[[2026 Games#^53c076|2026 Games]] You know when you’re experiencing a piece of media and something happens in it and it defines a cornerstone of your life going forward? Here are mine, presented in no particular order. Spoiler warning obvs. ## Ocarina of Time's Opening Cutscene Before **Ocarina of Time** I liked games as toys. The opening narration from the Great Deku Tree is what made me realize that a game could be just as good as any book.  ## The Greatest Fade of All Time I know I said these are out of order, but if I had to pick a number one moment, it’s this one. From the moment Sora cut through 4 buildings at once in **Kingdom Hearts 2**, I knew that I was about to witness the most transcendental hand throwing of all fucking time. This shit made me who I *AM* bro, it has NEVER gotten better than this moment. Sora standing on business, Xemnas with that shit on, finally getting to play as Riku for the first time. A cultural moment of demon time that has yet to be topped. ![[KH2 Fade.mp4]] ## We All Become One **Transistor** has the best vibes of any of the SuperGiant games that have come out to this day. The way this game incorporated music into its narrative is simply superb. The restraint in its voice acting makes the moments where Red *does* sing all the more impactful. Good, good shit.  ## The Entire of Shadow of the Colossus Like yeah, I could pick the ending, or a particular colossus that I’m a fan of. But let’s be real, the entire game has the ability to change your life. ## The Nine Sols Ending Wanna see me cry to a video game? Wanna see me do it again? Nothing was able to prepare me for the post-credits moment in [[Nine Sols is a Masterpiece|Nine Sols]], that shit snuck up on me and got me to *really* start sobbing, lmfao.  ## You’re Not Alone This moment only gets more relatable with the passage of time. The older I get, the more responsibility I shoulder, the more I understand why Zidane is ready to crash the fuck out while trying not to be a burden. On top of this though, I just love the use of mechanics as storytelling. Having party members appear to help shoulder Zidane’s burden over time…👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿  ## Ammy Goes Home **Okami** is likely a game too long for its own good, but as a kid with too much free time, it was the perfect amount. And because of its length and slow pace, it makes the finale all the more impactful. You’ve spent so much time with these characters that it’s hard to say goodbye.  ## The Top of Mt. Silver I mean do I even gotta say anything? I’ve been chasing the high of this moment my entire life and I’ve never gotten close. Neither has **Pokemon** tbh, lmfao. Also shout out Red for saying nothing and starting the boxing frame 1, I love people who are ready to get down to business.  --- Okay those are the ones I can think of at the moment, though I might update this in the future. Tell me about yours!