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The First Diverse Zeldiverse

by mento

So here's a fun little exercise you can do if you're extremely bored - write a list of all the Zelda games you've played and for each take 60 seconds to list all the elements that apply to that game only, or failing that (it's harder than it sounds) anything that stood out or originated from that particular game. You're prohibited from talking about the art style, the system they were on or new characters, since those at least seem to change quite often.

The idea is twofold: To see which Zeldas tried to innovate the most, and which Zeldas were memorable enough that you're still able to recall a lot of interesting things about them (without confusing them for another).

I thought this up after writing a bit about the announcement of the LTTP sequel and how the original SNES game, as quintessential as it is, doesn't really have the personality of its scions. Later Zelda games have all tried to set themselves apart with crazier gimmicks and idiosyncrasies, presumably because that's an easier route than trying to improve on its nonpareil gameplay (or that of Ocarina of Time, depending on which you believe is the better game). Try it yourself!

Showing 1-10 of 15 items

The Legend of Zelda

1. The Legend of Zelda

desolation. cryptic engrish old men. everything's goddamn hidden. blue candle?! let's play money making game.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

2. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

side-scrolling action game. turns into a fairy. zelda's asleep. if all else fails use fire. horsehead.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

pink hair. pink rabbit. fat fairy in the pyramid. dead uncle. why did they kill that priest?

4. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

dream world. wind fish, though clearly a whale. collecting instruments. collecting seashells. the sim city guy is dating a goat? raccoon mario laughs at your misfortune. take the chain chomp for a walk.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

link loses seven years. bongo drum boss. rock man dance. [NB: I could not for the life of me recall what Gorons were called and spent the rest of the minute trying to remember.]

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

6. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

what the hell is wrong with your faaaace? creepy moon. creepy music. creepy giants. creepy masks. the floating mask is jogging now.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

7. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

uh, more time travel. but in increments bigger than seven years. i got nothing.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons

8. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons

change the seasons and stuff happens.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

9. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

sailing adventures. explore random islands. take pictures and turn them into dolls. creepy photo guy dressed like akeem the african dream. those damn killer bee kids. tornado asshole. stabbing ganon in the head.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

10. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

oh, there's four of them now. no game has ever made me hate another person like this one. being multiplayer focused is new. no push it this way stupid.

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