The Legend of Zeldafirst released in 1986. The game was a simple, top-down adventure that set many staples forLegend of Zeldagames today. Vast overworlds with themed regions, music tracks, enemy types, and recurring protagonist Link all first appear in the originalZeldagame,and have consistently showed up since. That said, Link is not as simple a protagonist as he seems.
Link’s design is instantly recognizable: a blonde boy with elf-like pointy ears and a green tunic. While the key facets of Link’s design have remained consistent, he has gone through plenty of changes. Link gets more mechanically advanced with each and every game, culminating withBreath of the Wild 2’supcoming iteration of Link, which looks to be the most complex yet.
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Link’s Top-Down Evolution
The Legend of Zeldahas always been a technically impressive series. No matter the era, each game has strived to innovate. The firstLegend of Zelda, while simplistic by today’s standards, was a marvel in 1986 thanks to using a game world unlike anything else at the time, and Link had multiple tools to aid in navigation beyond his sword, bow, and bombs.
This style ofZeldagame carried on for a while with titles likeA Link to the Past,The Minish Cap,andA Link Between Worlds,but each game puts its own technical spin on things.Link to the Pastgave Link more movement options and allowed him to jump into a dark dimension.Minish Capgrants Link the ability to shrink down to explore new, tiny areas.Link Between Worldsexpands onLink to the Past’s world, but also gives Link the ability to merge into walls. Link’s arsenal of moves and abilities also evolve with each game.
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Link’s Changes in 3D Titles
Just like how the originalLegend of Zeldaserves as the basis for every subsequent top-down entry,Ocarina of Timeis the template for every 3D title.Ocarina of Timetakes everything that works from the 2DZeldatitles and translates it seamlessly to 3D. The biggest change to Link is that he can change forms, swapping back-and-forth between a young and old version of himself throughout the game.
This form-changing mechanic is expanded upon in futureZeldagames.The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Maskallows Link to don multiple masks to take the form of various species.Twilight Princessallows Link to turn into a wolf at will. That said, games likeThe Wind Waker -and its sequelsPhantom HourglassandSpirit Tracks -neglect form-change mechanics and simplify Link’s moves, instead focusing on worldbuilding and exploration.
Breath of the Wildrepresents the largest change to Link in 3D. The game changes nearly every convention of traditionalZeldatitles, introducing survival mechanics like crafting and a temperature gauge, exploration tools like climbing and a paraglider, as well an improved stamina meter fromSkyward Swordthat limits Link’s actions. Link also gains access to new powers like Magnesis, which can manipulate metal objects; and Stasis, which can freeze objects in place.Breath of the Wild’ssequellooks to expand on these powers further and give Link some new powers, like the ability to phase through objects.
Link’s Appearance Over the Years
Link has gone through numerous technical changes throughout the years, but he has also received nearly as many physical updates. Link’s pre-Ocarina of Timeappearances are fairly consistent, barringA Link to the Past’siteration pink hair. This consistency was translated into the early3D models utilized byOcarina of TimeandMajora’s Mask.As these games represented Link’s first jump into 3D, a major change to the character’s appearance was not necessary.
After these titles came the GameCube era, in which a darker, more realistic Link was teased. Because of these teasers,Wind Waker’sstylized, cartoonish graphicswere controversial at the time. ThenTwilight Princessfulfilled this promise, serving as the grittiestZeldayet.Skyward Swordcombines the realistic proportions ofTwilight Princesswith the eye-catching colors ofWind Waker,andBreath of the Wildadds to this with a particular aesthetic.
Breath of the Wildgoes further than changing just Link’s art style; it completely changes his default outfit. Gone are the traditional green shirt and hat, Link now dons a blue Champion’s Tunic.Breath of the Wildalso has many different armor sets, so players can customize Link’s appearance however they see fit.Breath of the Wild’ssequel looks to Link’s base appearance further, equipping him with revealing, ripped clothing that showcases new tattoos.
The Legend of Zeldaseries has changed considerably since its inception in 1986. Link has become more advanced with each passing game, and his appearance has changed just as much. The upcoming sequel toBreath of the Wildlooks like it will change Link even more in both of these regards. AfterBreath of the Wild 2was delayed, it will be some time until players see this Link in action.
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