And the Best Genre...

Today I read an article that expressed the idea that the news coverage for upcoming pieces of entertainment give out too much information about the piece itself. Thus robbing the viewers of the experience of "the first time".

Example: The Lion King

How many of you can remember knowing the plot of this film before seeing it?

I can't.

How many of you would regard this to be a great film.

I would.

To elaborate, I believe that the very fact that we had no prior knowledge (save the fact that it was Disney and a cartoon and maybe a trailer) gave many people a better experience overall.

Example: Avatar

I was curious about this movie and, as such, proceeded to read a review on IGN that, without plot twist spoilers mind you, went into detail about the plot. That was it. Now if I decide to go see this film, I walk in with a subconscious idea of what kind of story I expect to be told.

To me, I believe only the book retains an element of surprise to its audience. Hence why books are always better than movies.

Now allow me to switch to another form of entertainment: Video Games.

When I was younger I played a game called Phantasy Star IV. All I knew of this game was that it was an RPG (my first to be exact). What I was shown, on the other hand, was a wonderful story about...well, saving the world.

Everything was fresh, everything was new and wonderful, even when I died horrid, horrid deaths due to my ill-planning. It was great.

Long gone is this feeling of fresh and new. Now I read and watch reviews, read comments and articles, and watch trailers until my eyes tire. Only after to decide if I want to plop down the $60 to take it home. Usually this has me just playing a game just to play it. Nothing more.

However, deep in my gaming subconscious is a genre that stands unwavering against my prying curiosity. The MMO.

This genre is quite immune from this peeping-tom-ery due to the sole fact that the developers haven't finished telling the story, immersing you, or exposing you when you start playing. All anyone can really know about an MMO before they play it is what it looks like. They can see screenshots and videos, but much of the mystery is still hidden.

This is why, gamer, you may find yourself longing to play such a game. The mystery of what could happen to you is still alive and fresh. At least, that is what this writer would like to believe.

The best genre?

The one that keeps much of its mystery at the moment its audience first tunes in.

What is the difference?

Archetypes and Cliches

These two words are a clear indication of words that have very similar but different meanings.

Let me start from the beginning.

Tonight I was watching my usual weekly shows when this formula of storytelling dawned on me.

In this particular anime, the elements of a very important female character, a mysterious yet strong male character, a group of ugly bandits (all bandits, unless good guys in disguise, are ugly), and an important but deadly "thing" that must be protected all made their appearance.

Here is the catch.

I was interested.

No matter how many times I have seen this story start (Star Wars; Final Fantasy 7; Rurouni Kenshin; and more), I get interested every time.

So I ask, what is the line between archetypes and cliches?

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On another note, this particular anime presented the mysterious male character as being able to use bubbles.

As a weapon.

Even depicting scenes of him killing someone with them.

Bubbles.

Just let that sink in for a moment.

Nevertheless, I was still interested and watched for the entire 25 mins.

A Clean Slate

This is the second time in my life I have started a blog.

Well, only if you can call the first a "blog". The first was during the illustrious days of Xanga.

This outdated concept is so old that even my browser's dictionary refused to recognized the word.

Hmm, I'll take that as good advice...

This is the first time in my life to start a blog.

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Writing

Really when it comes down to writing, I am at odds and ends about it. On one hand so much of what we enjoy comes down to writing: Entertainment Media sites, Reviews of recent (and old) video games, and even the storylines we readily enjoy in said video games. With this being fact, It can also be said that writing is rather hard.

Let me explain.

In grade school we are taught all about grammar and all about how to properly make sentences on paper for the sole purpose of school. Academia. Never are we given proper venue to let our imagination pour forth onto page, to let our minds use such techniques to create something unique. So we conclude this simple fact:

Creative people are geniuses.

This is a lie. Creative people are the ones who learned how to spit their imagination out into whatever form they are using.

All this to say...

This is the first time in my life that I have started a blog.