Latest Articles

Posts by Kellen Russoniello

Bombers’ Notebook: Ghost (Nakura)

By the time Link emerges victorious from the Angler’s Tunnel in Link’s Awakening, he knows there is something amiss about the island of Koholint. That still doesn’t prepare him for the supernatural surprise awaiting him at the dungeon’s entrance. With his mind already on finding the next Instrument of the Sirens, Link is startled to…

Realm of Memories: Becoming Lord Zelda

Though I sometimes dread participating, I often find icebreakers to be the most interesting and memorable parts of work meetings. They are a chance to learn something new about your coworkers, find shared interests, and build collegiality. In my opinion, the icebreaker question that elicits the most engaging answers is, “What is one thing no…

Bombers’ Notebook: Baito

“Failing upwards” describes how some people benefit, usually in their career, despite a series of failures. It explains how some people tend to move up the ladder even though they may not be the most qualified (if qualified at all). In the Legend of Zelda universe, the character that may best fit this description is…

Zelda’s Study: Aliens almost invaded Breath of the Wild

There are many endemic threats in Breath of the Wild‘s Hyrule. Scorching deserts, lava-spewing volcanoes, and freezing mountains are among the hostile environments where unwary travelers risk exposure. The land is teeming with various, bloodthirsty monsters. Rogue, laser-firing death machines roam free. Even the wildlife can dish out serious damage (ever been headbutted by a…

Yuga’s Art Gallery: Silent knight

The Great Calamity and the 100 years of ensuing misery and sorrow likely put a pretty heavy damper on the holiday spirit in Hyrule. Yet, in one corner of the wilderness, seemingly unfazed by Ganon’s spreading malice, our hero defies the humbuggery and finds a way to be festive. In December of 2016, Nintendo released…

Zelda’s Study: I’m flying, vweep!

High on a rock spire in the midst of Lanayru Sand Sea, Link searches Skipper’s Retreat for the Ancient Sea Chart, his only hope of navigating the dried up ocean in search of the mighty Sandship. Link examines the Skipper’s ancient abode and discovers evidence of the Skipper’s past life. Pictures on the wall show…

Zelda’s Study: The Loftwings of eastern Africa

As a proud member of the San Diego Zoo, I receive their annual calendar that showcases a different animal resident every month. This June’s poster fauna was a bird named “Handsome.” But it was no ordinary bird. It’s enormous, hooked beak and wide eyes gave this avian a prehistoric appearance that threaded the needle between…

Bombers’ Notebook: Hoiger Howgendoogen

Upon boarding a Traveler’s Ship in the south-eastern quadrant of the World of the Ocean King, Link encounters seven identically dressed sailors appearing to be gazing out to sea, six doing so through handheld telescopes. In one corner of the ship, a sailor stands empty-handed, staring at the wall. Link can’t help but feel bad…

Zelda’s Study: It’s a secret to nobody

The characters from the original Legend of Zelda don’t say much, but what they do say is highly memorable. Among the most recognizable quotes is “It’s a secret to everybody,” uttered to Link by a Moblin in hiding. Versions of this iconic phrase have become a recurring Easter egg in the Zelda series (and in…

Bombers’ Notebook: Hinox (A Link Between Worlds)

We learn much about Link through his interactions with the various inhabitants of the lands he travels. Sometimes, through the player’s ability to choose how Link should react, the player learns a little about him or herself. In that way, some characters that Link encounters serve as moral tests, questioning how Link, and the player…

Login Close