I knew I'd be emotional, however not on this level. I'm sure many of you have the same sentiments, but it's really difficult to explain.
All of this is stirring up emotions about my dad as well...here goes a long rant...
I grew up with the NES and video games in general being a huge part of my childhood. I am 36 now, however I remember like yesterday the Christmas that I got the NES Deluxe Set with R.O.B., Gyromite, Duck Hunt, and Excite Bike. I got my first tv that year as well, a 13" Goldstar color tv.
After endless memories of playing games both by myself and with cousins, I always read up on Nintendo and of course the upcoming Super Nintendo. I would often play Super Mario World hooked up to a tv on display in Walmart each time I would go with my mom shopping. I knew I would eventually get one, but wasn't sure when. The following year in October of '92 while eating breakfast at the dinner table, my dad stood up then fell to the floor. I thought I was gonna lose him that morning. He had a major stroke.
My dad was the only bread winner at the time as he was a farmer. Being 13 years old at the time, I was old enough to know that the holidays were going to be rough. I didn't expect anything for Christmas and I was ok with that.
Thanks to the outpouring of generosity of our church, family, friends, and neighbors we had food on the table as well as Christmas. My mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas.
Obviously my answer was a Super Nintendo.
During that holiday shopping season, my mom and I went Christmas shopping at a now defunct regional department store. I made my way to the electronics department where they thankfully had a Super Nintendo in stock. I REALLY wanted Super Mario World as well, however the game was sold out. They had a few others left including Sim City, Pilot Wings, and some other 3rd party games. I stumbled upon FZERO and although it was a racing game I'd mostly play by myself, the box art alone looked amazing.
I had to wait until Christmas to open it, however to this day I don't think I've had such an amazing experience playing a racing game. That music, and being able to to take shortcuts on the track. Everything about it was sheer amazement.
As to Earthbound, I never got a chance to play it much, however I remember playing it at my cousin's house and how strange the game was. So different than anything I had played before.
Fast forward to November 2011, I lost my dad due to a work accident. The last time I had seen him was on my birthday. I was working that Thanksgiving for a few hours then went BF shopping. I dealt with a lot of guilt not visiting family a few hours away on that day. I eventually had to see a therapist since there was a lot of family drama (that I won't get into) surrounding my father's death, which ended certain family relationships.
Overall Nintendo gaming has brought me so much joy and gotten me through so much in times when I want to play a game and chill out.
Sorry to vent guys, I just needed to get all of this out.
