[Editor's note: naia-the-gamer composes and teaches music for a living, so who better to tell us if Wii Music actually makes for a good educational tool. -- CTZ] 

Wii Music has caused a lot of controversy in recent months. Gamers have been enraged with Nintendo abandoning their audience in favor of what seems like a toy, and journalists have wondered what Nintendo is thinking. Miyamoto put a different perspective on Wii Music when he came to preschools in Japan to show the world of music-making to young children. The children had fun playing the virtual instruments and expressing their creativity.

I was listening to 1Up Yours and they talked about Wii Music’s potential as an educational tool. Given my education background (I’ve taught everyone from pre-schoolers to adults) and my music background, I thought I would give my perspective. I am speaking not as a gamer, but as a music educator and performer. I've played the clarinet for over eighteen years, composing for ten, and teaching for nine. Originally I was going to respond directly to Nick Chester's revelations on Wii Music, but realized quickly my response was going to be long-winded.

[Editor's note: naia-the-gamer talks about Super Mario World's all star enemy for her Feel the Hatred blog. Also, it's naia's birthday today! Happy birthday! -- CTZ]

When I play videogames, I frequently find myself irritated beyond belief over one enemy more than others. My rage for them stems so deep that if I could remove them from the game, I would not feel guilty or feel like I was taking away the challenge to the game.

Some of the Monthly Musings have talked about such creatures that bring my blood to a boil. I’m sure we can all agree that the Medusa heads from Castlevania earn this prestigious title. It got me thinking about other games with creatures that spur such hatred in me, thinking about what I like to call the “Minus One". We all have our “Minus Ones” in games. I brainstormed to think of one enemy that angered me so much in a game that the very name made me cringe. I present you this little bastard: Chargin’ Chucks.

[Editor's note: naia-the-gamer takes a look at a genre that is very near and dear to her heart. Read on to see how Naia would change the JRPG genre as part of May's Monthly Musings. -- CTZ] 

This is hard for me. This editorial means that I am willing to admit it. It's like admitting your children have flaws. However, this is necessary to write down and admit it: JRPGs need help. I love them dearly, and my fondest memories as a gamer stem from JRPGs of yore.

They are now at a turning point where they need to evolve or perish. Many gamers no longer have the patience to handle the quirks of JRPGs. The genre grows to become even more of a niche genre compared to the relative total of those who play videogames. How many people have played JRPGs that don’t have the words “Final” and “Fantasy” in them? I’ve thought long and hard about the games I love and come to terms with the obvious flaws present in the genre. I present my wish list of things that need to change to keep the life of the JRPG to thrive in today’s world. Read all about it after the jump.