64 bit graphics? That's lyk...4x a Super nintendo!!
At the time, the idea of inducing 64 bits of graphic inside a video game console was simply incredible, at least for me. Due to the fact that I lived through games as a hardcore fan to Super Nintendo, I had a bit of trouble adjusting to the whole new world of 3D graphics brought by N64. Upon retrospect, I suppose it was very silly of me, but then again, now we're living in an era where MMORPG's are rampant and old school games are stored in emulators/roms. In any case, this is about back in the 90's. Playing in a three-dimensional field was a whole new ball park for a young elementary school kid like me. After all, we're talking about obtaining the pinnacle of video gaming experience incorporating elements never seen before by kids nationwide. Those of you who have longevity with The nintendo series may understand what it was like back then as well.
So, we go from this...
...to this! Sick.
What would you do if you were a kid who was exposed to such advanced gaming technology, upgrading your game by a whole dimension? Naturally, you'd once again, dedicate every ounce and fiber of your free time into playing the crap out of your new toy! For me, the first RPG game I played on the new Nintendo was Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
A new Zelda game?! I'll be stuck on this game for years. Joy
So, a new Zelda game. That's literally taking my puzzle-solving problems to a new dimension. Save for the first dungeon, each other took me through a series of hellish mazes and extra advils. Those of you who understand my longevity with Zelda from my previous blogs would know what I'm talking about. Hyrule Castle from LTTP was hard? HAH! What would you do with this:
Yo, Jon. Let's make a deal: My rare Charizard pokemon card for your Zelda Strategy guide!
Regardless, I loved this game. There's no feeling like that when you find the cool new item from a new dungeon! That tense moment when you find a large treasure chest, the dramatic music leading up to the new weapon that Link gets to use, that one item would make the dungeon worth exploring! My personal favorite was the mirror shield!
So pretty...
All of the iconic features of the game were enhanced, including the boss battles! To this day, I cannot shake the feeling of awe whenever I reminisce about the epic battles against dungeon bosses. The animation and graphics simply cannot be compared to fighting Ganon on the Game Boy.
The intensity and anticipation multiplies tenfold on the gamer when you go from fighting a large blip on 2D graphics...to this!
The level of shock playing an rpg for the first time, and playing an rpg on the Nintendo 64 for the first time were on whole different levels. Like I said, it may not seem like such a big deal now, but to a young kid about ten years ago, the step up from a Super Nintendo to Nintendo 64 was an experience to blow one's mind. And so...the journey begins, one level higher!
To Be Continued...