Unwrap the Magic of Christmas: Exclusive Insider’s Guide – Day Edition
Christmas Gaming Memories: Unwrapping the Joys of Holiday Gaming
The holiday season is upon us, and what better time to reflect on the games that bring us joy and nostalgia? In this special edition of "What We’ve Been Playing," we’re sharing our favorite gaming memories and gifts received over the years.
A Pop Star and Need for Speed: Underground 2, PS2
My gaming experiences are often filled with memories of unwrapping presents or giving games as gifts. My son, who inherited his love of video games from his father (me), was thrilled to receive a Switch and a collection of games five years ago. What’s more exciting is receiving a surprise gift or experiencing that "one more thing" moment. Speaking of which, I recall giving Need for Speed: Underground 2 on PS2 to a cousin who would later become a UK chart-topping pop star in the early 2010s (though, let’s clarify, he’s not exactly a cousin… the family dynamic is a bit more complicated).
Can You Beat the Joy of Zelda at Christmas?
As for me, I didn’t ask for any games this year, but I do have a few treats lined up. I might play some NYT Sudoku, and I’m excited to tackle Star Wars Outlaws. But if I’m being completely honest, I’m in the mood for something entirely different. I haven’t received many games as presents this year, but I did give my younger brother a copy of Unicorn Overlord, since he’s already decked out with this year’s major RPG releases. If there was a new Zelda or Xenoblade game, those might have been great gifts for my older brothers. Instead, I think they’ll borrow my younger brother’s copy of Echoes of Wisdom.
A Christmas Dream(cast)
I do love getting a big Nintendo game for Christmas, and receiving The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask was a special moment for me in 2000. It wasn’t just the gold cartridge that made it special – it was having something truly mine, something I could share with my brothers, rather than borrowing from them. Since my brothers were off to university, it was nice to finally have a game that was all mine.
A Flaming Hot Christmas (Spyro 2: Season of Flame – Game Boy Advance SP)
My first experience of 3D gaming was Sonic in full 3D on the Dreamcast, but I didn’t actually own the console. I had friends who did, and we’d play Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, and Soul Calibur. My partner and I have decided to gift ourselves a Dreamcast this year, and we’re seeking out second-hand copies of iconic titles like Shenmue and Jet Set Radio. I’ll get to play Sonic Adventure again and relive those memories. Christmas is all about nostalgia, after all.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our gaming year, we’d love to hear your favorite gaming memories and gifts. Share your stories in the comments below, and we hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday season.
