Alright, kids, buckle up. Get your popcorn, your soda, and your Master Sword, because today we’re gonna talk about the Legend of Zelda videogame franchise. First, I am totally biased for this particular franchise. I played the original Legend of Zelda until I got Nintendo thumb when I was like five. I can close my eyes right now and see the shifting screens of the original game. Hear the octoroks shoot and the moblins move in closer. I spent almost as much time playing Zelda as I would, later on, spend playing Final Fantasy. I couldn’t get enough. I was hooked. I wasted so many hours going from Zelda to Metroid to Final Fantasy in the 80s. So in this post, I’m going to talk about some of my favorite versions of the game and maybe do a little chin-stroking as we go.

Legend of Zelda is a highly acclaimed and long-running video game franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo. It is known for its captivating gameplay, rich storytelling, and memorable characters. The series blends elements of action, adventure, puzzle-solving, and exploration, set in the fictional kingdom of Hyrule.

The franchise made its debut in 1987 (a year earlier in Japan) with the release of the original game, The Legend of Zelda, for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Since then, it has become one of Nintendo's most iconic and successful franchises, spanning multiple consoles and handheld devices.

The Legend of Zelda games typically follows the adventures of a young hero named Link, who is often tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and protecting the Triforce, a sacred relic that grants immense power. Throughout the series, Link embarks on quests, explores dungeons, solves puzzles, battles enemies, and interacts with various characters in a vast, open world.

Each installment in the franchise offers a unique storyline and gameplay experience, while maintaining certain core elements. The games feature a blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, often requiring the use of tools and items obtained throughout the journey. Players traverse diverse landscapes, such as forests, deserts, mountains, and underwater regions, encountering equally diverse races, creatures, and environments.

One of the defining features of the series is its nonlinear gameplay, allowing players to explore the game world at their own pace and tackle challenges in various orders. The games also feature memorable music, including the iconic "Zelda's Lullaby" and the main theme known as the "Overworld Theme."

Over the years, the Legend of Zelda franchise has produced numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles. Some notable entries include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time; The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which reimagined the series' conventions and received widespread acclaim; and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, known for its captivating storytelling and intricate world design.

In addition to the mainline games, the franchise has spawned spin-offs, remakes, and adaptations in various media, including animated series, manga, and merchandise. It has also inspired a dedicated and passionate fan base who continue to celebrate and explore the vast lore and mysteries of the Legend of Zelda universe.

The Legend of Zelda franchise has expansive and intricate lore, spanning multiple games and timelines. It revolves around the enduring conflict between good and evil, the history of the kingdom of Hyrule, and the adventures of the protagonist, Link, and the princess, Zelda.

Central to the lore is the Triforce, a powerful artifact that embodies the virtues of Power, Wisdom, and Courage. The Triforce is typically sought after by the main antagonist, Ganon (also known as Ganondorf), a powerful Gerudo warlock who seeks to obtain its power for his own nefarious purposes.

The series features different iterations of the Legend of Zelda timeline, with three main branches: the "Child Timeline," the "Adult Timeline," and the "Downfall Timeline." These branches stem from the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where Link is confronted with a critical decision that leads to divergent timelines.

In the Child Timeline, Link defeats Ganondorf as a child and is sent back to his original time, preventing Ganondorf's rise to power. This timeline includes games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

In the Adult Timeline, Link is victorious as an adult and defeats Ganondorf, sealing him away in the Sacred Realm. This timeline is featured in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.

The Downfall Timeline is born from Link's failure to defeat Ganon in Ocarina of Time. This timeline explores the consequences of that defeat and includes games such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.

Throughout the series, recurring characters and locations contribute to the body of lore of the franchise. Princess Zelda is a member of the royal family of Hyrule, possessing the power of the goddess Hylia and often serving as a key figure in the battle against Ganon. Impa, a loyal Sheikah guardian, frequently aids Link and Zelda in their quests.

The series also features a diverse range of races and creatures, including the Gorons, Zoras, Rito, Sheikah, Kokiri, and Gerudo. These races have their own unique cultures, abilities, and roles within the world of Hyrule.

In addition to the main storyline, the Legend of Zelda franchise is known for its rich mythologies, ancient prophecies, and intricate connections between games. Elements such as the Sacred Realm, the Golden Goddesses (Din, Nayru, and Farore), and the reincarnation of Link and Zelda across different eras all play significant roles in the Zelda diaspora.

The Legend of Zelda lore is often subject to speculation and interpretation, as fans uncover hidden connections, theories, and hidden details that contribute to the depth and mystery of the series. It is a testament to the franchise's enduring popularity and intricate world-building, which still continues to captivate players and spark their imaginations.

The Legend of Zelda franchise is known for its wide array of items and here are just a few of my favorites. Such items are often obtained by Link throughout his adventures and serve specific purposes to progress through the game. Here are a few:

1. Sword: Link's primary weapon, the sword, is a staple item in every Legend of Zelda game. It is used for combat, defeating enemies, and often upgrades to stronger versions such as the Master Sword.

2. Shield: Shields provide defensive capabilities, allowing Link to block and deflect enemy attacks. Different types of shields may offer varying degrees of protection and special properties. Some shields have special properties, such as being immune to certain types of enemy attacks or reflecting energy-based projectiles.

3. Bow and Arrows: These are essential ranged weapons in the series. They enable Link to attack enemies from a distance or hit targets that are otherwise out of reach.

4. Bombs: Bombs are explosive devices that Link can use to destroy obstacles, reveal hidden passages, and defeat enemies. They come in various forms, including regular bombs and remote-controlled bombs.

5. Hookshot/Clawshot: This item allows Link to extend a chain or rope, enabling him to reach distant locations, swing across gaps, or grab onto specific objects.

6. Boomerang: The boomerang is a returning projectile weapon that Link can throw to stun enemies, retrieve distant items, or activate switches.

7. Magic Spells: Certain games in the series feature magical spells that Link can learn and utilize. These spells can have various effects, such as elemental attacks or solving puzzles.

8. Ocarina/Instrument: The Ocarina or other musical instruments play a significant role in some games. They allow Link to manipulate time, summon creatures, or unlock specific abilities.

9. Pegasus Boots: These boots grant Link enhanced speed, allowing him to dash quickly across the terrain, jump over obstacles, or break through certain barriers.

10. Magic Rod/Wand: A powerful tool that lets Link cast elemental spells or shoot projectiles, often essential for defeating specific enemies or solving puzzles.

11. Magic Lamp: This item contains a mystical flame that can illuminate dark areas, reveal hidden paths, or interact with specific objects.

12. Magic Armor: This armor provides additional defense or special abilities at the cost of magical energy.

13. Bottles: Bottles are versatile items that can be used to store fairies for healing, potions for various effects, or capture and release creatures for specific purposes.

There are many other different items and each game introduces its own unique set, ensuring fresh gameplay experiences and adding depth to the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects of the series.

So why Legend of Zelda when it’s not really pertinent to us at Haptic? Well, we love Zelda here, so there’s that. Also, Tears of the Kingdom is out and my gawd if that game isn’t beautifully done and worthy of a full 10 out of 10. So we just wanted to talk about how we as a (gamer) culture got here. I remember the 8-bit, and seeing this game rendered in 1080p (or 720p) is… well, it gets me right in the feels. I have only gotten to see it played by my neighbor. I don’t own a Switch – something I’m going to hopefully remedy this year as a present to me. It blew me away. In all the best ways you can think of. The gameplay was perfect, the video crisp, and the engagement superb. I spent an hour just watching it being played and it was not an hour wasted. So as it stands, I believe the Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the most beloved and influential series in the realm of video games, justly renowned for its immersive worlds, engaging gameplay, and enduring legacy. You just can’t get much better.