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.