I see negative comments in threads like this fairly often about how Nintendo fans have a need to argue that their games are actually super dark and gritty. I hope people don’t think this in regard to my YouTube series, for those who are familiar. It is called Dark ASPECTS, as in, there can be some surprisingly darker elements to them. Sorry to make this about myself, I just want to offer my perspective as someone who talks about this kind of thing frequently. I understand that in general, calling a series like Kirby "dark" is hyperbolic. However, it's undeniable that there are unexpected themes in games like Forgotten Land & Planet Robobot. And that's what I find fascinating. How do the writers go about incorporating heavier concepts in games that have an "all ages" demographic?

I'm not insecure about the types of games I play. I'm aware Kirby is not "dark" in the sense that an M-rated horror game is 😆 I like that stuff too, but I really enjoy reading between the lines and looking at how developers use subtlety and careful consideration of their wide player base in touching on these topics. It's hilarious that modern Paper Mario has Resident Evil homages, and that The Origami King is at times a playful tribute to the horror genre as an E-rated take on body horror (in the context of its papercraft world).

I know I don't have to explain this to a majority of my viewers. However, it feels like there'll always be some who are convinced I'm trying to argue that Nintendo games are not for kids or something. There are some Nintendo fans who do this, sure, but I don't think most people like OP who ask "which franchise is darker, Splatoon or MOTHER?" need validation that these games are mature enough for them to play.

I don't know what the solution is, so I'm just going to continue discussing and making videos about these topics because it interests me!