25 years ago, on this very day, The Legend of Zelda was released in Japan. I didn’t realise it then, because I was four years old and too busy playing in the back garden, smearing my face in dirt or something, but it was the starting point of what is probably my favourite game series of all time.
I have so many memories of Zelda. The first time I ever stayed up all night was Christmas 1992 – because I was so excited about getting my Super Nintendo, and so excited to play A Link to the Past. I remember throwing my little brother the map that came inside the box, telling him he was the ‘navigator’ so I didn’t have to share.
I remember playing Link’s Awakening on the Game Boy, and being genuinely distrought when the world I’d spent hours playing in and engaging with turned out to be just an elaborate dream. Sob.
I remember waiting years for Ocarina of Time. Buying every single magazine that had Zelda on the cover, scrimping for information. I remember finishing it – being interrupted by a family member constantly calling the house during the epic end sequence, and getting so wound up that I actually punched my bedroom door. It hurt. And I felt like an idiot.
I remember the hassle of living in Japan, and having to wait weeks for my brother to send an English version of Wind Waker all the way from Scotland to Nagoya, Japan. I remember when it finally came in the post. I remember being blown away by the art direction, and bitterly disappointed by the Tri-Force fetch quest. I remember the kid with the huge boogers.
I remember desperately trying to convince myself to fall in love with Twilight Princess, but just not quite connecting. I remember feeling a little bit sad.
I have so many memories associated with the Zelda series – more than with any other series I can think of. Since it’s the 25th Anniversary of the game’s release, I thought this might be a good time to share some memories of the game.
Do you have any memories of Zelda? Do you have a favourite in the series? Let us know in the comments below.
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