Thursday, June 14, 2007

Episode 10, Samurai Champloo.

"Why do you fight me?" says Shouryuu, to Mugen.

To which he replies, "Right now, I'm having so much fun, I can't help it."

I have often wondered about the anime glorified zeitgeist of Japan during the Edo period, where exponents are portrayed as searching for duels. This culture persists even today, in competitive gaming.

Those of you who compete may have felt this as well. If you were to ask me, I would cite the need to seek out stronger competition. I couldn't tell you the reason why, even if you asked. All I know is that I must, because it is exhilarating.

Likewise, there is the boredom that accompanies the failure to accomplish this objective. I had always thought of the old masters portrayed in anime as arrogant. Living in seclusion or complaining of a dearth of worthy opponents.

But I was wrong, they were right after all. For I too, feel that way now. How I long to find skilled gamers to test myself against. In Warcraft, I have found one, and I am glad of it. Alas, I still await the day someone bests me in DotA or Super Smash Bros.

With anticipation.

*I have endeavoured to write this in a way that will not come across as arrogant. However, due to the limitations of the written word, I cannot make this any tamer without it losing it's intended meaning.