Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Zelda Complex

I had a conversation the other day with a friend of mine about how I usually hate it when the vast population start liking things that I like. I know this is elitist and arrogant but I attribute it to being like a secret that isn't fun anymore when everyone is in on it. My biggest example to my friend was the video game series, "The Legend of Zelda". I have been playing the Legend of Zelda series since I was about four or five (which was funny when my friend tried to say, "What? Its not like you've been playing it since you were like four or something...to which I replied, "Well, actually I have...). So, from this, I am definitely allowed to say that I have "been there from the beginning". I have since went onto play every Zelda game that has ever come out (which is not an easy task since there are 12 of them...so far). But among non-extreme Zelda players, everyone agrees that the best Zelda game that has ever come out was The Legend of Zelda:Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64. Sadly, I am forced to agree with them on this issue. I have even heard from people that said, "Oh yeah, I never play video games but I played Ocarina of Time and its probably the best game I've ever played." Should I be glad that my favorite video game series has received the much lauded fame that it deserves or should I feel how I am inclined to feel, which is that some people just won't understand the games like I do? This doesn't stop with Zelda either. This extends to all of my favorite things, since most of the things I like in the entertainment industry, most people know about as well. My friend concluded that he knew what I was saying, but that it was pompous to feel that way. But, I suppose everyone has to have their "thing". We just go about doing that in different ways.

3 comments:

Amber said...

I know what you mean - I think of it as liking to be original and not just another lemming I find myself hating things I've formerly loved just because it started becoming widespread, it DOES take the fun out of it.

Inklings said...

I discovered Harry Potter before he got famous, and it gave me such a kick to see the craze take off and to know I "knew him when". :0)

KWCooley said...

I call it nerd elitism. I used to suffer from this condition. One of my best friends suffers from this condition. In fact, his symptoms are so bad he refuses with all his vigor to play, watch, or participate in anything that is seemingly popular among the general masses. And he misses out on a lot of great games and movies because of his condition.

I got over this by realizing that when my hobbies gain popularity it's good for me because it makes my favorite things more readily available. If a good game or movie is never played or watched, they'll never make that sequel or they'll take forever to release it on DVD.

For example, I love the Halo series. My friend, obviously, hates it. I enjoyed all three games, and took great love out of all the Halo merchandise thrown at us. Just go with the flow and you'll be happier and never miss out. Unlike my disgruntled friend who whined about Bioshock.