Dear Planet Gamecube and Planet Gamecube Forumn Users,
Since I was six years old, me and my brother, Dillon, have always owned some Nintendo system or another. First, our neihbors owned a Super Nintendo. Me and my brother begged our Mom to let us go over to their house, and she usually, reluctuntly, agreed. This is where, in my neihbors back room, my gaming life began.
When I was seven, I begged for a Nintendo for Christmas (we didn't know there were different Nintendo consoles). Well, unbeknownst to me, the N64 was released. Me and my brother recieved an N64, an extra controller, and Super Mario 64. Playing the N64, in my small bedroom, is where my gaming oppinions were developed.
In July of 2001, I heard about a new system coming out from Nintendo- it was called project Dolphin (later called the Gamecube). Well, we bought it on November 21, and here, in my second-story living room, is where my gaming revelations were created.
On December 18, 2003, I joined the Planet Gamecube forumns. I met some new people, made some new enemies, and developed oppinions. This is where, in my computer room, where I learned my oppinions, stories, and writing skills weren't what I thought they were.
I have always considered myself an extreme Nintendo fan, and still do, but some of my friends have made me question where my loyaties lie. I have written numerous scripts, sketched multitudes of (very good, if I may say so myself) drawings, and now I feel it is all a waste. A new "aquaintance" of mine, mouse_clicker, has shown me the true meaning of loyalty. It means not forcing the person (or company, in this case) to change their ways, develope unneccesary oppinions, or comprimise their morals.
But what happens when the friend (Nintendo) might have to comprimise their morals to satisfy the sick wants of the multitudes? What happens when the only way to help someone is to do something that hurts you, just to please the masses? What do you do? Well, all the great writers, directors, and actors and actresses didn't follow the crowd, and they were ( mostly) very succesful. But what if you have tried to brake the mold-and have- but no friends are left to congratulate you, because they are with the new, popular friends (Xbox and PS2).
I have been fooled by the popular bunch, and now i'm paying for it. I still enjoy the popular kids, but what about the underdog- the small, kind little kid which used to seem so endearing? What if I find myself hanging out with this kid, but keep hiding my face from the popular kid's friends and followers? The popular kids have molded my mind. I slowly stop hanging out with the underdog, because his "toys" (games) aren't cool, or just any fun. What if his bike (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!) isn't quite as fast or remotely as cool as the popular kid's motorcycle (Xbox's Project Gotham 2 or PS2's Gran Turismo 4). And his house (Nintendo HQ) isn't near as cool or big or expensive as the popular kid's house. What do you do?
As corny as it sounds, you follow your heart. You follow that small little kid to his house, and ride on his bike, and realize that being the little kid is alot harder than you thought. You're intimidated by the big, strong, popular kids- but your little friend (Nintendo) isn't scared at all. He is used to this, and because of his persecution and suffering, he will prevail in his quest. He isn't on a quest for popularity. He is on a quest to be himself, and he has succeeded.
I, since last year, have been thinking that if Nintendo is to succeed in the market, they need to change their image. But alas, I was wrong. I am the one who needs to change my image, my oppinions. But you see? That's the beauty of it- Nintendo doesn't want me to change my oppinions! Nintendo is itself. And I love what it is.
-Dustin C. O'Neal
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Topic: Nintendo- Heading foward in the wrong direction? (Read 4666 times)
