Guardian Reporter Recalls Ocarina of Time Fear

Carter Sherman, a reporter for The Guardian known for her work on sex and gender politics, has shared a personal reflection on the intense fear she experienced playing the video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Sherman, who has previously worked as a senior reporter for Vice and contributed to publications like Elle and Los Angeles magazine, detailed her childhood terror induced by the game's atmosphere and mechanics. She described specific moments within the game that contributed to her fear, highlighting the psychological impact of its design.

Sherman's career has been recognized with prestigious awards, including a Scripps Howard Award and a National Press Club Journalism Award, underscoring her established presence in journalism. Her commentary on Ocarina of Time, published in The Guardian, offers a personal perspective that contrasts with her professional focus on complex societal issues. The piece delves into how the immersive nature of the 1998 Nintendo 64 title, developed by Nintendo EAD, managed to evoke such strong emotional responses in a young player.

The article explores the lasting impression the game left on Sherman, suggesting that the fear experienced was not merely a fleeting childhood reaction but a formative memory. This personal anecdote serves as a counterpoint to her extensive professional writing, which often tackles sensitive and intricate subjects. The narrative emphasizes the power of interactive media to shape personal experiences and memories, even for individuals who later pursue careers in serious journalism.