»02 (nintendo)

If you're a fan of video games, you have more than likely, at some point in your life, owned a Nintendo system or played a Nintendo game. Whether it's the original Gameboy or a Wii, or Donkey Kong in your local arcade, I'm sure there were a handful of games that you enjoyed, even if it was just a little something to pass the time. And more likely then not, you get those systems or play those games as a kid. And things you've done and enjoyed as a kid, you probably remember more fondly, and they bring up those warm fuzzy feelings that you don't normally think about from day to day.

For me, I have a really strong tie to the Zelda series. As a kid, playing Ocarina of Time was probably the most amazing, intense experience of my tiny life. Between me, my brother, and sometimes my cousins (if the N64 was at our grandma's house), we'd have to figure out these crazy puzzles, play through odd side quests, beat seemingly impossible bosses, and at the end of the day, become heroes. The atmosphere, the gameplay, the music - all of it was absolutely amazing and so well done. I was 8 or 9 back then, and now, years later, Ocarina of Time still brings out those young, fantastical emotions in me. And growing up, every Zelda game was a must have. Windwaker, Oracle of Ages & Seasons, we even went back and played the earlier Zelda games and enjoyed them. Even Twilight Princess was a must have, amazing game. Everytime I hear a tune from Zelda or see the art, it just brings me back to these great childhood memories and that sense of another adventure waiting to happen.

Mario is often the same way. Although the games are extremely fun, they don't have as much of the cool atmosphere as Zelda, but are still classics in their own right. That's what everyone loves about them. I mean really, who HASN'T played at least a little bit of a Mario game? And even people who haven't still can recognize the characters and the music. It's truly incredible.

And when you think about it, it's no wonder that Nintendo is by far the most successful, famous, and important video game company in the world. Nintendo games are like Disney films - they're easy for kids to latch onto and play, but there's enough that you can only catch when you're older so you never really grow out of them. The big difference though is that when Nintendo comes out with a new real Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, or whatever sequel - it's a big deal! The old fans will pick up the game, curious to see how their favorite character will start off a new adventure, and new players will pick it up in hopes of a fun game.

I mean, what better way to keep people fans of Nintendo for life than making their games easy for kids to get into so they can enjoy them and tie so many good memories to? Kids who got hooked on Legend of Zelda when it came out for the NES or SNES probably got it for their kids when it came out for the N64 or the Gamecube, and their kids probably enjoyed those games just as much as their parents did. And then those kids got older, bought the game for the Wii, and you know what? When Nintendo's next system comes out, and their next Legend of Zelda game comes out for that system, those kids who played Ocarina of Time or Windwaker will be looking for toys for their kids. And you know what they'll say? They'll see the new Zelda game and think "Oh! I loved this as a kid - I bet my kid will too!" And bam! The cycle continues!

It's perfect marketing. Mario games do this just as easily if not better, as well as several other Nintendo series. So why people scratch their head and wonder "My god! Why does Nintendo make so many damn Mario games!?" now you'll know why.

Honestly, has no one else figured this out? Sure other game companies have series that have several sequels, but none of them can compare to the power of Nintendo. Plus, a lot of the series that come out a lot are sports games or war shooters. Those just can't catch on as well because anyone can do sports, and war shooters are EVERYWHERE. Without some of that fantasy element, as well as some reoccurring characters, it just does not hold up as a long standing series.

So yeah. Moral of the story: Nintendo will probably never die. Sell out? Maybe. So far they seem to be going down that route a little bit - but as long as there are still people who smile at the sound of the 8bit beeps of Mario or the orchestra resounding to finding the dungeon map inside the Deku tree, Nintendo will still make money, and will keep making games.