubt that this anger is thrown outward. Keep in mind that hype doesn't only come at you straight ahead, but it can sneak up behind you as well, and affects you in a way you'd never imagine. Next time you sit down to play Super Mario 64, think about whether you actually like the game or not. I wouldn't be surprised if you come back to the game repeatedly, and play it for hours on end. You hate the game? No, you don't. Hype can be deceiving, and as gamers our only challenge isn't defeating the last boss or completing level 12 -- it's the intangible hype, and how intangible it is... |
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