May 16 2009
Sometimes growing up ain’t all it’s cracked up to be
When you’re a kid, nothing is cooler or more important than growing up. A few years later, though, the real world kicks in and you look back and realize that, hey, those kids have it pretty damn good: less pressure, more fun. And, for all the mature, sensible reasons to keep on gaming, part of the reason we stick with it is because it means we get to hang onto a part of our youth, and that helps make all the other stuff a little easier to bear.
Look at Mario. He understands where we’re coming from.
One of the things I always get a kick out of is seeing kids toting around their Nintendo DS systems or GameBoy Advance handhelds (or even PSP’s for those most spoiled of brats!), because it never fails to amuse me that I literally share the same hobby as most seven year olds.
Case in point, I was waiting to get my hair cut this morning and I heard a few beeps and boops from across the reception area. I looked up from my magazine and saw a young kid staring practically cross-eyed with concentration at a Nintendo DS. Even better (worse?) I recognized the sounds. He was starting a race in Mario Kart DS.
No matter how much time I spend commuting to work, how many bills I pay each month, or how many times I have to do other tediously soul-crushing adult chores, I’m always able to cut loose, recapture a bit of my youth and fire up a video game.
Sometimes an E rating really does mean for Everybody.
Mario Kart DS is pretty awesome, by the way, but I’m sure my adept turbo boosting would leave junior in the dust should we ever cross paths over Wi-Fi. He’ll figure it out some day though, maybe once he finally grows up.
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