DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT
Your childhood favorite game isn’t that great
I’m sharing my “Zelda” opinions that I probably should not.
By AUBRIE COLE
“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” is not the best Zelda game. To be honest, it doesn’t even make my top three. Playing through the game for the first time last year was miserable: The camera was the epitome of jank, the combat was confusing and the direction was sometimes unclear (whoever designed the Water Temple deserves jail time). My playthrough clocked in at around thirty hours, and I have no intention of logging any more time anytime soon.
Okay, guys, put down the pitchforks and torches. Though I am hyperbolizing my negative experience with “Ocarina of Time,” I do know that it isn’t for me. I wanted to like this game so badly, to be in on the largely unanimous hype that every Zelda fan seems to understand. Yet after finishing this so-called masterpiece, I couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed.
I can understand why “OoT” was incredibly innovative at the time of its release. The game revolutionized in-game camera systems, enemy-targeting and game narrative among numerous other mechanics. I’m absolutely not trying to discredit these accomplishments. However, I do believe that many fans tend to overhype this game due to one bias-tipping factor out of their control: nostalgia.
Unfortunately, none of us are immune to the inevitable nostalgia brain rot. I will die on the hill that “Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey” is a modern masterpiece. The “Minecraft” soundtrack still floods me with a melancholic wave of memory. When asked what the best Zelda game is, I confidently reply, “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.” What do these titles have in common? I played them all religiously during elementary school.
I’ll be honest: I’ve been feeling particularly nostalgic recently. Going into my second year of college, I can’t help but feel like my short period as a student is passing me by at break-neck speed. Naturally, to avoid thinking of the future, I’ve been looking to the past for solace. Rewatching my old favorite films and shows like “The Secret of Kells” (2009) and “Supernatural” recently took me back to simpler times, so, of course, I also wanted to replay old games I hold in high regard.
You know when you get a wrapped gift and have a small, hopeful idea of what it is? In my mind, these titles were enveloped in a glossy wrapping paper that reflected my expectations back at me. However, the act of tearing off this paper revealed something far more horrifying than anything I could have imagined: mediocracy. Without the technicolor lens of childhood, even “Minecraft” tends to fall flat after a week of play.
Maybe I’m just more cynical now. Maybe I’m just growing up. Or, maybe these games’ appeal stemmed largely from my fond memories of them. Honestly, all of these things probably factored into my apparent disappointment.
“The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker” (2002) holds up largely because of its nostalgic value, despite convoluted storylines, clunky controls and confusing levels, argues columnist Aubrie Cole. (Nintendo)
My replay of “Wind Waker” wasn’t what I imagined it to be. Just like my experience with “OoT” — controls were clunky, story beats were convoluted and a few levels were confusing. It became increasingly apparent to me that my previous opinions were clouded with bias, just like those who champion “OoT” as their personal favorite. I wouldn’t be surprised if a “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” fan picked up “Wind Waker” for the first time and disliked it.
However, moments here and there made the whole experience worth it. The music on Dragon Roost Island made me feel like a child again, and a boss fight brought me back to the same anxiety I felt when I originally picked up the game. The cel-shading-based art direction remains timeless, and the Hero of Winds is just as adorable as he was 10 years ago.
I may not have the colorful optimism I used to have, but I certainly remember the people, places, things and moments that shaped my identity. Though a game isn’t quite the masterpiece I remembered, there’s no reason for me to tip its crown.
I will never be eight-year-old Aubrie spread across the ottoman playing “Wind Waker” again. I will never see my childhood room, play with my late dog or consistently live with my sisters again — and that’s okay. It’s a melancholy revelation, but not one to dwell on. There’s one thing you can always count on: Life will continue, whether you’re ready or not.
This is why we cling to nostalgia. Media, smells, sounds and people all whisk us back to when things were better, less complex. I may not understand why “OoT” is someone’s favorite game, but I’ll also never understand what smells remind them of their mother’s cooking and what sounds remind them of their hometown. Nostalgic brain rot tips the scales of judgment, which is perfectly understandable.
I’m still not a fan of “Ocarina of Time” though, sorry! Anyway, I have to get back to my new playthrough of “Wind Waker,” the best Zelda game.
Aubrie Cole is a sophomore writing about video games in her column, “Downloadable Content,” which runs every other Tuesday. She is also an arts & entertainment editor at the Daily Trojan.
