Spending January in Hyrule

Monday 15th January 2018

New year, new me? Veganuary? Dry January? No thanks, not for me. How was Christmas? It was good thanks. Drank a lot of glühwien, ate a lot of bratwurst and went back to the UK for 10 days. New Years Eve was spent in Berlin with some friends – which was a great night. The last few hours of the night escape me though. Still, I made it home in one piece.

We’ve now been living in Berlin for over a year! Where has the time gone? Last January was tough, we had no jobs and wanted to keep ourselves busy – which is difficult when temperatures are sub-zero everyday. This year we’re prepared… Emma’s brother bought her The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Christmas. I’m a good 6 months late on this, but boy, it’s such a good game. At this rate we’ll be playing it until next Christmas.

Like I said when I bought Super Mario Odyssey, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a gamer, so I’m quite surprised I’ve taken to Breath of the Wild as much as I have. The only other Zelda game I’ve owned was A Link To The Past on the SNES!

I’m not even going to start describing the plot, I’m still trying to work that one out myself. All I know is the kingdom is called Hyrule, Link has awoken from a hundred years of slumber and there are many, many quests within the game that you have to complete. What has impressed me is the level of detail within the gameplay. You can explore every corner of Hyrule, discovering the small settlements where you can sell all your Bokoblin Fangs you’ve collected from the enemies you’ve killed, you can cook meals on a stove using the meat from that heron you slaughtered, and not to mention the ever changing weather. I’ve never played a game like it before. Maybe it’s best if you read a review by someone who knows what they’re talking about.

What have I been listening to since I wrote my albums of the year list? Good question. December is always a month where I listen to nothing but Christmas music. I’ve only listened to one 2018 release, and that’s the new BRMC album. What else is out soon that I should be excited by? Field Music have a new album out soon, a truly great band. Marc Riley has been playing Wiggy Giggy a lot recently – the new single by The Lovely Eggs, a band I’d not listened to before. Will certainly check out their new album once it’s released. Anyway, here’s some albums, new and old, that I’ve had on lately:

  • Black Rebel Motorcycle ClubWrong Creatures
  • Loyle CarnerYesterday’s Gone [2017]
  • Kula ShakerK [1996]
  • BrakesThe Beatific Visions [2006]
  • Cut CopyZonoscope [2011]
  • The Divine ComedyBang Goes the Knighthood [2010]

Until it gets warmer, you’ll be able to find me in the Kingdom of Hyrule…!
Ciao.