The Legend of Zelda rules!

Have you ever played one of the Nintendo Zelda games? I have played them since my younger brothers and sisters got their first Gameboy and then various Nintendo systems. I have never finished one of the Zelda games. I always get stuck somewhere and can't figure out what I am supposed to do to move on. My brother Mike used to walk me through the parts where I was stuck (or at least gave me lots of hints) when he was younger and living at home, but now I am on my own.

I have to admit that we bought our Nintendo Gamecube years ago just so I could play Zelda. My mother refused to let me play it at her house anymore...she thought it was terrible for a mother to waste time like that. Of course we bought a few games for the kids and a token golf game for Alan, but it was really for me. I mostly play when I am pregnant and have insomnia, so I still haven't ever finished a Zelda game. I started Zelda Windwaker when we bought our system and I am still playing it. Leilani and Emilyanne like Zelda also, and they frequently get stuck and hope I can help them. Luckily for them I have still managed to stay ahead of them in the game. They beg me to play sometimes so they can watch me and learn what they are supposed to do. Alan doesn't like to play, but he likes to watch and try and help figure out what to do. Unfortunately you do not get very far only playing a few times a year.

So, is it a waste of time? Perhaps. But no more so than reading a novel or playing a board game. Actually, I can see many benefits to it. Zelda is great for problem solving skills and thinking outside of the box. It is also good for eye and hand coordination. It helps reading between the lines, and it is much more interactive than most television. It is also family time at our house. Of course there are limits to video games just like anything else. If my family was playing it everyday for hours on end, it would be a problem. I know these games can be addicting. So far it has stayed a rare vacation time pastime. But someday I would really like to finish one of the games. I have Zelda Twilight Princess still in plastic wrap from last Christmas waiting to be opened and played someday.