Summary
One of the most iconic gaming franchises of all time,The Legend of Zeldais set in thefictional world of Hyruleand normally involves Link saving the kingdom and its princess, with only a few titles diverging from this concept. With each new Nintendo console, fans are guaranteed a few new adventures to jump into, but this results in beloved titles often being left in the past.
Nintendo does remake its old projects often, but sometimes the publisher will port classic titles to newer consoles to give gamers a chance at revisiting them. There areZeldagames that have been given a full release, such asWind WakerandSkyward Sword, and a cornucopia of others available via the Switch’sonline subscription. Even with the vast range available, there are still a fewZeldatitles that are deserving of a port to the latest console.
Zeldagames often branch out onto the handheld consoles, and the Nintendo DS sawPhantom Hourglass, a direct sequel toWind Waker. Link is once again aboard a ship and sailing the high seas of Hyrule alongside his new pirate friends. One day, they pass a ghost ship Tetra boards once she hears screaming, but Link has less luck when he tries to follow after her, washing up on the shore of Mercay Island. He teams up with the dubious Captain Linebeck to rescue Tetra, but he seemsmore in it for the gold and gloryrather than helping others.
It’s more or less the same story present in a great number ofZeldagames, and yetPhantom Hourglassis not derivative or tired, instead feeling new and fresh, with some unfamiliar faces and a new big bad to take down. The sequel differentiates itself enough fromWind Wakerthat it is just as deserving of reverence, especially since it follows directly afterward.
Hyrule is not the only land in theZeldauniverse, and occasionally Link will find himself in one ofthose other kingdoms, still saddled with the responsibility of being the hero all the citizens need. This is especially true ofA Link Between Worlds, which sees an evil sorcerer named Yuga kidnap Zelda and take her to the kingdom of Lorule, where she plans to kidnap the Sages and use their power to resurrect Ganon.
Of course, Link isn’t just going to sit back and allow this to happen, hopping into the parallel world right after them to stop Yuga. As with mostZeldagames, Link will be tasked with clearing dungeons, defeating bosses, and solving puzzles on his journey; however,A Link Between Worldsintroduces a new game mechanic to revitalize the franchise’s traditional gameplay. Thanks to a magic bracelet, Link can swap from being a 3D person to a 2D painting, which will be the key to overcoming certain dungeons and puzzles.
The eponymous spirit tracks have an important role in this game. Not only are they essential for Link to navigate New Hyrule, but they are imperative in keeping the Demon King Malladus sealed away in the Tower of Spirits. Unfortunately, said tracks are starting to vanish, and Zelda worries it could lead to Malladus’s escape, and sets out with Link to investigate the Tower, only to see her trusted Chancellor. He severs Zelda’s spirit from her body, and she then possesses a phantom to aid Link in his journey.
It is certainly unusual to have Link and Zeldateam up throughout the durationof a game, but this makes Spirit Tracks a welcome addition, and could even open the doors for two-player gameplay if brought to the Switch.
A Chance to Bring Back Cooperative Multiplayer to Mainstream Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Multiplayer Zelda! In just two words, we’ve summed up why this game should make you very excited indeed. In The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, play with up to three friends (or go solo, with the help of the computer) as you cooperate and compete with your fellow colour-coded Links on the TV and Game Boy Advance. Walk into a cave on-screen and witness your character re-appear on your GBA screen! Or band together as a force of four to push a heavy obstacle out of the way, then make a mad dash to be the first to grab handfuls of Rupees. Featuring familiar elements from the Zelda universe, plus bags of new surprises, Four Swords Adventures is a must for any self-respecting Zelda fan.
What is better than one sword to put a halt to the machinations of an evil mage and an evil shadow clone? Why four swords, of course! InFour Swords Adventures,the evil Vaati has returned, freed with the help of Shadow Link, making for a total of 5 Links in one game. After Vaati unleashes havoc on the peaceful and beautiful kingdom of Hyrule, it is up to Link, Link, Link, and Link to team up and put a stop to their shadow self and the villainous mage once more.
Four Swords Adventureshad multiplayer elements, with up to four players each controlling a Link in the Hyrulean Adventure, the title given to the main campaign. However, there was even more fun players could have with friends, as Shadow Battle introduced aPVP battle mode, pitting players against one another until one is left standing. With online games retaining their popularity,Four Swords Adventuresis the perfect game to bring to a modern console like the Switch.
One of the most critically acclaimedZeldatitles,Twilight Princesswas released on the Gamecube and the Nintendo Wii. In this game, the kingdom of Hyrule is threatened by an alternative dimension known as the Twilight Realm, slowly taking over in a dark reflection of the world. With the help of an imp named Midna, Link will traverse the worlds in both human and wolf form, solving puzzles, exploring dungeons, and defeating enemies.
Asone of the more darker, and one of the best,Zeldagames,Twilight Princessis one of the ones most deserving of rediscovery, which a Switch port would surely allow. While waiting for whicheverZeldagame is next in the works,Twilight Princessis perfect for filling in that void.
