Known for its bizarre story and eccentric cast of characters, Link’s Awakening remains one of the most peculiar entries in the Zelda series. The entire narrative unfolds on the mysterious Koholint Island, which turns out to be nothing more than the dream world of a mythical creature called the Wind Fish. While this realization can…
Few childhood memories rival that of the family vacation. The journey is most often a rollercoaster of monotony and entertainment from the budding anticipation of packing and planning to the wearisome stretches of highway miles and traffic stops. Despite the inevitability of trifling arguments and minor inconveniences, most families return with sensational tales to share.…
“First, defeat the imprisoned Pols Voice. Last, the skeletal Stalfos…” This simple yet subtle line of dialogue still sends chills down my spine. The original Game Boy version of Link’s Awakening was my first Zelda game, but this puzzle in the Bottle Grotto dungeon perplexed me for several months. After nearly giving up on the…
The Zelda series is heralded for its cast of intriguing and diverse characters, and perhaps no installment in the series embodies this truth more so than Ocarina of Time. From the childish and playful Kokiri to the more reserved civilizations of the Zoras, Gerudos, and Hylians, Ocarina of Time is filled with contrasting worldviews and…
We have all been there. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable task and a fast-approaching deadline, we begin to panic as the pressure of the moment consumes our every waking thought. How can we possibly conquer this mountain? Do we have the resources necessary to finish the job? Will our constituents even appreciate the end result?…
It’s a blessing. It’s a curse. It’s what you get for saying hello to people. At some point, a goodbye is coming, too. Not just to all the people you love and who love you back, but to the world as well. Eugene O’Kelly, Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life It is…
Few scientific concepts fascinate me more than the study of entropy. Described as the level of randomness in a given set of physical properties, entropy introduces a degree of uncertainty into the universe. Like many uncertainties in nature, humanity is often unable to comprehend an entropic occurrence, let alone control it. As a result, unpredictability…
Over the past decade, my occupation has afforded me the opportunity to travel the world. I have stood in awe at the splendor of Dubai’s Miracle Garden, reflected upon the power of Greece’s Colosseum, and marveled at the architecture of the ancient city of Petra. I have bathed in the Dead Sea, skied in the…
Throughout his adventures, Link has encountered a number of female admirers. From well-known characters, such as Zelda, Saria, and Ilia, to the more unexpected friendships, such as Marin from Koholint Island, the legendary Hero of Hyrule is not lacking for companionship. While certain infatuations might create a rather odd perception, perhaps no encounter is more…
I believe that every person has a doppelgänger. While some civilizations embrace the paranormal to explain this eerie resemblance, others are more lighthearted towards the ironic similarities. Regardless of the belief or reaction, there is something deeply personal about seeing yourself in the life of another. It almost feels like we are watching a living,…
Each installment in the Zelda series predominantly focuses on the rise of a powerful antagonist and Link’s heroic conquest to defeat the evil forces. As the chosen hero triumphs over Ganon and returns the Master Sword to its slumbering pedestal, fans are left to speculate the happenings that follow the ending credits. Does Link set…
The ending cutscene of A Link to the Past is one of my favorites in the series. As Link extends his hand to claim the Triforce, his deepest desire comes to fruition. Every one of Ganon’s wrongdoings is restored as the King of Hyrule returns, Link’s uncle is revived, and Kakariko Town celebrates Sahasrahla’s homecoming.…
The 1990s was an odd time in pop culture, and teenage Matt was completely engrossed in the hype. My hairstyle featured a buzz cut with lightning bolts etched into both sides as I strolled the classroom hallways with a Trapper Keeper in one hand and a Walkman on my belt. Friends swapped Dunkaroos and Surge…
No matter what challenges the year brings, the holiday season always offers the promise of hope, peace, and love. But as festivities conclude and the pages are turned on another year, joyous celebrations quickly become distant memories. Ornaments return to their boxes, strands of decorative lights are stowed away in attics, and holiday cheer prepares…
Prequel stories in video games can be quite controversial. While origin stories generally offer a less contentious premise, conveying the backstory of a tragedy is much more difficult. Like reading the last chapter of a book, gaming communities already know the end of the story. As a result, character arcs and presentation are even more…
