It’s a wonderful feeling figuring out how to beat a boss, particularly those in the Zelda series, as they often integrate puzzle elements. You study their behavior and attack patterns, use a sequence of dodges or stun attacks, and unleash a flurry of sword swipes to emerge victorious. Sometimes, though, when you’re young, you can’t quite keep up with the challenge, so you may have to seek help or come up with another strategy that’s different to what the game intends. Many people probably remember looking online for tips and tricks, or recruiting the help of an older sibling.
When I reached the Shadow Temple boss in Ocarina of Time, I was faced with this exact situation – I had a hard time with the constant drumming that launched Link into the air, and I struggled with avoiding the influx of fist attacks. After facing a number of near-deaths, I thought about what to do, and came up with a strategy that, at the time, I believed was absolutely genius. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t, but I’m still proud of my younger self for approaching the situation from another angle – for thinking outside of the box and coming up with a solution all on my own.
Bongo Bongo was such a challenge for 10-year-old me. As I said before, it was quite an overwhelming boss, as it forces you to deal with numerous mechanics simultaneously and another dimension altogether. You’re no longer operating solely horizontally but also vertically too. With Bongo Bongo drumming on the floor and trampolining Link into the air, aiming and positioning become even more difficult. Not to mention, you’re working with a narrow visual field as Bongo Bongo is invisible without the Lens of Truth. It’s a lot to manage all at once.
So, understandably, my sensory overload (something I struggle with to this day) got the better of me, and I felt disheartened. This sense of failure really stayed with me, because the groaning sounds of Bongo Bongo burrowed into my mind and are still visceral when I think back to the boss fight even now. However, I wasn’t willing to give up, and I was even less willing to seek external help, such as from my older brother whom I’d watched play this game many times – I wanted to beat it myself.
Here’s the thing though: I may not have directly asked my brother for help, but it was thanks to watching his many play sessions that I was able to find a way to beat Bongo Bongo on my own.
The main challenge I was having with Bongo Bongo was the ratio of taking the hits and dealing damage in return. So I thought about what I could do. More potions? More Lon Lon Milk? Even so, I didn’t have that many hearts, as I hadn’t hunted for all the Heart Pieces as I would nowadays. Plus, the constant stopping to drink potions and milk wasn’t ideal, as it was yet another thing to manage mentally.
What else was there I could do?
It hit me. There was something I could acquire to help me beat Bongo Bongo. I could defy the usual sequence of events and acquire Nayru’s Love early on from Gerudo Desert. I knew it was there, I’d seen my brother get it, and I knew I didn’t have to beat the Shadow Temple to do so. I felt like a genius; like a rebel, going against the natural order of the game.
And so, I journeyed to Gerudo Valley, rescued all the carpenters, gained the Gerudos’ favor (a win all on its own), and crossed the Gerudo Desert to find the Fairy Fountain that housed Nayru’s Love. I then returned to the Shadow Temple to face Bongo Bongo one more time. And I emerged victorious.
I honestly can’t remember to what extent Nayru’s Love actually helped me. Part of me wonders if the sense of security it afforded was enough all on its own to reduce my anxiety and allow me to concentrate. It was the only Ocarina of Time boss I struggled with to such a degree, so I do think eliminating another mental task to manage was a dramatic help.
Whatever the case may be, I remember feeling brilliant for using my broader knowledge of the game to overcome this personal challenge. It really wasn’t that impressive of a strategy – it was the Zelda equivalent of grinding in an RPG to gain better armor and health to tank damage – but I’ll always remember the feeling of accomplishment and pride in not giving up until I found a way to win.
