First time Quote by Jeff Ryan
““But Zelda was never about plot. Indeed, one's head could explode if all the games were considered one story, since Link is always meeting Zelda and villainous Gannon for the first time. Imagine trying to explain why James Bond has stayed forty years old for forty years, while changing faces and hair color. Better to accept the story as a constant retelling, and don't dwell on continuity matters. Mario has made a cottage industry of jokes about how Bowser had only one playbook—kidnap the princess—and this time it'll work! He's utterly incapable of coming up with any other plan. Aside from that one time he obtained a degree in hotel management.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Game Design Talk, Jeff Ryan, 2023
The quote argues that some franchises prioritize recurring character dynamics over a continuous storyline, treating each installment as a fresh entry rather than a single narrative thread.
In simple terms: Series focus on recurring characters, not a single story.
Key Takeaway
Embrace each game as its own adventure.
Themes
storytelling
character design
franchise continuity
fan expectations
Mood
reflective
analytical
playful
Type
commentary
analysis
observation
When to use this quote
- playing video games
- discussing franchise lore
- writing game scripts
- analyzing fan theories
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
character archetypes
serial storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does treating each game as a standalone affect player engagement?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of ignoring continuity?
A Different Perspective
Fans may still seek deep continuity, creating tension with the creator’s intent.
![“The other [video game] franchises let you experience the adrenaline and horror of war, or deep fantasy worlds, or pro sports. A Mario game lets you pretend to be a middle-aged chubster hopping onto a turtle shell.” quote by Jeff Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ce5/jeff-ryan-60393_mario_the-other-video-game-franchises-let-you_2313694.jpg)
