I came across my copy of The Legend of Zelda, one of the greatest video games ever, while digging through boxes in my basement. It surprised me because I forgot that I held on to the original NES version.
The box was mildly tattered. The instruction booklet with its beautiful artwork was missing its cover. The map, which I used to study intensely, had a slight rip. I’m okay with those minor imperfections when considering all of it is 35 years old.
I opened the box next, and slowly freed the shiny gold cartridge. Marveled by how well kept it was, I started to obsessively wipe my fingerprints off every spot I left one. As I kid, I kept the game clean as a sign of respect and favoritism.
Thanks to muscle memory and instinct, 35 years later I was still compelled to maintain its unblemished gloss.
As I held the cartridge my thoughts leapt back in time. I got transported to 1986, playing the game with close family and friends. Sadly, some of those people are no longer alive today.
During hours-long phone calls we’d trade information in hopes of helping each other get through the toughest dungeons, mazes, and boss battles.
When we played together in person, sometimes in packed bedrooms and basements, our spectating friends and loved ones would sit silently. Completely invested as they watched, their facial expressions did all the talking as they willed whomever was controlling Link to victory. No one wanted to be a distraction and possibly cause a player to lose. Only major wins produced cheerful outbursts.
When I finally defeated The Legend of Zelda, besting Gannon with my sweaty hands clung nervously to the control pad, I was home alone. Somehow, though, I still heard an ovation.
I could still hear it as I held the gold cartridge in my basement years later. Three and a half decades of cheer for winning a game that remains spotless. |THIS.
In Memory of Louis S. Thomas Jr. and Arthur McLeod. RIP
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
Explorative adventure game The Legend of Zelda was released for Nintendo Entertainment System on February 21, 1986. Thirty-five years later, Nintendo’s Zelda franchise is one of the most beloved around the world. From Skyward Sword to Spirit Tracks, there are classic entries to the series on every Nintendo home and portable gaming console.
