gamrConnect Celebrates 25 Years of The Legend of Zelda
by Patrick McNamara, posted on 05 October 2011 / 1,830 Views
On February 21, 1986, a game was released in Japan that would change the gaming world forever. The Legend of Zelda for the Famicom Disk System was released to the public, and it would spawn a series that has become one of the most legendary in the video game world. So here we are 25 years from now, and the whole world is celebrating Zelda's silver anniversary. Nitendo itself has made sure that 2011 would be remembered as the year of Zelda, as it has released the 3D update to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a free Anniversary present in The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, and next month they will finally be releasing The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword to the public. There definitely is cause for celebration.
To join in the fun, VGChartz went to its community at gamrConnect and let them vote in a multitude of topics, from their favorite partners to their favorite temples, and everything inbetween! For each topic, each user got to choose up to five subjects, with their first choice receiving 5 points, their second choice receiving 4 points, etc. etc. I tallied the votes, ranked the top three choices of each topic... and here we are! So sit back, relax, and celebrate with us as we go through 25 great years of this legendary franchise.
Favorite Non-Playable Protagonist
3. Malon (Various)
"Oh yeah, I have to introduce you to my friend, fairy boy! She's this horse. Her name is Epona. Isn't she cute?"
-Malon
You know Malon is a special character the moment you approach her in Lon Lon Ranch. Right when you enter, you can hear her singing this lovely tune that will prove very useful later on. She's a kind girl who has an affinity to horses and other animals at the ranch, especially the young horse named Epona. You part ways, but seven years later you find out that her jealous uncle Ingo has taken over the Ranch, exiling her father Talon and leaving her to care for the animals. You know she has a good heart when she refuses to leave for fear of how Ingo would mistreat the animals there. It's easy to see how gamrConnect has taken a liking to such a warm hearted and beautiful singer such as Malon.
2. Saria (Ocarina of Time)
"Oh, you're leaving... but that's okay, because we'll be friends forever... won't we?"
-Saria
Saria is one of the Koriki, a race of child-like beings that live with the Great Deku Tree. When we start our adventure in Ocarina of Time, we learn that Link doesn't have a guardian fairy... or many friends. Still, Saria has been with Link since the very beginning, always encouraging him and remaining his friend through thick and thin. So when we find out that Saria is one of the Sages, the Forest Sage, she tells us that she can no longer be with Link or the other Kokiri's. It's a very somber moment... realizing that in order to save Hyrule, we would have to lose a friend in the process. I think seeing Mido sitting there during the credits says it all...
1. Ilia (Twilight Princess)
"But Link... can you at least promise me this? No matter what happens on your journey, don't try to do anything... out of your league. Please. Just come back safely."
-Ilia
Ilia is the daughter of Odon Village's Mayor, and a very close friend of Link during the events of Twilight Princess. Like Malon, she is very kind hearted to animals, and even heals Epona at the beginning of the game. It's also hinted that Ilia and Link had romantic feeling for each other... but all that is pushed aside when a group of Bulbins attack Ilia, capturing her and sending Link on his quest to find his good friend. He eventually finds her... but the attack left her with no memory of who Link is... or even what her own name is. Still, her loving heart was still there, as she helped take care of Prince Ralis, a Zora boy she had found collapsed on the road. Ilia is gamrConnect's favorite Non-Playable Protagonist because of her good heart, and a budding romance with the Hero of Time doesn't hurt either.
Favorite Sidekick
3. The King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
"Did I startle you? I suppose that is only natural. As wide as the world is, I am the only boat upon it who can speak the words of men."
-King of Red Lions
After Link is (literally) tossed from the Forbidden Fortress, a mysterious sailboat comes along and resuces him. When Link awakens, he's surpirsed to find himself in a strange boat... and is even more surprised that it's talking to him! The boat introduces itself as The King of Red Lions, and from then on, he acts as your guide and means of transportation on the Great Sea. Later on, it's revealed that the boat is actually controlled (and spoken through) by Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the King of Hyrule who lives under the Sea. At then end of it all, Daphnes sacrifices himself so that Link and Tetra (Princess Zelda) can have a future above the sea. Once back above the waves, Link finds that The King of Red Lions is lifeless... a constant reminder of the man who gave the world a second chance.
2. Navi (Ocarina of Time)
"There's no way he's going to hold me back again! This time, we fight together!"
-Navi
Navi is a special character because she served as Link's first major sidekick in the Zelda series. Without her we'd be without Z-targeting or hints that begins with "Hey!" or "Listen!" or "Watch out!". But she also serves as an important character in the series, as she is chosen by the Great Deku Tree to accompany Link on his journey to save the kingdom of Hyrule. The two wander Hyrule together, saving the Sages and finally defeating Ganondorf. However, once the adventure is finished and Zelda sends you back to your original time, Navi leaves your side and flies into the window of the Temple of Time... never to be seen again. For somewho who loved to talk, she sure was a fairy of few words at the end of it all.
1. Midna (Twilight Princess)
"What? Say something. Am I so beautiful you have no words left?"
-Midna
Midna was the queen of the Twili's until Zant (we'll get to him very soon) took over and placed a curse upon her, turning her into an imp like creature. From there on, Midna finds Link (in his wolf form) taken captive. Remembering the old Twili legends that a hero could be found as a "divine beast", Midna approached Link and agreed to free him if he obeyed her every command. Midna started out cold and calculating, only caring about taking revenge upon Zant and regaining the throne, but as she saw courageous and hearfelt acts of Link and Princess Zelda, her nature changed. In the climatic final battle, she teleported Link and Zelda away from Ganondorf in order to fight him herself (with the aid of the fused shadows). Her desperate attempt ultimately failed... but luckily Link saved the day and returned Midna to her original form. Midna is gamrConnect's favorite sidekick because she's not just a great targeting system or method of transportation, but a fantastic character in the Zelda lore.
Favorite Antagonist
3. Zant (Twilight Princess)
"My god had only one wish... to merge shadow and twilight... and make darkness!"
-Zant
Zant, the Usurper King, is the main antagonist of Twilight Princess... for the majority of the game anyways. Before the events of the game, Zant submits to Ganondorf's rule (seeing him as a god) and is granted the power to take over the throne of the Twili. With the kingdom of Twili conquered, he then turned his gaze towards Hyrule, the kingdom where his ancestors were originally banished from. He easily takes control of Hyrule as well, and begins to turn the entirety of the kingdom into the Twilight Realm. Link and Midna finally catch up with him, and after an intense battle, he is weakened long enough for Midna to literally blow him up (horrible way to die). And at the end of Link's epic battle against Ganondorf, there's a vision of Zant breaking his own neck... finally killing the King of Evil for good. Many still debate what this means, whether Zant actually preformed this or if it was just a symbolic scene.
2. Majora's Mask (Majora's Mask)
"It is said that an evil and wicked power is bestowed upon the one who wears that mask."
-Happy Mask Salesman
Majora's Mask was once used by an unnamed tribe for hexing and torture. It's wicked power became so great that it was sealed away, never to be seen again. Of course, things have a way of undoing themselves, and the mask was found by the Happy Mask Salesman. This starts off the events of Majora's Mask, when the Skull Kid steals the powerful relic from the salesman and begins his reign of terror upon Termina. While the Skull Kid starts off with pranks, the evil power of the mask begins to corrupt him, and his pranks start turning more and more sinister until he finally starts to pull the actual moon (!!!) to Termina. Once Link summons the giants to keep the moon at bay, the Mask kills and abandons the Skull Kid and seeks to finish the job it started and destroy the world once and for all. Link follows it into the moon and finally confronts the evil, and destroys the wretched mask after a fierce battle. The mask is then returned to the Happy Mask salesman... and who knows what really happened after that.
1. Ganon/Ganondorf (Various)
"Do not think that this ends here... the history of light and shadow will be written in blood!"
-Ganondorf
Oh come on. Don't give me that. This is the Legend of Zelda after all, and Ganondorf/Ganon is arguably just as important to the series as Link and Zelda are. He is known as the Great King of Evil and Dark Lord, and he definitely lives up to those titles. With the Triforce of Power at his disposal, his powers are vast and he is nigh impossible to kill (with only Silver Arrows, Light Arrows, and the Master Sword able to harm him). He's ruthless, cold, and calculating... and he's just as dangerous when using others as his puppets as he is on the front lines. All that said, Ganondorf's appearance in any game commands attention and respect. Ganondorf is gamrConnect's favorite Zelda Antagonist because every time he confronts the other two wielders of the Triforce, you know an incredible showdown is inevitable and that the legacy of Hyrule will be changed forever.
Lamest Character
3. The Bean Seller (Ocarina of Time)
"Chomp chomp chomp... we have the legendary Magic Beans! I'll sell them only to you!"
-Bean Seller
The Bean Seller seems like a nice enough guy from the get go. You meet him while traveling through Zora's River, and he offers to sell them to you and only you. How nice! It's all downhill from here, however, as he increases the price of each bean you buy by 10 rupees. Apparently these beans are becoming extremely popular... despite the fact that you're the only one buying them. How's this possible? Well that "chomp chomp chomp" you hear is the bean seller... eating those magic beans. How rude.
2. Kaepora Gaebora (Various)
"Did you get all that?"
-Kaepora Gaebora
The developers at Nintendo really wanted to make sure that you were paying attention while playing their game. When a player encounters a great wall of text explaining the do's and don'ts of the gaming world around them, the usual reaction is a mad tapping of the "accept" button to speed through the words and go on with the adventure. This plan hits a snag with ol' Keapora however... as "No" is the default answer for his "Did you get all that?" question... making him repeat everything all over again. It doesn't help that he comes back twelve more times to give you more "sage advice" during Ocarina of Time. Thanks Kaepora... I guess.
1. Tingle (Various)
"Tingle, Tingle! Kooloo-Limpah!"
-Tingle
We first meet Tingle in Majora's Mask, hovering over us on a giant balloon. He's a rather eccentric fellow, claiming to be a reincarnated fairy that yearns to once again frolic with the forest fairies (Riiiight...). But at least he's also an expert cartographer, and he sells his maps for a relatively cheap price. It's not until The Wind Waker when we realize what a jerk Tingle is. We could forgive him for his absurdities before, but when he asks for 398 rupees to decipher Sea Charts... that's just taking things too far (and to repeat this process seven more times?!). There's no helping you now, you silly man-child!
Favorite Mode of Transportation
3. Warping (Various)
Warping has been around since the original The Legend of Zelda , and continues to be a staple of the franchise through various items and characters. Link started warping around with the help of the magic Recorder (LoZ), and then moved on to the Flute (Link to the Past), Magic Mirror (Link to the Past), Ocarina of Time (Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask), the Wind Waker (The Wind Waker), the Ocarina of Wind (Minish Cap), Twilight Portals through Midna (Twilight Princess), Cyclone Slate (Phantom Hourglass), and Warp Gates (Spirit Tracks). Each type of teleportation is extremely helpful for getting Link to different locations quickly, and I think we're all a little less frazzled because of them. Hooray for Warping!
2. The King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
The Great Sea definitely lives up to its name. It's a vast area with ocean as far as the eye can sea... only dotted by a few islands here and there. However, our young hero gets around in a stylish red boat with the name of King of Red Lions (pretty schnazzy if I do say so myself). This boat has it all: a cannon for blasting baddies, a grappling hook to find trinkets under the ocean, and most importantly, a sail for high speed sailing. Some don't have a liking for the more methodical approach to Wind Waker's traveling, but gamrConnect has voted... and when you get the salty wind in your hair, the gulls cawing above, this amazing theme playing, and the waves beneath you... there's not much else that can compare.
1. Epona (Various)
Ah Epona, Link's trusty steed. When Zelda moved from 2D to 3D, the world of Hyrule grew to a massive scale... and as quick and Link was, traveling to the distant corners of Hyrule would just take way too long. So here we have Epona, the horse that Link first met at Lon Lon Ranch during his adventure in Ocarina of Time. After a harrowing race (Ingo you cheater!) and a death defying leap, both horse and boy achieved freedom to gallop across the vast wilderness of Hyrule... doing whatever they pleased. And even after the events of Ocarina of Time, Epona stayed with our hero during Majora's Mask, and even lived on as Link's companion during Twilight Princess. Epona is gamrConnect's favorite mode of transportation because of her ability to transcend games to lend our hero a hand (hoof?).
Favorite Dungeon/Temple
3. Shadow Temple (Ocarina of Time)
The Shadow Temple is "Hyrule's bloody history of greed and hatred...", and it really does live (or die? Sorry, couldn't resist) up to that morbid description. The temple is filled with mirages and images that only the Lens of Truth can see, and you'll need it to avoid pitfalls and cruel traps meant to put an end to Link's adventure. Link comes in contact to some of the game's most dastardly enemies in this temple, from Redeads to Stalfos to the infamous Dead Hand. You'll avoid guillotines, dodge scythes, and even ride a ghost ship and jump off as it collapses into a river of souls. The temple pulls out all the stops, and at the end of it all you'll barely come out with your life in tact. Beware!
2. City in the Sky (Twilight Princess)
The City in the Sky is the only Temple in Twilight Princess that isn't located in Hyrule, but instead in the Heavens itself. In fact, you'll need a giant cannon to blast to the ancient city. Once you're up there you'll find a bizarre world floating above the clouds, powered by advanced machinery. Be careful though, as huge gusts of wind will force you to use the clawshot and iron boots carefully. But the real hook (pun intended) of the City of the Sky is the fantastic item you recieve here: the Double Clawshot. This ingenious contraption (okay so it's just two clawshots, but still) has you feeling like Spider Man as you latch from wall to wall... even using them in creative ways against the City's boss: Argorok the Twilit Dragon. The City in the Sky is a great temple made even better by the creative ways you use the item you receive there. Fun stuff!
1. Stone Tower Temple (Majora's Mask)
The Stone Tower Temple is gamrConnect's favorite temple in the Zelda series because it's one of the most unorthodox temples in Zelda history. In fact, it's almost like two temples in one, thanks to its ability to invert once you obtain the light arrows. The temple itself also makes use of all three Link forms in Majora's Mask (Deku, Zora, and Goron), making its puzzles and labyrinths very diverse. There's plenty of evils in the temple as well, such as the Garo Master, Gomess (master of bats and scythes... creepy!), and finally Twinmold, a pair of giant masked worms! Don't fret though, since you come equipped with the Giant's Mask, which evens the odds size wise. Seeing Link 20 stories tall really puncuates the awesomeness that the Stone Tower Temple radiates.
Favorite Enemy
3. Iron Knuckle (Various)
Iron Knuckles are the tanks of the Zelda series. These are the guys who move a mile a minute yet can do severe damage with a single blow. It doesn't help that they're heavily armored, and take a multitude of hits to bring down. Though quite similar to their Darknut cousins, Iron Knuckles have appeared much less in the Zelda series, only appearing in three games (The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, and Majora's Mask). Still, they've made quite an impression on Zelda fans with their intimidating power. Iron Knuckles are also one of the few enemies that actually hold some significance to the story, as Nabooru (the Spirit Sage) was trapped within the armored plating of a particularly tough Iron Knuckle in the events of Ocarina of Time.
2. Stalfos (Various)
Believe it or not, the Stalfos is the only Zelda enemy to appear in every single mainline Zelda game. They've been there since the very beginning, and we've already seen them in action in the various Skyward Sword demos (and looking as tough as ever). They've wielded swords, shields, maces, and even their own bones to attack Link with. And they rarely attack Link alone, usually ambushing our hero in groups of two or more. Stalfos make it to number two of gamrConnect's favorite enemy because unlike many other skeleton foes, where they're just cannon fodder, Stalfos require you to hone your skills and fight with both brains and brawn. A worthy foe indeed!
1. Darknut (Various)
Darknuts are gamrConnect's favorite Zelda enemy because let's face it, they're the baddest of the bad as far as the minions of Ganondorf go. These guys first appeared in the original Legend of Zelda, but it wasn't until The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess that their noteriety as the tough guys on the block became apparent. They are fully armored, and carry either a sword and shield combo or just a great sword. In The Wind Waker, if they by chance lose their original sword, they can go and find another weapon to use... or they can actually take you down with hand to hand combat! In Twilight Princess, once they lose their heavy armor, they'll actually throw their sword at you (I know right?) and pull out another sword to attack you with. These Darknuts mean business, and that's why they're number one.
Favorite Boss
3. Twinrova (Ocarina of Time)
Twinrova is the collective name of the two Gerudo Witch Sisters, Koume and Kotake. Koume harnesses the power of fire while Kotake wields the power of ice. Not only are they powerful elemental sorceresses, but they're also very good at brain-washing, as seen when they use Nabooru to guard the entrance to their chambers as an Iron Knuckle. Battling them is simple enough, as you use their own elemental spells against them (with fire harming Kotake and ice hurting Koume). However, once they've taken enough damage they'll unleash their signature "Double Dynamite Attack!" and fuse into Twinrova (winking at you in the process). You then need to collect three of the same elemental blasts and then fire it back at her, stunning her and opening her up for a direct attack. At the end of it all, Twinrova seperates back into Koume and Kotake... but they suddenly realize that there's halos over their heads and float on to the afterlife. What an odd end for such an odd couple.
2. Helmaroc King (The Wind Waker)
The Helmaroc King had quite the buildup for its showdown with Link. First of all, he's the one responsible for kidnapping Aryll, setting Link on his adventure to find her. Secondly, after making it all the way to the Forbidden Fortress, he's captured by the great bird and is tossed like a rag doll into the sea. So when you finally make it back to the Fortress to save your sister (for the second time), you haven't forgotten what a jerk the Helmaroc King has been to you. Still, that doesn't mean that the bird is going to take it easy on you, and he continues to make life difficult by smashing the spiral ramp as you run for your life. Once Link makes it to solid ground, the final fight begins, and Link uses the always-satisfying Skull Hammer to smash the big bird's beak. The Helmaroc King, after being hit one too many times in the noggin', finally flies up into the night sky and explodes in a poof of feathers. Revenge is so sweet.
1. Stallord (Twilight Princess)
Stallord is gamrConnect's favorite Zelda boss because he's one of the most unconventional and fun bosses in the series. It starts out well enough (with Zant threatening your life and giving Stallord the power to destroy you), but that's when you grab your newly claimed Spinner (awesome item by the way) and throw the usual Zelda conventions out the window. To defeat Stallord, you need to launch yourself into the giant fossil's spinal column. Sounds easy enough right? Well, you also have to do this while avoiding the legion of undead soldiers and spiked obsticals in your way. This manical pinball match finally ends on the third hit... but the fun's not over! You then need to use the spinner to climb the newly formed tower, chasing Stallord's Skull as it tries to fry you with fireballs. After knocking it over with a well placed bash to the skull (it is undead after all), you slice and dice until Stallord is no more. The best thing? This crazy battle that I've just described is even more fun than it sounds.
Favorite Showdown with Ganon/Ganondorf
3. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
"I have been waiting for you, boy. For one like you... yes... for the hero. Do not betray my expectations."
-Ganondorf
The battle against Ganondorf in The Wind Waker is unique because it really shows us the complexity and insight of an antagonist we thought was mostly a monstrous barbarian. He wants the old Hyrule back, and really... can you blame him? What he sees now is a futile existance for humanity. "So many pathetic creatures, scattered across a handful of islands, drifting on this sea like fallen leaves on a forgotten pool... What they can possibly hope to achieve? Don't you see? All of you... Your gods destroyed you!". And so begins the battle against Ganondorf, as he sends the mechanical monstrosity known as Puppet Ganon to deal with you. Once you destroy the puppet, you must climb the tower and reach the roof, where the real battle starts. Ganondorf is relentless against you, but with the help of Zelda and her light arrows, you have openings to attack the Master of Evil. And with the final blow... well... we'll get to that later.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
"Welcome to my castle."
-Ganondorf
This particlar showdown with Ganondorf makes the list because of its four (yes four) tier final battle with the King of Evil, with each battle sequence more unforgettable than the last. It starts out with a battle against a possessed Zelda, and the battle her like you would Phantom Ganon (vollying back an energy sphere). After you free Zelda of Ganondorf's influence, he turns into the Dark Beast known as Ganon. During this fight you must stay on your toes, as he'll use portals to try and confuse you. With the help of Midna, you'll be able to tie down the beast long enough to attack his weak spot (for massive damage). At that point, Midna will teleport you and Zelda to Hyrule Field to try and buy you some time... but Ganondorf soon finds you on horseback, and the battle continues! You'll need to buy enough time for Zelda to strike Ganondorf with a Light Arrow, and then close in to attack (he won't make it easy though, by summoning Phantom versions of himself to knock you off Epona). Finally he's knocked off his horse and remarks "An impressive looking blade... but nothing more." And so begins the final part of the battle against the Dark Lord. Link versus Ganondorf, sword duel of the ages. It's an incredible ending to an incredible game, but I'll let you guess who makes it out in the end.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
"Someday when this seal is broken, that is when I will exterminate your descendants. As long as the Triforce of Power is in my hand!"
-Ganondorf
The final battle in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is gamrConnect's favorite Ganondorf/Ganon showdown because it really sets the bar for the epic battle of good versus evil. Even to this day, there's really nothing like it out there. Of course I have to start with Ganondorf playing the organ as you make your way up to his chamber, I mean really... how epic can you get? After the formalities, Ganondorf uses his dark magic to keep Navi at bay... you're on your own in this one. He'll starting shooting spheres of energy at you, and so begins the tennis match of doom. After a few vollies, he'll finally be stunned, allowing Link to shoot a light arrow in his face and close in (I enjoy using the longshot) and get a few stabs in. Once he vomits up some green blood, he'll make one more desperate attempt to destroy Link and Zelda by bringing the whole Castle down on them. The two race down the tower, and finally make it out right before it collapses. Think it's over? Not a chance, as Ganondorf uses the Triforce of Power to transform into the monstrous Ganon for the final showdown. The beast is hugely intimidating (and with this wonderful music track, how could it not be?), but the Hero of Time carries on, and with enough slashes to his ugly mug, the monster is sealed away into the Sacred Realm. Truly an epic moment in video games.
Favorite Zelda Moment
3. Ganondorf's Demise (The Wind Waker)
Like I was saying before, the battle against Ganondorf was fierce in The Wind Waker. He was determined to defy the gods and deny you your hope. But Link managed to survive Ganondorf's manical last stand long enough to deal the final blow. And... wait... did anyone just see that?! Holy guacamole... did Link just stab him in the head? Link just stabbed Ganondorf in the forehead! Whew... what a way to go. And as Ganondorf turned into stone, he muttered one last thing: "Heh... the wind... it is... blowing...". This moment really cemented Ganondorf's role in The Wind Waker, and how his character really opened up and became something more than just a mere antagonist. This moment also completed The Wind Waker's quest to show people that you can't judge a book by its cover. The Wind Waker: 1, Inital Judgement: 0.
2. Pulling the Master Sword from the Pedestal (A Link to the Past)
While the original The Legend of Zelda set the stage for Link's adventures across Hyrule, many point to A Link to the Past on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System to the perfection of the 2D style of Zelda goodness. The game introduces so many elements that have been used in many games that came after it. But the one thing that the game introduced that is paramount to Zelda lore is the Master Sword, the Blade of Evil's Bane! Link first finds the sword in the Forbidden Forest, yet he cannot lift it. The insignia reads this: "The Hero's triumph on Cataclysm's Eve wins three Symbols of Virtue. The Master Sword he will then retrieve, keeping the knights' line true." So when Link finally does retrieve the three Pendants of Virtue, he is able to lift the Master Sword from its pedestal. The Zelda series would never be the same again, and Link's foes would forever fear the power of the Master Sword!
1. Hyrule Has Not Been Lost (The Wind Waker)
When The Wind Waker was first unveiled, there were some huge changes that changed the Zelda franchise in a huge way. Of course many first noticed the cel-shaded art style that permeated the game. But there was also this great vast ocean that covered the entire world. So where was Hyrule? Where was that magical land that we all traversed numerous times before? For many, Hyrule was just as essential for a console Zelda game as Link and Zelda were. But in the end, we took up our sword and green tunic and went along anyways (grumble grumble). Fast forward to the very end of the Tower of the Gods, where the gods acknowledge you as a hero and open up a portal to... well there's only one way to find out isn't there? And as you travel downwards into the sea, you come across something familiar. A castle... could it be?! Wide-eyed, you realize that it really is Hyrule Castle, and not just the castle but an entire land underneath the waves. Hyrule has not been lost, it's been here the whole time. Finding Hyrule beneath the waves is gamrConnect's favorite Zelda moment because it reminds us of how special this world is to many of us, and how we can never take the imagination and adventure the Zelda games give us for granted.
Lamest Zelda Moment
3. The Water Temple (Ocarina of Time)
*Laughs* Oh come on, it's the Water Temple from Ocarina of Time. The bane of Zelda gamers back in 1998. You kind of knew this was coming, because anyone who's played this particular temple has had problems one way or another. Whether it's the constant switching of your Iron Boots and Regular Boots (a problem that they addressed in the 3DS update, and let me tell you that it makes all the difference in the world) or the constant changing of the water levels (and is deceptively easy to mess up, making you start all over again), many had to use the Nintendo Power players guide just to make it through. You know there's a problem when the majority of grade school conversations back in 1998 started with "So I'm still stuck in the Water Temple."
2. Temple of the Ocean King (Phantom Hourglass)
Speaking of temples that messed with Zelda gamers, here we have the Temple of the Ocean King from Phantom Hourglass. Unlike other temples in the Zelda series, the Temple of the Ocean King is a place where you must continue to go back to. In fact, you have to explore the temple a minimum of six times in order to travel the ocean around you and complete the game. A little monotomous, but it's not that big of a deal right? Well, the temple is quite cruel... as every time you leave it, the puzzles that you solved reset. So for those six times you have to return, you must repeat the puzzles you've already completed. Imagine the sixth time you attempt the Temple of the Ocean King... you get to complete puzzle series that you've done numerous times before. The temple is a testament to monotomy... and in video games, that's never a good thing.
1. The Hunt for the Triforce Shards (The Wind Waker)
At this point in time, things are going along swimmingly for those playing The Wind Waker. Molgera has just been defeated, the Master Sword has regained its full power, and we're on our way to save Zelda from the vile Ganondorf. But wait! There's one more thing we need: Link isn't really Link without the Triforce of Courage! No big deal, finding that one piece of the Triforce shouldn't take too long... right? Well... that one piece was broken up into eight pieces. And in order to find those eight pieces, you need to find a Sea Charts for each, telling you where they are. And in order to translate the Sea Charts, you need to pay Tingle 398 Rupees. For each chart. It's a fetch quest and a Rupee grind all in one... and it doesn't help that the King of Red Lions isn't exactly the fastest mode of transportation out there (even with the warping). The Triforce Hunt is gamrConnect's lamest Zelda moment because it brings the wonderful momentum of The Wind Waker to a screeching halt, and forces you to pay Tingle in the process (the Jerk!).
Favorite 2D Style Game
3. The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Just take a deep breath, listen to this, and remember what it was like to play the first ever The Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was truly ahead of its time back then, with a huge world to explore, a plethora of awesome items to use, great puzzles, even greater boss battles, and the ability to save your progress *gasp* (I know!). The real testament to the greatness of this game is how well it holds up even today (and even if you don't have an NES, you can try the game out through the Virtual Console on your Wii or you have already receieved it as an Ambassador Title if you were an early 3DS owner). This was the game that started it all. It put you in control of a green-clad boy named Link, and your quest was to collect the fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom and save Princess Zelda from the vile clutches of Ganon. The game that started a Legend 25 years ago... this is what it's all about folks.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening /DX (GameBoy/GameBoy Color)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was Link's first portable adventure, arriving on the GameBoy (and later on the GameBoy Color in an updated version) in 1993. The game is also notable for being one of the most unique in the series, as it includes many characters influenced by other Nintendo staples, the majority bosses speak to you, and is the first game in the Zelda series without... um... Zelda. The game is also notable in the character of Marin, a kind hearted girl who lives on the island. This is the series' first hint of romance between our hero and another (Aww!). Our adventure begins when Link is shipwrecked and finds himself on Koholint Island. Unfortunately for him, he can't leave until he awakens the sleeping Wind Fish. Once he defeates Nightmare and awakens the Wind Fish, Link learns a sobering fact: the world of Koholint Island is mearly a dream world that Link created... and when he wakes up it will be gone forever. So Link wakes up, and the world that he remembered was just a dream after all... but if you get a perfect playthrough (no deaths during your adventure), you may see a familiar friend in the clouds...
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
Arriving on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is gamrConnect's favorite 2D Zelda because it is the perfection of the 2D-style gameplay that the original The Legend of Zelda started back in 1986. The story begins while Link is sleeping (one of many traditions that LttP started) and is awakened by a telepathic call from Princess Zelda herself. Link goes to save the princess from the evil sorcerer Agahnim, but learns that the only weapon capable of defeating the wizard is with the legendary Master Sword. With the sword and defeating Agahnim, Link is transported to the Dark World... and is tasked with finding the seven Maidens. After defeating Agahnim for the second time, it is revealed that he was just a puppet for the Dark Lord Ganon, and you must go to the Pyramid of Power to defeat the beast for good. It was a truly epic adventure for Zelda fans everywhere, filled with clever puzzles, awesome items, and plenty of great moments that are fond memories for anyone who calls themselves a Zelda fan.
Favorite 3D Style Game
3. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo GameCube)
Although it was released in 2003, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker first made headlines in 2001 because of its controversial cel-shading art style. Many scoffed at the change from a more "mature" and "realistic" Zelda that they knew and loved. Of course the hysteria was completely overblown and over-exaggerated... and when the game was finally released, everything clicked perfectly. I've already talked about so many beloved moments in this game, from the King of Red Lions to the discovery of Hyrule beneath the waves, and the final assault on Ganondorf... and there's still a whole game out there filled with puzzling dungeons, intimidating bosses, and a great story filled with trials, loss, and renewed hope. The Wind Waker is a game that is looked upon fondly by many, as a Zelda favorite by some, and as a legendary adventure worthy of the Zelda name by all.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo GameCube/Wii)
While The Wind Waker made headlines because of its controversial game design choices, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess made headlines by making Zelda fans cry back in 2004. The Zelda trailer that debuted at E3 2004 stunned all that saw it, and the event was perfectly punctuated by Shigeru Miyamoto jumping on stage with a Master Sword and Hylian Shield. The world felt right again on that day. Fast forward to 2006. Twilight Princess, the GameCube's Swan Song, was also going to be a Nintendo Wii launch title. What a legendary (sorry) start for a new Nintendo system, and as gamers tore open their Wii and Twilight Princess boxes, they discovered an amazing new Zelda game that pushed the series in new ways while respecting the previous Zelda traditions. There's plenty that I've already mentioned, from awesome new characters like Zant and Midna, great dungeons and bosses, and a final battle that blew everyone away. Twilight Princess was truly an adventure worth having.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)
*Smiles* Did you really think it was going to be anything else? I mean, gamrConnect voted this game the best game of all time last year, so of course it was going to be gamrConnect's favorite 3D Zelda as well. What can be said about this game that hasn't been said before? Nothing really, but I'll do my best to continue on. 1998 was a very interesting year for Zelda fans, as Zelda was about to make its big jump from 2D to 3D. Everyone's expectations were off the stratosphere... and yet when the game finally hit stores, everyone (everyone) was blown away. Remember when you first fought Gohma? When you first entered Hyrule Field? When you first rode Epona? The jump to 3D (and what a wonderful jump it was) made everything feel new, like we were discovering everything along with Link. The world was vast, the temples were mind bending, the bosses were larger than life, and the final climatic battle was more than anyone could ask for. Truly this was a game of the ages, and it looks like gamrConnect agrees.
In Conclusion...
To be quite honest, The Legend of Zelda series is one of my favorite video game series ever. But then again, looking at these characters, events, and games in this article, do I realy need to explain why? The series is founded on exploration and going on adventures, and that is something I think we can all identify with. Each game brings with it its own legacy and highlights, and with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword releasing next month, we can add another amazing chapter to a series that is defined by excellence and wonder. So here's to you The Legend of Zelda ! Adventure awaits!
