Reflections and thoughts...
When I saw this movie, I look back at when I had my old Atari 2600 and remember my parents paying $40 for a game with no more than 4 colors on-screen. And then one day, I began to see games at the local K-mart selling for $3 apiece. I know this was the mid-80's but $3 was still pretty cheap. Of course later on, I figured out why this happened, and I feared one day this may happen again (although I relish the idea of buying games at $5 again).
Despite the humor and somewhat prophetic theme of this flash, I dont think the crash of the 80's is likely to repeat again. First of all, games are highly scrutinized by companies before release both by game manufacturers and the ESRB. I dont think anyone will accidentally buy a copy of "Custer's Revenge" or "Legend of Zelda: Wand of Gamelon" again.
Also, games are not as expensive as they used to be. Ask anyone who has bought a Neo-Geo home console. Even if you didnt, remember when Phantasy Star II cost $85 bucks?
Also, I think games in general have gotten more advanced and more fun. Sure there's the occasional Britney Spears Dance Nightmare, but its not as bad as it used to be. To get an idea of what Im talking about, perhaps you should go to E-Bay and find a copy of a bootleg HK NES game featuring 10 million games in one cartridge.
Finally, video games are not just for kids anymore. The age demographics have changed and there is more widespread acceptance. But since more older people are into games now, more companies are trying to appeal to the older group. Whether that's good or bad is debatable.
I think one of the problems right now is that there are three game systems when there should only be room for two. Either the PS2, Gamecube, or the X-Box has got to go. Like our current government, the gaming industry seems to prefer a two-system battleground. I dont think even the hard-core gamer is likely to buy three game systems.
Anyway, as an old-school gamer, thanks for the laughs. This was a reminder that we should enjoy video games for what they are and truly give props to those who make great games.