And thebluerabbit - you wish. There are many many many Gamers in Israel. Unless you live in a small beduian village, i guese that they will know who is Mario. The aame as it is in USA and europe.
i live in a desert remember? and even though i do believe the situation is different in other parts im pretty sure the amount of "i only care about graphics and blood" gamers is higher then other places. i doubt many people would get the reference if you walked the street with links hat or even know who zelda is.
Playing games, I still do. Building with Legos , CTC2 & CTC2PP replaced it but I would still build if I didn't sell them all. Ride my bike fast, I still do and I'm in my 40's. xD