As I was considering a topic for this blog, I realized two things. Firstly, I realized that I had already written a blog titled “October’s Nintendo Experience“, so it would be either redundant or I would have to lie and call it “November’s Nintendo Experience.” Secondly, I realized, of course, that the publication of this blog will arrive on the eve of two holidays, and it would be culturally ignorant of me not to address them.
Matt wrote a blog recently called “Seasonal Gaming” (a recommended read), and he spoke about how he enjoys certain games during certain times of year. Sometimes this is due to seasonal weather (Sun, snow, etc.), but sometimes it is due to the holidays surrounding the season. For instance, he enjoys Luigi’s Mansion this time of year because of the spooky theme paralleling the Halloween holiday. This got me thinking: If we celebrate Halloweeen with certain video games, why not other festivities?
Certainly, many people associate Halloween with all sorts of creepy stuff: spooky decorations and costumes, horror movies and scary games. Be it Resident Evil or Slender, if it’s scary, it’s in season this time of year. But to me it begs the question: Why don’t we do the same with other holidays?
Sure, Christmas has its movies and a handful of games… kind of (if you consider “Elf Bowling” a game…?). But we don’t say, “This game is about hope and cheer, ergo, we shall play this game during Christmas!” Many games have “ice” or “snow” sections, but very few (on Nintendo consoles, at least) that are focused on said climates or seasons. For New Years, we do not go, “Okami is a game about rebirth and fresh starts. Let’s pop it in!” Or, at least, I’ve never heard anyone say that. I’ve yet to play New Super Luigi U on St. Patrick’s day (my wife’s favorite holiday), nor have I ever played Whack-A-Mole on Groundhog’s Day. The only holidays I could see myself celebrating with a certain kind of game are holidays created by games: Wii day (November 19th), and Dreamcast Day (September 9th, which, sadly, I missed this year).
This train of thought has led me to two realizations. First, even though I’m not a fan of it, Halloween has an interesting distinction as a holiday in relation to media. Its themes tie into whole genres of both films and video games, enough that it creates a special opportunity to enjoy them. Second, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there is a vast, unexplored territory of holiday gaming. Maybe this year, as a Crew, we’ll play Okami for New Years. Perhaps I’ll celebrate Boxing Day with a few of my favorite fighting games. And you can bet that I’ll be playing Mega Man x Street Fighter on Memorial Day.
Maybe this will never be a thing, and a certain spooky festival will always be the exception to the rule, but I couldn’t let the moment to point out this anomaly pass. So, If you are celebrating Halloween, I hope you party safely and responsibly. Or, if you’re like me, happy Reformation Day! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rent Luther and hammer some nails into doors.
