I'm a teenybopper mainstream wannabe and proud of it!

by Georgia B.

Final Fantasy VIII was advertised on MTV.

So?

Would you refuse to buy a video game just because it was advertised on a major television channel whose target audience is what at least a few of you old-time RPGamers would refer to as 'teenybopper mainstream wannabes'?

The mere idea that some would instantly classify FFVIII as inferior just because of appealing to the mainstream makes me feel queasy. Lack of decent plot, I'll understand -- I love Final Fantasy VIII and its story, but I do admit that the storyline isn't as gripping as Final Fantasy VII's (which I also enjoy; therefore I suck). Bad battle and magic system -- I like it, but if you don't, I can live with that. Too many gorgeous graphics... Well, I think the fact that people hate games because of good graphics is just as bad as hating games because of bad graphics, but at least I don't throw up all over the keyboard whenever someone says that on the Internet.

As people's minds are clouded with nostalgia, they seem to forget that the single reason video game companies exist is PROFIT. The video game industry earns millions of dollars, and everyone, from Midway to Squaresoft, exists to take your hard-earned cash. I'm not saying that the beings who created those endearing characters and thought-provoking storylines are all money-hungry corporate types; I'm simply stating a fact of life, which I am positive was applicable back in 'the good old days' of Phantasy Star, which I haven't yet played... Oh my god, someone hasn't played all the 'classic' RPGs, better start a lynchin' and get rid of this mainstream varmet! Don't forget the pitchforks, guys.

Yes, I know that was lame.

A common misconception is that all who enjoy these 'mainstream' RPGs are, to be blunt, stupid. Thick as a brick. Joshua Rodriguez said in his editorial, 'Nostalgia: What's Happened to our RPGs?', that Phantasy Star IV's cut-scenes were much better than 'FMV since the audience (sic) was smart enough to not have to be ******* on the head with a 2x4 to realize that something important was going on.' Don't ask me what the asterix mean, I have no idea, probably because I like FMV just as much as still cut-scenes and therefore need to be ******* on the head with a 2x4 at regular intervals.

The evidence of FFVII's passing can be seen in the many stories and pictures found on the Internet. Not all of them are high literature, but there's a good many that are. However, since they enjoyed FFVII and its FMV -- Final Fantasy VII was its FMV and graphics, after all -- enough to write and draw about it that must mean they're thick as a brick as well. Yes, the acclaimed authors of 'I Know What's Beneath the Snow Fields' and 'The Search for Aeris' are simpletons, not to mention all those sad, misled people who constantly submit FFVII characters to RPGamer's very own Fanart section. Hmmm?

I'm getting to my point now: No matter how many editorials you write, no matter how much you complain about corporate policies, wannabe RPGamers, pretty graphics or advertising on MTV, you won't be able to stop the vicious circle of supply and demand. That, at least, most of you have realised. What you all have to do now is; give up on Final Fantasy, find another RPG series to love and cherish until that too becomes too popular for your tastes, and stop bashing the mainstream!

There. Now that's said, I think I'll put on my Marilyn Manson CD and watch some Dragonball Z...... Ahh, bliss.

Author's Notes: I'm really, really sorry about my editorial claiming that all old-timer RPGamers are @$$holes. I don't really mean this; I'm just very bitter. I'm also very sorry about the bad attempts at humour. ^^;;
If the authors of 'Snow Fields' and 'Search for Aeris' should read this -- I do not think you're stupid! Never! You were just victims of my search for sarcasm.
This is my first editorial, and it's pretty obvious -- feel free to rip it to shreds.