It’s that time again. The time when kids are rushing downstairs at the crack of dawn to see what gaming delights await them under the Christmas tree. For myself, during the school years it was only really Christmas and birthdays where I would receive a brand spanking new game. So the choice of what game to get at that specific time of year was important. And Christmas 1998 is one that has remained in my memory.
1998 as a whole was a phenomenal year for games. Some would say the best of all time. Metal Gear Solid, Half Life, Starcraft, Resident Evil 2, Banjo-Kazooie and many more were released. But one game that came out in December of that year was awaiting me under the Christmas tree – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Throughout the year I was getting as much information from magazines as I could. From the early screenshots of a brown haired link to what the game eventually became, I couldn’t get enough of it. Every time the advert came on TV I was wide eyed in astonishment, I could not wait to get my hands on it. So much so that I would sneak into my parent’s bedroom, find the hidden stash of presents and just sit there staring at the box and reading the text on the back.
I can even remember a review (and I use that word loosely) come on TV during what I think was live & Kicking, which ended with the reviewer (again, I use that term loosely) giving it a 10/10. Naturally they showed more footage of the game during this segment and the anticipation was immense. Reviews from more reputable sources came and it was a flurry of 9’s and 10’s across the board. Then Christmas Day came….
Like all Christmases when you’re a kid, it was a long and restless night, but as soon as I was allowed to go downstairs and open the presents I ran as fast as I can. I can’t remember a single thing I got that Christmas other than Ocarina of Time, that was how important this game was to me. As soon as I got my copy, other than a Christmas dinner and doing that thing called “socialising” I became a bedroom dwelling hermit.
It started with a beautiful title screen, Link riding along Hyrule Field on Epona. And then the actual game began as Link awakes in Kokiri Forest ready to start his adventure. I can’t quite remember how far I got through the game on the first day, it was just a blur of joyous fun. What I can remember is exiting the opening area after the Deku Tree dungeon and being mesmerised by the open field ahead of me. Although areas were naturally blocked off because of progression, I still felt like I could go anywhere and do anything.
And this was my life throughout the Christmas holidays. Zelda, Zelda and more Zelda, and I regret nothing. It’s still probably my favourite game of all time (though Persona 4: Golden has come very, very close to dethroning it) and I think it’s the time I spent with it at Christmas that helped cement its place at the top.
So, Merry Christmas to you all. May it be filled with gaming joy.
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