Pixelated graphics remain a common art style in the video game industry and continue to elicit strong feelings of nostalgia. Upon seeing a two-dimensional rendering of a favorite character, gamers can instantly be whisked away to fond childhood memories, such as midnight gaming sessions on a CRT television or long car rides playing Game Boy…
In an effort to capitalize on the success of Ocarina of Time, series legend Shigeru Miyamoto championed the prospect of developing an alternate version of the game with reimagined dungeons. Eiji Aonuma, who was the system director and dungeon designer at the time, wanted to create an original new game. Not wanting to discourage his…
The holidays are a magical time of the year. From the bright and cheery displays to the whimsical music and decadent cuisine, the season is an annual promise of hope. The buildup to these merry occasions is always thrilling; however, the joyous celebrations quickly become fainting memories as the calendar year turns over its new…
Leitmotifs remain a powerful method for connecting players to video game characters and locations. Upon hearing the first few chords of these familiar themes, fans are immediately swept to other worlds by ardent waves of nostalgia. No other media outlet combines music and narrative with feelings of personal agency quite like a video game world.…
The discovery of one’s soulmate is often classified as one of life’s greatest moments. The immediate personal connection is intense and powerful and elicits the feeling of two lost puzzle pieces joining together in perfect harmony. It is natural to be initially consumed by the infatuation; however, many couples soon search for a way to…
Despite video games being one of the most popular forms of entertainment, the video game industry has an awkward history of commercial promotion. Early forms of marketing were focused on magazine publications to increase awareness, and publishers struggled to convey precise messages to a new generation of tech-savvy consumers. While the early days of print…
It is no secret that television and film heavily influence the video game industry. Although not as transparent, the Zelda series has not only followed this industry trend but has also relied on multiple entertainment outlets for creative inspiration over the last several decades. Examples include the cast of Link’s Awakening mirroring the oddities of…
Dungeons are arguably the most important and consistent element of the Zelda formula. From the early days of the original game on the Nintendo Entertainment System to the most recent entry on the Nintendo Switch, Zelda labyrinths offer a unique combination of puzzle-solving, combat, and level design. While certain dungeons are more enjoyable than others,…
The old adage is that honesty is the best policy. While this maxim is undoubtedly true in everyday life, video game worlds provide the opportunity to explore the other side without tangible consequence. Certain games even encourage the player to embrace dubious behavior; however, the most clever scenarios reward choices that come at the expense…
Let’s face it: Dealing with an illness is not fun. Whether it be a simple runny nose or a full-blown headache and fever, no one enjoys feeling unwell. To make matters worse, sickness is often accompanied by a slightly heightened level of self-centeredness, and typical reactions include impatience, irritability, and moodiness. While these feelings are…
Often considered the black sheep of the Zelda series, The Adventure of Link is frequently misunderstood and underappreciated. Although the gameplay deviates considerably from other titles, Zelda II laid the foundation for the franchise’s backdrop and storyline. Key elements, such as Ganon’s resurrection and the completed Triforce, were first introduced in The Adventure of Link…
Although Princess Zelda remains the most prevalent love interest throughout the series, Link is oftentimes surrounded by a diverse cast of female companions. The list continues to expand and evolve, but common threads include Zora princesses, like Ruto and Mipha, as well as more traditional love interests, such as Saria, Illa, and Malon. Regardless of…
We have all been there: Faced with a seemingly impossible set of circumstances, the consequences of our next decision surely about to bring about an unpleasant result. We feel scared, frustrated, trapped, and alone. The walls of our own psyche slowly begin to close in around us as the deadline for a decision looms near.…
For many Zelda fans, the Kakariko Village theme is one of the most nostalgic melodies in the series. The town’s appearance across multiple titles and its consistent harmony create a shared experience regardless of the game that introduced players to the franchise. While the Kakariko Village theme is also near the top of my list…
I am a firm believer that a perfect combination of food and drink exists for every occasion. Whether it be a glass of pinot grigio during a romantic seafood dinner or a bit of scotch to help wash down the holiday pumpkin pie, nothing complements a beautiful moment quite like the harmony of beverage and…
