The Other Side
I offer this photo after realizing the majority of my posts and photos regarding Japan have been based in tradition, festivals, and farming. My life in the country side has made that a major part of my existence recently, and thus I have been thinking more about history than contemporary.
In some ways, Japan is essentially an oximoron. It is tied so deeply to its past, keeping its temples beautiful, continuing old festivals, continuing old beliefs... But on the other side, and what many of us think about when we mention Japan, is a technological power whose restructuring after the war thrust it onto the world stage in ecconomics and technology. And of course, there is gaming. Japan loves gaming. In fact, about half the people in the net cafe I use are not here for e-mail or surfing, but rather for online games.
In 1988 I got my first (and only, actually) game console. A Nintendo that came with Super Mario Brothers. What a rush, playing that for the first time. Never having played a video game before, my arms moved when I wanted Mario to jump. Adrenaline surged when I entered a new stage and saw new enemies. Since then, the major players have been Japanese: Nintendo, Sega, and Sony. And they seem to have games covering all walks of live. I remember thinking a fishing video game was the stupidest thing ever, until...
I saw this game I nearly pissed myself laughing, after the initial shock wore off of course. The idea of making a video game about walking a dog had never crossed my mind, and I suppose this is why I am not a millionairre. I guess in a way it makes sense. Dogs are expensive... they eat, they shit, and chew your furniture. Why have the hassle when you can walk one for a dollar?
I didn't play this game, though I think I will be kicking myself for the rest of my days.
In some ways, Japan is essentially an oximoron. It is tied so deeply to its past, keeping its temples beautiful, continuing old festivals, continuing old beliefs... But on the other side, and what many of us think about when we mention Japan, is a technological power whose restructuring after the war thrust it onto the world stage in ecconomics and technology. And of course, there is gaming. Japan loves gaming. In fact, about half the people in the net cafe I use are not here for e-mail or surfing, but rather for online games.
In 1988 I got my first (and only, actually) game console. A Nintendo that came with Super Mario Brothers. What a rush, playing that for the first time. Never having played a video game before, my arms moved when I wanted Mario to jump. Adrenaline surged when I entered a new stage and saw new enemies. Since then, the major players have been Japanese: Nintendo, Sega, and Sony. And they seem to have games covering all walks of live. I remember thinking a fishing video game was the stupidest thing ever, until...
I saw this game I nearly pissed myself laughing, after the initial shock wore off of course. The idea of making a video game about walking a dog had never crossed my mind, and I suppose this is why I am not a millionairre. I guess in a way it makes sense. Dogs are expensive... they eat, they shit, and chew your furniture. Why have the hassle when you can walk one for a dollar? I didn't play this game, though I think I will be kicking myself for the rest of my days.
posted by Akira Sundance at 11:28 AM
2 Comments:
that's wicked-haven't seen that one yet, but then again I haven't been patrolling the game centres recently. I would imagine you get to choose what breed you want and everything...
like i said, i really wish i played this game. i had every intent to, but the people i was with were all leaving and i thought i'd play it some other time... but didn't.
trying to figure out what you do, exactly... keep your dog away from fighting with bigger dogs, perhaps?
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