I’d recommend checking out the video ‘I played Omori after losing my daughter to suicide’ - no one ever experiences media in isolation and it’s so incredibly touching to hear the adjacent stories of how media has helped us through our experience of the real world. Thank you so much for being open and I hope that creating this video has granted you with clarity and gratitude for where you’re at right now.
I wholeheartedly agree, it's so true. Pokémon is a dear franchise to me and I want to compliment the author for this little great video. As for myself I can identify with people who were helped by media. Last summer I attempted suicide (was saved by my parents) and One Piece pretty much saved me in the aftermath. You never know where a hand will come from.
Pokémon Ruby saved my life when I was 13. I was diagnosed with a life-long illness and it was the only thing that could save me from the doctor's appointments, hospital stays, and bullying at school. Stay strong, man. Thanks for sharing.
Late 90s kid here. Grew up with my younger brothers in a broken home. Our parents were not always in the picture. Mother left when we were really young, and dad was a struggling drug addict, so I had to take over as my brothers' primary caretaker. I remember for my 10th birthday, dad somehow was able to get me a blue game boy advance sp and pokemon sapphire. I treasured it dearly, even after all these years, nothing made me feel more loved than when he handed me that present and told me how proud he was of me. I miss him every day.
Hey everybody, first off I just want to say thank you for watching my video. Secondly, I'd like to say this comment section has blown me away. It is beautiful, emotional and triumphant. The reason I say triumphant is because despite our pain and horrible experiences, we're all still here. We don't give up. For those in the comments who are STILL going through terrible experiences, I hope one day soon they will be in your past and you can begin healing. Never give up. To quote my favorite book: "You gotta dance. As long as the music plays. You gotta dance. Don't even think why. Start to think, your feet stop. Your feet stop, we get stuck. We get stuck, you're stuck. So don't pay any mind, no matter how dumb. You gotta keep the step. You gotta limber up. You gotta loosen what you bolted down. You gotta use all you got. We know you're tired, tired and scared. Happens to everyone, okay? Just don't let your feet stop." I interpret the quote as music being life and dancing is living to your fullest. As long as we're alive (music playing) we have to LIVE (dance). Try to make friends. Try a new hobby! Try a new type of food! Go for walks! Life can truly be beautiful. Thank you again.
Thank you for being so open in sharing something as deeply sensitive as this. Before I get into one of the most important games that helped me get though a dark period of life, I'd like to mention, that I never had it as bad as you did. So I'd like to express my respects to you for trucking through and coming out the other end OK enough to make such a compassionate and sharing video. It was most certainly not the only contributor to helping me get through a time which often made you feel as though, you'd rather fall asleep at night and not wake up the next day. Fairy Tail gets a lot of credit for that. (A little more on that afterwards.) But I do wholeheartedly believe, that an impossibly large amount of weight had been pulled and carried by Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness. An almost eerily befitting yet comforting subtitle when thinking on it now. In it you get to witness a person becoming not only a partner in adventures but a bestest of friend whom you provide with and instill in the drive, courage and reason to improve themselves as much as they possibly can. Just by being by their side. And they do. Your partner, your best friend becomes someone truly remarkable, reliable and likable. It is therefore all the more heartbreaking when you separate at the end of your journeys together. For various reasons, you will end up giving your life to protect all others of the world. No one individual is hit by this more than your partner. After a beyond heartfelt goodbye during which a tune called "I don't want to say goodbye" plays, you as a player have to watch your partner leave the sight of tragedy, journey back home and carry on with their life. Of course they are devastated by this but nonetheless they keep going, seizing every chance they can get to tell your guys' story. Perhaps also in an effort to keep your memory in their heart. All the more befitting then, that the tune mentioned before has been renamed to "Don't ever forget" in the third version of this game, "Explorers of Sky". One evening many months later, as they are headed out for a stroll on the beach, they are passed off by another friend who reminds them not to be late for dinner. They smile, agree and keep going about their stroll. They then reach a beach with a setting sun's rays reflecting off the now glittering oceans waves. And as the Krabby blow bubbles into the air which refract the orange sunlight into shimmering rainbow colors, they are reminded of the last time they had seen this. It was the first time they had met you. This takes them down memory lane and eventually break out into tears as they once again are reminded of the void your passing has left within them. Apparently this went on for a while, as the friend who passed them earlier comes to look for them and asks what is wrong. Your best friend, now feeling alone without you, breaks down into the other friends arms, piercingly sobbing. Credits roll... But it is not all tragedy. There is an after credit moment that outshines even the keenest of Marvel movies. Someone with magnificent power, whom you two have helped come to their senses and heal, feels your partners deepest of affectionate pain. And as a resounding gift of thanks, they make an exception an bring you back to the world and more importantly your partner, so you two may once again spend many days of joy together. In somewhat subtle and yet very outright ways, this told me, that this game is the only second chance at life that you'll get . Because if you untimely end yours, it will only contribute to spreading misery. "You don't die for your friends. You live for them!" - Erza Scarlet. Which brings me back to Fairy Tail. Don't worry, I won't chew off your ear for much longer. I'd just like to mention how this Anime helped me accept myself in a time when I had felt entirely not understood and refrained showing my true self to others for fear of being ridiculed and ostracized. It didn't break down the walls that I had made around myself. It made me lay them down myself. Only once I could accept me for who I really am, have I felt the acceptance of the people of Fairy Tail. As odd as this may sound. But as long as you can do that, you'll feel like a member of their guild. Explorers of Darkness and Fairy Tail are what I'd consider two of the most important things that helped me carry on and be who I am today. Finally: thank you for reading, have a good one and keep being as cool as you are. ✌
My mother is/was EXACT the same! It's hard to listen to this similair story! I'm sorry bro...😔 These people need help from the others! And they have to fuck of all this fukkin Drugs!😡
The Pokémon and Final Fantasy games got me through some dark times in my life. Til the day I die, both these franchises will be near and dear to my heart. I still can't believe I was there for the beginning of a worldwide phenomenon, something I don't think many will ever experience again. For me, the games I love most are Pokémon Red and Blue, and FFXI. Love those games so much! I have so many good memories.
So much respect for you sharing your story. So brave of you to put this out there .For me it was Pokemon too. I think Pokemon Ruby was not the first one but the one that helped me through some really tough times.
My darkest memory is watching my mum put herself into a coma through a combo of painkillers and vodka, all the while I was playing a concert for her on Guitar Hero 5. Whilst you would think that would remove me from wanting to be on stage ad perform, it's only pushed me harder into that passion of being a musician
wow. thats so incredibly selfish for a PARENT to commit suicide. I’m the one who didn’t ask to be born and had life forced upon me, so I’d be unselfish if I were to attempt again.
@@HydroSnorter3000 My mother also didn't ask to be born. Plus it wasn't fully intentional, the painkillers just lasted longer than expected in her system before she started drinking that day. Hva more respect when discussing this topic in the future, it's always selfish and selfless in different ways.
@@machinat3636 mb, personally I’ve never ever done opiates and alcohol together if I wasn’t actively trying to or at least not caring if I die. the world really needs to educate people on the subject. So many people just casually drink while on opiates without knowing the risk. I knew the risks when I did. my dad did that combo once after snorting a Dilaudid I gave him, found him drunk as hell sipping beer. blud didn’t even know its a dangerous combo 💀💀
@@machinat3636 I’ve drank like half a can while chilling off Dilaudid and was so high I kept being so so close to accidentally falling asleep. Not sure why she thought it’d be a good idea to drink on her painkillers. wouldn’t be surprised if they contained acetaminophen too.
@@machinat3636 Sorry, I’ve just never ever in my life drank while on morphinans if I wasn’t actively trying to or at least not caring about the respiratory consequences. edit: actually I’ve done it ONCE. but that was a tiny dose, not a coma dose.
Simple games like Pokemon or Spyro the Dragon can be great if they’re made with LOVE & CARE 🥰 When I lost the first cat that was mine (got him when I was 1998 when I was 4, he passed away at the foot of my bed New Year’s Eve 2008, when I was 14) Spyro A Hero’s Tail saved me in a way…. Spyro has always been an anchor for me…. (Tearing up writing this, that memory is STILL THAT vivid to me, I think of it, and I can see it like an HD movie)
My dad had similar struggles with alcohol and depression although he was never abusive to me and any conflict was just the occasional arguments we had when he drank. But it was still hard for me to see him like that and using alcohol to cope with his depression. Although I don’t have one particular game that helped me through those nights, it was always comforting to just go to my room and get lost in the world of whatever game I was playing at the time. Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your story. Love your videos!
I’m sorry you had to go through that. It’s scary when a parent acts that way. It changed my perception on a lot. I’m glad you’re doing better now. Thank you for sticking around since my first few vids!
I was born a year before you and my first Pokémon game was Firered. My mom also struggled with alcoholism and bipolar. I remember playing games like Pokémon in my room to drown out the sounds of her manic episodes. We lost her to cardiac arrest due to being overly intoxicated. There was so much more in the video I’ve experienced in my life too like making a friend on the bus while playing Pokémon on my SP. I’ve recently been getting back into Pokémon for the nostalgic feeling, those games brought so much joy into my life during some dark times.
1993 baby here, the original Pokémon boom filled my childhood, I’ve forgotten a lot of my childhood due to trauma, but I remember my best friend gifted me a copy of ruby in primary school, that game got me out of a lot of hard times.
Pokemon soulsilver and undertale will always hold a very special place in my heart for everything those games have done to comfort and inspire me. Even when life had some of its worst turns I had those games and stories to fall back on and I'll always be grateful for that. I didn't really have friends growing up but being able to spend time with Flames my typhlosion and first pokemon made me feel less alone, she was even my first ever level 100. I find it interesting that later on in life those interests are the exact things that got me to connect with others. Also I understand how stomach dropping it feels to think back on something and realize it was a lot darker than you could comprehend as a little kid. I'm sorry you had to go through that, best wishes to you.
This made me cry, I wished I could give you a hug! I have Bipolar Depression and used to self harm so I know how rough that is. I'm glad your doing better now! For me Final Fantasy saved my life, growing up I used to play them with my younger brother. In 2020 he died from a Seizure right in front of me, I broke down and couldn't stop crying. My mom brought me back to live with her and I just stayed in her guest room, I never left the room I'd just lay in bed crying for months. In 2021 exactly one week after my brother had died the year before my mom died from brain cancer, I almost gave up then. I was a mess, I happened to find my brother's Final Fantasy games on the PS1 we used to play together growing up and started playing them. It really helped me through the darkest times in my life. I'm now obsessed with them and have Platinumed almost the entire series. So I don't think I'd still be alive if it wasn't for Final Fantasy.
I'm happy that you're still here, my friend. And if you're a FF pro player, you should help me with Zeromus in the DS version. Bastard kicked my ass a couple of times and I gave up xD
Thanks! Yeah, the DS version is tough! I've yet to beat the DS version, got to Dr. Lugae and got stuck. You got farther than me though! I'm no Pro but thank you, I wish I was. @@VampiroClown
@@StarlightMirror I'll tell you how to beat him (if you don't wanna know, don't keep reading) . . . . . Just kill Lugae first. When Lugae comes back as a demon, throw Elixir to him. The fight that was really difficult for me was the Golbez one. You have to defeat him after defeating those Calca-Brenna dolls. That's 2 boss fights without saving, and Golbez kept killing me.
Thank you! I never thought an Elixer would work on a boss, I'll def try this out next time I play it! That Reversal Gas is a pain! That fight with Golbez after the doll fight isn't very fair, so can see why someone would struggle with it. Thanks again for the tip! @@VampiroClown
I don't have a story as deep or traumatizing as everyone else, but I was bullied as a first grader and the only thing that could make me forget all of my worries was my game, Sonic 3 and Knuckles. It is still and will forever be my all time favorite video game- my game.
I lost my beloved big sister to cancer around the end of 2019. She was on a sharp downward spiral throughout her entire battle against the disease. She passed away not far removed from her 21st Birthday. I was so depressed, I nearly gave up on life. If not for me having access to Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII, I honestly doubt I would still be here. Those two Final Fantasy games helped me see the full extend of the importance of living life to honour those who you lose. Now, at the age of 24, I show my passion for life by staying up all night to help anyone I find to be in a dangerous headspace. Even if it means losing an entire night full of sleep, I will do what I can to save a life. I may have been helped by 23 fictional characters across two different JRPGs but I credit every single one of them from Terra Branford to Cid Highwind for preventing me from taking my own life all those years ago. Final Fantasy saved my life. For that, it is my second favourite video game series, only behind Star Fox, which saved me from going off the deep end due to being bullied all throughout high school. Edit: Digimon has done the same for me in more recent years but even though it is a video game first, Digimon is more of a multi-media thing and harder to place under one category.
I have somewhat identical taste. I played Star Fox 64 a ton throughout my middle school years. Final Fantasy 6 is one of my all time favorite games. Hope peace comes your way, friend.
As someone born in 1997 who also had leaf green growing up. It’s easy to take for granted what we have or don’t have. I won’t compare struggles here but I loved your story. Thank you.
You are such a strong soul. And so many others in These comments. For me it was watching ATLA and playing Final fantasy. Soothing detraction that can also offer wisdom for when it’s time to face the world again. All the best to you all!
Pokemon Ruby when I was young, Skyrim when I was a teenager. Both allowed me to escape to that mystical world of exploration. Was very helpful but detrimental when no limits were self-imposed. It's tough with those games, as they're single player games, but I found at least with those two, you can play with someone physically by your side.
Pokémon helps me heal. Like many others, we all deal with our own problems and curve balls life throws at us. Remember when you're playing Pokémon, so many other do to for that reason. I hope you're gonna be okay in the future. Your story is so touching. I'm sorry for you, your family and your mom.
Thank you for this video man. A month ago my wife had a psychotic episode and doctors said she is bipolar, I've been doing my best to support her, but as you said, sometimes it feels like she sees me as a stranger. Idk why, pokemon videos let me escape reality for a little while. I had no idea this pokemon video would turn out that way, but I'm really thankful you shared your struggle with us. Cheers from Brazil.
Hey stranger on the internet, I’m bipolar and I just wanted to give you and your wife hope that with therapy and being on the right medication can really be such a life changer. Recovery and management of the disorder is tough but it’s what you have to do. I’m doing so well with being bipolar and I never thought I would ever say those words. It gets better :)
@@Yallnotready4MADDOG thank you so much for your kind words. My wife is slowly getting better and the best part is that she understands she has a condition and needs medication, I'm hopeful she will get better with time. It is great to hear stories like yours, it fills me with hope and joy. Have an excellent day stranger 😁👍
Second input from another bipolar person, but honestly the first step of accepting your diagnosis is the hardest. With hard work and support from you, your wife can live a happy and fulfilling life. There will be ups and downs, but you and her are a team in this, and the stability you give her is so, so important, especially as she tries to find her rhythms to manage it. I would be really struggling without my partners being my anchors, and I'm sure your wife feels the same. Even when we are in a way that leaves us paranoid and afraid, off the walls and unsure, there's love and familiarity in the people who put the effort in to be there. You're doing great.
No kid should ever have to say that a guardian “finally” passed away, I’m sorry you had to be put through that, I wish you well, Pokémon was a strong coping mechanism for me as well. I feel like it helped me even to this day as well. Thank you for sharing your story.
This video hit home hard. I shred a story with my Child Decelopment-Creativity class just last week about how I came from a dysfunctional family and would retreat to video games (mostly leaf green; born in 96) to escape that world. I don’t think it was a healthy coping mechanism, but I was a child and it definitely worked. 27 now and I still play Pokemon every week Thank you for sharing ❤
hey man, thank you for sharing your story. you are a wonderful lovable person and I'm so sorry little you had to witness/experience all that. as a kid, pokemon helped me alot as well. through family problems, bullying, and even now as an adult, the recent games have helped me keep my hopes alive during an abusive relationship. it provided a sense of community for me here on youtube and I love how this franchise always brings people together and helps people in some way.
Thank you for the lovely words and sharing your story. I hope that abusive relationship is in the past now for you. Recently I’ve realized that I still feel a joy engaging with a lot of communities talking about the games we love.
I came to Pokemon in Gen 1 with Pokemon Blue when I was 7 after my parents divorce and moving and going thru a lot of associated shit during the following years. I have been *so attached* to the Pokemon series for getting me thru all of that. I empathize SO MUCH with your story. Much love ❤
at the moment, pokemon platinum is my safe space. i’ve made a lot of poor mistakes these past few months which lead to a lot of bad things to happen and im still facing repercussions. every night before i go to bed i play pokemon platinum to help me sleep. my stress gets terrible before i go to sleep, it sometimes feels like my heart is beating out of my chest, but playing pokemon pl helps me keep my mind off those things for the time being. thank you for making this video 🙏🏼
Thank you for your story! I have a similar connection to pokemon that was a part of escapism that healed me and helped me to cope with life as a kid. The best year in school as i remember was when Pokemon anime started showing. The children suddenly became friendly to each other and we were united by these interests. I remember drawing Pokemon and my friend and I fantasizing about how cool it would be if Pokemon were real and we went to school with Pokeballs. And we imagined that right now we had pokeballs in our backpack. My dog was my only friend for a long time and when he died I felt so devastated, parents thought that i need serious help. But when I saw that episode with "Charmander: The Stray Pokémon", it helped me get my emotions out and understand the loss. I felt so strange, it was the first time I was fully aware of adult emotions, awareness of loss and the meaning of life, friendship, etc.
This is such a personal video and I love it, thanks for sharing your story, videogames are truly great. For me the game that changed me was mother 3, I moved to another country after finishing highschool, and felt completly stranger to everything around me and felt very alone, I drowned myself in nostalgia of what my life used to be before everything changed. Mother 3 thought me how to love, and how crying is okay. It tought me to accept my feelings and by it, learning to truly by myself, and only then I can adress them and work to improve myself
Mother 3 is one of my all time favorites. The story hits too close to home. Chapter 6 made me cry, and I almost never cry to fiction. Thank you for sharing your story and for watching my video.
Thank you for sharing your story man. It’s interesting how Pokémon held kids together in such different times. My parents divorced and I had my gameboy color and Pokémon Silver with me through the back and forth trips for visitation rights, waiting for each street light to brush over me so I could get just a little bit further. I wish you the best man, take care of yourself and keep that wonder in you bro.
I cried. Im not gonna go into detail but I have the same exact reasonings for loving X and Y with every fiber of my being. I probably used every single pokemon ever to beat X and Y through GTS and WonderTrade just to get me through childhood until I could actually escape
I’m suprised I got recommended this because the title resonated with me. I’ve been playing Fire Red as of late to sometimes cope with some recent happenings
15:40 Very much mood. I personally never made that many friends (that many who were able to stay with me through my education, anyways), so I was a bit of a social recluse going towards the end of high school. And now that I actually want to make friends IRL, it feels like the opportunity to make fast ones has long since passed me by.
wow, this video is very relatable. pokemon r/s and fr/lg were one of my favourite games growing up and i would spend countless hours playing them. my mother and stepfather would yell/argue with each other a lot and child me was terrified of my step father. i would hide under my bed playing these games to escape from the yells from my step father and the cries from my mother. i remember desperately wishing pokemon were real so i could run away from the constant chaos at home. this is one of the main reasons i have such a soft spot for pokemon, since it was there for me during the darkest moments of my life when no one else was. lovely video and i wish you a bright future!
This video has been recommended to my several times and I finally sat down and watched it. I've cried and can relate to some parts of your story. I've gone through years of continuous different traumas and moved a lot too. My older brother had the first two generations of pokemon games that I played but Leaf Green was *my* first pokemon game and I got it during a difficult part of my life. Its the only good memory I really have of that time; my family has a tradition, each of us open a gift from our stocking on Christmas Eve. That year it was leaf green and after that I can't remember if I played it, its gone from my memory until years later Diamond came out at a slightly better time. I'd say both of these games but most importantly Sinnoh has grounded me back down to earth. I still have my original Diamond game and even a little Dialga figure from that time, I still go back to them all the time and can get comfort; remakes included even if they aren't objectively "good." I'm 25 and there are times I still like to believe I have a pokemon buddy with me; silly as it may be, it really helps with my day to day life. I'm on my journey to collecting the first four generation of games; I recently had a Fire Red (fake, sadly) and was able to feel like the young kid I once was and have forgotten about. Even briefly healing that part of me with the few days I had that Fire red copy, I finally felt a belonging again. Thank you for your video and telling your story, and the insights playing these games have given you to share with us. I hope life is treating you well and that the days have become easier.
Coming from a mixed family (dutch/spanish) living in the Netherlands n kinda standing out from other kids was tough lots of bullying happened in between my kindergarten n high school I started boxing which also saved my life but leafgreen was my escape from reality after getting bullied I would go home try to hide the bruises from my mom since I didn't want her to feel bad nor want to cost her any trouble as a single mom so I used to pretend that the elite four were my bullies so I kept on beating em reaching almost 300 hours of gameplay most my mon reached lvl 100 due this but just taking out my anger in a simple game like leafgreen ik my story aint as hard hitting as others but my point is that games can be so wonderful honestly no matter what!
Hey man, thank you for sharing that story with us. Leaf Green also helped me through one of the worst times of my life. It's a long detailed and nuanced story just like yours, and maybe one day I'll tell it on youtube. Thank you, keep chasing that far off star!
I've had a really rough life, I can relate to the instability of constantly moving, my parents were heavy drug addicts, and my step dad was grossly abusive to me, my mother and my younger brother. I've been living in hotels since i was 10 years old and my relationship with my mother has only soured as i've gotten older. Whenever i'm put in a dark point in my life I play pokemon, whether its a fan-game, rom hack, or just vanilla, your video really resonated with me, pokemon has always been a escape, the world felt almost utopian, where the biggest threat in your life could be resolved with a pokemon battle. pokemon will always be something special to me and to anyone else who has played it. it's hard to put into words exactly what it means to me. but this video reminded me im not the only one who has had watch everything around them be destroyed. Thank you for putting your time into creating this.
Beautiful video, you were remarkably gracious with your narration of these events. I’ve also lost my mother young, I was 10: she went off-road and didn’t survive the impact. My brother and my dad helped me get through it. Music also probably helped. A big help, however, was discovering Bleach and Attack On Titan, whose respective protagonists both lose their mothers young and use their frustrated anger to do something positive and productive. Pokémon also probably helped. Pouring hundreds of hours into LeafGreen, HeartGold, Black, and Explorers of Sky must have kept me imagining positive things rather than fixating on negative ones. So, thank you for sharing your delicate story.
Right there with you mane. I was severely depressed. I was Miserable. Till I bought a GBA sp. And the first games I got were Pokemon. Remembering my childhood playing Sapphire and never finishing it. I caught all almost 400 something Pokemon. Complete national Dex. Like 400 hours on it
Had a similar dynamic with my mom but with her Bipolar disorder and constantly moving all the time, Pokemon was the escape from everything and the only real consistency. Beautiful video.
it’s quite surreal, listening to this video about a complete stranger born in a different time to a different family with such similar experiences and struggles. On top of alcoholism, there was also substance-abuse. It took my mother away from a younger me who needed her the most. we lost our home and went homeless for a time because she couldn’t get anything together. her problems in turn became mine and it’s caused a lot of hurt in current day. Growing up I also had Pokémon, my favorites being mystery, dungeon explorers of sky and platinum. But the game I sung the most hours into was heart gold. Something about the journey made me envious of these fictional characters. Characters who would never have to struggle like we do. Characters whose entire life is one big adventure. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to tell ours. It helps to know through the struggle that we aren’t alone ❤️
Several years ago, I was dealing with the trauma of watching my mother pass away, right in front of my eyes. On top that, I was dealing with identity issues, I was trying to find myself, and this time was insanely stressful for me. During that time, a little DS game called The World Ends With You enveloped my focus. Its messaging went a long way, and the game meant so much to me even before that point, but I found myself returning to it at my darkest, and lowest point. It is no exaggeration to say, I would not be here today, if it wasn't for that game. The characters, the story, its messaging all resonated with me so much. Beat's story in particular helped me to continue moving forward. His story hit so hard, and gave me the motivation to keep going. It's a wonderful little game, and I owe it so much.
Thanks for sharing your story. Both our past experiences were similar. I can relate to some of what you say. 0-6 lived in a rural house with my mom and dad. My dad would physical and psychologically abuse me while my mom was the bread winner. 6-7 lived in a women's shelter with my mom 7-10 lived with my mom in a house. She became an aggressive alcoholic. She would often breakdown and lie about life, plus she could not keep a stable job. 10-11 child services took me away 11-17 My mom took me back. I watched my mom decay mentally and physically while living below the poverty line. Every week she would ask for money for cigarettes and booze. I began working at 12 to make money to eat. I had no bank account so I hid my money, yet my mom stole from me multiple times. Malnourished, mad at my dad who left for Cali, confused about my pain. We lived through discrimination vs Jews, home invasions, drugs, drug dealers that took advantage of my mom and myself. Luckily I steered away from that life. Poetry and Pokemon helped me cope. All from Montreal, Quebec. -->Early 90's kid
This video and the comment section are filled with so many beautiful people and touching emotions. I can relate with many of them but not fully, and to see how this little passion we have in common for Pokémon games/games in general has helped/is helping so many people enduring bad moments in their life is just so... beautiful. I wish you all the best! All of you matter!
I'm so glad you've been inspired by the words and the incredible experiences of these people! I'm also glad you found a media such as videogames that helped you through your life journey! Stay strong@@kswaes
What you said about this generation of games really hit home. I started with gen 3 and I also believe the first four generations were amazing. So much creativity and excitement. I still replay Emerald, fire red, and crystal version to this day and it's been 19 years.
Gotta keep playing my leafgreen copy after this motivation. You earned a like and a subscriber. My life saving game was: the legend of zelda majoras mask. My fascination with everything dark and mysterious started there. Growing up in a more strict catholic household made life kinda hard and unbearable sometimes, especially after I found out that I am gay. I treasure my childhood and nothing makes life more bearable than a good long video game session 🎮 especially some stuff like mario kart or smash bros in a group setting
I went through a lot of things early in my childhood and had no time to be a child, really... but my family bought me Dragon Warrior Monsters for the Game Boy Color, which was backwards compatible on the Game Boy Advance SP I had, and this game literally got me through so much. Alongside Pokemon Ruby, which I maxed out the play time on, I spent all my time playing those because the escape they provided. Over 10 years later I'd buy myself the sequel, Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 and feel that same wonder and nostalgia I felt as a kid. Your story is really touching and it's amazing to hear that you had such a special game that you could really enjoy and immerse yourself in, the gen 3 Pokemon games were my first ones too and truly are special!
also a late 90's kid- I found pokemon at the age of 6 and it became my hyperfixation ever since then. I grew up poor & in a really neglectful and abusive family, expected to cope with trauma by myself and parentified, taking care of the adults' physical and emotional needs while I was still a child. The only part of my childhood that was ACTUALLY a childhood at all was being able to play pokemon (specifically leafgreen, emerald, and platinum.) Even when we were homeless those games came with me. Although I'm really sad that you had to go through a rough childhood as well (cause no one deserves that,) I still thank you very much for sharing your story, cause it makes all the rest of us feel less alone. Yay for community! I hope your struggles lessen and your life becomes what you want it to be. Take care. :) -Neo
Awesome video, thanks for sharing. My situation wasn’t to the extent of yours but in November I lost the best job I ever had and with the free time I had finished my play though of Yakuza 4 then started 5. This series is in my top 3 favorite series, something about Yakuza 5 being as big and ambitious as it was and having the theme about chasing your dreams. It genuinely just seems like a right place, right time kind of thing but the game is up there as one my top games in the series slightly below 0.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm a long islander and I've also had to deal with an alcoholic, bi-polar mom. Drug addiction has been a reoccurring problem with my entire family except me. I lost my older brother in 2016 to an overdose and my sister who currently lives down in NC is self destructing with alcohol addiction. My mom recently fell down a whole flight of stairs after getting wasted while I was visiting my dad. When you talk about yourself and how video games helped you escape from it all, I absolutely see myself. Pokemon was a core part of my childhood too, and I'll always be grateful for all the hope and wonder that it instilled in me when I needed it the most. I always make an effort to stay connected with my inner child through video games, and I always encourage others to do the same. Btw, I love all the music you played in the background of this video. I was really happy to hear Klonoa music start playing.
I’m sorry for your loss, I hope you and your family find peace in life. Thank you for sharing your story. And yeah, I will always keep in touch with my inner child. I think it’s because child-me needed that friend. And yeah! I love Klonoa so much. I hope to do a video on it one day.
I was kicked out of home when I was midway through highschool. All I had on me was a backpack full of clothes and a single game in my SP. Whether I slept in an abandoned building or on a park bench, the only source of stability in my life was to charge up at a library and play through Link's Awakening before sleeping. I started and completed that game every night for four years. Even now, in my thirties, if I ever feel homesick, I don't go to a real place. I flick a switch and go to Koholint Island.
Thank you for this video. I'm 34. I played gen1 and gen2 when they were new. My family wasn't exactly poor nor were we particularly prosperous but 5 of the 6 games of these generations were what we could afford. In these times my family unit was slowly crumbling, my parents were both heavy drinkers, and that being said I lost my mom to ALS in 2021. I myself have struggled with some substance abuse and alcoholism which I am working hard to make a thing of the past. In these last few months I've been diving into Gameboy modding and revisiting the old classics and in time I intend to pick up where I left off as a kid. In my own way I can really relate to your video and I genuinely feel for you. You've got my like and subscribe, not only for a really great video but for being so very transparent and relatable. Thank you for this. It has made me, and I'm sure many others feel not alone in our childhood darknesses.
As 41 year old just now diving back into pokemon after all those years it really made me very happy even before Pokémon ff6 was my game and then chrono trigger came out and til this day these game still warm my heart when things are going bad but I don’t give up. Just like in those games the heroes never gave up and fought to save everyone and I really do believe video games have helped and saved lives.
My first game was soul silver and I shared it with my two siblings. It was already complete with almost every Pokémon, but I loved it more than anything. There was a friend who really got me into the franchise with his dozens of cards and games. I was around 6 and he was around 11. He took his life when he was 19. He was like the older brother I’d wished for and I wouldn’t have been so in love with the franchise without him. Rest in peace to my friend and brother. And I also felt like Pokémon kept me in this happy place even if nobody else played it. Bro when Pokétubers were in their prime it really filled the void of moving and being alone
Thank you for this video. I'm thankful that this game means so much to you, like it does to me. It was my first Pokemon game, and for the biggest part of my youth it was my world. Still is infact. All the best to you man.
I can say as a whole, Pokemon as a franchise saved my life. I had a hard childhood as well -- a lonely one too with really no friends and being an only child. Pokemon, My grandmother, and the memories I have of everything of those two things combined made my life. I'm going to be 32 this year, I still love Pokemon, and play whenever I can.
Thank you for sharing your story. I found it very relatable. My biological mother likely had Borderline Personality Disorder as well as a myriad of other things, and she had a history of addiction and alcoholism, before she eventually committed suicide when I was 15. I also was a 97 baby and grew up watching the OG anime, playing those games. All I really gotta say is Pokemon had held a special place in my heart too, and still does. Video games were a good escape for me.
So sorry for your hard experiences, no child should grow up in that, I hope you're better now. We moved around a ton when I was growing up, I was around when the originals came out, so Red and Yellow saved me. Best, safest memories I have.
The algorithm brought me here and I have to say two things: 1. Big move to share such an emotional story. You have no idea what you're doing for people who were or who currently are in these kinds of situations. So - thank you for that. 2. My respect for your self-reflection skills which sure brought a lot of pain with them, to grow/come so far. You're whole story is inspirational. And this comes from a person who isn't a fan of our typical social media state of sharing basically everything online. Not every story someone can tell needs to be heard. But I think yours is. Especially when you think of how much thought you seem to have put in this video, telling it. My deepest respect for you. Not only, because of this very video, but also, because you made it and reached this point of your life, despite all the hardships you had to endure. You did good. - A fellow "lifesurvivor" who held on, because of Pokémon (and Anime & Music)
Pokemon, Skyrim, Fallout, The Outer Worlds, Monster Hunter, even smaller ones nobody hears about like Block Story, The Whispered World, and Coromon. Although they don't change the world into a perfect place, I'm grateful to have them as they bring Adventure, Exploration, Challenge, and Nostalgia each in their own ways. Pokemon taught me strategy and that there's strength in numbers and companions. Monster Hunter taught me that no matter how big, strong, or terrifying the challenge, the walls in your way can be toppled. Skyrim and Fallout showed me that even though the world can be dark and miserable, you can always find little moments of beauty that make it worth living. As a Christian I have to say there's definitely more to life than video games, and that you shouldn't get lost in them entirely. But I'll admit it's good to enjoy a new adventure, wherever your travels may take you.
This video was beautiful, sad, and made me teary eyed. I know this was like therapy sharing your experience. Thank you. That was a special era for me too, and made me reflect on my own childhood which I cherish and now I’m a father with a traditional family structure. I aspire to be present in my child’s life and hope one day to collect Pokemon cards with my kid as a hobby.
Thanks for sharing. We all go through a tough time and it's hard to deal with but we come out better people in the end. My life of depression was also soothed by pokemon. We all share this small rock, ain't got time to hate.
This is a very special video. Thank you for sharing. You made my morning. I can relate to this video heavily as someone who lost a parent at a young age. A few years ago, I was struggling with a deep depression. A Pokemon Platinum nuzlocke is the game I attribute my healing to. Seeing it through to the end gave me a reason to keep trying in my real life.
Thank you for being here, sharing your story, and sharing your love for Pokemon and other games. Pokemon truly did unite my siblings and those close relationships got us through tough times
Man... I dont know you... But i sincerely want to give you a hug for making it this far. You dont know me, and i dont know you... But i call you a friend and i say you have my support. As children, we all cannot choose how our lives unfold. I lost my dad at rhe age of 8 and he is the one person i love the most and he is terribly missed. He died from lung cancer. Fought and lost. We all have our stories and as a 32 year old i can say some of us lose our way, whereas some of us had the strength to break the curse or cycle. I too played a ton of pokemon in my youth to cope with alot of random influences and things in my upbringing. Happy to hear your story my guy. Chin up. Theres always sunlight after the storms. 🎶☀️🏴☠️💕🍖
Thank you so much. I’m sorry for your loss. When a loss comes so early in life it feels like a giant shadow has been cast over our lives. But like you said, there’s always sunlight. We have to sometimes step out of the shadow to see it
I was born in 96 and I willingly avoided Pokemon games until 2009. I regret it so much! My first game was Platinum. I've gone back and played the OGs of course. Pokemon became such an important part of my life. ❤️
In elementary school, I was bullied a lot and did not really have any friends. Each day I was looking forward to go home and finally play Pokemon Gold. It made those lonely days bearable. While my story is not as sad as yours, I can really relate with you how Pokemon was (and probably still is) that haven of comfort for you. Great video, thanks for sharing your story. ❤
Had a similar situation where my dad was an alcoholic. Pokémon Yellow was my biggest escape. I always felt so absorbed by it. My dad was able to break away from alcohol and I ended up learning guitar with him, so we finally bonded instead of me always being scared or angry with him. Pokémon helped me make friends at school too. When I was scared of bullies, I’d find out they were into Pokémon and we would end up becoming friends and trade and battle Pokémon over link cables. It was amazing and I can’t imagine my life without the series, as wild as it is to say that.
Pokemon Snap, Blue and more-so Pokemon Gold helped me through some hard times. Crazy how these games were so integral to me just coping I hadn’t even thought about how big of an influence they had on me until now.
you weren’t physically abused but you were traumatized.Thank you for sharing your story I relate in a lot of ways when my mom left at 7. You got a new sub❤️
thankyou for this video, im glad you're still here :) the way you described Pokémon as an escape really hits home, honestly. i was also born in 1997, except my fav pkmn game of my childhood was sapphire- though my childhood was mostly uneventful, the world of Pokémon was just everything I wanted outta life too, going off on a grand adventure.. id roleplay irl with my brother, play with him and his friends via link cable.. id pretend I lived in hoenn (in lavaridge!) and just.. took my SP with me everywhere. obviously im not here to tell my whole life story, but TLDR.. my teenage years were clouded by being mistreated by someone who was meant to be a parental figure, who made me lose my self worth, had me take care of their child half the time, and terrified the shit outta me. and all those years I lost myself are just a massive blur now. i missed out on gen5 completely because I didn't really exist, if that makes sense. on the day things got to their worst, i got the courage to speak out, and while it took a few years for them to be out of my life for good, the release of alpha sapphire sorta coinciding with that felt like a warm hug. going back to lavaridge still makes me want to cry, haha. life is brighter for me now, i went through therapy and just doing what I can to enjoy things and let myself be myself. i hope life is kind to you, and im sending love to whoever may stumble upon this message of mine xx
This hit really hard. My mom also has also been an alcoholic her entire life and also struggled with many of the same issues yours did. I have a very similar memory as a kid with the ssself harm. when I was around 4 or so I found my mom tying up a yellow extension cord between two trees, attempting to hang herself. I came in and told my dad what she told me (she said she was "hanging the lights") and he immediately called an ambulance and she was actually dead for a few minutes there. Throughout my entire life she has been a very similar force that your mom was in yours it seems, so this video really resonated with me personally. My only real escapes of my mother and my dad fighting at the time were video games like Pokemon and Zelda.
There’s no one game that saved my life, but the game that has meant the most to me from a community/social aspect is Fall Guys. In the last two and a half years I have met so many really cool people all because I started reaching out to play with people. I ended up meeting a few of them irl in November 2022 and I consider them very close friends. It’s also the game that brought me back to discord, and through that I got to know a ton of other people from other communities. Crazy how one game can affect your life so much, I cannot imagine what life would be if I had never played it or reached out to the first few people in discord. I remember being so nervous to message people at first because I didn’t want to bother them, but now it’s hard to imagine having not done it. In the two years since, my online friends have helped me throughout various points in my life (in ways they may not even realize) and though I didn’t meet all of them directly through Fall Guys, I would not have met them at all if I hadn’t rejoined discord. Really wild stuff, the butterfly effect and all that. ❤
This is such a cool story. I feel like a lot of us assume the era of making online friends for life or turning them into irl friends is an early/mid 2000s thing. I’m glad to hear it still happens.
@@WITAWITAVG yo ngl I hadn’t properly watched the video til just now but your story is WILD man. I’m sorry you had to deal with all that trauma and heartbreak at such a young age but it’s incredibly admirable that you got through it and are willing to share your story with us. Much love my man great stuff. (Also I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life so ayyyy what’s up that was cool to see)
@@johnmantikas Appreciate the kind words and you taking your time to watch this vid! Yeah I really wish we never moved from Long Island, and now it’s too expensive for me to ever go back lol. Great place.
Damn bro. Leaf green was my first ever video game. I’m around the same age as you and my dad had bipolar. That game soothed me to sleep sometimes when he didn’t. It also was a hug after a bad interaction. I’m so sorry you went through that. I’m glad you’re able to share your story now
Great video, in like 2007 or 8. A kid named Nate moved in by me and he had fire red and leaf green. He gave me his fire red, and we just started gaming together. Nate you're a real one 💯
Thank you so much for sharing your story, it nearly made me cry listening. A game that helped me through a rough patch of my life was Persona 5 in 2018. It helped me cope when I was going through a rough breakup. I still like revisiting Persona 5 every omce and awhile.
Thank you for taking the time to watch. Persona 5 is amazing. With how long those games are and how many characters and kindhearted moments, those games can really light up a dark time!
I came across your video while looking for something to listen to during a night drive. I clicked thinking this would be a typical nostalgia trip RE: pokemon and the GBA (I'm a bit of a nerd with a penchant for this kind of stuff) and thought nothing more. I was surprised and impressed by the narrative you shared in this video. Growing up, I was pretty shy and found that video games provided a place for me to escape to, away from my anxieties and general difficulties. Video games didn't judge me and it felt good to have something I was good at. I was moved by your story and the trials and tribulations you faced. Your story about being on the bus and making a friend just from playing your GameBoy on a bus resonated with me. I too miss those simpler times. I'm also glad that when you needed it most, the game brought you a friend to weather the storm. Listening to your story, compelled me to write this comment. We're about the same age, and I can relate to some of the struggles you faced. It's amazing how the internet can be used in such a capacity to connect with others. Thanks again for sharing your story. Know that you've made yourself another friend and if you're ever in Vancouver, Canada, I'd buy you a drink and we could chat about our favourite games!
My father was extremely abusive to me, my brother, and my mom. He would put us down, treat us like trash, hit us. It was so painful. Eventually, my parents got divorced, and I would go see him at his apartment. Listening to him demonize my mother, make up all these excuses, live in his delusion that everyone is against him. It affected me deeply. During the time that I was still seeing him, I'd say the game that saved me was Hollow Knight. This game gave me a story of this lost husk coming back to the place of his birth, and facing his past head on and righting the wrongs of his father, it could not have come at a better time for me. Two years later, I stood up to my dad and told him I didn't want to see him anymore. It was an awful experience, but I just couldn't take his abuse anymore. I still think about him and why he was the way he was. Now that I look toward the future, I'm currently 20, wanting to become a game composer. I want to right his wrongs, I want a family I can cherish instead of hurt. I want friends I can keep for longer than a year due to moving. I'm both scared and excited for what's to come for me, but I know I can do it if I just try my best and believe. Thank you for this video, I felt for you and the horrible situation you endured. I wish you nothing but the best.😊
Thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine how hard that must have been to go through as a child. These games are truly special, helping many of us all over the planet. They're helped me too. One small thing, though, you said Pokémon Platinum was the last truly great game in the series. I beg to differ, HeartGold and SoulSilver, remakes of Gold and Silver, are some of the best games in the series. Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 are all high quality games as well. It got rough after BW2
Man, your story sounds a lot like mine. I feel like maybe our stories relate to so many people and we just don't realize it. Hearing this made me feel like I'm not alone (even though I am). Thank you for sharing your life experiences. Stay strong 💕
Thank you for sharing this story, I imagine it wasn’t easy telling it but I appreciate hearing how Pokémon games also helped someone else because they definitely got me through some rough times. Maybe my story isn’t the same exactly but I definitely used Pokémon (and games in general) to momentarily forget about my troubles and go into my own little happy world. Again, thank you!
I had a very similar childhood. I often had all my belongings except my clothing put into the attic as a punishment for receiving bad grades in school, but sometimes I had access to my gba and I would play it alone in my bedroom to hide from my physically and verbally abusive parents. I played pokemon blue and crystal and after my mom died when I was 12, my dad would leave me alone in the house for days so I had a lot of time to play games. I started playing Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls to cope with the loneliness and grief from my mother's passing. I too had many messy and confusing feelings about my parents, especially my mom, and I dealt with them through Fantasy games/books and building my own Lego worlds. Your story hurt to hear because it was so similar to my own, but also because you describe the effects your mothers depression had on you as a child. I have clinical depression and I constantly worry about how good of a parent I am being for my son. I love him dearly and I want him to have a better and happier childhood than my own. I go to therapy, take my meds and try doing everything my therapist recommends, but this doesn't make the mental illness just go away. I don't hit my kid or yell at him or break his things or take them away. Instead, I give him plenty of hugs, tell him how much he means to me every day and I play games with him and talk to him when he's feeling sad. I'm trying my best but there are still many difficult days. I wonder how outwardly visible my depression is to my son. I wonder how confusing this must be for him and because of this I take advantage of my good moments and I make sure he knows I love him and he is the best little guy I've ever known. I hope it all works out in the end. It sucks to be depressed, to do everything you're supposed to be doing, and still have an illness that infects every aspect of your life. I'm sorry you went through this. I hope it is of some small comfort to know you are not alone, and to know that there are people doing their best to break the cycle.
Bro I sobbed watching this video, thanks for sharing your story in this beautiful work of art❤ The Pokémon games are still a refuge for me during tough times so this really hits home. I wish you all the best and again thanks for letting me have this experience…
Thank you for making this video I felt the exact same way about Pokémon I just find it comforting that other people have similar experiences despite living entirely separate lives I really enjoy this type of content and I appreciate how personal it is I felt the same urges for freedom to explore as well it wasn’t exactly the same being that my games were Pokémon black and white I just remember all the hours I spent on them just experiencing Pokémon as these were the first games that really gave me my love for Pokémon I truly appreciate your effort and bravery to post something so personal anyways I will stop rambling now I appreciate the video a lot and I really hope you get the recognition you deserve you are a great creator
This video is literally me, only with Pokémon Sapphire instead. You even look like me. This is scary. 😂 Thank you for sharing your story. I'm going to share mine below. Don't feel obliged to read it. It just feels right to share it as well. I dunno. My life literally exploded and went downhill after my dad died when I was 11. As a result, my entire family, who weren't exactly the most emotional, just separated. Almost 20 years later, we still haven't recovered. When Sapphire came out, I got it for Christmas and really helped. My dad died on December 3rd, so very close to Xmas and when I got my copy of Sapphire, I got lost in the game. It was an escape. My mother was depressed, smoking, drinking constantly. Years later, I struggled with alcohol. Was taking drugs, always in trouble with the law, and one night, I decided I was going to kill myself. Evidently, I didn't do a good job. I was in a bad way, and was trying to recover, and to be honest, suicide was still in my head. I found my old gameboy and games with it. I started the game again and focused on that game. Playing it a little every day. Gave me something to focus on.
I am so sorry about this traumatic experience you’ve been through, I hope this video blows up- it’s really touching. Quite insane frankly of what a comfort game like Pokémon can do for someone and impact their life in such a positive way. Sending love from the UK❤️
Jfc man. I dont know you but i am so sorry for what you had to go through. No kid should have to feel afraid of a family member. I didnt have any extremely traumatizing troubles as a child. But i will say that video games specifically pokemon emerald and super mario sunshine allowed me to escape when things felt hard or unrealistic. Funny you mentioned pretrend pokemon battles me and my friends would also do the same thing. I also 100% relate to the friends you make being lost in moves. I didnt move myself but in both 3rd and 4th grade i had a really good friend in each year i could call a best friend. We would do everything together but at the end of the year both times they would move away for whatever reason. I think after it happened the 2nd time. My innocent child mind thought it was my fault that i couldnt keep my friends. It made me feel insecure not being able to maintain those friends. I felt like i was at fault. Why would they move away? That was definitely the most relatable part of the video for me😢
NEW VIDEO: ruclips.net/video/WMj9vnOp_Lo/видео.htmlsi=wevGr0RzTcye8u0H
hi
I’d recommend checking out the video ‘I played Omori after losing my daughter to suicide’ - no one ever experiences media in isolation and it’s so incredibly touching to hear the adjacent stories of how media has helped us through our experience of the real world. Thank you so much for being open and I hope that creating this video has granted you with clarity and gratitude for where you’re at right now.
I will check that out! Thank you for watching my video.
And yes, I believe it has.
I wholeheartedly agree, it's so true. Pokémon is a dear franchise to me and I want to compliment the author for this little great video. As for myself I can identify with people who were helped by media. Last summer I attempted suicide (was saved by my parents) and One Piece pretty much saved me in the aftermath. You never know where a hand will come from.
Yeah, omori is a wonderful masterpiece their is a character in the game that goes though the same stuff that yous mentioned in the video
Oh I remember watching that
Pokémon Ruby saved my life when I was 13. I was diagnosed with a life-long illness and it was the only thing that could save me from the doctor's appointments, hospital stays, and bullying at school.
Stay strong, man. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you're still playing Pokémon Ruby to this day
Yay! At least some people remember Ruby, I think the soundtrack is dope honestly
Late 90s kid here. Grew up with my younger brothers in a broken home. Our parents were not always in the picture. Mother left when we were really young, and dad was a struggling drug addict, so I had to take over as my brothers' primary caretaker. I remember for my 10th birthday, dad somehow was able to get me a blue game boy advance sp and pokemon sapphire. I treasured it dearly, even after all these years, nothing made me feel more loved than when he handed me that present and told me how proud he was of me. I miss him every day.
Hey everybody, first off I just want to say thank you for watching my video. Secondly, I'd like to say this comment section has blown me away. It is beautiful, emotional and triumphant. The reason I say triumphant is because despite our pain and horrible experiences, we're all still here. We don't give up. For those in the comments who are STILL going through terrible experiences, I hope one day soon they will be in your past and you can begin healing. Never give up. To quote my favorite book:
"You gotta dance. As long as the music plays. You gotta dance. Don't even think why. Start to think, your feet stop. Your feet stop, we get stuck. We get stuck, you're stuck. So don't pay any mind, no matter how dumb. You gotta keep the step. You gotta limber up. You gotta loosen what you bolted down. You gotta use all you got. We know you're tired, tired and scared. Happens to everyone, okay? Just don't let your feet stop."
I interpret the quote as music being life and dancing is living to your fullest. As long as we're alive (music playing) we have to LIVE (dance). Try to make friends. Try a new hobby! Try a new type of food! Go for walks! Life can truly be beautiful.
Thank you again.
Thank you for being so open in sharing something as deeply sensitive as this.
Before I get into one of the most important games that helped me get though a dark period of life, I'd like to mention, that I never had it as bad as you did.
So I'd like to express my respects to you for trucking through and coming out the other end OK enough to make such a compassionate and sharing video.
It was most certainly not the only contributor to helping me get through a time which often made you feel as though, you'd rather fall asleep at night and not wake up the next day.
Fairy Tail gets a lot of credit for that.
(A little more on that afterwards.)
But I do wholeheartedly believe, that an impossibly large amount of weight had been pulled and carried by Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness.
An almost eerily befitting yet comforting subtitle when thinking on it now.
In it you get to witness a person becoming not only a partner in adventures but a bestest of friend whom you provide with and instill in the drive, courage and reason to improve themselves as much as they possibly can.
Just by being by their side.
And they do.
Your partner, your best friend becomes someone truly remarkable, reliable and likable.
It is therefore all the more heartbreaking when you separate at the end of your journeys together.
For various reasons, you will end up giving your life to protect all others of the world.
No one individual is hit by this more than your partner.
After a beyond heartfelt goodbye during which a tune called "I don't want to say goodbye" plays, you as a player have to watch your partner leave the sight of tragedy, journey back home and carry on with their life.
Of course they are devastated by this but nonetheless they keep going, seizing every chance they can get to tell your guys' story.
Perhaps also in an effort to keep your memory in their heart.
All the more befitting then, that the tune mentioned before has been renamed to "Don't ever forget" in the third version of this game, "Explorers of Sky".
One evening many months later, as they are headed out for a stroll on the beach, they are passed off by another friend who reminds them not to be late for dinner.
They smile, agree and keep going about their stroll.
They then reach a beach with a setting sun's rays reflecting off the now glittering oceans waves.
And as the Krabby blow bubbles into the air which refract the orange sunlight into shimmering rainbow colors, they are reminded of the last time they had seen this.
It was the first time they had met you.
This takes them down memory lane and eventually break out into tears as they once again are reminded of the void your passing has left within them.
Apparently this went on for a while, as the friend who passed them earlier comes to look for them and asks what is wrong.
Your best friend, now feeling alone without you, breaks down into the other friends arms, piercingly sobbing.
Credits roll...
But it is not all tragedy.
There is an after credit moment that outshines even the keenest of Marvel movies.
Someone with magnificent power, whom you two have helped come to their senses and heal, feels your partners deepest of affectionate pain.
And as a resounding gift of thanks, they make an exception an bring you back to the world and more importantly your partner, so you two may once again spend many days of joy together.
In somewhat subtle and yet very outright ways, this told me, that this game is the only second chance at life that you'll get .
Because if you untimely end yours, it will only contribute to spreading misery.
"You don't die for your friends. You live for them!"
- Erza Scarlet.
Which brings me back to Fairy Tail.
Don't worry, I won't chew off your ear for much longer.
I'd just like to mention how this Anime helped me accept myself in a time when I had felt entirely not understood and refrained showing my true self to others for fear of being ridiculed and ostracized.
It didn't break down the walls that I had made around myself.
It made me lay them down myself.
Only once I could accept me for who I really am, have I felt the acceptance of the people of Fairy Tail.
As odd as this may sound.
But as long as you can do that, you'll feel like a member of their guild.
Explorers of Darkness and Fairy Tail are what I'd consider two of the most important things that helped me carry on and be who I am today.
Finally: thank you for reading, have a good one and keep being as cool as you are.
✌
My mother is/was EXACT the same! It's hard to listen to this similair story! I'm sorry bro...😔
These people need help from the others!
And they have to fuck of all this fukkin Drugs!😡
The Pokémon and Final Fantasy games got me through some dark times in my life. Til the day I die, both these franchises will be near and dear to my heart. I still can't believe I was there for the beginning of a worldwide phenomenon, something I don't think many will ever experience again.
For me, the games I love most are Pokémon Red and Blue, and FFXI. Love those games so much! I have so many good memories.
And yet we have media watchdogs/groups/and now the FBI constantly treating us like we're domestic terrorists/serial killers in the making.
So much respect for you sharing your story. So brave of you to put this out there .For me it was Pokemon too. I think Pokemon Ruby was not the first one but the one that helped me through some really tough times.
My darkest memory is watching my mum put herself into a coma through a combo of painkillers and vodka, all the while I was playing a concert for her on Guitar Hero 5. Whilst you would think that would remove me from wanting to be on stage ad perform, it's only pushed me harder into that passion of being a musician
wow. thats so incredibly selfish for a PARENT to commit suicide.
I’m the one who didn’t ask to be born and had life forced upon me, so I’d be unselfish if I were to attempt again.
@@HydroSnorter3000 My mother also didn't ask to be born. Plus it wasn't fully intentional, the painkillers just lasted longer than expected in her system before she started drinking that day. Hva more respect when discussing this topic in the future, it's always selfish and selfless in different ways.
@@machinat3636 mb, personally I’ve never ever done opiates and alcohol together if I wasn’t actively trying to or at least not caring if I die. the world really needs to educate people on the subject. So many people just casually drink while on opiates without knowing the risk. I knew the risks when I did.
my dad did that combo once after snorting a Dilaudid I gave him, found him drunk as hell sipping beer. blud didn’t even know its a dangerous combo 💀💀
@@machinat3636 I’ve drank like half a can while chilling off Dilaudid and was so high I kept being so so close to accidentally falling asleep. Not sure why she thought it’d be a good idea to drink on her painkillers.
wouldn’t be surprised if they contained acetaminophen too.
@@machinat3636 Sorry, I’ve just never ever in my life drank while on morphinans if I wasn’t actively trying to or at least not caring about the respiratory consequences.
edit: actually I’ve done it ONCE. but that was a tiny dose, not a coma dose.
Simple games like Pokemon or Spyro the Dragon can be great if they’re made with LOVE & CARE 🥰
When I lost the first cat that was mine (got him when I was 1998 when I was 4, he passed away at the foot of my bed New Year’s Eve 2008, when I was 14) Spyro A Hero’s Tail saved me in a way…. Spyro has always been an anchor for me…. (Tearing up writing this, that memory is STILL THAT vivid to me, I think of it, and I can see it like an HD movie)
>Born 1997 in Queens New York
Dude, WHAT!? Was not expecting that. Same
My dad had similar struggles with alcohol and depression although he was never abusive to me and any conflict was just the occasional arguments we had when he drank. But it was still hard for me to see him like that and using alcohol to cope with his depression. Although I don’t have one particular game that helped me through those nights, it was always comforting to just go to my room and get lost in the world of whatever game I was playing at the time.
Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your story. Love your videos!
I’m sorry you had to go through that. It’s scary when a parent acts that way. It changed my perception on a lot. I’m glad you’re doing better now.
Thank you for sticking around since my first few vids!
I was born a year before you and my first Pokémon game was Firered. My mom also struggled with alcoholism and bipolar. I remember playing games like Pokémon in my room to drown out the sounds of her manic episodes. We lost her to cardiac arrest due to being overly intoxicated. There was so much more in the video I’ve experienced in my life too like making a friend on the bus while playing Pokémon on my SP. I’ve recently been getting back into Pokémon for the nostalgic feeling, those games brought so much joy into my life during some dark times.
1993 baby here, the original Pokémon boom filled my childhood, I’ve forgotten a lot of my childhood due to trauma, but I remember my best friend gifted me a copy of ruby in primary school, that game got me out of a lot of hard times.
But I think the game that saved me the most was Spyro 2 riptos rage
Pokemon soulsilver and undertale will always hold a very special place in my heart for everything those games have done to comfort and inspire me. Even when life had some of its worst turns I had those games and stories to fall back on and I'll always be grateful for that. I didn't really have friends growing up but being able to spend time with Flames my typhlosion and first pokemon made me feel less alone, she was even my first ever level 100. I find it interesting that later on in life those interests are the exact things that got me to connect with others. Also I understand how stomach dropping it feels to think back on something and realize it was a lot darker than you could comprehend as a little kid. I'm sorry you had to go through that, best wishes to you.
To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering. Great video my man
Thank you. Love the quote!
What brings you down makes you stronger 😊
This made me cry, I wished I could give you a hug! I have Bipolar Depression and used to self harm so I know how rough that is. I'm glad your doing better now! For me Final Fantasy saved my life, growing up I used to play them with my younger brother. In 2020 he died from a Seizure right in front of me, I broke down and couldn't stop crying. My mom brought me back to live with her and I just stayed in her guest room, I never left the room I'd just lay in bed crying for months. In 2021 exactly one week after my brother had died the year before my mom died from brain cancer, I almost gave up then. I was a mess, I happened to find my brother's Final Fantasy games on the PS1 we used to play together growing up and started playing them. It really helped me through the darkest times in my life. I'm now obsessed with them and have Platinumed almost the entire series. So I don't think I'd still be alive if it wasn't for Final Fantasy.
I'm happy that you're still here, my friend. And if you're a FF pro player, you should help me with Zeromus in the DS version. Bastard kicked my ass a couple of times and I gave up xD
Thanks! Yeah, the DS version is tough! I've yet to beat the DS version, got to Dr. Lugae and got stuck. You got farther than me though! I'm no Pro but thank you, I wish I was. @@VampiroClown
@@StarlightMirror I'll tell you how to beat him (if you don't wanna know, don't keep reading)
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.
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Just kill Lugae first. When Lugae comes back as a demon, throw Elixir to him.
The fight that was really difficult for me was the Golbez one. You have to defeat him after defeating those Calca-Brenna dolls. That's 2 boss fights without saving, and Golbez kept killing me.
Thank you! I never thought an Elixer would work on a boss, I'll def try this out next time I play it! That Reversal Gas is a pain! That fight with Golbez after the doll fight isn't very fair, so can see why someone would struggle with it. Thanks again for the tip! @@VampiroClown
@@StarlightMirror You're welcome! I hope you finish the game soon! Take care :D
I don't have a story as deep or traumatizing as everyone else, but I was bullied as a first grader and the only thing that could make me forget all of my worries was my game, Sonic 3 and Knuckles. It is still and will forever be my all time favorite video game- my game.
I lost my beloved big sister to cancer around the end of 2019. She was on a sharp downward spiral throughout her entire battle against the disease. She passed away not far removed from her 21st Birthday. I was so depressed, I nearly gave up on life. If not for me having access to Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII, I honestly doubt I would still be here. Those two Final Fantasy games helped me see the full extend of the importance of living life to honour those who you lose. Now, at the age of 24, I show my passion for life by staying up all night to help anyone I find to be in a dangerous headspace. Even if it means losing an entire night full of sleep, I will do what I can to save a life. I may have been helped by 23 fictional characters across two different JRPGs but I credit every single one of them from Terra Branford to Cid Highwind for preventing me from taking my own life all those years ago. Final Fantasy saved my life. For that, it is my second favourite video game series, only behind Star Fox, which saved me from going off the deep end due to being bullied all throughout high school.
Edit: Digimon has done the same for me in more recent years but even though it is a video game first, Digimon is more of a multi-media thing and harder to place under one category.
Those are two of my top 25 favorite games ever. FFVI and VII are so beautiful and emotional. May your big sisters spirit be in peace. 🙏
I have somewhat identical taste. I played Star Fox 64 a ton throughout my middle school years. Final Fantasy 6 is one of my all time favorite games.
Hope peace comes your way, friend.
As someone born in 1997 who also had leaf green growing up. It’s easy to take for granted what we have or don’t have. I won’t compare struggles here but I loved your story. Thank you.
You are such a strong soul. And so many others in These comments.
For me it was watching ATLA and playing Final fantasy. Soothing detraction that can also offer wisdom for when it’s time to face the world again.
All the best to you all!
Pokemon Ruby when I was young, Skyrim when I was a teenager. Both allowed me to escape to that mystical world of exploration. Was very helpful but detrimental when no limits were self-imposed. It's tough with those games, as they're single player games, but I found at least with those two, you can play with someone physically by your side.
Pokémon helps me heal. Like many others, we all deal with our own problems and curve balls life throws at us. Remember when you're playing Pokémon, so many other do to for that reason.
I hope you're gonna be okay in the future. Your story is so touching. I'm sorry for you, your family and your mom.
Thank you for this video man. A month ago my wife had a psychotic episode and doctors said she is bipolar, I've been doing my best to support her, but as you said, sometimes it feels like she sees me as a stranger. Idk why, pokemon videos let me escape reality for a little while. I had no idea this pokemon video would turn out that way, but I'm really thankful you shared your struggle with us. Cheers from Brazil.
Hey stranger on the internet, I’m bipolar and I just wanted to give you and your wife hope that with therapy and being on the right medication can really be such a life changer. Recovery and management of the disorder is tough but it’s what you have to do. I’m doing so well with being bipolar and I never thought I would ever say those words. It gets better :)
@@Yallnotready4MADDOG thank you so much for your kind words. My wife is slowly getting better and the best part is that she understands she has a condition and needs medication, I'm hopeful she will get better with time. It is great to hear stories like yours, it fills me with hope and joy. Have an excellent day stranger 😁👍
Second input from another bipolar person, but honestly the first step of accepting your diagnosis is the hardest. With hard work and support from you, your wife can live a happy and fulfilling life. There will be ups and downs, but you and her are a team in this, and the stability you give her is so, so important, especially as she tries to find her rhythms to manage it. I would be really struggling without my partners being my anchors, and I'm sure your wife feels the same. Even when we are in a way that leaves us paranoid and afraid, off the walls and unsure, there's love and familiarity in the people who put the effort in to be there. You're doing great.
As a Gen 1 veteran and an owner of this game, cool video.
No kid should ever have to say that a guardian “finally” passed away, I’m sorry you had to be put through that, I wish you well, Pokémon was a strong coping mechanism for me as well. I feel like it helped me even to this day as well. Thank you for sharing your story.
This video hit home hard. I shred a story with my Child Decelopment-Creativity class just last week about how I came from a dysfunctional family and would retreat to video games (mostly leaf green; born in 96) to escape that world. I don’t think it was a healthy coping mechanism, but I was a child and it definitely worked. 27 now and I still play Pokemon every week
Thank you for sharing ❤
hey man, thank you for sharing your story. you are a wonderful lovable person and I'm so sorry little you had to witness/experience all that. as a kid, pokemon helped me alot as well. through family problems, bullying, and even now as an adult, the recent games have helped me keep my hopes alive during an abusive relationship. it provided a sense of community for me here on youtube and I love how this franchise always brings people together and helps people in some way.
Thank you for the lovely words and sharing your story. I hope that abusive relationship is in the past now for you.
Recently I’ve realized that I still feel a joy engaging with a lot of communities talking about the games we love.
Yeah I’m going though a lot so Pokemon is helping me a bit
@@WITAWITAVG thank you ;v;
yeah it can be very relaxing to talk to people about shared interests and hobbies!!
I came to Pokemon in Gen 1 with Pokemon Blue when I was 7 after my parents divorce and moving and going thru a lot of associated shit during the following years. I have been *so attached* to the Pokemon series for getting me thru all of that. I empathize SO MUCH with your story. Much love ❤
at the moment, pokemon platinum is my safe space. i’ve made a lot of poor mistakes these past few months which lead to a lot of bad things to happen and im still facing repercussions. every night before i go to bed i play pokemon platinum to help me sleep. my stress gets terrible before i go to sleep, it sometimes feels like my heart is beating out of my chest, but playing pokemon pl helps me keep my mind off those things for the time being. thank you for making this video 🙏🏼
Thank you for your story! I have a similar connection to pokemon that was a part of escapism that healed me and helped me to cope with life as a kid.
The best year in school as i remember was when Pokemon anime started showing. The children suddenly became friendly to each other and we were united by these interests. I remember drawing Pokemon and my friend and I fantasizing about how cool it would be if Pokemon were real and we went to school with Pokeballs. And we imagined that right now we had pokeballs in our backpack.
My dog was my only friend for a long time and when he died I felt so devastated, parents thought that i need serious help. But when I saw that episode with "Charmander: The Stray Pokémon", it helped me get my emotions out and understand the loss. I felt so strange, it was the first time I was fully aware of adult emotions, awareness of loss and the meaning of life, friendship, etc.
This is such a personal video and I love it, thanks for sharing your story, videogames are truly great. For me the game that changed me was mother 3, I moved to another country after finishing highschool, and felt completly stranger to everything around me and felt very alone, I drowned myself in nostalgia of what my life used to be before everything changed. Mother 3 thought me how to love, and how crying is okay. It tought me to accept my feelings and by it, learning to truly by myself, and only then I can adress them and work to improve myself
Mother 3 is one of my all time favorites. The story hits too close to home. Chapter 6 made me cry, and I almost never cry to fiction. Thank you for sharing your story and for watching my video.
Thank you for sharing your story man. It’s interesting how Pokémon held kids together in such different times.
My parents divorced and I had my gameboy color and Pokémon Silver with me through the back and forth trips for visitation rights, waiting for each street light to brush over me so I could get just a little bit further.
I wish you the best man, take care of yourself and keep that wonder in you bro.
Omg wow yes Pokémon was definitely my comfort game in some crazy depressed moments
I cried. Im not gonna go into detail but I have the same exact reasonings for loving X and Y with every fiber of my being. I probably used every single pokemon ever to beat X and Y through GTS and WonderTrade just to get me through childhood until I could actually escape
Oof just in time for the end of the golden age of Pokémon games
I’m suprised I got recommended this because the title resonated with me. I’ve been playing Fire Red as of late to sometimes cope with some recent happenings
15:40 Very much mood. I personally never made that many friends (that many who were able to stay with me through my education, anyways), so I was a bit of a social recluse going towards the end of high school. And now that I actually want to make friends IRL, it feels like the opportunity to make fast ones has long since passed me by.
Yeah it’s true what they say, the older you get the harder it is to make friends. Feels like everybody has their guard up.
wow, this video is very relatable. pokemon r/s and fr/lg were one of my favourite games growing up and i would spend countless hours playing them. my mother and stepfather would yell/argue with each other a lot and child me was terrified of my step father. i would hide under my bed playing these games to escape from the yells from my step father and the cries from my mother. i remember desperately wishing pokemon were real so i could run away from the constant chaos at home. this is one of the main reasons i have such a soft spot for pokemon, since it was there for me during the darkest moments of my life when no one else was.
lovely video and i wish you a bright future!
This video has been recommended to my several times and I finally sat down and watched it. I've cried and can relate to some parts of your story. I've gone through years of continuous different traumas and moved a lot too. My older brother had the first two generations of pokemon games that I played but Leaf Green was *my* first pokemon game and I got it during a difficult part of my life. Its the only good memory I really have of that time; my family has a tradition, each of us open a gift from our stocking on Christmas Eve. That year it was leaf green and after that I can't remember if I played it, its gone from my memory until years later Diamond came out at a slightly better time. I'd say both of these games but most importantly Sinnoh has grounded me back down to earth. I still have my original Diamond game and even a little Dialga figure from that time, I still go back to them all the time and can get comfort; remakes included even if they aren't objectively "good." I'm 25 and there are times I still like to believe I have a pokemon buddy with me; silly as it may be, it really helps with my day to day life. I'm on my journey to collecting the first four generation of games; I recently had a Fire Red (fake, sadly) and was able to feel like the young kid I once was and have forgotten about. Even briefly healing that part of me with the few days I had that Fire red copy, I finally felt a belonging again.
Thank you for your video and telling your story, and the insights playing these games have given you to share with us. I hope life is treating you well and that the days have become easier.
Coming from a mixed family (dutch/spanish) living in the Netherlands n kinda standing out from other kids was tough lots of bullying happened in between my kindergarten n high school I started boxing which also saved my life but leafgreen was my escape from reality after getting bullied I would go home try to hide the bruises from my mom since I didn't want her to feel bad nor want to cost her any trouble as a single mom so I used to pretend that the elite four were my bullies so I kept on beating em reaching almost 300 hours of gameplay most my mon reached lvl 100 due this but just taking out my anger in a simple game like leafgreen ik my story aint as hard hitting as others but my point is that games can be so wonderful honestly no matter what!
Nice
Hey man, thank you for sharing that story with us. Leaf Green also helped me through one of the worst times of my life. It's a long detailed and nuanced story just like yours, and maybe one day I'll tell it on youtube. Thank you, keep chasing that far off star!
I've had a really rough life, I can relate to the instability of constantly moving, my parents were heavy drug addicts, and my step dad was grossly abusive to me, my mother and my younger brother. I've been living in hotels since i was 10 years old and my relationship with my mother has only soured as i've gotten older. Whenever i'm put in a dark point in my life I play pokemon, whether its a fan-game, rom hack, or just vanilla, your video really resonated with me, pokemon has always been a escape, the world felt almost utopian, where the biggest threat in your life could be resolved with a pokemon battle. pokemon will always be something special to me and to anyone else who has played it. it's hard to put into words exactly what it means to me. but this video reminded me im not the only one who has had watch everything around them be destroyed. Thank you for putting your time into creating this.
Beautiful video, you were remarkably gracious with your narration of these events. I’ve also lost my mother young, I was 10: she went off-road and didn’t survive the impact.
My brother and my dad helped me get through it. Music also probably helped. A big help, however, was discovering Bleach and Attack On Titan, whose respective protagonists both lose their mothers young and use their frustrated anger to do something positive and productive.
Pokémon also probably helped. Pouring hundreds of hours into LeafGreen, HeartGold, Black, and Explorers of Sky must have kept me imagining positive things rather than fixating on negative ones.
So, thank you for sharing your delicate story.
I love when I find people that appreciate Pokémon music as much as I do. I get teary-eyed when I hear them.
Right there with you mane. I was severely depressed. I was Miserable. Till I bought a GBA sp. And the first games I got were Pokemon. Remembering my childhood playing Sapphire and never finishing it. I caught all almost 400 something Pokemon. Complete national Dex. Like 400 hours on it
Had a similar dynamic with my mom but with her Bipolar disorder and constantly moving all the time, Pokemon was the escape from everything and the only real consistency. Beautiful video.
it’s quite surreal, listening to this video about a complete stranger born in a different time to a different family with such similar experiences and struggles. On top of alcoholism, there was also substance-abuse. It took my mother away from a younger me who needed her the most. we lost our home and went homeless for a time because she couldn’t get anything together. her problems in turn became mine and it’s caused a lot of hurt in current day. Growing up I also had Pokémon, my favorites being mystery, dungeon explorers of sky and platinum. But the game I sung the most hours into was heart gold. Something about the journey made me envious of these fictional characters. Characters who would never have to struggle like we do. Characters whose entire life is one big adventure. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to tell ours. It helps to know through the struggle that we aren’t alone ❤️
Several years ago, I was dealing with the trauma of watching my mother pass away, right in front of my eyes. On top that, I was dealing with identity issues, I was trying to find myself, and this time was
insanely stressful for me. During that time, a little DS game called The World Ends With You enveloped my focus. Its messaging went a long way, and the game meant so much to me even before that point, but I found myself returning to it at my darkest, and lowest point.
It is no exaggeration to say, I would not be here today, if it wasn't for that game. The characters, the story, its messaging all resonated with me so much. Beat's story in particular helped me to continue moving forward. His story hit so hard, and gave me the motivation to keep going. It's a wonderful little game, and
I owe it so much.
How are you feeling nowadays?
And I agree with you, Daisukeno- I mean, Beat is the best character, hands down.
Thanks for sharing your story. Both our past experiences were similar. I can relate to some of what you say.
0-6 lived in a rural house with my mom and dad. My dad would physical and psychologically abuse me while my mom was the bread winner.
6-7 lived in a women's shelter with my mom
7-10 lived with my mom in a house. She became an aggressive alcoholic. She would often breakdown and lie about life, plus she could not keep a stable job.
10-11 child services took me away
11-17 My mom took me back. I watched my mom decay mentally and physically while living below the poverty line. Every week she would ask for money for cigarettes and booze. I began working at 12 to make money to eat. I had no bank account so I hid my money, yet my mom stole from me multiple times. Malnourished, mad at my dad who left for Cali, confused about my pain.
We lived through discrimination vs Jews, home invasions, drugs, drug dealers that took advantage of my mom and myself. Luckily I steered away from that life.
Poetry and Pokemon helped me cope.
All from Montreal, Quebec. -->Early 90's kid
This video and the comment section are filled with so many beautiful people and touching emotions. I can relate with many of them but not fully, and to see how this little passion we have in common for Pokémon games/games in general has helped/is helping so many people enduring bad moments in their life is just so... beautiful. I wish you all the best! All of you matter!
Fortnite Saved My Life! im inspired to make a video now thank you! ❤
I'm so glad you've been inspired by the words and the incredible experiences of these people! I'm also glad you found a media such as videogames that helped you through your life journey! Stay strong@@kswaes
Great video, very well done. Touching and nostalgic.
What you said about this generation of games really hit home. I started with gen 3 and I also believe the first four generations were amazing. So much creativity and excitement. I still replay Emerald, fire red, and crystal version to this day and it's been 19 years.
Gotta keep playing my leafgreen copy after this motivation. You earned a like and a subscriber. My life saving game was: the legend of zelda majoras mask. My fascination with everything dark and mysterious started there. Growing up in a more strict catholic household made life kinda hard and unbearable sometimes, especially after I found out that I am gay. I treasure my childhood and nothing makes life more bearable than a good long video game session 🎮 especially some stuff like mario kart or smash bros in a group setting
I went through a lot of things early in my childhood and had no time to be a child, really... but my family bought me Dragon Warrior Monsters for the Game Boy Color, which was backwards compatible on the Game Boy Advance SP I had, and this game literally got me through so much. Alongside Pokemon Ruby, which I maxed out the play time on, I spent all my time playing those because the escape they provided. Over 10 years later I'd buy myself the sequel, Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 and feel that same wonder and nostalgia I felt as a kid.
Your story is really touching and it's amazing to hear that you had such a special game that you could really enjoy and immerse yourself in, the gen 3 Pokemon games were my first ones too and truly are special!
also a late 90's kid- I found pokemon at the age of 6 and it became my hyperfixation ever since then. I grew up poor & in a really neglectful and abusive family, expected to cope with trauma by myself and parentified, taking care of the adults' physical and emotional needs while I was still a child. The only part of my childhood that was ACTUALLY a childhood at all was being able to play pokemon (specifically leafgreen, emerald, and platinum.) Even when we were homeless those games came with me. Although I'm really sad that you had to go through a rough childhood as well (cause no one deserves that,) I still thank you very much for sharing your story, cause it makes all the rest of us feel less alone. Yay for community! I hope your struggles lessen and your life becomes what you want it to be. Take care. :) -Neo
The moment i saw the thumbnail i could tell that the video was of high quality. you have a bright future, keep going!
Thank you!
The parallels between your early life and my own are staggering. Much love man, great video.
Awesome video, thanks for sharing. My situation wasn’t to the extent of yours but in November I lost the best job I ever had and with the free time I had finished my play though of Yakuza 4 then started 5.
This series is in my top 3 favorite series, something about Yakuza 5 being as big and ambitious as it was and having the theme about chasing your dreams. It genuinely just seems like a right place, right time kind of thing but the game is up there as one my top games in the series slightly below 0.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm a long islander and I've also had to deal with an alcoholic, bi-polar mom. Drug addiction has been a reoccurring problem with my entire family except me. I lost my older brother in 2016 to an overdose and my sister who currently lives down in NC is self destructing with alcohol addiction. My mom recently fell down a whole flight of stairs after getting wasted while I was visiting my dad.
When you talk about yourself and how video games helped you escape from it all, I absolutely see myself. Pokemon was a core part of my childhood too, and I'll always be grateful for all the hope and wonder that it instilled in me when I needed it the most.
I always make an effort to stay connected with my inner child through video games, and I always encourage others to do the same. Btw, I love all the music you played in the background of this video. I was really happy to hear Klonoa music start playing.
I’m sorry for your loss, I hope you and your family find peace in life. Thank you for sharing your story. And yeah, I will always keep in touch with my inner child. I think it’s because child-me needed that friend. And yeah! I love Klonoa so much. I hope to do a video on it one day.
I was kicked out of home when I was midway through highschool. All I had on me was a backpack full of clothes and a single game in my SP.
Whether I slept in an abandoned building or on a park bench, the only source of stability in my life was to charge up at a library and play through Link's Awakening before sleeping.
I started and completed that game every night for four years. Even now, in my thirties, if I ever feel homesick, I don't go to a real place. I flick a switch and go to Koholint Island.
Thank you for this video. I'm 34. I played gen1 and gen2 when they were new. My family wasn't exactly poor nor were we particularly prosperous but 5 of the 6 games of these generations were what we could afford. In these times my family unit was slowly crumbling, my parents were both heavy drinkers, and that being said I lost my mom to ALS in 2021. I myself have struggled with some substance abuse and alcoholism which I am working hard to make a thing of the past. In these last few months I've been diving into Gameboy modding and revisiting the old classics and in time I intend to pick up where I left off as a kid. In my own way I can really relate to your video and I genuinely feel for you. You've got my like and subscribe, not only for a really great video but for being so very transparent and relatable. Thank you for this. It has made me, and I'm sure many others feel not alone in our childhood darknesses.
As 41 year old just now diving back into pokemon after all those years it really made me very happy even before Pokémon ff6 was my game and then chrono trigger came out and til this day these game still warm my heart when things are going bad but I don’t give up. Just like in those games the heroes never gave up and fought to save everyone and I really do believe video games have helped and saved lives.
My first game was soul silver and I shared it with my two siblings. It was already complete with almost every Pokémon, but I loved it more than anything. There was a friend who really got me into the franchise with his dozens of cards and games. I was around 6 and he was around 11. He took his life when he was 19. He was like the older brother I’d wished for and I wouldn’t have been so in love with the franchise without him. Rest in peace to my friend and brother.
And I also felt like Pokémon kept me in this happy place even if nobody else played it. Bro when Pokétubers were in their prime it really filled the void of moving and being alone
Thank you for this video. I'm thankful that this game means so much to you, like it does to me. It was my first Pokemon game, and for the biggest part of my youth it was my world. Still is infact. All the best to you man.
I can say as a whole, Pokemon as a franchise saved my life. I had a hard childhood as well -- a lonely one too with really no friends and being an only child. Pokemon, My grandmother, and the memories I have of everything of those two things combined made my life. I'm going to be 32 this year, I still love Pokemon, and play whenever I can.
Thank you for sharing your story. I found it very relatable. My biological mother likely had Borderline Personality Disorder as well as a myriad of other things, and she had a history of addiction and alcoholism, before she eventually committed suicide when I was 15. I also was a 97 baby and grew up watching the OG anime, playing those games. All I really gotta say is Pokemon had held a special place in my heart too, and still does. Video games were a good escape for me.
this was me with emerald when I was bullied for half of the 4th grade and majority of the 5th grade emerald got me through a lot
So sorry for your hard experiences, no child should grow up in that, I hope you're better now.
We moved around a ton when I was growing up, I was around when the originals came out, so Red and Yellow saved me. Best, safest memories I have.
The algorithm brought me here and I have to say two things:
1. Big move to share such an emotional story. You have no idea what you're doing for people who were or who currently are in these kinds of situations. So - thank you for that.
2. My respect for your self-reflection skills which sure brought a lot of pain with them, to grow/come so far. You're whole story is inspirational. And this comes from a person who isn't a fan of our typical social media state of sharing basically everything online. Not every story someone can tell needs to be heard. But I think yours is. Especially when you think of how much thought you seem to have put in this video, telling it.
My deepest respect for you. Not only, because of this very video, but also, because you made it and reached this point of your life, despite all the hardships you had to endure. You did good.
- A fellow "lifesurvivor" who held on, because of Pokémon (and Anime & Music)
Pokemon, Skyrim, Fallout, The Outer Worlds, Monster Hunter, even smaller ones nobody hears about like Block Story, The Whispered World, and Coromon. Although they don't change the world into a perfect place, I'm grateful to have them as they bring Adventure, Exploration, Challenge, and Nostalgia each in their own ways. Pokemon taught me strategy and that there's strength in numbers and companions. Monster Hunter taught me that no matter how big, strong, or terrifying the challenge, the walls in your way can be toppled. Skyrim and Fallout showed me that even though the world can be dark and miserable, you can always find little moments of beauty that make it worth living. As a Christian I have to say there's definitely more to life than video games, and that you shouldn't get lost in them entirely. But I'll admit it's good to enjoy a new adventure, wherever your travels may take you.
This video was beautiful, sad, and made me teary eyed. I know this was like therapy sharing your experience. Thank you. That was a special era for me too, and made me reflect on my own childhood which I cherish and now I’m a father with a traditional family structure. I aspire to be present in my child’s life and hope one day to collect Pokemon cards with my kid as a hobby.
Thanks for sharing. We all go through a tough time and it's hard to deal with but we come out better people in the end.
My life of depression was also soothed by pokemon. We all share this small rock, ain't got time to hate.
This is a very special video. Thank you for sharing. You made my morning. I can relate to this video heavily as someone who lost a parent at a young age. A few years ago, I was struggling with a deep depression. A Pokemon Platinum nuzlocke is the game I attribute my healing to. Seeing it through to the end gave me a reason to keep trying in my real life.
Thank you for being here, sharing your story, and sharing your love for Pokemon and other games. Pokemon truly did unite my siblings and those close relationships got us through tough times
Man... I dont know you... But i sincerely want to give you a hug for making it this far. You dont know me, and i dont know you... But i call you a friend and i say you have my support. As children, we all cannot choose how our lives unfold. I lost my dad at rhe age of 8 and he is the one person i love the most and he is terribly missed. He died from lung cancer. Fought and lost. We all have our stories and as a 32 year old i can say some of us lose our way, whereas some of us had the strength to break the curse or cycle. I too played a ton of pokemon in my youth to cope with alot of random influences and things in my upbringing.
Happy to hear your story my guy. Chin up. Theres always sunlight after the storms. 🎶☀️🏴☠️💕🍖
Thank you so much. I’m sorry for your loss. When a loss comes so early in life it feels like a giant shadow has been cast over our lives. But like you said, there’s always sunlight. We have to sometimes step out of the shadow to see it
I was born in 96 and I willingly avoided Pokemon games until 2009. I regret it so much! My first game was Platinum. I've gone back and played the OGs of course. Pokemon became such an important part of my life. ❤️
In elementary school, I was bullied a lot and did not really have any friends. Each day I was looking forward to go home and finally play Pokemon Gold. It made those lonely days bearable. While my story is not as sad as yours, I can really relate with you how Pokemon was (and probably still is) that haven of comfort for you. Great video, thanks for sharing your story. ❤
Had a similar situation where my dad was an alcoholic. Pokémon Yellow was my biggest escape. I always felt so absorbed by it. My dad was able to break away from alcohol and I ended up learning guitar with him, so we finally bonded instead of me always being scared or angry with him. Pokémon helped me make friends at school too. When I was scared of bullies, I’d find out they were into Pokémon and we would end up becoming friends and trade and battle Pokémon over link cables. It was amazing and I can’t imagine my life without the series, as wild as it is to say that.
Pokemon Snap, Blue and more-so Pokemon Gold helped me through some hard times. Crazy how these games were so integral to me just coping I hadn’t even thought about how big of an influence they had on me until now.
you weren’t physically abused but you were traumatized.Thank you for sharing your story I relate in a lot of ways when my mom left at 7. You got a new sub❤️
thankyou for this video, im glad you're still here :)
the way you described Pokémon as an escape really hits home, honestly. i was also born in 1997, except my fav pkmn game of my childhood was sapphire- though my childhood was mostly uneventful, the world of Pokémon was just everything I wanted outta life too, going off on a grand adventure.. id roleplay irl with my brother, play with him and his friends via link cable.. id pretend I lived in hoenn (in lavaridge!) and just.. took my SP with me everywhere.
obviously im not here to tell my whole life story, but TLDR.. my teenage years were clouded by being mistreated by someone who was meant to be a parental figure, who made me lose my self worth, had me take care of their child half the time, and terrified the shit outta me. and all those years I lost myself are just a massive blur now. i missed out on gen5 completely because I didn't really exist, if that makes sense. on the day things got to their worst, i got the courage to speak out, and while it took a few years for them to be out of my life for good, the release of alpha sapphire sorta coinciding with that felt like a warm hug. going back to lavaridge still makes me want to cry, haha.
life is brighter for me now, i went through therapy and just doing what I can to enjoy things and let myself be myself. i hope life is kind to you, and im sending love to whoever may stumble upon this message of mine xx
What a personal, intimate video. Thanks for sharing your story and I wish you all the best
This hit really hard. My mom also has also been an alcoholic her entire life and also struggled with many of the same issues yours did. I have a very similar memory as a kid with the ssself harm. when I was around 4 or so I found my mom tying up a yellow extension cord between two trees, attempting to hang herself. I came in and told my dad what she told me (she said she was "hanging the lights") and he immediately called an ambulance and she was actually dead for a few minutes there. Throughout my entire life she has been a very similar force that your mom was in yours it seems, so this video really resonated with me personally. My only real escapes of my mother and my dad fighting at the time were video games like Pokemon and Zelda.
There’s no one game that saved my life, but the game that has meant the most to me from a community/social aspect is Fall Guys. In the last two and a half years I have met so many really cool people all because I started reaching out to play with people. I ended up meeting a few of them irl in November 2022 and I consider them very close friends. It’s also the game that brought me back to discord, and through that I got to know a ton of other people from other communities. Crazy how one game can affect your life so much, I cannot imagine what life would be if I had never played it or reached out to the first few people in discord. I remember being so nervous to message people at first because I didn’t want to bother them, but now it’s hard to imagine having not done it. In the two years since, my online friends have helped me throughout various points in my life (in ways they may not even realize) and though I didn’t meet all of them directly through Fall Guys, I would not have met them at all if I hadn’t rejoined discord. Really wild stuff, the butterfly effect and all that. ❤
This is such a cool story. I feel like a lot of us assume the era of making online friends for life or turning them into irl friends is an early/mid 2000s thing. I’m glad to hear it still happens.
@@WITAWITAVG yo ngl I hadn’t properly watched the video til just now but your story is WILD man. I’m sorry you had to deal with all that trauma and heartbreak at such a young age but it’s incredibly admirable that you got through it and are willing to share your story with us. Much love my man great stuff.
(Also I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life so ayyyy what’s up that was cool to see)
@@johnmantikas Appreciate the kind words and you taking your time to watch this vid!
Yeah I really wish we never moved from Long Island, and now it’s too expensive for me to ever go back lol. Great place.
Damn bro. Leaf green was my first ever video game. I’m around the same age as you and my dad had bipolar. That game soothed me to sleep sometimes when he didn’t. It also was a hug after a bad interaction. I’m so sorry you went through that. I’m glad you’re able to share your story now
Great video, in like 2007 or 8. A kid named Nate moved in by me and he had fire red and leaf green. He gave me his fire red, and we just started gaming together. Nate you're a real one 💯
Thank you so much for sharing your story, it nearly made me cry listening. A game that helped me through a rough patch of my life was Persona 5 in 2018. It helped me cope when I was going through a rough breakup. I still like revisiting Persona 5 every omce and awhile.
Thank you for taking the time to watch. Persona 5 is amazing. With how long those games are and how many characters and kindhearted moments, those games can really light up a dark time!
I came across your video while looking for something to listen to during a night drive. I clicked thinking this would be a typical nostalgia trip RE: pokemon and the GBA (I'm a bit of a nerd with a penchant for this kind of stuff) and thought nothing more. I was surprised and impressed by the narrative you shared in this video. Growing up, I was pretty shy and found that video games provided a place for me to escape to, away from my anxieties and general difficulties. Video games didn't judge me and it felt good to have something I was good at. I was moved by your story and the trials and tribulations you faced. Your story about being on the bus and making a friend just from playing your GameBoy on a bus resonated with me. I too miss those simpler times. I'm also glad that when you needed it most, the game brought you a friend to weather the storm. Listening to your story, compelled me to write this comment. We're about the same age, and I can relate to some of the struggles you faced. It's amazing how the internet can be used in such a capacity to connect with others. Thanks again for sharing your story. Know that you've made yourself another friend and if you're ever in Vancouver, Canada, I'd buy you a drink and we could chat about our favourite games!
My father was extremely abusive to me, my brother, and my mom. He would put us down, treat us like trash, hit us. It was so painful. Eventually, my parents got divorced, and I would go see him at his apartment. Listening to him demonize my mother, make up all these excuses, live in his delusion that everyone is against him. It affected me deeply. During the time that I was still seeing him, I'd say the game that saved me was Hollow Knight. This game gave me a story of this lost husk coming back to the place of his birth, and facing his past head on and righting the wrongs of his father, it could not have come at a better time for me. Two years later, I stood up to my dad and told him I didn't want to see him anymore. It was an awful experience, but I just couldn't take his abuse anymore. I still think about him and why he was the way he was. Now that I look toward the future, I'm currently 20, wanting to become a game composer. I want to right his wrongs, I want a family I can cherish instead of hurt. I want friends I can keep for longer than a year due to moving. I'm both scared and excited for what's to come for me, but I know I can do it if I just try my best and believe. Thank you for this video, I felt for you and the horrible situation you endured. I wish you nothing but the best.😊
Nah bro this shit is way too sad…feel hugged from germany man
Thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine how hard that must have been to go through as a child. These games are truly special, helping many of us all over the planet. They're helped me too. One small thing, though, you said Pokémon Platinum was the last truly great game in the series. I beg to differ, HeartGold and SoulSilver, remakes of Gold and Silver, are some of the best games in the series. Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 are all high quality games as well. It got rough after BW2
Man, your story sounds a lot like mine. I feel like maybe our stories relate to so many people and we just don't realize it. Hearing this made me feel like I'm not alone (even though I am). Thank you for sharing your life experiences. Stay strong 💕
Thank you for sharing this story, I imagine it wasn’t easy telling it but I appreciate hearing how Pokémon games also helped someone else because they definitely got me through some rough times. Maybe my story isn’t the same exactly but I definitely used Pokémon (and games in general) to momentarily forget about my troubles and go into my own little happy world. Again, thank you!
I had a very similar childhood. I often had all my belongings except my clothing put into the attic as a punishment for receiving bad grades in school, but sometimes I had access to my gba and I would play it alone in my bedroom to hide from my physically and verbally abusive parents. I played pokemon blue and crystal and after my mom died when I was 12, my dad would leave me alone in the house for days so I had a lot of time to play games. I started playing Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls to cope with the loneliness and grief from my mother's passing. I too had many messy and confusing feelings about my parents, especially my mom, and I dealt with them through Fantasy games/books and building my own Lego worlds. Your story hurt to hear because it was so similar to my own, but also because you describe the effects your mothers depression had on you as a child. I have clinical depression and I constantly worry about how good of a parent I am being for my son. I love him dearly and I want him to have a better and happier childhood than my own. I go to therapy, take my meds and try doing everything my therapist recommends, but this doesn't make the mental illness just go away. I don't hit my kid or yell at him or break his things or take them away. Instead, I give him plenty of hugs, tell him how much he means to me every day and I play games with him and talk to him when he's feeling sad. I'm trying my best but there are still many difficult days. I wonder how outwardly visible my depression is to my son. I wonder how confusing this must be for him and because of this I take advantage of my good moments and I make sure he knows I love him and he is the best little guy I've ever known. I hope it all works out in the end. It sucks to be depressed, to do everything you're supposed to be doing, and still have an illness that infects every aspect of your life. I'm sorry you went through this. I hope it is of some small comfort to know you are not alone, and to know that there are people doing their best to break the cycle.
Same issues with the drunk Mom here buddy... You're not alone, you have a brother in arms surviving and staying positive out here. God Bless!
Bro I sobbed watching this video, thanks for sharing your story in this beautiful work of art❤
The Pokémon games are still a refuge for me during tough times so this really hits home.
I wish you all the best and again thanks for letting me have this experience…
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for making this video I felt the exact same way about Pokémon I just find it comforting that other people have similar experiences despite living entirely separate lives I really enjoy this type of content and I appreciate how personal it is I felt the same urges for freedom to explore as well it wasn’t exactly the same being that my games were Pokémon black and white I just remember all the hours I spent on them just experiencing Pokémon as these were the first games that really gave me my love for Pokémon I truly appreciate your effort and bravery to post something so personal anyways I will stop rambling now I appreciate the video a lot and I really hope you get the recognition you deserve you are a great creator
This video is literally me, only with Pokémon Sapphire instead.
You even look like me.
This is scary. 😂
Thank you for sharing your story.
I'm going to share mine below.
Don't feel obliged to read it. It just feels right to share it as well. I dunno.
My life literally exploded and went downhill after my dad died when I was 11.
As a result, my entire family, who weren't exactly the most emotional, just separated.
Almost 20 years later, we still haven't recovered.
When Sapphire came out, I got it for Christmas and really helped.
My dad died on December 3rd, so very close to Xmas and when I got my copy of Sapphire, I got lost in the game. It was an escape.
My mother was depressed, smoking, drinking constantly.
Years later, I struggled with alcohol. Was taking drugs, always in trouble with the law, and one night, I decided I was going to kill myself.
Evidently, I didn't do a good job.
I was in a bad way, and was trying to recover, and to be honest, suicide was still in my head.
I found my old gameboy and games with it.
I started the game again and focused on that game. Playing it a little every day.
Gave me something to focus on.
I am so sorry about this traumatic experience you’ve been through, I hope this video blows up- it’s really touching. Quite insane frankly of what a comfort game like Pokémon can do for someone and impact their life in such a positive way. Sending love from the UK❤️
Jfc man. I dont know you but i am so sorry for what you had to go through. No kid should have to feel afraid of a family member. I didnt have any extremely traumatizing troubles as a child. But i will say that video games specifically pokemon emerald and super mario sunshine allowed me to escape when things felt hard or unrealistic. Funny you mentioned pretrend pokemon battles me and my friends would also do the same thing.
I also 100% relate to the friends you make being lost in moves. I didnt move myself but in both 3rd and 4th grade i had a really good friend in each year i could call a best friend. We would do everything together but at the end of the year both times they would move away for whatever reason. I think after it happened the 2nd time. My innocent child mind thought it was my fault that i couldnt keep my friends. It made me feel insecure not being able to maintain those friends. I felt like i was at fault. Why would they move away?
That was definitely the most relatable part of the video for me😢
Losing a friend to a move back in the pre-social media days was rough. Hopefully people are able to stay in touch a little easier nowadays.
Really beautiful story, it reminded me just how influential Pokemon Firered was for me as a kid. Thanks for sharing!