Zelda: Ocarina of Time and My Parents Divorce - My Retro Life

It was Christmas of 1998, my parents were divorced, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo 64 brought some much needed healing.
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Zelda: The Ocarina of Time and My Parents Divorce - My Retro Life

[@MyRetroLife]

Hey guys! Divorce can be incredibly painful, and this is a subject I've often shied away from, but it's part of my story. Ultimately, I hope this video brings some positivity into a serious topic. Thank you to everyone who supports this channel. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and be safe!

[@AlohaGamester]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family Tyler thank you for producing and sharing these wonderful videos with us. I Haven’t seen Mikey or Manny on Twitch recently I hope they’re doing well too!

[@saintarchangel9547]

Video was great man, so we'll done. Thanks for sharing with us. Your videos always hit home with the nostalgia hence why I love your channel. I always see something I had or I played, like that Scorch the dragon Beanie Baby! Haha I loved him. Again, thanks for sharing Tyler and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@jaylucien669]

Merry Christmas.

[@ZethN64]

This was a really great video! I had no idea what to expect when you asked to use some footage from my channel but this video was a tugging hard on my nostalgia heartstrings and encapsulated a lot of feelings I had when I first got the game. Thanks for wonderful trip down memory lane, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@NESADDICT]

Thanks for your openness Tyler

[@Tyguy3030]

My name is Tyler, I'm 34 yo my dad died last year , I just recently found your videos and they have been extremely helpful in my grieving process. Thank you and your dad.

[@Danbo22987]

Similar story but Breath of the Wild came out shortly after my mom started chemotherapy and she found it very calming to just sit and watch me play. She ulitmately didn't make it but the game provided us some momentary relief where we could just enjoy being together.

[@jed23ify]

I’m very sorry for your loss. Your mom sounded like a wonderful person.

[@MyRetroLife]

What an amazing and bittersweet memory to have attached to that game. I have one similar with Dad that I’ll share one day. So sorry for your loss.

[@Trollseeder]

My condolences. I can absolutely see how Breath of the Wild could give a very similar feeling. They are both transformative epic adventures of growth. A part of your relationship with your mom will always stay in BOTW. Oh, and... merry Christmas :)

[@nathangibson2114]

Similar story with my mom and Skyrim/Oblivion. She left in 2016. I’d give up all my tomorrows to spend another night talking with her.

[@DustlessYeti76]

Sorry for your loss

[@dagbman]

The standout for me was to hear your dad break his comedic character for a moment to say - "You're the best boy a dad could ever have." This reminded me of the Mega Man 2 video where your parents took the time to explain why you deserved the game. Your daughter is so lucky to have a dad who learned from the best.

[@CatManDoom84]

Def noticed that precious moment too

[@GabrielGarcia-su9po]

Your father definitely loves you. We can all hear it in his voice when he said it. Great video

[@honjo5809]

This hit home . My parents never split before dad got the 💀. PlayStation and spending time with my mom got me through so much. This was the best retro vid I saw the year just cuz .

[@specwarseabee]

Yep that part hit hard. I have two boys 6 & 8 and I had to pause the video to tell them how much I loved them and how good they are. Too often we get caught up in the stress of life but don’t stop and take a moment to appreciate the blessing children bring into your life.

[@IbelieveinHarris]

Hey Tyler, I have low key been watch your videos from time time for nostalgia reasons, but this is another video of many that you have produced showing you’re amazingly magical storytelling and indescribable how you give Vulnerable explanation of video games and your family memories. Bravo at your Art sir!

[@kestasgimbickis6917]

“Youre the best boy a dad could have” just melts my heart. What a great dad. Best dad anyone could have. These videos will make him live forever. Thank you and your dad for this footage and amazing youtube content before youtube was even a thing. Love & peace

[@spewdog]

Tyler is a truly genuine person. My Retro Life is healing therapy told through the language of love and gaming nostalgia

[@MyRetroLife]

Love this. Thank you 🙏

[@nicolausteslaus]

Soyjack👍

[@AlohaGamester]

I was watching some of your videos yesterday morning and asked myself “has Tyler ever discussed The Legend of Zelda before, did he not play much of it?” And here we are today the topic of discussion. One of the videos I was watching the one where you brought your mother on modern day to talk about her memories. I love how when she talks about your father there is never any ill will behind her voice.

[@MyRetroLife]

Thanks man. Just a whole lot of love and cherished memories. In the end, those all outweigh the bad. There is hope after a painful season. I'm living proof of that.

[@Richter_val82]

"You're the best boy a dad can have" 💔 As a dad my self, I know the power those words have. I'm glad your parents made their best to make you feel loved. And I can relate about video games healing bad times. When I was a kid, my parents use to fight a lot, mostly for money issues, we had a hard time back then. So, playing games helped me to stay happy and keep dreaming with better times. God bless you, bro. Happy new year.

[@michaelmeyer4682]

My parents divorced when I was 12. We had to move into my grandmas house and live there after the divorce. One day my mom brought a super Nintendo home with Mario world and actraiser. Actraiser helped me escape the dire situation we were left in, and I was able to forget about the real world for awhile. I recently required actraiser, and hearing the music immediately brought me back to my grandma's basement. Very emotional.

[@StillxXxTrue85]

I can relate to this so much . My parents got divorced when I was 15 right when Shenmue came out for the Dreamcast. I would get lost in that world to escape reality. To this day it's still my favorite game .

[@EDFCentral]

I'm glad your parents were able to stay friends. My parents divorced in 87 when I was eight. Things never got better for us and I used video games to escape as well. Mom married another nightmare who made sure I knew what a loser I was. I couldn't even enjoy my video games because they were for losers as well. Constantly being belittled and degraded, but I continued to escape into video games. I thank God, truly thank God for video games and the way he used them in my life to help me get through. 43 and still a gamer and my stepdad finally turned over a new leaf and became a decent fellow. Left a lot of scars, but things are better. My father and I get along better as well because when I was younger he was a tyrant as well. I've never known a good father outside of my heavenly one, but I'm determined to be the best father I can be. Sorry, not sure why I shared all that, but I felt like I needed to even if you all are strangers. In some ways I live vicariously through your happy childhood. I'd say many of us do even if most don't admit it. Merry Christmas Tyler!

[@MyRetroLife]

Thank you for sharing this! Truly. I hoped this video would help people open up. It looks as though it has! Merry Christmas!

[@Zachery_]

This is the wrong forum to say this but maybe he was right and video games are for losers, think of if you devoted the same amount of time to schoolwork and working out and becoming successful, video games and other entertainment are just that, excess entertainment can be our biggest downfall

[@paulhunter_]

@@Zachery_ k

[@ocsjc13]

Ur mom is so bad for not leaving that guy for talking ish on you

[@EDFCentral]

@@Zachery_ Considering I've been married to the same woman for 20 years, have 3 kids, have advanced through the ranks and now hold a coveted position within my job, am a respected elder within my church holding the position of deacon and young adult life group leader and am adored by my children which is my greatest achievement. I don't see loser as being a title that hangs around my neck and I still play video games regularly. Video games have nothing to do with whether you end up a "loser" or not. The bigger decisions you make in life determine that. My father figures were wrong and I'm proof of that.

[@greenonion4201]

Me and my dad when I was little, we were you two. He died back in 2015 and these videos tear me to shreds, in a good way though. They help me grieve in a way I didn't know I still needed to. Thank you for your work I cant wait for the next one!

[@MyRetroLife]

Glad they help you in some way! Sorry for your loss. Thanks for watching

[@bczarrockbeast6264]

Being a kid with divorced parents and an only child this hit me in the feels for sure. Don't get me wrong my mom and dad are amazing. But it's a shock for a young kid especially when you never seen or heard them argue then one day before school they drop that bomb on you and your whole life gets flipped upside down. Having to try to explain to your friends who's parents are together why your dad moved to a apartment across town when you don't really understand it either. To be honest that is when I leaned into video games as well. Great video!

[@ryandesain5090]

This series means so much to so many of us. More than you may ever know. Really appreciate what you do.

[@Jpark.]

That feeling you get hearing the opening of Ocarina Of Time is the same I get hearing the opening of Harvest Moon 64. Mixture of emotions, pain and memories all flooding back.

[@SneakerPhetish]

I’m a 1986 baby so this is directly my era. Games were my escape too. My mom was divorced & re-married to my stepdad, but they were also rocky before eventually divorcing as well in 2000. One of my best memories was getting my Nintendo 64 for Christmas. I lost myself in video games - I had PS1, Sega, SNES, N64, etc….I always wished that my parents recorded these memories growing up. This video was special. Thanks for this.

[@CrossingRover]

Wow Tyler, I really appreciate you sharing content that is so personal. As someone who suffered immensely during my parents divorce in 2008 I can relate to escaping into a video game world to find a safe space. For me the game was Fallout 3 but the feelings you described were very familiar. In contrast for me, Ocarina of Time came out at a time when I was only 6 years old and it was the first video game that truly captured my imagination. I remember feeling as though the world of Hyrule was a living and breathing place that could go on forever far beyond the bounds of the game.

[@GrassToucherTV]

This channel is a true gem. I love how you're able to communicate the feelings and memories of your past through gaming and share your personal stories with us who watch these. Even though these aren't my own personal experiences, your videos still resonate with me and I really enjoy them. Subscribed!

[@brok9591]

The Nostalgia hit me so hard from this video my heart starting racing and I was short of breath.

[@Bricksty]

I hold this game so incredibly close to my heart. I grew up watching my older brother play this game. He was such an incredible role model and the soundtrack to this masterpiece of a game floods me with all the best memories of him. I'm tearing up just writing this but I know he's looking down on me. Rest in peace, Chris. Edit: Thanks for all the kind responses

[@MyRetroLife]

So sorry for your loss. Amazing that so many of us are connected through this game.

[@mai-vc6pb]

I grew up watching my older brother play this game too!! Thank you for sharing memories of your beloved brother 💚💚

[@brandonlee7382]

I'm a older brother right now I'm 21 and my brother is 5 and he loves playing games with me. I can't wait to hear what story's he talks about when he's older. I may actually start filming some games he's playing now and film when he gets a new console in future. I did get him a xbox series s and I wish I would of filmed it. I did film his reaction to the xbox series x trailer which was so damn cute because he was like 3 years old

[@booboo7502]

From a little brother who is unfortunately missing his big brother too, I just wanted to reach out and give a virtual hug. Reading your comment warmed my heart as I too loved watching my brother play this game. At first when he’d ask if I wanted to play I’d just say “it’s okay, I like watching you play”, which was certainly true. However it wasn’t the full truth. I didn’t feel “advanced” enough to play but I wanted to see what happened, so I was always right there watching my brother when he’d fire it up. One day, he caught onto my true intentions and when he went to fire it up he handed me the controller and said “today we are gonna start you your own game. I’m right here if ya get stuck and need help”. I felt so cool having my big brother sit there and watch me play, encouraging me along the way, as I had with him so many times. For this reason and more, this game holds a really precious space in my heart too. Thank you for sharing your memory. 🙏❤️

[@booboo7502]

@@brandonlee7382 Keep that up big bro. I promise the memories will be rich and well worth the time spent. He will absolutely remember. 😊

[@tricycloplots21]

Your video literally brought a tear to my eye, thank you for sharing this. We are the same age, my parents divorced when I was 6 in 1992, but for my family there was never any healing. Video games were always a safe escape from the trauma of a rough childhood, especially when few of my friends could relate to what I was experiencing. It was definitely a very lonely time for me.

[@AdamZ84]

Merry Christmas to your family from ours as well, Tyler! This video brought back a lot of memories for me as well. I remember my dad asking me if I wanted a Nintendo 64 with Zelda, or a PlayStation with Final Fantasy 7… it was a tough decision to make, but I said I want the PlayStation with Final Fantasy seven and boy was I surprised on Christmas morning when I received both a PlayStation and a Nintendo 64 with both Final Fantasy seven and Zelda ocarina of time. I also have the gold cartridge of the game and a gold controller as well! I’m only a couple of years older than you, so I clearly remember having a feeling of guilt, knowing how much my dad and mom spent on the extra system. My father enjoyed watching me play through Zelda. It was good bonding time for us, and I beat that game at 100% and got every single secret, that’s how much I loved it. My six year old son plays the downloaded version on my Nintendo Wii of ocarina of time,and he doesn’t really have an interest of going through the game, we beat the Deku tree, and now he just likes running around in Hyrule field beating little skeleton monsters and wants to do his own thing. My seven year old son who will be eight next month just enjoys watching when it comes to Zelda and that reminds me, I think you said that your daughter is seven years old and said that she was born in January on one of your live streams, my first son was born on January 7, 2015, so I have a feeling that our kids are a few days apart in age, so it’s cool to see your daughter grow up loving video games like my sons do, I think that’s part of the reason why they like your channel so much, because they connect you with me as a dad, and see that you have a child, the same age as them. A big, thank you for keeping your channel family, friendly and with clean language and fun memories. You spoke about escapism in this video, and nowadays, there are far worse things to escape into, then video games. I escaped into these fantasy realms as well with Zelda and Final Fantasy seven and they actually helped me become an excellent reader due to all of the dialogue you had to read through to get through the game and understand it. Wow, I have so much to say from one video haha.

[@petermalleo88]

There was something so incredible about playing this during Christmas vacation 98-99 My friends and I still discuss the importance of it and the impact it had on us still to this day.

[@jfh.8064]

This is an amazing video. Ocarina of Time is my favorite game ever. I was 8 years old. It’s impossible to describe to someone who didn’t grow up as a kid with that game how amazing it was. It was seriously life changing. And I totally agree about the title screen music. Makes me want to cry.

[@babaliboon9323]

Hey man - this was one of your most relatable videos yet. My parents also divorced that same year (what's up with the mid-90s and divorce rates, eh?). I love your channel and thank you for all the work you put in. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

[@TheConuresrule]

It only gets worse. Usually women are the ones to initiate.

[@Seroxm13]

Sadly, many men can't control themselves and do cheat a lot. One of my cousins loved his husband so much and they were married with 2 kids, yet typical man style, he cheated on her. Was with another woman. As much as it pained her, she had to leave him. Men are usully responsible for divorces. Women/moms are usually there for the family and to take care of them and the house, men just want to more and more... Plus many men are abusive, controlling and commit domestic violence. I've known so many women in my life get hurt by men, not usually physically, but by their ignorance & selfishness. It's sad how that macho mentality is still going on nowadays. I can guarantee you 100% I won't be 1 of those typical men. I will not add and be part of the statistics. I would never cheat or abuse my wife.

[@flaquis2729]

@@Seroxm13 The thing I've learned in life is there's always 2 sides to every story, especially in relationships. Both parties usually are to blame when things get rough. At least that's how I see things.

[@Seroxm13]

@@flaquis2729 not usually both. It's usually 1 that start it all. If it's cheating, well the cheater started it. Just because people divorce doesn't mean it's always both fault. Maybe 1 is trying their best to stay loyal and not divorce, but the other just doesn't want to stay. I also have an aunt whose my uncle cheated on her and had 2 kids with his lover... He had 4 kids with my aunt and 2 kids with her other women, yet my aunt who is 1 of the nicest persons ever, kinda pardoned him and they still live together. Some of my uncles 4 kids were mad at him for cheating her mom. It's absurd what men do. I will never be like my uncle and the typical macho men.

[@southsidesaiyan8641]

@@Seroxm13 sounds like you just have a strong personal bias against men based on personal experiences. You made a bunch of claims about how much men cheat, how abusive men are and do domestic violence, but where are your statistics to back up these claims? Because I could also give plenty of examples of women doing all those things you just mentioned too.

[@okitasan]

I've only watched about 75% of a full video but i can tell this channel is special. Great editing and storytelling, and an amazing amount of high quality footage. Your dad was a really good videographer.

[@neverenoughguitars8276]

I remember getting this game for my birthday in Feb 99. I still remember booting it up for the first time on the TV with my Mom and Dad watching from the couch behind me. I remember all three of us were in awe of the opening sequence of link riding the horse and the music and my Mom saying "This is beautiful!". Such a great memory!

[@bytacc]

I was obsessed with this game 1999-2000. I was around 10 years old. Got the console and the game as a christmas gift. This game for me is my childhood, memories and so much more. It's a part of me. I remember all the songs, all the bosses and temples. everything. Truly a masterpeace! There is no other game after this that have achieved the same feeling. I'm 34 today.

[@deusprogrammer_thekingofspace]

The opening score of Ocarina of Time always brings me to tears. Hearing it in concert performed by this game named Ocarina Link at Video Games Live reduced me to a sobbing heap.

[@CragusMaximus]

That intro man... I do the same! It's So sombre. It hurts me with sadness yet fills me with nostalgia and happy memories too. I would sit in my best friend's bedroom on his bunk bed, he was bad at reading so I would read the strategy guide whilst he played. We adored the music

[@DaddeGamer]

6:20 I literally think that all of us that grew up with this game felt that statement so much ♥ Very well said!

[@mariorruiz]

You almost made me cry, good job. And yes, it hurts to hear that soundtrack but in a very very very good way

[@backintheday3097]

1996 was kind of the beginning of the end for my parents as well. It would only be a year later that my dad would file for divorce. I was 20 at the time, so I had the fortune of not having to go through that mind f**k of whether or not I was the cause of their problems. Much like you I can relate to the "boy becoming a man" analogy. I had just graduated high school in June of 1997 and it had only been a few months when dad dropped the bomb that he was done. So for me, I was making that transition from teen in to young adult. Unlike you however, games weren't my outlet. I threw myself into music and guitar playing. I became like a rabid dog and just devoured albums left and right and learned as much of the history of the bands as I could. I'm glad your parents were able to rekindle their friendship and be able to have put their differences aside. I wish I could say the same for mine. Unfortunately that never happened and when mom passed back in 2015, any prospects of that were quickly snuffed out. Anyway. I've rambled long enough. Thanks for the great video! I don't always comment but I always make sure to watch and leave a "like". Merry Christmas Tyler.

[@mattgallagher7105]

I feel you on being a little older - I was 16 when my parents split up. Dad’s boating hobby turned into seeing a woman on the side, mom had spending problems and they just werent in love for a long time by that point, so it didnt hit me too hard. But I will say the financial fallout of it prob landed me in a different place today than it would have had they stayed together. We werent well off together, but I learned the meaning of being dead broke from 17-mid 20s with no help in sight from parents who were struggling on their own.

[@nathanpeabody4388]

My father passed that year and I was 13...growing into an adult. My older brother got this game for Christmas and we played it constantly. It was somewhat of a mirror to my life. Awesome video and this really really hit home.

[@Sum1WhoExists]

Man, divorced parents as friends, wouldn't that be nice?

[@adcasa24]

God damnit man…I just left a big comment on a video. But man when you said you started to feel escapism I felt that….same here man. My folks hated each other and always fought and it was real bad at home. Ocarina of Time holds a VERY special place in my heart. My uncle who passed introduced me to gaming with OOT. Taught me to whistle with Zelda’s Lullaby. Taught me that a story can’t just be shown on the big screen. Man, your channel really is something special.

[@Ankosi1987]

It's always nice when you upload a video, I'm watching it with my son now, thanks for your great work. Merry Christmas to you on your family

[@MyRetroLife]

Thanks, you too!

[@ignignxkt]

My cat, Zazu, just shy of 14 years with us, just passed away last Monday. Ive been with him longer than I've been married. He was my best friend and son. My friends are in different states, so no local multiplayer gaming for me. But he'd be with me every night. Between it being Christmas and having my get-away, my hobby, 'gaming' feeling hollow and quiet without him, im just down. He had a larger than life personality and there's a black void left in his absence in our lives.

[@TheDrewManGroup]

I had a very similar experience in life around that time and with this game. I was born in 1987 and my parents separated in 1997 and got divorced in 1998. At first it was hard like it is for any family, but by Christmas of 1998 and through the magic of playing this game, I began to turn the corner and start the next chapter of life. It really was in so many ways the first time I remember being happy again. Thanks for sharing your story. Your dad seems like he was an awesome man and he reminds me of my own father in many ways. Cheers!

[@Howard007]

Your parents are absolutely amazing & seeing all this footage makes me feel like i got to grow up with you in a way. I love your family and your dad is right, you definitely are the best son a dad could ever have.

[@MyRetroLife]

Awesome comment. Thanks bro

[@SDBROOKS08]

The way you feel about that intro music, thats how I feel about FF7 and FF8. The music just takes you places!

[@cjcarter8267]

The attachment and relationship you had with your dad is something I’ve never had, your dad was so legendary and cared so much for you it’s heartwarming. And to never have met either of you and get that kinda vibe from your videos is amazing.

[@MyRetroLife]

Love this. Thank you CJ!

[@mbank3832]

1998 is a special year for me too in terms of gaming. MGS1, Crash Bandicoot Warped, Tenchu 1, Sonic Adventure, Parasite Eve, Tekken 3. They all brought something to my childhood

[@SentinelPrimal]

This game hit me a little differently. I was in my early 20’s at the time and it was the last game I played and thoroughly enjoyed in my last year as a carefree young adult. The next year, I got a full time job and everything changed. Oot was an adventure I’ll never forget.

[@fabricator.cap.hill.seattle]

Did you play Majora's Mask?

[@BreadCatMarcus]

I've been working Full time and more since 16. It sucks and I really wish I got to capture more of my youth at the time. Video games were a big escape for me, I'm sure like everyone else here.

[@soccersensation]

Thanks for sharing. I'm 36. I've played many games on many consoles over the year but this game is ultimately my favorite game of all time. Just watching this brought a smile to my face.

[@Jamk04]

The opening theme music will always be special the urge to sit there and admire the opening before you press start is a different feeling….

[@SYIBOI]

I'm forever grateful for your style and videos and I love seeing how much your parents loved you and how your passions devolped young and how they were fostered. I'm glad they and you were able to move beyond the bitterness of divorce and face the future with love and peace in your hearts. Happy holidays my friend and thank you for being you, the world needs more people like you out there.

[@MyRetroLife]

Thank you so much. Very kind of you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[@TheShibbybear]

You truly have some unique and amazing in the video diaries of your childhood. I barely have a few photos, yet you are able to travel back in time to relive those moments. we watch the videos you so kindly share with interest… you must watch them with heartfelt indulgence!

[@urikayan2368]

Damn... this effected your life too? Your family seemed so happy. I had to come back an add more cause this video just hit so much for me today. This game will always take us back like you said, to the time we were in. It's amazing to see. I appreciate you sharing this with us as it also allows us to remember ourselves as well.

[@CobraBlade]

For better or worse, you are so lucky to have so many moments caught on tape. With memories being so faulty, but you’ll have such clear ones of these time thanks to this.

[@PixelGod240]

imagine having a Dad :(

[@one2actual890]

I really enjoy your videos. I always end up teary, overwhelmed with happiness and sadness. Hurts in a good way. Thank you man, please don't stop.

[@Mas0o0n]

I remember when this game came out, but I didn't play it until I was older, in about 2010 or 2011, and it was the first Zelda game I ever played. One thing that's special about the game to me is that I experienced all the same emotions that folks who grew up with the game talk about, and it immediately became my favorite game. It's inherently nostalgic.

[@itswoozy9785]

The way you feel about ocarina of times intro is exactly how I feel about kingdom hearts 2’s intro

[@operatorblack]

1998 was one of the best years of my life. I also got MGS that year, changed my life forever after that. I am who I am because of Christmas 1998. I see it was a big point of destiny for you too. Man, I love that you made this video so much, thank you.

[@tonyolsson4376]

Christmas greetings from Sweden. I had a similar situation as a youngling. My parents got divorced in the early 90´s. Didn´t see or hear from my mom for over a year. My salvation/healing came from the Super Nintendo (gamingvise). Both the tones from Super Mario World and later A Link to the Past had a soothing effect on my inner emotions. Merry Christmas everyone.

[@StiffAftermath]

Those commercials. The beta pics in Nintendo Power, the epic scope of a 3D Zelda game, all the game mag coverage before launch. Such a warm, fuzzy feeling...the memories.

[@turtlehermit6047]

My memories of this game are hanging out with friends in a basement playing Zelda ..star fox..goldeneye..etc And playing it and resident evil 2 myself in my room listening to music..mostly type o negative.

[@SMALLSandJOE]

Man, I've listened to the opening theme hundreds... thousands of times but this time hearing it really hit me. Brought me to tears. Lovely video. Thank you for sharing your experiences and reminding people why we love video games and how they can impact our lives.

[@nusilver]

So much melancholy in that soundtrack. I can only imagine what you were processing at that time. I was the only kid from my group of friends I grew up with (and am still friends with, despite not living in the same state) who didn't have divorced parents. Of course, then my mom died when I was 20. Kudos for putting this one out there. Merry Christmas.

[@blake3120]

I just finished Pinocchio and went immediately to this. I physically cannot watch this video my vision is blurry. Thanks and Merry Christmas

[@TheMicahwitz]

My parents got divorced when I was 14 in 1994. Street Fighter II and Super NES were my games at the time. When the divorce was happening I wasn’t really that sad. But now when I play these old games the memories of my old family hit so hard I can’t help but cry. Thanks for making this man. Just wanted to let you know you’re not alone!

[@braikingboss9137]

I have no idea your parents were divorced, as soon as I saw, there was a new video been working a lot, but I just saw it, I was excited to see the Christmas and everything in I read the title and it tripped me out like I said, I had no clue, but it's good to see that your parents got along at the end, that's truly the most important thing❤❤❤

[@budz2355]

One of the very few carts in my collection that is my childhood game. My parents also went through a divorce in 99.

[@kingnick6260]

What a beautiful story, thanks for sharing! I remember completely fading this game upon release, after playing the kiosk version at my local Sam's Club & wondering, "Why can't I jump like in Super Mario 64?!" 😆 My mom ended up buying Link's Awakening for the GameBoy Color sometime in the year 2000 / 2001, which I absolutely loved. She'd ended up buying a used copy of A Link to The Past for the SNES from my local FuncoLand, then finally worked my way through Ocarina of Time & Majora's Mask a year later. Man I really cherish those memories

[@skippy8294]

I feel you man, born in 1995, this game is basically my whole childhood. Not only it was my first adventure game, it was also my first 3d game, what a unique experience it was, such a blast! For a while you enter this whole world filled with intricate characters, dangerous and amazing places. The soundtrack is legendary, the dungeons are almost flawless, the boss battles were all unique and fun to beat. Yet I agree with you that there is something bittersweet over this game, the notion that we were probably all kids when this came out, playing as an adult ingame was a strange feeling, but in the end you finally put back the sword in it's proper place, returning back as a child. I feel nintendo knew at some point, that all of us kids who played Oot in it's glorious days would eventually become adults, but our childhood would be sealed away deeply into this game. Everytime navi is going out that temple's window, and link taking these steps out the temple, I can't help myself but cry. This game is a legacy to all fellow gamers of the 90's, Remember your childhood, it was a blessing.

[@SweetJohnnyCage]

Thanks for sharing your story! Games were often a form of escape for me as a kid, too. My dad got sober in 1997, but before that, my parents would have insane fights, yelling all over the house, and it was incredibly chaotic and painful to deal with as a kid. I played video games in the living room, which their bedroom was off of. I remember playing Super Mario 64, Cool Cool Mountain, specifically, during one of their last fights over my dad's drinking. The sound of the penguin crying is always a complain that everyone has about that level, but for me, hearing that sound reminds me of that fight they were having, and I can't play that level without reliving it. Games are truly a gift, but I've always had to be careful about escaping from life and using games to get away from stress. Really appreciate you sharing, and I'm glad your parents started to get along again, like mine did. Hope you've continued to have a great relationship with them in your adult years!

[@kimmendescardoso8682]

Boy oh boy.... what a special channel! Im a video games crackhead too and i can relate with so many things here. Not the 1 first time you bring me to tears pal... This game is amazing and seeing your video made me remember the day that i bought it. Good times! Cheers from Brazil.

[@HavenKnight93]

I seriously never had so much feels in my life. This is a fantastic documentary, bro. This reminds me of whenever my Mom (who passed away in 2011) gave me the final Christmas gift, Nintendo Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii.

[@slarbiter]

I remember how excited my mom was when she picked up OoT and I was a clueless tiny kid. The opening music makes my heart feel a million pounds; only other game that makes me this emotional is Final Fantasy 6

[@BEEFYRITUAL]

The opening music has been my alarm for the last 13yrs. Still play this game quite a bit on the original 64. Love it always will.

[@EriolGaurhoth]

This remains my favorite game of all time. It has just enough of everything, not too much of anything, and for those of us who played it when it was new, has an ineffable ambience of wonder, forever tied to our own childhood, bringing back so many good memories of that time.

[@Wickedninja7878]

I was extremely close to my grandfather and unfortunately lost him when i was about 12. I felt nothing but pain in my hear almost 24/7 and the only thing that took that away and allowed me to feel a moment of joy was when i was playing video games. Warcraft 3 helped me get through some rough times.

[@robertfuentes9677]

It's so wholesome on how much you actually sound like your father today when you speak

[@SeiferAlmasy21]

Ocarina of Time, it will always have a warm place in my heart. Very warm feelings of my parents house, safe place where I could be a kid, in my room with my CRT TV and Consoles. Thank you Mom and Dad!

[@BladeBlur]

Thank you for sharing your story as difficult as it might have been. As someone who also had to deal with a messy divorce as a child it is still one of the most harrowing memories from my childhood. Sadly my mom and dad never truly became amicable since, and nowadays my dad has passed away. Your Ocarina of time was Klonoa 2 for me. I remember getting the game shortly after moving to a new school with my mom and it was my comfort food. So much so even playing the remake this year made me shed a tear. Before getting too sentimental, thanks again for making the video. The silver lining is exactly what I needed.

[@shmackatrotsky5394]

"Have ye the stones?" that has to be the best tagline for a video game ever.

[@benmunoz2766]

When I was a kid I used to shut my door and turn up the volume on my tv while i'd play my Nintendo 64 so I could tune out my parents arguing in the living room sometimes. Video games can truly be a hell of an escape.

[@honestjason7854]

The intro music made me cry trying to boot this up a few years ago. im 36 now and rarely cry but man that hits hard. I have thought about playing it again lately but for some reason just cannot get my self to do it.

[@Wrestlelesson]

You have actually video recordings from that time in your living room that is really precious man I only have photos I wish we had a video recording damn yo you are lucky seeing your youth back like that.

[@mariokart8715]

I know a friend in KY that his Mom divorced his Dad 15 years ago in 2007 (the same time your Dad passed away). They loved playing and collecting video games a lot too.

[@josephbrown9685]

Great story. I agree with you that 1998 was one of the best years in video game history. It seems like every platform had multiple standout hits that are now considered all-time classics.

[@live4marilyn]

“The flow of time is always cruel... its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it... A thing that does not change with time is a memory of younger days...” -Shiek Kinda relatable because we all needed an escape from the aftermaths of divorce.

[@JeffYPbPr]

I was 15 when that came out. The memories are still with me to this day. Legendary game

[@gameexplorerofficial2453]

My parents divorced when I was 2, and my mom got full custody of me. Somehow I remember, that my dad was there one day, and then the next day he was gone. I barely recall any commotion, and I’m glad it turned out that way. So growing up without a father, video games definitely helped me out. Whenever I was having a down day, I’d always get lost in the video games, and I would be at peace. Also, I’m very sorry for your loss on your dad. He seemed like he was an awesome guy, and I’m sure he’d be smiling right now for you keeping your memories alive! God bless you man! I’m always looking forward to seeing new videos from you!!

[@innocentzbat]

As I'm coming close to 20 years old next month, I look back at this game with nothing but fondness. I first played the game on the Wii Virtual Console back in 2008 and didn't get too far since I was a little kid, but earlier this year I managed to complete the game 100% on the original gold cartridge, and the experience I got from OoT was unlike any other retro and modern video game. Ocarina of Time truly was and is always going to be one of the greatest video games of all time, hell I understand why some think it IS the greatest of all time. It's so magical and nostalgic that you can't help but love it even under all of its 90's jank. Merry Christmas, to you and your family Tyler, even your dad who I know was giving you all the hugs and kisses in the world filming this, and even as I write this comment. We love you as a community, Tyler, and I'm grateful you're still here making videos even with fatherly responsibilities. It helps me feel happier when I'm in my worst moments in life, and even though I'm much younger than most kids who played this in 98, I did play it in 08 so I can sympathize in that long-time nostalgic pain. Happy Holidays, and have yourself a Merry little Christmas, same to everyone reading this. 💜💜💜💜

[@edwardelric603]

Dude, its crazy how many similar life experiences we’ve had. I grew up to these games too. My dad was also the one that give me all the games. Parents divorced in 4th grade

[@YuriYumi902]

Majora's Mask launch was one of the most important launches in my life and important things in my life because i was around 11 diagnosed with a severe mental illness and i was young obviously so i just didnt understand what was wrong with me why i was always sad and paranoid and majora's mask brought me a level of joy thats helped me all these years later. And i still relive those fond memories.

[@MPK112233]

Interesting, OOT reminds me of my parents divorce too. My dad purchased a N64 to play when I went to visit him and this was one of a small handful of N64 games I owned. Thank you for sharing. Wild to think a lot of us kids/teens were going through the same stuff.

[@cutterhicks7203]

Not as painful, but I remember my best friend getting this for Christmas that year and we played through it together the rest of that school year. He never played it when I wasn’t with him so it was special when we finally beat it late night when he spent the night sometime in May. We were inseparable until around our Junior or senior year of high school. I haven’t seen him in years, our lives just grew in separate directions but I will never forget the memories I had with him. This is still my absolute favorite game of all time and, like you Tyler, I sit there and listen to that title theme every time I start a new file. It’s a wave of emotions.

[@mai-vc6pb]

So many memories from my childhood, i grew up watching my older brother play this game, in those times it was difficult for me play it because it was only in english at that time., so just watched my brother play it. Thanks for this video

[@Zeldaboy2k2]

Wow, I didn't know your parents got divorced (I guess, why would I?) I'm sorry to hear that. Mine did too in the 90's, and til this day my parents don't talk and I'm almost 40. Thank you for sharing Tyler, I know the healing power of video games as well. Happy Holidays!

[@Sparda387]

This was a beautiful trip down memory lane, nostalgia is one hell of a feeling. Thanks for the video

[@williamcruz7976]

That game will forever be in my soul. Thinking about those times when I used to get fed up especially in the Water Temple haha. Then years later seeing my sister who is 3 years younger than me try to figure out the game. I love it.

[@jasonshaneyfelt1039]

Wow, amazing story. Thank you for sharing. I got Ocarina of Time when I was 5 years old and played it for years & loved it. My mom even sewed me a Link outfit so I could run around the backyard and play as Link. Unfortunately I never beat it. Once I became adult Link it just became too hard to the point where I would restart the game over & over and play until I became adult Link and would just give up. Eventually, I got older and branched out into other games, leaving my N64 behind. It wasn't until 2015, when my Dad was moving out of my childhood home in Omaha, Nebraska that I found my old N64 in a closet along with Ocarina of Time. I hadn't seen the console in about 10 years, but I took it home to my apartment and vowed to finally beat Ocarina of Time. I spent the next month playing the game & was immediately brought back to my childhood. I was amazed how well the game held up today. And I know it's not nostalgia blinding me because while the childhood portion was pure nostalgia, most of the adult portion was completely new to me, yet still managed to be just as fun. Finally beating the game after all these years was a very emotional moment for me. My mom isn't with me anymore as she died in 2010. It seems silly how emotional finally beating this adventure made me because she knew how crazy I was about this game was when I was younger. Finally beating it felt like getting closure for a chapter of my childhood. Like Link, the task at hand was too difficult for the childhood version of me to complete. I had to wait until I was older to finish the task. Safe to say, I've never had that kind of experience with any video game, movie, song or any other form of media before or since.

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

As a kid of divorce and actually probably about the same age as Tyler (1987) I can relate alot to this. My parents divorced around 10 years ago too and I remember my dad moving far away (1.5 hours) and not being able to see him. I too leaned hard on video games... RPGs mostly because my family didn't have much money and I could escape in the fantasy world for many, many hours. Great episode

[@jaylucien669]

I'll never forget booting up Ocarina for the first time. Sure, there'd been 3D games before it and some really good ones too. But none of them were quite like Ocarina of Time. That game showed me what 3D gaming was really all about. 3D tropes and mechanics we still see in many games today originated in Ocarina of Time. It's effect on the gaming landscape was/is profound to say the least. Thank you for sharing this, Tyler. Fantastic job as always.

[@madmanbennett7882]

I loved this video! I grew up with video games too and my parents divorced it hurt when I was a kid and I too had a game that just changed the way life was that year my parents divorced was in February of 95 and at the end of the month of March was when my dad got me Chrono Trigger as a gift when I would go see him. That game will always live in my life and remembrance of that year of change. Thanks for sharing your Zelda story that touched me

[@MrMattycourt]

This game helped heal me a little too after my best friend died of liver cancer in 2014, took me right away from all the pain I was going through

[@Chad-wb7du]

As a 31 year old, I just cried this entire video. Thank you so much for sharing.