Update: Nintendo confirmed to Polygon that the new Zelda game set in the world of A Link to the Past is being developed by series producer Eiji Aonuma and his team at Nintendo EAD.
Hnn. I have reservations about this... particularly in regards to how much freedom we'll be allowed. That was something I rather enjoyed in LttP; I'm worried they might find themselves more concerned with telling a story...
Yeah, definitely watch the video on your 3DS before discussing the graphical style. It looks a lot better on there, though of course I can't guarantee you'll like it. I did, though!
This, definitely. Watching the trailer, my thought on the visuals was something like "hmm, cool." Watching it in 3D, it was more like "whoa!"
I think people are turned off a bit because old Zelda's world was generally top-down, which was important to make floor tiles very readable among other gameplay and design advantages. By contrast, old Zelda's characters and enemies were generally 3/4ths or side view, to give them more detail and character, show their faces better etc. This wasn't jarring because it was a drawn, pixelated game without a ton of texture or shadow to reveal camera angle inconsistency.
But put it in 3D and suddenly you either have to a) put the whole game at a slight angle to show off the characters, which wouldn't look like the older games, or b) make the whole game top down like the old ones, which means you're just seeing Link's arms sticking out and a big hair blob instead of his face but at least the ground tiles are orthogonal and readable.
I bet it'll be better in practice, things like zooming in to see characters conversing when Link talks to someone.
Except things like the trees and houses were 3/4 as well, and look different now, too.
Well I am pretty sure that LttP2 will have a NSMB approach in terms of storyline.
What does that mean; I hate fun and never played NSMB.
The NSMB games basically have no story. "The princess is kidnapped and you have to go after her" is the plot of 4 games in a row now. I believe that it won't be much different with LttP2, so it would be something like "Ganon is back you have to go and pick up three emblems to defeat him". Basically the blueprint of a Zelda-story in anyones head. I have that feeling not only because the graphical style seems so reminiscent of the NSMB-approach, but also because Nintendo in general seems to focus less and less on story while putting the emphasis on gameplay, see Paper Mario Sticker Star for an example. And I'm not saying that would be a bad approach, personally I loved Paper Mario.
I like this. Skip all the junk, get to the game. Basically the opposite approach than the one they've taken since...Twilight Princess?
While I appreciate not letting story overwhelm everything else fun (see above), I do like there to be a little effort and variance. NSMB and NSMBU were both "rescue the Princess" (much like the original, albeit minus the darker backstory) but had some fun events and twists happen along the way. Similarly, while LoZ and LttP were both "rescue Zelda and destroy Ganon," I think the variations really helped the two stand apart.
Mario games may not be especially rich with story, but they've had some nice nuances, which is why NSMB2's was so dreadful to me-- it literally had none of that, and if was rife with opportunity to do something interesting without overwhelming, not the least of which was involving Wario as an antagonist, given the whole coin thing that wound up making no impact at all.
Perhaps using "story" is too loaded. A good premise, how about that?
If you want to make that the "metric", then all of the 3D Zeldas have been "cinematic", and none of the 2D Zeldas have.
If you'd rather point out the strength of a given game's story in relevance to it's mechanics, presentation, and limitations/common stylings of the time it was released, then pretty much every Zelda game has been weighted closer to the "story" end of the scale, barring MAYBE the original, but even it had more story than, say, SMB.
About the same, really, though LoZ had that crawl in the attract mode that Mario lacked.
Incidentally, I would like it if this game tied LttP to the Oracles the way the Oracles tied LttP to LA.
Or if Hyrule gets turned into the one from LoZ by the end, ushering in the Age of Chaos.
Regarding Ganon's villainy, I voiced my opinion of who was worse, Ganondorf or Bowser, in a survey of sorts ONM had. Long story short, I said Bowser, in that Ganon/dorf is like a major calamity, like a hurricane or something, which only happens once in a generation, if that. Spread across all three timelines, his presence is actually rather small, especially if you couple that with the fact he remains fairly localized in Hyrule.
Bowser is like Monday; he comes back every week, and it doesn't matter where you go, he's going to be out there causing trouble.
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Just bought my tickets to the Zelda Symphony date here in Philly.
/me Excite
It's coming back to Philly?!!!!!!!!!
edit: It's coming back to Philly!!!! New music, new imagery!
Last time I had front section orchestra seats, maybe this time I'll go for the lawn.
My wife and I are really disappointed they apparently aren't allowing picnics this time. That was half the fun for us.
Yeah, I'm in Orch-B, Right Center, second row. I'm taking my parents too so they can appreciate a literal symphony of great music.
Should be a great show.
Awesome! I was up front last year, but this year I'm being cheap and getting lawn seats. We should meet up while there!
Don't forget to bring your 3DS if you have one. I felt bad for a few guys who commented they didn't think of bringing it when they saw me going through streetpasses. I'm hoping to get the pink pieces in missing. Last year I got all but 4 pink pieces, but lots more puzzles released since then.
On its own, that's an awesome comic. Really, really great, in a lot of ways.
It doesn't work for the symbolism of the sword in Zelda.
I'm... not so sure I agree with you.
Link usually ends up pretty fucking battered during his quests.
I'd say it fits with the entire "It is a responsibility. A burden." angle the old man is taking there. And I mean seriously, look at what usually happens once Link gets the Master Sword. Bad shit happens. In Ocarina of Time he literally loses his childhood for it.
In the era when that game was made, an exchange like that might have happened. Back when they didn't show us every detail of everything, there was more going on behind the scenes in our imagination.
Maybe those shady robed men that wanted to sell us stuff in Castlevania 2 sidled up beside Simon, grabbed him around the shoulder and pulled him aside, making him really uncomfortable. Maybe the passive-looking enemies in Metroid actually had a directed hatred toward Samus, and came at her drooling and shrieking. And maybe the old man in Zelda took on a mentor's role.
In the era when that game was made, an exchange like that might have happened. Back when they didn't show us every detail of everything, there was more going on behind the scenes in our imagination.
Maybe those shady robed men that wanted to sell us stuff in Castlevania 2 sidled up beside Simon, grabbed him around the shoulder and pulled him aside, making him really uncomfortable. Maybe the passive-looking enemies in Metroid actually had a directed hatred toward Samus, and came at her drooling and shrieking. And maybe the old man in Zelda took on a mentor's role.
And maybe, just MAYBE... it really WAS a secret to everyone.
In the era when that game was made, an exchange like that might have happened. Back when they didn't show us every detail of everything, there was more going on behind the scenes in our imagination.
Maybe those shady robed men that wanted to sell us stuff in Castlevania 2 sidled up beside Simon, grabbed him around the shoulder and pulled him aside, making him really uncomfortable. Maybe the passive-looking enemies in Metroid actually had a directed hatred toward Samus, and came at her drooling and shrieking. And maybe the old man in Zelda took on a mentor's role.
Agreed; that's part of what makes comics and art like that great: The older stuff was far more open to interpretation.
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REDMOND, Wash., April 22, 2013 - By popular demand, "The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses" concert series is returning with "Season 2" to eight cities from last year's tour and is coming soon to even more locations in North America. Based on one of the most popular and beloved video game series of all time, the tour features live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise. The newly announced dates include:
Returning due to popular demand:
o Atlanta; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre; June 6
o San Francisco; Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall; June 10
o Montreal; Place des Arts; June 14
o Los Angeles; Greek Theatre; June 12
o Austin, Texas; Long Center; June 29
o Philadelphia; The Mann Center for the Performing Arts; July 25
o Toronto; Sony Centre for the Performing Arts; Sept. 7
o Seattle; Benaroya Hall; Sept. 12
Newly coming to:
o Baltimore; Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall; July 27
o Grand Rapids, Mich.; DeVos Performance Hall; Oct. 19
In cities where the tour will be returning, audiences can expect to experience breathtaking new material exploring additional chapters from The Legend of Zelda franchise, along with traditional performances of the show's now-classic repertoire from last season.
The name "Symphony of the Goddesses" refers not only to the concert program but also to the four-movement symphony recounting the classic storylines from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The performance also will highlight orchestral renditions of music from other games in the series, including The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Eímear Noone will conduct the full orchestra with arrangements by music director Chad Seiter, and the evening will be hosted by concert producer and lead creative Jeron Moore.
Guests will relish their favorite moments from the now-27-year-old series, carefully and beautifully timed with a gorgeous orchestral score approved by Nintendo sound director and Zelda franchise composer Koji Kondo. The concert is a festive experience for all walks of fans, many of whom attend "cosplaying" as their favorite characters.
"The demand for Zelda is amazing, and this special concert will deliver an unforgettable experience for fans," notes Jason Michael Paul, CEO of Jason Michael Paul Productions, which is producing the concert tour. "These performances transcend culture and geography and unite people through a common love for this venerable and legendary series."
Fans can view a complete tour schedule with ticketing information, and also sign up for a regularly updated digital newsletter, at http://zelda-symphony.com. Club Nintendo members can enjoy an exclusive 15 percent discount to the show by logging into their accounts and looking for the discount code on the Symphony of the Goddesses banner. Consumers that are not Club Nintendo members can join for free at https://club.nintendo.com/. Exclusive concert packs also are available at select GameStop locations.
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On its own, that's an awesome comic. Really, really great, in a lot of ways.
It doesn't work for the symbolism of the sword in Zelda.
I'm... not so sure I agree with you.
Link usually ends up pretty fucking battered during his quests.
I'd say it fits with the entire "It is a responsibility. A burden." angle the old man is taking there. And I mean seriously, look at what usually happens once Link gets the Master Sword. Bad shit happens. In Ocarina of Time he literally loses his childhood for it.
Well as far as I know most if not all of the Zelda games end happily and with Link giving up need for the final sword.
Link never needs to forgive nayone for the "burden" of his sword
For him it is a symbol of protection, because Link acts as more than himself - he fights for others, and to rid the world of evil. It can't keep him safe, but it lets him keep others safe. Presenting it as a burden... I dunno. It implies Link can even see things as a burden. You know? And I don't think of him that way.
For me, Link is entirely selfless; he can shoulder the world because it needs shouldering.
If it's not a burden then you can't really consider Link selfless. There has to be a self for him to disregard in favor of the greater good, and to disregard the self requires some sort of force contrary to the self.
Link doesn't start the games with his sword. He acquires it when he is confronted with a task greater than himself that he must rise up to meet. The sword itself may not be a burden, but the fact that Link has to take it up in the first place is, and the sword and the events surrounding it are all conflated into and represented in the carrying of the sword.
I don't think most games show Link giving up the sword, but given how the Master Sword is always back in its pedestal for the next Link to encounter, I think it's safe to say he usually puts it back.
So this fall, my 3DS will be getting quite the workout. With ALTTP2, and Pokemon X & Y, it will be a good fall, and something to keep me occupied in Korea.
Man I think your argument against selflessness is kind of circular.
Most games since LttP do show Link giving up the sword and setting down his task.
You call it a burden. I figure Link calls it "What needs doing," and the question of if he should be the one to do this never comes up. It's not a burden. It's a mother fucking adventure.
And when he sets down his sword he goes and has more adventures!
Sorry guys
The sword is just empowerment, and also the only thing that keeps you from dying if you go too many screens north
I just like the fact that people can interpret it for themselves in different ways. I don't think, at least insofar as the original game goes, there is a "right" or "wrong" answer here-- everything is valid, and perhaps reflects a bit of the player as well.
Also, for what it's worth, Link seems to have the same sword from Zelda I in Zelda II.
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+1
chiasaur11Never doubt a raccoon.Do you think it's trademarked?Registered Userregular
Man I think your argument against selflessness is kind of circular.
Most games since LttP do show Link giving up the sword and setting down his task.
You call it a burden. I figure Link calls it "What needs doing," and the question of if he should be the one to do this never comes up. It's not a burden. It's a mother fucking adventure.
And when he sets down his sword he goes and has more adventures!
Sorry guys
The sword is just empowerment, and also the only thing that keeps you from dying if you go too many screens north
This happened at work today (warning, long read!):
A mid-20 something girl came into the store with her boyfriend. She was wearing a Zelda T-shirt, had a Zelda wallet, a Zelda-emblem necklace, a Zelda-emblem keychain, and a Triforce symbol drawn on the back of her left hand. They were looking for a replacement Wii Sensor Bar for their WiiU because the original went missing. We chatted about nerdy gamer stuff for a bit and I had to break the news that we didn't have any in stock and that she should check Gamestop or Ebay. Then this epic conversation happened:
Me: "It shouldn't be too much of an issue since you can use your Wii U Gamepad as a sensor in the short term."
Her: *mocking smile* "No you can't."
Me: *confused look* "Oh, is your Gamepad broken?"
Her: "Nope, you just can't use it that way."
Me: *not trying to sound like an asshole* "I'm pretty sure you can."
Her: "Well you can't." *fake laugh*
Me: "Actually you can, I've done it before just to see if it works. Pretty neat, although kind of useless."
Her: "No you didn't because it doesn't work like that."
Me: "OK...."
Her: "The sensor bar isn't that important right now as all my Wii games are in storage anyway...except Skyward Sword of course."
Me: "Oh! Well then you're good! You don't need the sensor bar to play Skyward Sword, it's all played with the Motion Control +"
Her: *shaking her head* "Yes you do."
Me: "No really you don't. The MC+ will do everything for you. It's why you have to calibrate it so often."
Her: "You're wrong. The game has an on-screen reticule for some of the sub-weapons. Trust me, I play a lot of Zelda."
Me: *phony laugh* "I can see that. But you are wrong on this one though."
Her: "I think I know enough about Zelda and gaming to tell a cursor being on the screen."
Me: "Yeah, but the cursor from the Bow and Beetle is controlled by the MC+ not the IR sensor. Try covering the controller next time you're playing to see what I'm talking about."
Her: *getting mad* "Well that will be a while since you guys don't have the sensor bar!"
Me: "You could always use the Gamepad..."
*angry stare at me*
Boyfriend: "OK hon, we should go. Gamestop closes in an hour."
*She leaves angry*
Do not try to best me in a gaming hardware discussion. I've dedicated a better part of my life to gaming from hobby to obsession to hopefully a career. I pride myself on being informed and will admit if I'm wrong, especially on the Nintendo front.
You can wear all the Zelda gear and read all the fanfiction you want, that definitely makes you a fan of the series. But you have no idea of who you're arguing against. I didn't download the original NES game, I was there at fucking launch begging my mom to buy it for me. I poured hours of time reading Nintendo Power magazines for a glimpse of screenshots of Zelda II. It was also the first time I experienced the time honored gaming tradition of being hurt by a game delay...as well as my first feeling of joy and forgiveness when I finally got my hands on the golden cartridge.
Basically, this conversation shows that I'm not just about the story and gameplay. I love this industry, I breathe this industry. While I respect your passion for the Zelda series, try and get informed a little bit next time before opening your mouth.
I'm out.
[/drops mic, blows into Whistle, rides off in a whirlwind to the entrance of Level 1]
Need a voice actor? Hire me at bengrayVO.com
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051 Steam ID Twitch Page
This happened at work today (warning, long read!):
A mid-20 something girl came into the store with her boyfriend. She was wearing a Zelda T-shirt, had a Zelda wallet, a Zelda-emblem necklace, a Zelda-emblem keychain, and a Triforce symbol drawn on the back of her left hand. They were looking for a replacement Wii Sensor Bar for their WiiU because the original went missing. We chatted about nerdy gamer stuff for a bit and I had to break the news that we didn't have any in stock and that she should check Gamestop or Ebay. Then this epic conversation happened:
Me: "It shouldn't be too much of an issue since you can use your Wii U Gamepad as a sensor in the short term."
Her: *mocking smile* "No you can't."
Me: *confused look* "Oh, is your Gamepad broken?"
Her: "Nope, you just can't use it that way."
Me: *not trying to sound like an asshole* "I'm pretty sure you can."
Her: "Well you can't." *fake laugh*
Me: "Actually you can, I've done it before just to see if it works. Pretty neat, although kind of useless."
Her: "No you didn't because it doesn't work like that."
Me: "OK...."
Her: "The sensor bar isn't that important right now as all my Wii games are in storage anyway...except Skyward Sword of course."
Me: "Oh! Well then you're good! You don't need the sensor bar to play Skyward Sword, it's all played with the Motion Control +"
Her: *shaking her head* "Yes you do."
Me: "No really you don't. The MC+ will do everything for you. It's why you have to calibrate it so often."
Her: "You're wrong. The game has an on-screen reticule for some of the sub-weapons. Trust me, I play a lot of Zelda."
Me: *phony laugh* "I can see that. But you are wrong on this one though."
Her: "I think I know enough about Zelda and gaming to tell a cursor being on the screen."
Me: "Yeah, but the cursor from the Bow and Beetle is controlled by the MC+ not the IR sensor. Try covering the controller next time you're playing to see what I'm talking about."
Her: *getting mad* "Well that will be a while since you guys don't have the sensor bar!"
Me: "You could always use the Gamepad..."
*angry stare at me*
Boyfriend: "OK hon, we should go. Gamestop closes in an hour."
*She leaves angry*
Do not try to best me in a gaming hardware discussion. I've dedicated a better part of my life to gaming from hobby to obsession to hopefully a career. I pride myself on being informed and will admit if I'm wrong, especially on the Nintendo front.
You can wear all the Zelda gear and read all the fanfiction you want, that definitely makes you a fan of the series. But you have no idea of who you're arguing against. I didn't download the original NES game, I was there at fucking launch begging my mom to buy it for me. I poured hours of time reading Nintendo Power magazines for a glimpse of screenshots of Zelda II. It was also the first time I experienced the time honored gaming tradition of being hurt by a game delay...as well as my first feeling of joy and forgiveness when I finally got my hands on the golden cartridge.
Basically, this conversation shows that I'm not just about the story and gameplay. I love this industry, I breathe this industry. While I respect your passion for the Zelda series, try and get informed a little bit next time before opening your mouth.
I'm out.
[/drops mic, blows into Whistle, rides off in a whirlwind to the entrance of Level 1]
I'm surprised people don't know that... what do they think the black strip is for? Not knowing the thing about Skyward Sword makes more sense, but it's easier to play the game once you figure out that the sensor bar doesn't matter (which you can just by trial and error during the normal course of play). Also how do you lose a sensor bar? It tapes to the top of your TV and you're generally not supposed to remove it. If you need a quick sensor "bar" at someone else's house just pull out some tea lights.
It's something we knew about since its unveiling, but again, it doesn't seem to be something that's actually active yet. Perhaps they planned to allow you to use Wii mode on the pad someday.
I came here to say I love Skyward Sword a lot. I got to Lanaryu last night, and the time thing is just an amazing mechanic. I love how the overworld-dungeon distinction is so blurred in this game. And Hyrule Historia is the perfect complement. I just love the unused characters and designs, they could make two more games just with those and still have better designs the mostly everyone else.
According to Skeldare's video, it doesn't seem to be something you can use.
Especially for Skyward Sword, which is a Wii game, which disables the game pad, right?
Ha, probably right. I can't remember if Wii mode completely shuts off the GamePad or if it has a static "YOU CAN'T USE THE GAMEPAD YOU DUMBASS" image up (in which case the sensor bar would probably work).
According to Skeldare's video, it doesn't seem to be something you can use.
Especially for Skyward Sword, which is a Wii game, which disables the game pad, right?
Ha, probably right. I can't remember if Wii mode completely shuts off the GamePad or if it has a static "YOU CAN'T USE THE GAMEPAD YOU DUMBASS" image up (in which case the sensor bar would probably work).
All else fails, light two candles?
I can confirm, after playing a bit of Pandora's Tower the other day, that going into Wii mode turns off the gamepad.
Nintendo Console Codes
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
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Yeah, the gamepad is useless as a sensor bar replacement while in Wii Mode. Even if Dover was 100% right, his "elite gamer superiority" rant was pretty cringe-inducing. On both sides.
Yeah, I was hoping Nintendo would jump on the HD Trilogy bandwagon that's been so popular on PS3/360. Specifically WW/TP/SS for Zelda and Sunshine and Galaxy 1&2 for Mario. But I'm okay with what they're doing with Wind Waker. I just hope they do it for all of them sooner or later. An HD version of OOT3D wouldn't hurt either.
I love what I played of Skyward Sword but god I hate me some motion controls. HD it and let me play it on the gamepad. Sold at $60.
They'd have to completely recreate the game from scratch if they did that.
I think we have this conversation every 10 pages or so.
To the Haters: The motion controls are great. Quit whining!
To the Lovers: The sword directions could easily map to the right stick. Admit it!
Except stab, that would take a click (which is possible on Wii U at least... although I actually hate it because I hate having a dead zone). And it would all feel really sloppy by comparison.
Posts
Laaariaaaaat!
I got a little excited when I saw your ship.
Hnn. I have reservations about this... particularly in regards to how much freedom we'll be allowed. That was something I rather enjoyed in LttP; I'm worried they might find themselves more concerned with telling a story...
This, definitely. Watching the trailer, my thought on the visuals was something like "hmm, cool." Watching it in 3D, it was more like "whoa!"
Except things like the trees and houses were 3/4 as well, and look different now, too.
While I appreciate not letting story overwhelm everything else fun (see above), I do like there to be a little effort and variance. NSMB and NSMBU were both "rescue the Princess" (much like the original, albeit minus the darker backstory) but had some fun events and twists happen along the way. Similarly, while LoZ and LttP were both "rescue Zelda and destroy Ganon," I think the variations really helped the two stand apart.
Mario games may not be especially rich with story, but they've had some nice nuances, which is why NSMB2's was so dreadful to me-- it literally had none of that, and if was rife with opportunity to do something interesting without overwhelming, not the least of which was involving Wario as an antagonist, given the whole coin thing that wound up making no impact at all.
Perhaps using "story" is too loaded. A good premise, how about that?
About the same, really, though LoZ had that crawl in the attract mode that Mario lacked.
Incidentally, I would like it if this game tied LttP to the Oracles the way the Oracles tied LttP to LA.
Or if Hyrule gets turned into the one from LoZ by the end, ushering in the Age of Chaos.
Regarding Ganon's villainy, I voiced my opinion of who was worse, Ganondorf or Bowser, in a survey of sorts ONM had. Long story short, I said Bowser, in that Ganon/dorf is like a major calamity, like a hurricane or something, which only happens once in a generation, if that. Spread across all three timelines, his presence is actually rather small, especially if you couple that with the fact he remains fairly localized in Hyrule.
Bowser is like Monday; he comes back every week, and it doesn't matter where you go, he's going to be out there causing trouble.
Like Mega Man Legends? Then check out my story, Legends of the Halcyon Era - An Adventure in the World of Mega Man Legends on TMMN and AO3!
Awesome! I was up front last year, but this year I'm being cheap and getting lawn seats. We should meet up while there!
Don't forget to bring your 3DS if you have one. I felt bad for a few guys who commented they didn't think of bringing it when they saw me going through streetpasses. I'm hoping to get the pink pieces in missing. Last year I got all but 4 pink pieces, but lots more puzzles released since then.
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
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Better:
It doesn't work for the symbolism of the sword in Zelda.
Thanks, that's what I get for pasting from my phone.
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
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I'm... not so sure I agree with you.
Link usually ends up pretty fucking battered during his quests.
I'd say it fits with the entire "It is a responsibility. A burden." angle the old man is taking there. And I mean seriously, look at what usually happens once Link gets the Master Sword. Bad shit happens. In Ocarina of Time he literally loses his childhood for it.
Maybe those shady robed men that wanted to sell us stuff in Castlevania 2 sidled up beside Simon, grabbed him around the shoulder and pulled him aside, making him really uncomfortable. Maybe the passive-looking enemies in Metroid actually had a directed hatred toward Samus, and came at her drooling and shrieking. And maybe the old man in Zelda took on a mentor's role.
And maybe, just MAYBE... it really WAS a secret to everyone.
Agreed; that's part of what makes comics and art like that great: The older stuff was far more open to interpretation.
Like Mega Man Legends? Then check out my story, Legends of the Halcyon Era - An Adventure in the World of Mega Man Legends on TMMN and AO3!
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
PM Me if you add me!
Well as far as I know most if not all of the Zelda games end happily and with Link giving up need for the final sword.
For him it is a symbol of protection, because Link acts as more than himself - he fights for others, and to rid the world of evil. It can't keep him safe, but it lets him keep others safe. Presenting it as a burden... I dunno. It implies Link can even see things as a burden. You know? And I don't think of him that way.
For me, Link is entirely selfless; he can shoulder the world because it needs shouldering.
Link doesn't start the games with his sword. He acquires it when he is confronted with a task greater than himself that he must rise up to meet. The sword itself may not be a burden, but the fact that Link has to take it up in the first place is, and the sword and the events surrounding it are all conflated into and represented in the carrying of the sword.
I don't think most games show Link giving up the sword, but given how the Master Sword is always back in its pedestal for the next Link to encounter, I think it's safe to say he usually puts it back.
Let's Plays of Japanese Games
Most games since LttP do show Link giving up the sword and setting down his task.
You call it a burden. I figure Link calls it "What needs doing," and the question of if he should be the one to do this never comes up. It's not a burden. It's a mother fucking adventure.
And when he sets down his sword he goes and has more adventures!
Sorry guys
The sword is just empowerment, and also the only thing that keeps you from dying if you go too many screens north
Also, for what it's worth, Link seems to have the same sword from Zelda I in Zelda II.
Like Mega Man Legends? Then check out my story, Legends of the Halcyon Era - An Adventure in the World of Mega Man Legends on TMMN and AO3!
Haven't people beaten the game without the sword?
Why I fear the ocean.
You ever been tossed in a Moblin prison fortress, son?
Trust me. Few hours in one of those, fellow stops thinking a sword's a burden real quick. Starts thinking he'd like to have one.
Why I fear the ocean.
A mid-20 something girl came into the store with her boyfriend. She was wearing a Zelda T-shirt, had a Zelda wallet, a Zelda-emblem necklace, a Zelda-emblem keychain, and a Triforce symbol drawn on the back of her left hand. They were looking for a replacement Wii Sensor Bar for their WiiU because the original went missing. We chatted about nerdy gamer stuff for a bit and I had to break the news that we didn't have any in stock and that she should check Gamestop or Ebay. Then this epic conversation happened:
Me: "It shouldn't be too much of an issue since you can use your Wii U Gamepad as a sensor in the short term."
Her: *mocking smile* "No you can't."
Me: *confused look* "Oh, is your Gamepad broken?"
Her: "Nope, you just can't use it that way."
Me: *not trying to sound like an asshole* "I'm pretty sure you can."
Her: "Well you can't." *fake laugh*
Me: "Actually you can, I've done it before just to see if it works. Pretty neat, although kind of useless."
Her: "No you didn't because it doesn't work like that."
Me: "OK...."
Her: "The sensor bar isn't that important right now as all my Wii games are in storage anyway...except Skyward Sword of course."
Me: "Oh! Well then you're good! You don't need the sensor bar to play Skyward Sword, it's all played with the Motion Control +"
Her: *shaking her head* "Yes you do."
Me: "No really you don't. The MC+ will do everything for you. It's why you have to calibrate it so often."
Her: "You're wrong. The game has an on-screen reticule for some of the sub-weapons. Trust me, I play a lot of Zelda."
Me: *phony laugh* "I can see that. But you are wrong on this one though."
Her: "I think I know enough about Zelda and gaming to tell a cursor being on the screen."
Me: "Yeah, but the cursor from the Bow and Beetle is controlled by the MC+ not the IR sensor. Try covering the controller next time you're playing to see what I'm talking about."
Her: *getting mad* "Well that will be a while since you guys don't have the sensor bar!"
Me: "You could always use the Gamepad..."
*angry stare at me*
Boyfriend: "OK hon, we should go. Gamestop closes in an hour."
*She leaves angry*
Do not try to best me in a gaming hardware discussion. I've dedicated a better part of my life to gaming from hobby to obsession to hopefully a career. I pride myself on being informed and will admit if I'm wrong, especially on the Nintendo front.
You can wear all the Zelda gear and read all the fanfiction you want, that definitely makes you a fan of the series. But you have no idea of who you're arguing against. I didn't download the original NES game, I was there at fucking launch begging my mom to buy it for me. I poured hours of time reading Nintendo Power magazines for a glimpse of screenshots of Zelda II. It was also the first time I experienced the time honored gaming tradition of being hurt by a game delay...as well as my first feeling of joy and forgiveness when I finally got my hands on the golden cartridge.
Basically, this conversation shows that I'm not just about the story and gameplay. I love this industry, I breathe this industry. While I respect your passion for the Zelda series, try and get informed a little bit next time before opening your mouth.
I'm out.
[/drops mic, blows into Whistle, rides off in a whirlwind to the entrance of Level 1]
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
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I'm surprised people don't know that... what do they think the black strip is for? Not knowing the thing about Skyward Sword makes more sense, but it's easier to play the game once you figure out that the sensor bar doesn't matter (which you can just by trial and error during the normal course of play). Also how do you lose a sensor bar? It tapes to the top of your TV and you're generally not supposed to remove it. If you need a quick sensor "bar" at someone else's house just pull out some tea lights.
Especially for Skyward Sword, which is a Wii game, which disables the game pad, right?
Ha, probably right. I can't remember if Wii mode completely shuts off the GamePad or if it has a static "YOU CAN'T USE THE GAMEPAD YOU DUMBASS" image up (in which case the sensor bar would probably work).
All else fails, light two candles?
I can confirm, after playing a bit of Pandora's Tower the other day, that going into Wii mode turns off the gamepad.
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
PM Me if you add me!
I would pay serious moneys for an HD Zelda collection.
Yes it can be just Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and Skyward Sword in 1080p. Other games can go untouched. I don't care! I don't even care.
Nintendo can just sell me the same game they sold me 18 months ago, only now in HD, and I would pay more or less full price for it.
Man did I love Skyward Sword, and also my HDTV.
They'd have to completely recreate the game from scratch if they did that.
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
PM Me if you add me!
I think we have this conversation every 10 pages or so.
To the Haters: The motion controls are great. Quit whining!
To the Lovers: The sword directions could easily map to the right stick. Admit it!
Except stab, that would take a click (which is possible on Wii U at least... although I actually hate it because I hate having a dead zone). And it would all feel really sloppy by comparison.