Submitted by: Brandon Brock
Let’s go back in time to the summer of 1999, making me 7 years old. My mother would always talk of some legendary land of Hyrule where some heroic nobody would save the world from evil. Being a kid, I did not realize she was referring to The Legend of Zelda series; I assumed she was talking about true events.
Little did I know it at the time, but she was soon to ask me a question that would forever change my life. One hot summer day she would ask me if I would like to play one of her Zelda games.
“Of course I wouldn’t!” I sarcastically implied the way only seven year old boys can really pull off. It all just sounded so dull to me. Sorry Nintendo, but I would rather not play a game that involved fairies and other whimsical elements. As these words left my mouth, I was able to catch a look of legitimate concern and worry on her face. This was a game series that she grew to love, and it was heart breaking for her that I was not sharing the the same enthusiasm. Although I made my sentiments quite clear, she went ahead and purchased the recently released Ocarina of Time.
Now I want you to picture this scene: A mother and her resentful 7 year old, sitting in front of the television, holding a Nintendo 64 controller in the boy’s hand. Do you see it? This was my mother and I. As soon as the main menu popped up I pressed ‘start’, prompting another light blue menu to appear. At this point I was asked to name my character. Naturally, I entered my name, Brandon. During my brief encounter with this game, I could not help but feel as if my pre-game concern would be validated: the game’s music was so girly and just not agreeing with seven year old me.
As the game actually started with it’s cinematics, Link (Brandon), was awakened by arguably one of the most annoying characters of all time, Navi. After listening to a long dialogue by Navi, in which she called me lazy and filled me with objective details, I would finally begin my first true foray into the world of Hyrule. Pretty pushy for an insect that if I were in Hyrule, I would certainly put her in a jar and throw into Lake Hylia.
Upon exiting Link’s house, I was taken back by the most beautiful scenery I had ever seen in a video game. I know I said this game sounded stupid and all, but I was hooked within moments! I glared at mom, completely awestruck at the sight of all the colors and the then-realistic graphics.
Switching my focus back to the game, I looked around and saw all the little houses and shops made out of trees, and the fences leading to the hidden maze where the Kokiri Sword was hidden. There was a very small body of water I could get across by jumping across the platforms, and rupees hidden everywhere. Last, but not least, I looked around and saw all the other Kokiri doing their chores: cutting grass, moving rocks, managing the shop, etc. The colors were magnificent, the world was immersive, and the music, no longer irritating to my ears, but in fact rather enchanting. “How could a video game be so wonderful?” I thought to myself, and to be honest, I still don’t understand—it was perfection.
I had played some pretty grand games prior to this experience. My gaming library was already made up of hits such as Duck Hunt, Contra, Mario, etc. These games were not great because of their old-school graphics, they all had many aspects in common: amazing storylines, fluidly functioning controls, music and replay value. And I loved those games, but Ocarina of Time was and still is my all-time favorite game.
Since giving Ocarina of Time a chance on that bright summer day, being a Zelda fan has become a part of who I am – it’s not just playing a game: it’s interpreting the lore and the stories behind the legend of every single game in the series.
Growing up, it was only my mother, myself and my two younger siblings in the home. Though we did not have all that much in common, we did share one connection: our mutual love for the Zelda series. My siblings had a good relationship with Mom, but I was always the one she would play Zelda with. Much of my free-time would go towards rescuing Princess Zelda, be it after after my homework was done during the week, or during the weekends.
In my opinion The Legend of Zelda series is one of gaming’s finest franchises. I am forever indebted to Ocarina of Time as it really opened my eyes to life. The Zelda series has helped me realize that life is one big adventure and every moment should be cherished. Whether you are a small child tasked with saving the world by the Great Deku Tree, or just an individual trying to face your fears in life. One must embrace every opportunity and learn from life’s many moments. The Legend of Zelda series has changed my perspective and ultimately has changed my life in so many ways.
Every fan of the series has their very own first adventure playing Zelda. Mine started off as a way to bond with my mother, and quickly grew from there. So what’s your story? Tell me in the comments below.
