Video Games
Most
of the video games being played today were developed between 1980 – present.
The advances in technology are amazing as one video game console replaces
another. Four of the most popular video games include:
1. Zelda (1986)
2. Mario Kart (1992)
3. Super Mario Galaxy
(2007)
4. Professor Layton
Series (2008)
All of these video games
follow the same conventional heroic formula. A hero (or heroes) set out on a quest, go
through a series of trials, and then ultimately succeed. This also follows the
pattern of a monomyth. They are each taken from out of their peaceful
surroundings and must go through the initiation phase as they try to reach
their goal. After reaching their goal, they return back to their peaceful
surroundings
Even though
these video games follow the same conventional heroic formula, they also follow
their own distinct invention part of the heroic formula as well. The heroes
range from an orphan boy, a plumber and friends, and a professor. Each hero's
quest is quite unique from winning a race to saving a world, princess, or town.
The hero in
Zelda is Link, an orphan boy with
special gifts. He courageously accepts his mission and goes through a series of
puzzles and tests to save Hyrule from evil (The Legend of Zelda) .
In Mario Kart, you can choose Mario, Luigi,
or a number of different characters to be the hero. The hero chosen must race
against others to win the big race and ultimately come out with the best score.
However, I’m not sure heroes actually sabotage others to win (Super Mario
Kart) .
Mario is
the hero of Super Mario Galaxy. Mario
must go through a series of quests to save Princess Peach. He inspires his
friends to help him. Mario is always optimistic and does not let
disappointments get in his way (Super Mario Galaxy) .
Professor
Layton plays the hero in the Professor
Layton series. He has a knack for finding towns that are in trouble. He solves
a series of puzzles with his sidekick, Luke. He is smart and always sees the
good in every situation. He helps inspire and teach Luke (Professor
Layton and the Curious Villager) .
One of the
rituals that we find in most video games, is the ability for characters to
“level up” when they go through so many trials. Another ritual, because of the
addiction of video games, is that people must play every chance they get.
Children may make a ritual out of this by coming home from school and
immediately start playing games only to stop when dinner is ready and then their
mothers make them do their homework afterwards. The main ritual of video games
is winning!!
Posted by Janeen Stanley
Zelda Image: retrieved from http://popculturemonster.com/index.php/2010/best-flash-remake-games/
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