The human senses are amazing - I think everyone can agree on that. One of the most interesting things about them is their ability to link together. This is usually more common with something traumatic or unpleasant - like one time I ate KFC while I was sick and from then on I couldn't smell the Colonel's original recipe without gagging. The more pleasant side of this phenomenon is a smell reminding you of your childhood, or a piece of music reminding you of an old friend. In my case, Oasis' "Be Here Now" will forever remind me of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Here's that story.
One of the most reliable constants in my childhood was the annual trip to my visit my grandparents. A two hour plane ride separated our New Jersey home with theirs in Georgia and whether is was during Winter or Summer break, I always looked forward to that trip. Spending time with my Grandparents and various extended family members, eating awesome southern food, and hanging with those seasonal friends I had made down South. But there was one other element I always looked forward to: the plane ride itself. That two hour window where nothing was expected of you other than to be quiet and let your parents sleep; "entertain yourself"in other words. Entertaining myself had never been a problem, especially with a GameBoy in hand.
Those numerous two-hour-trips over the years were home to some of my most intense gaming sessions. The lack of any distraction, coupled with the constant hum of the engine and the requirement of headphone usage created an extremely immersive, intimate gaming environment. You and the game begin to fuse together and the rest of the world melts away in a way that is impossible when gaming at home.
In 1997, we took our trip in the Winter - the day after Christmas. I couldn't wait to get through security, board the plane and unload the contents of my carryon. Next to the requisite sweater, pack of gum and snack bag were my two favorite gifts from the day before: Zelda: Links Awakening and a copy of Oasis' "Be Here Now". Once I nestled into my window seat and was "allowed to turn on my electronic devices", I booted up the Gameboy and the discman simultaneously. Blasting the Brit-Rock album through my tinny headphones while playing Link's first major handheld adventure permanently and inextricably linked the two pieces of media in my brain.
Every time I hear "D'ya Know What I Mean" I think of trying to find a bow for the baby Chain Chomp. Every time I start a new quest and find that sword on the beach, I think of "All Around the World". They're certainly not two things that blend well together - a Beatles inspired rock band with a island-based adventure game - but no matter what I do, I can't think of one without the other. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Listen to this.
While watching this. (Mute the sound on this one)
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