Few moments in life are more satisfying or surreal than escaping reality through the medium of restful respite. Tranquil slumber wields the power to whisk the dreamer to faraway lands and relive former memories. At times, these quiescent visions are so picturesque that they must certainly be real. Even in the midst of such bliss,…
In the course of a lifetime, a person will devote a substantial portion of their youthful energy to an occupation. For many, the daily grind of punching a timecard is simply a means of providing for a household. But for a lucky few, the intersection of passion and profession creates a vocational bliss that they…
The Hero of Time. Chosen by the Gods. The Savior of Hyrule. Such titles of praise and adoration are worthy honors for the legend capable of wielding the Sword of Evil’s Bane. With each passing generation, the tales of Link’s stoic deeds slowly faded from memory. In the words of Galadriel from The Lord of…
The eye of a storm elicits a peculiar dichotomy of emotions. In the face of foreboding doom, the eerie stillness is equally welcomed and dreaded. As the eyes gaze upon the horizon to the challenges that lie ahead, the mind slowly begins to comprehend the temporal nature of this tranquil pause. We are trapped, surrounded…
The direct correlation between invention and inspiration is a notion that has robbed me of many a good night’s sleep. While the source of the former is normally bound to a person or an idea, the genesis of the latter appears to be more random, unexpected, and nuanced. Simply put, why is it so difficult…
Despite being one of the most progressive video game series in history, The Legend of Zelda has suffered similar impediments to other popular franchises, namely the technological limitations of a console’s hardware. While these creative handcuffs most notably manifest themselves in the form of graphical compromises, an overlooked facet of game development is the music.…
Equal parts scholar and mad scientist, Purah is one of the more intriguing characters in Breath of the Wild. While the circumstances surrounding Purah’s story are depressing and lonely, Purah somehow maintains a mischievous style of humor. Although misunderstood and ostracized to the outskirts of Hateno Village, Purah plays a critical role in stopping Calamity…
Throughout the course of history, the delicate balance between goodness and perfection has haunted mankind. Ancient philosophers Voltaire and Confucius warned about the dangers of perfection, but the inner dichotomy continued to drive many artists insane. Robert Louis Stevenson famously burned his first draft of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Just…
Picture yourself in the midst of a dense forest at dawn. The chill from the night lingers and pierces through every fabric like a blade destined for the heart. The thick morning fog suppresses the power of sight and pushes against the soul like an impenetrable barrier. Auditory perception is heightened. With each step, twigs…
Link’s Awakening is filled with mystery and wonder. Although the game is smaller in scale when compared to Breath of the Wild, every nook and cranny of Koholint Island is bursting with secrets. From discovering Secret Seashells to interacting with the game’s quirky cast of characters, Link’s Awakening remains one of the few games that…
Single parenting is hard. Sacrifice becomes the norm as the parent balances the demands of a career with raising a child. The pendulum swings between these two responsibilities. As I ponder this somber topic, I am reminded of two beautiful examples: The Little Mermaid and Breath of the Wild. King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule and King…
The Mario and Zelda series are two of the most influential and iconic franchises in video game history. Although to this day I cannot conquer World 8-4 nor defeat Ganon on my first try, my childhood was filled with bliss as I explored the vast and dangerous world of Hyrule and conquered enemies of the…
It is no secret that personal events in the lives of the development staff played an important role in shaping the Legend of Zelda series. From Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood escapades in Kyoto to his love of Disney franchises, Zelda games have proven that inspiration can come from anywhere. This brings us to The Legend of…
Although King Mutoh and the Four Knights of the Cobble Kingdom are shrouded in mystery, the names of these characters are eerily familiar to another colorful cast from prior Zelda games. On page 285 of The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia we read, “The names of the ghosts who haunt the Cobble Kingdom come from carpenters…
Our tale begins with Link attending the Picori Festival. Held once every 100 years, the festival commemorates the sealing of an evil force by the Hero of Men, but the hero was not alone. According to Hyrule Historia, the Minish tribe descended from the heavens and gifted the Hylians with the Picori Blade and the…
