Video games are full of heroes. They may be superpowered figures or regular humans on a mission. As these characters grow on their journeys, the players learn from them, and maybe bring a bit of their wisdom with them into the real world.
None of these characters would be where they are if they didn’t have their own mentors. Even if they are flawed, they can impart valuable life lessons, which will guide these characters on their journeys or just keep them from doing something stupid. In truth, even though these characters are fictional, that doesn’t mean that what they have to say is any less true. Here are some of the most important pieces of wisdom from video game mentors.
6 “There is always a solution.” — Batman, Batman: The Rise of Sin Tzu
Batman is not only the caped crusader hunting criminals in the night, but he also has a habit of collecting orphaned/troubled kids and training them to fight in the streets. Such pupils he has taken on include Dick Grayson, and Tim Drake, who would both take on the mantle of Robin. In Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu, one of Batman’s video game outings, the titular villain tasks the Dark Knight with finding a destructive weapon on a barge. Sin Tzu calls it a “puzzle with no solution,” to which Batman replies, “There is always a solution.”
Sometimes it may seem like there is no solution to some of life’s problems. Often, however, there is a way to deal with things. Sometimes, it may just be looking at things from another angle. Other times, it may require just taking a step back and focusing on something else, while letting the brain do its thing subconsciously. This can give a “Eureka” moment worthy of the world’s greatest detective.
5 “It’s takin’ whatever comes your way, the good and the bad, that gives life flavor.” — Mr. Resetti, Animal Crossing: Wild World
The Animal Crossing games are all about enjoying day-to-day life, from collecting bugs to chatting with neighbors, as well as paying the bells owed to that pesky grifter, Tom Nook. In previous Animal Crossing games, if players messed up, they could just reset the console and reload their save. However, Mr. Resetti the mole would give players a mouthful, saying that this is a different kind of game and that just resetting and erasing things isn’t what life is all about.
If life had the desired outcome all the time, then it would get boring. Everything would be completely predictable, and there would not be any funny stories to tell the coworkers around the water cooler. If there was never any winter, one would be less likely to appreciate the Spring.
4 “. . . [Y]ou have every right to be angry, but believe me when I say that you don’t want to feed that emotion.” — Kyle Katarn, Star Wars Jedi Knight – Jedi Academy
Kyle Katarn is a major character in Star Wars’ Dark Forces and Jedi Knight video games. He would eventually become Luke Skywalker’s right-hand man in Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, where he becomes a teacher to the player and their fellow Jedi Knights in training. In a practice course, the player’s classmate, Rosh, sends a training droid to slow him down, infuriating him/her.
In this piece of wisdom, Katarn reminds one not to let their anger consume them. Being a Jedi, and being a decent human being, requires controlling one’s emotions. Acting out of anger can make one do stupid things that can hurt oneself and others. In the Star Wars universe, anger is often cited as a path to the Dark Side.
3 “Gaining experience in a single skill is admirable. But you must never lose the drive for self-improvement.” — Onigiri-Sensei, Okami
Fighting the eight-headed demon Orochi is a challenge, even for a Japanese Sun Goddess reincarnated as a wolf. Thankfully, Onigiri-Sensei is on hand to teach Amaterasu, or “Ammy” for short, some new fighting moves in Capcom’s cult classic, Okami. As any good teacher would do, he expects the best from his students.
Onigiri-Sensei reminds Amaterasu not to be too complacent, of which all should be wary. It is always good to try new things, and become better at something one is already good at. If there is no struggle, then there is no growth. Learning a new skill may lead to new opportunities, large or small.
2 “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.” — Old Man, The Legend of Zelda
In the very first Legend of Zelda game for the NES, the ever-silent Link wanders into a dark cave. There, a single old man stands in front of a sword, urging him to take it, while warning Link of the dangers on his journey.
The world can indeed be a dangerous place, with all kinds of threats from both human and non-human sources alike. So it is best to have some tools handy in tough situations, just to be on the safe side. If one is riding a bike, one should wear a helmet. This doesn’t just apply to tools. It is always worth having someone that can help provide guidance and be a motivator when life gets in the way.
1 “We don’t get to choose how we start in this life. Real greatness is what you do with the hand you’re dealt.” — Victor “Sully” Sullivan
Victor Sullivan is the snarky cigar-smoking partner-in-crime of adventurer, treasure hunter, and occasional criminal Nathan Drake, who debuted in the first game of the Uncharted series, Nathan Drake. Sully found Nate when he was just a child in the streets, and took him under his wing. He didn’t even want kids until he found him.
At the end of Uncharted 3, Sully gives Nate his ring to replace the one Nate lost, which was engraved with Sir Francis Drake’s words, “Greatness from Small Beginnings.” Nate had always aspired to be like legendary explorer Sir Francis Drake, even claiming to be a descendant of his. Sully reminds Drake here that one’s origin is not the deciding factor of what makes someone great. The potential to do incredible things in life exists in everyone, no matter from whom they are descended.
