tbandido:

If you are in your mid-20s or younger, and have any experience with video games whatsoever, it is extremely easy to presume that Pokemon is in your cultural lexicon. Ever since it exploded onto the scene in 1996 (or 1998 in North America), it has both captured and enraptured people’s imaginations, in addition to resonating on an extremely personal level with children and teenagers of the time. A universe of intelligent monsters that cohabitate with humanity became a limitless playground for these kids and teens–a universe where a ten-year-old could strike out into the world, fiercely independent, and stake a claim towards their destiny: not only becoming Pokemon Champion, but Catching ‘Em All along the way. 

A similarly-sized goal in the real world would seem insurmountable to most adults, let alone any single youngling. But, within the world of Pokemon, it not only felt like anything was possible, but it felt like everything was doable.

“I can do that.”

It’s the very first mantra in the new Super Bowl ad celebrating Pokemon’s 20th anniversary. If you have played a Pokemon game, you have likely felt this exact feeling: limitless possibilities, endless potential, and the anticipation of the upcoming journey.

In the ad, that tagline comes from four very different young people. A youngster, just beginning his training after being inspired on the street; a precocious girl with immense strategic know-how; a football captain, who appears to be a true motivator to his team (and, almost definitely, his other team); a city kid, ready to strike out and become the next big thing. They live in a world that is just like ours, but the presence of the Pokemon inhabiting the world permeates the entire setting in the small details. The Nidoqueen chess piece. The Fire Badge emblazoned on the helmets of the football squad. The Pokemon battle happening in a sold-out arena, televised to an entire region, allowing a father and son (and Pikachu) to bond. None of these things feel out of place because that’s how many of us imagined this world to be all those years ago. Realistic, but not gritty. Powerful, but not cataclysmic or apocalyptic. A world of immense size, full of hope and determination.

The ad constantly reminds us that these trainers are big time, too. All of these young people are all over breaking news. They are social media sensations. Holographic billboards are proclaiming their winning ways. They are extremely important and worthy of becoming the collective center of attention, just like the player character in the Pokemon games.

Just like you.

The minute you as a player step out of Pallet Town (or any of the humble beginnings introduced along the way) and into the world to start your adventure in the Pokemon games, you are important. That feeling of self-importance is vital to the Pokemon franchise, and has been every step of the way. 

By breathing life into the world of Pokemon that we all imagined while immersed in our own personal tales of triumph, Nintendo has reminded us why Pokemon has stood the test of time as a cultural touchstone in a way that no other video game has thus far. It’s a teaching tool that gives two invaluable lessons:

You are important, and you can do anything.