Something I Realized in Japan

I like Zelda, but I dislike "The Train One." Actually, I'd go as far as to say that I borderline hate it. There's a part I'm stuck at trying to play the DS Microphone Flute and I can't get the part right. I know that I could probably do it. I've had sufficient time away that I'm not utterly frustrated. Also the thought of actually getting to some Zelda Dungeons and Puzzles, instead of roaming around the crappy upper world, excites me. But honestly, I just don't care enough about the game to give it my time.

I've played those types of puzzles before. I've forgotten the story. And there's tons of other games that deserve my attention. I know I'm coming off sounding like a bitter game player. To be honest I am a little. I wouldn't go as far to say that the Zelda series needs to be over with, I recently listened to a podcast where a guest on the show actually argued that they end the Legend of Zelda series. MORON! It could use a upgrade, maybe a new coat of paint. But to say that it needed to be over and done with? IDIOT! Plus he/she didn't really even point out reasons to back it up. He/She allowed the other guests to chime in offering up that the game play was tired.

Well, the point of this post was to point out something that possibly might explain "The Train One" a bit. So let me get back to that.

In Japan and many other metropolitan areas, subways are a crucial mode of transportation. Subways and trains are similar and in Tokyo you'll often switch off between both during normal everyday travel around the city.

During one of these rides, I asked my friend who was with me. You know they make train video games right? She said, "Yeah, Densha de GO!." I confirmed that she was correct and then decided to  inquire about why a person would want to buy a game only to simulate driving a train. She explained that maybe people liked trains because driving a train was similar to being a pilot. You'd dress up in your uniform, white gloves, long slacks, jacket coat, spiffy hat. You're responsible for being on time and the welfare of dozens of passengers. You'd operate complicated large machinery and manage high speeds using a throttle stick.

I began to understand a little bit about why someone might be interested in trains. But then I asked,  "Why trains? Why not just become a pilot?" Her answer of "some people just like trains " reminded me of Brad's reaction to the death of Bobby Baccalieri from the Sopranos TV show to which he exclaimed, "Bobby was just a man who loved trains!"

So long story short, maybe there are people who like trains. As boring and slow paced as they seem to me, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there who just like driving around delivering passengers from one station to another. And to you guys, I apologize for giving you crap in the past. I will never like "The Train One" but I can appreciate your love for something so simple.

Take care,
David

PS - Vensito, I'm talking to you.