The console hums softly as I insert the cartridge. The logo flickers on the screen, then fades out. A countdown appears, counting down from five. Each number seems to take an eternity to appear, making me twitch with impatience. Two… one… and finally zero. The game bursts into life, but not before a small loading bar trudges across the bottom of the screen. I watch it inch along like a tortoise crossing a vast desert. When it reaches the end, the game world snaps into existence. Characters in vibrant colors suddenly spring to life, their movements jerky at first, then smoother as they settle into place. The title menu blinks invitingly, waiting for my choice of adventure.