Oh man...
Out of all of the (incredible) tribute images so far, this has hit me the hardest. Nintendo games exist in brightest parts of human imagination - they push the buttons at the epicenter of fun, slide through our brains bringing a trail of creative whimsy in their wake. Seeing a picture of Kirby crying, or Mario with his head bowed still takes me to those vibrant worlds - a sadder continent to be sure, but in those vibrant worlds nonetheless.
This image, though... this is brick and stone. Metal and mortar. This is
real. An actual human of finite longevity, of failing flesh and blood, will soon be laid to rest. Another incarnation of the man can't be programmed, another Iwata asks can never be held, and another direct with him will never be filmed.
Iwata's final credits are here, the closing coda on one of the most genuine and beloved characters the game of life ever programmed. Sure, we can replay Iwata's greatest moments, but we'll never get another new level.
So thank you, Satoru Iwata. Thank you for your integrity, thank you for your prowess, and most of all - thank you for leading us through the few bright spots Earth still has to offer. </3