More SM64 propaganda:
One of my favourite memories of SM64 was at a house show where I lived (6 years ago (omg)). As is the ritual when a band finishes playing, everyone migrates upstairs or outside for a smoke until the next band goes on. Someone spotted my Wii in the living room and asked what games I had. One thing led to another and we started playing SM64 on the virtual console. They surrendered the controller 4 stars in because it was harder than they remembered and soon there were 15 or so stoned/drunk/just plain chillin’ DIY peeps flopped around the TV mesmorised. “This is so chill to just watch someone play who knows how to play.” This went on for about 20 minutes and then someone came in and announced that the last band had cancelled earlier in the night, so no more music. We kept hanging out around the TV, shooting the shit with intermittent requests to “go to the pyramid world” or “find that dinosaur monster thing”. Most of these people/friends like video games in theory, especially vibing in weird worlds with hip music, but the actual action, the dexterity and learning curve is a major put off. It felt good to basically act out SM64 as a movie for people to hangout with and socialise around. I don’t think Ikaruga would have had that effect, but also, maybe it’s down to the kinds of people watching. SM64 is more of a journey and choose-your-own-adventure though and that was a cool night. The end.