Good episode. I do think that the reason the 'white text on black screen' is supposed to be taken so seriously is because of two simple reasons. The first is silence. Silence is any form of audio media is meant to signify something fairly major, even if it's only the end of a song. Such as when the music completely cuts out of a movie, it normally means that something big and likely depressing is happening. The second is even more simple. White text against a black screen is the exact opposite of what we're trained to read. We're used to black on white, not the other way around. That's why when white is on black, it seems to have a lot more of an impact.
As for nostalgia, I think it isn't that bad. In fact nostalgia is good in some forms. After all, I think having positive nostalgia towards a game/movie/book/etc from your childhood means that it did what it was meant to do at the time. Maybe not as well as you remember of course. And as for the political thing, that's pretty much how I feel about it to. I'm not saying all in the group in question feel that way, but I do feel like a lot of the influence is older white men who use the fear of change to try keeping their power. I could go further into that, but it seems pointless as I refuse to debate political ideals. But to leave it off fair, I think that both parties are bad as a two-party system is a foolish way to run a government (and yes, I do live in the US if it's not obvious).
Strife2GFAQs said:
The "stupid nostalgia" as I like to call it is relegated to discussions about the geek fandom, and even the music and film industry. I can't begin to remember the amount of times I read some dip**** on the internet talk about a new Iron Maiden record or FF game and say, "It's not as good as the old stuff." That's the line everyone hides behind without feeling the need to justify WHY they think the album or the game sucks. It doesn't bother me when people use it, only when made to be their weak crutch when they can't stand on or refuse to make a case for themselves. Some franchises (Dragon Quest) can thrive on nostalgia because the formula still works. Those that don't have the same quality control can't and shouldn't get a free pass.
I both agree and disagree with you. It really depends on what they're saying is 'not as good as the old stuff.' If it's the gameplay, then that is a major problem IF the gameplay is supposed to be like the 'old stuff.' If the gameplay is supposed to evolve and try something different, then it's silly to compare it to the old stuff as they're trying something different. Comparing it in terms of story, visuals, and other things that stay relatively the same is a lot easier to say if it's not as good as the old stuff or now.
Taking an example you mentioned, FF, I didn't like the newest non-MMO game. I don't begrudge them for trying something new with FF13. But in comparison with the other games of the series I've played, FF13 just never made me care about the characters or story like the others did in the first few hours. I liked the openings of FF7, 9, and 10. Even 12 (I think, the sky-pirate one), which I didn't care for the battle system in that, got me interested enough in the characters where I played it further.
Of course, that's just one example, but my point is that comparing it to previous games or movies of a series isn't a bad thing or a weak arguement when done right. I think it needs to be explained rather then just saying it isn't as good, and I don't think that the new game or movie should be hated just because it changes aspects. But when it changes the aspects to be significantly worse in the person who's making the arguement's eyes, then it should be said that it isn't as good as the older ones of the series. But as I said before, that shouldn't just be left unexplained either.
