25 years of Zelda: An in-depth look at the greatest video game franchise ever
November 12th, 2011 Posted in Features, General Nintendo, Posted by Austin
As I sit down to write a feature that I’m sure will be simultaneously received as a decent piece of gaming “journalism” and a terrible rant perpetrated by none other than the king of Nintendo fanboys himself, I can’t help but feel as though much of what will be said in response to this is rather unimportant. Not to downplay the significance of feedback, because the vastness with which I appreciate it should never go unnoticed by all of you, but in light of the subject I’m going to be writing about from the true depths of my being, I ask if you all could forgo judgement and angry comments in lieu of positive discussion or civil disagreement.
That being said, I really think that someone bringing this subject to bear is long overdue, and while I’m certain I’m not the first to do it, I do hope that I can add a worthwhile two cents to the conversation, and get even more people talking. After all, video games are an art, and whether tradition-friendly die-hards want to agree with me or not, it is safe to say that the The Legend of Zelda stands high and mighty as the king of all this artistic benevolence.
The meaning that Zelda games hold to those who play them is generally misinterpreted- or misunderstood- by those who are not part of this “in” crowd. It is a cultural phenomena that doesn’t share much in common with other modern gaming fads- nay, any fascination from any artistic media- because it is the combination of thousands of hours of work, hundreds of people, brilliant soundtracks, vast landscapes, flawless game design, and so much more that all comes together in a more seamless and immersive way than has ever been seen before. It is, for those that understand and open themselves up to it, unlike anything you could possibly experience elsewhere. An almost spiritual, or in some cases near-religious, experience that millions of people share whenever another one of these games is released.
But what does it really mean to play a Zelda game?
I imagine that the meaning changes from person to person, and I would be more than happy to hear about others’ views on this, but I think the centralized meaning to a Zelda game is one of authenticity. It’s an entire world that, no matter how childish (in the case of 2003’s Wind Waker), how technologically inhibited (Ocarina of Time, 1998), or how old (The Legend of Zelda, 1986) things may seem, feels absolutely and unconditionally real. Every action, every battle, every line of dialogue, and every enemy is part of a living, breathing place that bleeds beyond the game and into our imaginations; and it is that immature psyche we all have which assists in taking us there. To someone that is part of this “in” crowd, rarely, if ever, does something capture heart and mind in such a pure way. In short, this is what The Legend of Zelda series is about.
But of course, there is quite a bit more to a franchise that’s entering its 25th year on the market than just feeling authentic and immersive. There are elements, big and small, the contribute to the overall “magic” of the game. Many people have come to call such things the “Nintendo difference”, but frankly I prefer to think of it as more of the “Zelda” difference. Other Nintendo games have their own feelings, and they’re all great, but the feeling that Zelda brings is a step above, beyond, and away from Nintendo’s other titles, and it all starts with the underlying meaning behind each and every game in the franchise.
- Miyamoto’s Zelda idea that took thirteen years to realize Published on: June 16, 2011
- GTTV to have debut trailer for a new game from a classic franchise Published on: May 8, 2010
- Aonuma explains how it’s decided when to include an instrument in a Zelda game Published on: December 3, 2009
- Spector wants Epic Mickey comics/cartoons/film, has big plans for Epic Mickey as a franchise, going after Mario and Zelda Published on: October 29, 2009
- Rumor: Nintendo developing new game based on old franchise Published on: September 30, 2008
13 Responses to “25 years of Zelda: An in-depth look at the greatest video game franchise ever”
By Patrick on Nov 12, 2011
tl;dr: Zelda is awesome.
By Boss Save on Nov 12, 2011
For starters: Damn that first pic is nice!
EDIT: Props to AiBryce. Mad respect.
By Boss Save on Nov 12, 2011
I almost feel unworthy and afraid to write anything. Holy sh*t ballz.
Dude, Austin, that was the bomb…
"remember the simpler times when things were not so dark."
That’s it my friend, that’s Zelda to me, in a nutshell.
By Boss Save on Nov 12, 2011
I’ve really prevented myself over these past years from trying to analyse what I truly seek in gaming, excluding the obvious fun factor or need to escape. I would quickly move on after throwing out a blurry image which I deemed satisfactory at the time, hoping that would be the end of it. For some reason I have been blocking out something. I now know what.
Thanks to your words I can see that image now.
EDIT: I’ve always had a saying, that I am as old as I allow myself to be. Haha I can’t stop smiling….
By Kevin on Nov 12, 2011
The Legend of Zelda truly is the greatest, most beautiful and most influental game series in my life… Happy 25th birthday! Hope you will last another 25 years!
By turbosalad on Nov 12, 2011
Zelda had a great 25th birthday. Here’s to hoping for bigger and better anniversaries!
By POjo on Nov 12, 2011
Wow 25 Years! Hope they keep up the good work!
By SKrumrie on Nov 12, 2011
That is the most perfect article I ever read about Zelda. I had to register just so I could comment. Great job. A Link To The Past was the first Zelda game I played and have been a big Zelda fan ever since. I have to agree with every word of your article.
By 50 Cent on Nov 12, 2011
Hi, this is rapper/media mogul 50 Cent. I read your article and liked it for the most part, but I do disagree with you on a few points. First and foremost,
By Austin on Nov 13, 2011
Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to read what I wrote. I worked many long hours on this one, and I honestly think it’s probably my most cohesive and well-written feature to date! Like I said in the article, I appreciate comments from readers more than anything in the world, and I do read every single one of them; don’t think you’re talking to thin air.
Well, let me be the first to say that we certainly hope you stick around the forum and chat with all of us. Thanks for the kind words!
I don’t drink, but I’d love to find somewhere fun to chat about Zelda with you!
By Boss Save on Nov 13, 2011
^ Figure of speech, sorry. Just my way of sayin’ that I respect ya.
Once again though Austin, that piece was pure magic. It’s easy to change the way we do things in life without really noticing, or taking the time to understand why. Zelda has a beauty about it that envelops my imaginations, drawing me in to a world that although is new and unexpected, remains a constant reminder of the innocence once felt when the senses and emotions were still learning….
I am noticing now the way I game and I’m quick to blame knowledge. It’s a double-edged sword.
By Austin on Nov 13, 2011
Haha, I know man. Don’t even worry about it!
For the record I would totally go grab a drink with you and chat, but I have a feeling I’m both too poor and too far away from you for that. ;]
By Boss Save on Nov 13, 2011
Cheers Austin
To Zelda!