In the early days, and I mean the really early days of home video games, you had Pong: two bars, one square ball and thats it. It was a very simple concept that anyone could literally figure out within seconds. Even more elementary than that was the fact that there were no characters, no plot, no storyline, no real purpose of the game, except to bump and bash that cubed ball back and forth. While Pong was a nice recreational distraction and diversion from the boredom of everyday life and back then, Pong was a big deal there was no real vested interest in the game once the video game system was shut off. That is to say, Pong was just a game. Nothing more, nothing less.
Fast forward to today, and video games are much more than simply something to play. They are now worlds with people and experiences that gamers get involved in and have serious personal stake in as well. Video game characters, especially, have evolved and grown over the years. While the erstwhile plumber was cute, he wasnt really endearing. He didnt say much, his emotions were limited and his experiences were fairly mundane. Heck, in his original solo adventure, he couldnt even go too far backwards! He...