UPDATE 12TH MAY: Two hours it took me to read through all of your memories! I’ve laughed, I’ve wiped away a tear or two (which feels appropriate), and I’ve been reminded of many happy memories of my own. If anyone ever asks you why people play games, point them to this comments thread. I hope someone from Nintendo sees the memories their series has helped create.
Here, you’ve reminded me of the power games have to connect parents and children, then, years later, when those children grow up, the power they have to share the connection all over again – and Zelda is one of those series that’s been around long enough to span it. I adored CaptainTrips’ memory of narrating Zelda games to their young child in place of a bedtime story.
You’ve also reminded me how cheeky we can be as kids who are eager to play games. More than one of you managed to hoodwink your parents and get to Christmas presents early. Tat_Sun and their brother even managed to finish Ocarina of Time before Christmas Day! Respect.
Most of all, though, you’ve reminded me how games can help people through difficult times, and how sometimes they’re the crutch we can lean on when life weighs us down. It’s for this reason I chose the winner: Azamo_Zero. Their account of struggling with severe asthma and ending up in hospital, and while there discovering A Link to the Past on a SNES – then likening their recovery to Link’s increasing power – really touched me. Thank you so much for sharing it – the Nintendo eShop codes will shortly be on their way.