I know I played this at launch, there's a completed file in slot 1 under the name "Luigi", but I'm genuinely shocked at how much of this I'd forgotten. Big jump high-fiving myself for picking this as my Christmas playthrough instead of the usual OoT, it was like having a whole new Zelda as an extra surprise gift.

I love it when the little guy is fun to move around, and the full analog feel is so good here. Particularly liked running around in circles after chatting with each sage, mind racing with the possibilities of this style without a fixed perspective.

The whole structure, both overworld and dungeons, had me exploring and backtracking and testing my limits (especially as I foolishly went Hero Mode). Made for a much more thoughtful and intricate adventure, really ingrained the map in my head, which I'm thankful for. After your first visit, a Hyrule ought to be a place you can come back to for a holiday.

Beautiful, perfect, lovely.

I'm on my 3rd 3DS, but this one's seen two MonHuns, so the hours the slide pad has been though must be in four figures by now, and yet it still feels smooth and responsive and okay yeah maybe a little slippery on the thumb sometimes but that's mostly my fault. Bang these on a joycon someone please.