Anybody embarrassed to play Pokemon, or buy a DS/Wii?

I don't understand the reasoning behind people being afraid to play their DS in public, buy Pokemon, or buy a Wii.

Can someone please explain to me why someone would refrain themselves from fun due to the "idea" that others around them may think they're childish? Why should you care what others think? To me, that's extremely insecure.

I can't believe people are denying themselves from playing Pokemon or their DS in public in this day and age. Like, why would you deny yourself from fun? People have to get over this insecurity and start accepting any type of game in the market if it offers pure fun.

It bothers me a bit because many creative games in the market die out because people are too worried about how others will think when they see that you've bought/played it. 

Anyway, what do you guys think? You embarrassed to play Pokemon/DS/Wii? If yes/no, why? Should we let creativity die out because of our concern of what others will think of us?

I am 22 years of age, I been playing Pokemon since the Blue/Red Editions. I own a Wii. Some of favorite past games were Pikmin and Animal Crossing. I watch Yugioh, I also play the card game as well as magic. My favorite pokemon is Wobbufett. Lets see. I also play Dungeon and Dragons. Call me what you like; geek, nerd, or nothing at all, I do what I like, I play what I like, even if it "claimed childish" Pokemon games. Like me, hate me, I going to do what I want, and hope you do what you want. To answer the-very-best, no I am not embarrass and I'm not my former self long ago, I will openly state what I like.

I don't understand the reasoning behind people being afraid to play their DS in public, buy Pokemon, or buy a Wii.

Can someone please explain to me why someone would refrain themselves from fun due to the "idea" that others around them may think they're childish? Why should you care what others think? To me, that's extremely insecure.

I can't believe people are denying themselves from playing Pokemon or their DS in public in this day and age. Like, why would you deny yourself from fun? People have to get over this insecurity and start accepting any type of game in the market if it offers pure fun.

It bothers me a bit because many creative games in the market die out because people are too worried about how others will think when they see that you've bought/played it.

Anyway, what do you guys think? You embarrassed to play Pokemon/DS/Wii? If yes/no, why? Should we let creativity die out because of our concern of what others will think of us?

the-very-best

Nah not me lol, and imagine, I fit that "gangster" stereotype, and my friends do as well. If a girl asks me what I'm doing and I happen to be playing Pokémon, then I tell her "I'm playing Pokémon"

Oh and I'm 16 

Go to my high school take out a DS and start playing Pokemon and make sure somebody notices you, see what they say.albi321

Thanks god Im not in your high school. 

I am 22 years of age, I been playing Pokemon since the Blue/Red Editions. I own a Wii. Some of favorite past games were Pikmin and Animal Crossing. I watch Yugioh, I also play the card game as well as magic. My favorite pokemon is Wobbufett. Lets see. I also play Dungeon and Dragons. Call me what you like; geek, nerd, or nothing at all, I do what I like, I play what I like, even if it "claimed childish" Pokemon games. Like me, hate me, I going to do what I want, and hope you do what you want. To answer the-very-best, no I am not embarrass and I'm not my former self long ago, I will openly state what I like.

ArisShadows

It's like poetry.... 

[QUOTE="albi321"]Go to my high school take out a DS and start playing Pokemon and make sure somebody notices you, see what they say.loco145

Thanks god Im not in your high school. 

Do it, I would. I mean how will it effect you, I mean people will mock you whether you like it or not.

a Wii? no.

playing pokemon on a DS? yea I would be kind of embarassed.

but I don't like pokemon or handhelds to begin with. 

I don't buy Pokemon because its blasphomous to the original stories its based off of. Water Margin was beautiful, and Pokemon sullied it. ^^^^ Literary buffVandalvideo

Wait...what? What original stories? I've never heard of this! 

[QUOTE="ArisShadows"]

I am 22 years of age, I been playing Pokemon since the Blue/Red Editions. I own a Wii. Some of favorite past games were Pikmin and Animal Crossing. I watch Yugioh, I also play the card game as well as magic. My favorite pokemon is Wobbufett. Lets see. I also play Dungeon and Dragons. Call me what you like; geek, nerd, or nothing at all, I do what I like, I play what I like, even if it "claimed childish" Pokemon games. Like me, hate me, I going to do what I want, and hope you do what you want. To answer the-very-best, no I am not embarrass and I'm not my former self long ago, I will openly state what I like.

Tungsten88

It's like poetry.... 

Oh ya I write poetry as well..

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]I don't buy Pokemon because its blasphomous to the original stories its based off of. Water Margin was beautiful, and Pokemon sullied it. ^^^^ Literary buffTungsten88

Wait...what? What original stories? I've never heard of this! 

[QUOTE="Tungsten88"]

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]I don't buy Pokemon because its blasphomous to the original stories its based off of. Water Margin was beautiful, and Pokemon sullied it. ^^^^ Literary buffVandalvideo

Wait...what? What original stories? I've never heard of this!

How did that get transformed into Pokemon?! 

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"][QUOTE="Tungsten88"]

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]I don't buy Pokemon because its blasphomous to the original stories its based off of. Water Margin was beautiful, and Pokemon sullied it. ^^^^ Literary buffTungsten88

Wait...what? What original stories? I've never heard of this!

How did that get transformed into Pokemon?! 

My lady friend brings her DS where ever she goes and she loves the Wii. Most people find the Wii very appealing I haven't found anybody who hasn't liked it. I do get a lot of comments that say this thing will be successful because it is just down right fun. It may not have the MGS, the FF, ect but its just plain fun. I wouldn't be embarrassed to play any system but the N-Gage lol.Blackbond

I wonder if anyone has played N-Gage in public before? lol

[QUOTE="Tungsten88"][QUOTE="Vandalvideo"][QUOTE="Tungsten88"]

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]I don't buy Pokemon because its blasphomous to the original stories its based off of. Water Margin was beautiful, and Pokemon sullied it. ^^^^ Literary buffVandalvideo

Wait...what? What original stories? I've never heard of this!

How did that get transformed into Pokemon?!

Completely and utterly, is this common knowledge? 

Tungsten: Most videos gamers don't read books. Let alone know ancient Chinese mythology. -_- Pokemon was designed as a satire to teach children history.Vandalvideo

Wow, then it's really been warped from the source material. Nice bypassing of the quote limit by the way.

Umm, Wii/DS are kind of popular now a days. Remember those games Brain Age and Nintendogs? Ya...I saw this girl at my job playing with her DS one day. As for the Wii, there was a girl who wanted a Wii to play Wii Sports only. Wii/DS are with the "in crowd" it's okay to play those. 360 and much less the PS3 are not.

Tungsten: Most videos gamers don't read books. Let alone know ancient Chinese mythology. -_- Pokemon was designed as a satire to teach children history.Vandalvideo

I doubt a lot of people in the United States know much about Chinese mythology. As for most video gamers not reading books, where are you getting this information or what poll are you basing this off of?  

Umm, Wii/DS are kind of popular now a days. Remember those games Brain Age and Nintendogs? Ya...I saw this girl at my job playing with her DS one day. As for the Wii, there was a girl who wanted a Wii to play Wii Sports only. Wii/DS are with the "in crowd" it's okay to play those. 360 and much less the PS3 are not.

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"]Tungsten: Most videos gamers don't read books. Let alone know ancient Chinese mythology. -_- Pokemon was designed as a satire to teach children history.majadamus

I doubt a lot of people in the United States know much about Chinese mythology. As for most video gamers not reading books, where are you getting this information or what poll are you basing this off of?  

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time.  They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question.  They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon.  Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things. 

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population.  They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo.  I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

FoamingPanda

Have you ever imagined it's people like you perpetuating the stereotypical image of hardcore gamers? Nintendo is opening up the gaming to the masses and you see this is damaging the industry. Many people your age may not be able to find entertainment in such games but do you see people that do as "inferior" gamers to yourself? 

[QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

Metroid_Time

Have you ever imagined it's people like you perpetuating the stereotypical image of hardcore gamers? Nintendo is opening up the gaming to the masses and you see this is damaging the industry. Many people your age may not be able to find entertainment in such games but do you see people that do as "inferior" gamers to yourself?

If you mean in skill level, I doubt that Panda would have a problem owning any beginner in any given game...except maybe Hanna Montana.

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

FoamingPanda

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you. 

[QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

Metroid_Time

Have you ever imagined it's people like you perpetuating the stereotypical image of hardcore gamers? Nintendo is opening up the gaming to the masses and you see this is damaging the industry. Many people your age may not be able to find entertainment in such games but do you see people that do as "inferior" gamers to yourself? 

Hardcore gamer?  I wish I had enough time and money to call myself that.  Nintendo is opening up gaming to the masses by butchering gaming down to its most basic, simple, and narrow form -- it's a discrace to this industry, the capability of gaming as a meaningful entertainment medium, and all consumers.  "Here, come play our toy -- you can knock the ball across the screen.  This IS video games -- this is ALL that video games are." 

I don't have a problem with knocking the tennis ball across the screen, hell, it's even fun time to time, but these games should not come to typify the BEST thing the gaming industry has to offer and be hailed as the flagship standard bearers of innovation in the industry. 

Alot of people will come into the industry if "gaming as toy" is introduced.

Gaming will reach untold heights of both popularity and quality if "gaming as entertainment medium" is introduced.

[QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

majadamus

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you. 

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow and childish .  Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.  What ideas, settings, and characters make the gameplay possible and perceivable in the first place?

[QUOTE="majadamus"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

FoamingPanda

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you.

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow. Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.

And that's where you fail.

handheld games don't need overly complicated stories or orchestrated music they need to be fun, accesible. The fact that they are well crafted with awesome gameplay just sweeten the deal.

I don't understand the reasoning behind people being afraid to play their DS in public, buy Pokemon, or buy a Wii.

the-very-best

I don't either.  Chicks always flock to me when I pull the DS outta my pocket.  They just can't help themselves.  :|

[QUOTE="FoamingPanda"][QUOTE="majadamus"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

Oscar-Wilde

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you.

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow. Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.

And that's where you fail.

handheld games don't need overly complicated stories or orchestrated music they need to be fun, accesible. The fact that they are well crafted with awesome gameplay just sweeten the deal.

Like Golden Sun or Fire Emblem eh? Fire Emblem took a while to grasp, but it was so much fun once I did. Both games have great stories, and where would we be w/o gameplay?  You say that we don't need story, music, or gameplay (you compare gameplay to icing on a cake).  If we don't have any of those, how is a game fun? 

[QUOTE="FoamingPanda"][QUOTE="majadamus"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

Oscar-Wilde

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you.

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow. Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.

And that's where you fail.

handheld games don't need overly complicated stories or orchestrated music they need to be fun, accesible. The fact that they are well crafted with awesome gameplay just sweeten the deal.

And that is where you misunderstand the topic of this thread and rush to judge me.

The topic of this thread does not have to deal with what a game needs to be "fun."  Most people would call a game that does little more than depict a ball being bounced around by two bars "fun."  We're concerned over the validity of these games being called childish and shallow.

If you examine the ideas behind Pokemon, the game is explicitly childish.  It would be like calling Barney the Dinosaur a form of adult entertainment.  The ideas that warrant Pokemon are so hollow, meaningless, and childish that the game appears childish in all but the most bias and free-hearted eyes. 

It's perfectly fair to call a game like Pokemon childish.  We should stop worshipping gameplay to the point that it blinds us to the ideas and true quality of a game.  Developers mass-produce games with very, very, little intellectual quality -- that's why so many people shun gaming all together or only come to see it as a toy.

[QUOTE="Oscar-Wilde"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"][QUOTE="majadamus"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

Tungsten88

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you.

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow. Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.

And that's where you fail.

handheld games don't need overly complicated stories or orchestrated music they need to be fun, accesible. The fact that they are well crafted with awesome gameplay just sweeten the deal.

Like Golden Sun or Fire Emblem eh? Fire Emblem took a while to grasp, but it was so much fun once I did. Both games have great stories, and where would we be w/o gameplay? You say that we don't need story, music, or gameplay (you compare gameplay to icing on a cake). If we don't have any of those, how is a game fun?

The fact fire emblem got a GC spin-off and was also in the snes prove my point BIG games aren't that POPULAR handhelds. Now that's fact

want proof? just check the sales of those franchises (i'm talking about golden sun and fire emblem).

The-very-best, I'm as confused as you are. Since Pokemon Diamond and Pearl have been released I've seen numerous threads entitled "Who would play Pokemon?" or something like that. Fun games never go out of style because that's why we play games in the first place!

It's their loss though, not my problem. :)

[QUOTE="Oscar-Wilde"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"][QUOTE="majadamus"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

FoamingPanda

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you.

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow. Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.

And that's where you fail.

handheld games don't need overly complicated stories or orchestrated music they need to be fun, accesible. The fact that they are well crafted with awesome gameplay just sweeten the deal.

And that is where you misunderstand the topic of this thread and rush to judge me.

The topic of this thread does not have to deal with what a game needs to be "fun." Most people would call a game that does little more than depict a ball being bounced around by two bars "fun." We're concerned over the validity of these games being called childish and shallow.

If you examine the ideas behind Pokemon, the game is explicitly childish. It would be like calling Barney the Dinosaur a form of adult entertainment. The ideas that warrant Pokemon are so hollow, meaningless, and childish that the game appears childish in all but the most bias and free-hearted eyes.

It's perfectly fair to call a game like Pokemon childish. We should stop worshipping gameplay to the point that it blinds us to the ideas and true quality of a game. Developers mass-produce games with very, very, little intellectual quality -- that's why so many people shun gaming all together or only come to see it as a toy.

You want something intellectually stimulating? Read a book. Not saying video games should or should not be, but you will always work that brain of yours more by reading a book. Read in an EGM article that there isn't much brain activity going on while playing video games. 

[QUOTE="Oscar-Wilde"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"][QUOTE="majadamus"][QUOTE="FoamingPanda"]

People who call Pokemon childish do not mean to offend or belittle other people half of the time. They're simply describing the nature and intended audience for the product in question. They contrast the themes of the game against other forms of media, specifically those targeted for adults and notice vast differences: pokemon's shallow and consequence-free world, the existence of hypermarketing aimed at young consumers, a childish protagonist embarking on a simplistic quest, etc.

I don't play Pokemon, not because I'm embarassed to play it because it is "kiddie or childish," but because I no longer value -- or recieve entertainment -- from forms of media on the level of Pokemon. Most people my age, 22, have moved beyond that depth of entertainment and demand bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, Nintendo is perpetuating the myth of "gaming as child's toy" to an extent that it has broken out of its intended context (child consumers) and has come to be embraced by a larger population. They've recently shifted to "gaming as simple entertainment" in order to counter the exclusively kiddie image of Nintendo. I've posted hoards on this, check my profile for more info if you want it.

FoamingPanda

Umm...Pokemon definetly isn't the most shallow game I've ever played. I have the newest Pokemon and it's great. Yes, it's not the most complicated game out there, but it is still enjoyable even by hardcore gaming nutjobs such as myself. Being able to battle and trade online are enough reasons to buy Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. Btw, I'm the same age as you.

Do not examine the gameplay when I say shallow. Examine the ideas that contextualize and warrant the gameplay.

And that's where you fail.

handheld games don't need overly complicated stories or orchestrated music they need to be fun, accesible. The fact that they are well crafted with awesome gameplay just sweeten the deal.

And that is where you misunderstand the topic of this thread and rush to judge me.

The topic of this thread does not have to deal with what a game needs to be "fun." Most people would call a game that does little more than depict a ball being bounced around by two bars "fun." We're concerned over the validity of these games being called childish and shallow.

If you examine the ideas behind Pokemon, the game is explicitly childish. It would be like calling Barney the Dinosaur a form of adult entertainment. The ideas that warrant Pokemon are so hollow, meaningless, and childish that the game appears childish in all but the most bias and free-hearted eyes.

It's perfectly fair to call a game like Pokemon childish. We should stop worshipping gameplay to the point that it blinds us to the ideas and true quality of a game. Developers mass-produce games with very, very, little intellectual quality -- that's why so many people shun gaming all together or only come to see it as a toy.

While reading your post i actually agreed with you.

yeah the games are childish.

and maybe not for everybody, but do that makes them worse than, let say...

the elder scrolls games?

no, not really.

it makes them different.

The-very-best, I'm as confused as you are. Since Pokemon Diamond and Pearl have been released I've seen numerous threads entitled "Who would play Pokemon?" or something like that. Fun games never go out of style because that's why we play games in the first place!

It's their loss though, not my problem. :)

dracula_16

And you still seem to wonder why they call it childish?  Let me try to explain again:

These people could not care less about the quality of the gameplay.  They're looking at the premise and ideas that warrant that gameplay.  The source of Pokemon's gameplay is rooted in a painfully childish and shallow mythos that is explicitly marketed around the demands of children and younger consumers. 

The ideas that warrant Pokemon function on such a low and simple level that the game provides no value in terms of entertainment.  It lacks the simplicity of something like "knock the ball across the screen," but at the same time is constructed upon ideas that are simply not interesting or appealing to older consumers. 

Calling Pokemon childish is quite fair, but we should not go as far as to insult others for it.  Many people enjoy childish things, but it is important for adult consumers to know that there are vastly superior forms of entertainment media out there.  We should also not structure our values or standards around a game like Pokemon; it's a poor example of the highest benchmark this industry can set.