The character Gulliver from Animal Crossing is a video game trope that pays homage to Jonathan Swift’s satire from 1726. In both novel and game, Gulliver experiences a series of travel mishaps that result in grand adventures. In the novel, Gulliver’s escapades are a vehicle to ridicule English customs; however, in the Animal Crossing series,…
It is no secret that Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda series by reimagining nearly every system and mechanic. From the open-world concept and physics engine to breakable weapons and slight role-playing elements, Breath of the Wild catapulted the franchise to new heights. While fans remain lukewarm to certain changes, the community gladly welcomed…
Renowned Irish folk artist Frank Harte believed that musical composition was the essential component to understanding the history of a civilization, and he considered the Celtic ballad as the harmonious equivalent to documented records. The Celtic ballad employs techniques that offer a wider range of possibilities for melodic variation and improvisation, and the spontaneity that…
Released in 2000, Majora’s Mask is chock-full of unique characters. Each resident of Clock Town is eccentric and diverse; however, the oddities go much deeper than designs and behaviors. While the character models and conversations are some of the most unusual in the series, the personal stories and individual motivations of each character are what…
For as long as I can remember, the open water has been my quiet place. The solidarity of listening to the waves crash against the shore as the sun slowly dips beneath the horizon has forged lasting memories that are equally somber and renewing. Whenever I have needed to decompress from the stress of everyday…
Few video game franchises embrace the timeless adage that relationships are more important than the accumulation of knowledge quite like the Zelda series. By assisting strangers throughout the course of his adventures, Link develops relationships that frequently lead to new skills and abilities. Ever the defender of virtue, Link uses these tools to safeguard communities…
It is no secret that The Legend of Zelda series is heavily inspired by literature and art throughout the world. From Link’s strange resemblance to the classic Walt Disney character Peter Pan to Shigeru Miyamoto’s fascination with the American novelist Zelda Fitzgerald, the Zelda series is the epitome of cultural diffusion. Perhaps no installment embraces…
Journal 12-88R The morning of his long-awaited departure has finally arrived. A father’s love and concern for his offspring are never-ending, but the glimmer in his eyes helps ease my apprehension. The Golden Land promises hope for a better tomorrow, so who am I to say otherwise? I will miss our conversations, laughter, and even…
The early 1990s was a magical time for American sports. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were on top of the NBA world. The Dallas Cowboys rose to prominence and won three Super Bowls. Cal Ripkin Jr. broke the record for most consecutive Major League Baseball games played. While my adolescence was filled with the…
Starting from the opening cutscene in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Link’s primary objective is nearly always in view. As Link journeys to recover his strength by rescuing the spirits of the champions, the malice of Calamity Ganon can be seen from nearly every corner of the map as it encompasses Hyrule…
From Jägerschnitzel and Bratwurst to Kinder chocolates and Doppelbock beer, German cuisine is a staple amongst my hebdomadal rotation of kitchen ingredients. While nutriment is routinely cited as the most popular form of one’s cultural exploration, another German constituent has also captivated my attention: techno music. Known for galvanizing and repetitive electrical beats, the techno genre…
Since the dawn of the twenty-first century, the internet has exponentially increased the speed by which humanity is able to communicate. From Facebook and Twitter feeds to Snapchat and Instagram boards, message transmission has never been easier. While the aforementioned mechanisms have proven expeditiously convenient, each creates a synthetic exchange that occasionally feels hollow and…
As video game technology continues to evolve, increased graphical fidelity leads to greater immersion and more realistic experiences. In just a quarter-century, 16-bit pixel art has been replaced with computer-generated imagery that rivals modern-day movies and television shows. Resolution and aesthetics have made giant strides, but an equally impressive example of advancement is video game…
Perhaps no historical period accelerated the advancement of fine arts and humanities quite like the European Renaissance. The collective guild system of the Middle Ages was replaced with a surging praise of individuality, and this evolution produced priceless artifacts and paintings. But the Renaissance also incited another significant form of individualism: the signature. Becoming mainstream…
The old saying is that money does not grow on trees; however, video game worlds typically defy such laws of nature. From question block coins in the Super Mario Bros. series to actual money trees in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo worlds are filled with creative means to accumulate wealth. Of course, no other currency…
