Ever since the first game’s release in 1986, the Zelda series’s fans lauded the games for their outstanding and iconic soundtracks. The Legend of Zelda introduced themes that have persisted for decades, Ocarina of Time is full of unique musical motifs that brought different environments to life, and Skyward Sword’s lush orchestration has prompted many…
Look, I understand I’ve been pretty harsh on some of the dungeons and areas in the Oracle games. I really love these games, I swear I do! There are tons of fun areas to explore. In order to traverse a lot of these places, you’ll need to recruit one of three animal assistants: Moosh, the…
“He’s so cute and fluffy!” That is the reaction that at least 75% of players likely have upon first seeing Moosh, the best of the undeniably adorable animal companions Link can find in Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. While Ricky may appeal to pugilists and Dimitri can make dinosaur lovers swoon, the lovable…
When Link seeks the help of an animal companion, he usually ends up riding the horse Epona. While Epona is a dearly beloved ally to the hero, she is not the only animal companion that has stood by Link’s side. In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, Link ventures outside of Hyrule and meets…
Yacht Club Games has announced a new Kickstarter for their next big game: Mina The Hollower. Described as a “bone-chilling love letter to handheld gaming,” the new game follows the titular character, Mina, on a quest to discover who sabotaged the machines that provide energy to the island of Tenebrous. This gothic-horror-themed game is looking…
I hate Simon. Not just any person named Simon — that would be super rude — but that multi-colored devilry that older people have been trying to pass off as “fun” to children for decades. The cacophony of lights and sounds mixed with the unpleasant smoke emanating from my head as my brain tries to…
One of my favorite aspects of The Legend of Zelda series is how goofy it can be sometimes. I’ve talked about it in a previous column and I will continue to harp on it. Something about the land of Hyrule really lends itself well to the strange and bizarre. The first characters that I can…
Link has wielded some amazing powers throughout the course of the Zelda series. From his frequent favorite blade the Master Sword to the armory of weapons he reclaims from enemy hands in Breath of the Wild to bending the very fabric of time, the hero of Hyrule often finds himself with might that far exceeds…
The Deku Scrubs are one of the types of creatures inhabiting the world of Zelda that can range from being hostile enemies to endearing and quirky allies. They are sentient, plantlike creatures that are often found in the forests of Hyrule and related lands, and they serve many different roles both within their own cultures…
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…
Across the entire Zelda series, the use of ferocious reptilian enemies has been a common trend. From the terrifying dragon bosses to the routinely dangerous Lizalfos, these scaly beasts have challenged and threatened Link at every turn. But these reptiles come in more than a few varieties, with one of those being the dinosaur variety.…
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…
The machines are everywhere. It’s hard not to notice them since they are found in subway stations, convenience stores, and just about every other place you may visit as you move around in the hustle of Tokyo. Some stores are dedicated solely to them, offering stacks of coin-operated, hand-cranked apparatuses for customers to try their…
A consistent enemy in the Zelda series, the Like Like has a long-standing tradition of creating problems for Link by attempting to swallow him to steal his belongings. This trait has made them unique when compared to other monsters of Hyrule, though in a way that has generated groans from players instead of praise. As…
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.…
