10 Most Breathtaking ‘First Time’ Video Game Moments

2. Exploring Hyrule Field In Ocarina Of Time

Mario 64 may have opened our eyes to the possibility of explorable 3D worlds, but Ocarina of Time grabbed us by the hand and really took us there. Emerging from the maze-like, claustrophobic confines of Kokiri Forest, you stumbled into the vastness of the Hyrule Field, which for many people, was the first open-world hub they'd ever experienced in 3D. Seeing Goron Mountain with its ring of cloud around the peak in the distance, as well as the glorious walls and tower of Hyrule Castle, was a near-spiritual experience, and the idea that Hyrule Field was essentially the hub for all the major areas made it feel like a majestic centre-piece for the entire game world. Then there was the matter of the day-night cycle. When night fell, the chirpy Hyrule Field music would make way for the sound of nocturnal animals and a creepy reverb on loop. In the same way that the field felt like a land of opportunity in the day, it felt extremely unsettling at night when the gates to the castle closed. With games' technical capabilities today, we've come to expect such open-world traits, but back then it was completely new - and all the more immersive for it.