…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The Legend of Zelda franchise has come a long way since its inception 40 years ago.
While The Legend of Zelda:
Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, gained widespread acclaim and is considered one of the best games ever made, it is important to recognize the franchise’s rich history and its impact on the gaming industry.
With the highly anticipated sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, set to release soon, fans are eager to see how the franchise will evolve further.
This article explores the origins of Zelda, its innovative gameplay, the groundbreaking success of Breath of the Wild, and the expectations surrounding the upcoming installment.
Humble Beginnings and Innovative Gameplay:
The first Legend of Zelda game was released in 1986, introducing players to the character of Link, a green-clad hero on a mission to rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil Ganon.
What set this game apart was its innovative use of gaming software, offering players a sense of exploration and self-discovery within a controlled space.
The game’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, drew inspiration from his own childhood experiences, aiming to provide players with the same freedom and wonder he felt while exploring the countryside around Kyoto.
Blank Slate Hero and Timeless Design:
One of the defining characteristics of the Zelda franchise is its protagonist, Link.
Link serves as a blank slate for players, allowing them to project themselves into the game’s fantasy world.
With minimal dialogue and a mysterious past, Link’s iconic green outfit and timeless design have remained relatively unchanged over the years.
This design choice allows players to experience the joy of discovery, exploration, and the fantasy of being a hero.
Evolution and Influence:
As the years passed, the Zelda games became more ambitious and influential in the gaming industry.
Titles like Ocarina of Time (1998) and A Link to the Past (1991) received critical acclaim and sold millions of copies.
The series inspired other games, such as Ōkami, which, in turn, influenced subsequent Zelda games.
The franchise’s constant evolution and willingness to push boundaries have made it a staple in the gaming community.
The Impact of Breath of the Wild:
The Legend of Zelda:
Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, revolutionized the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole.Set in an open world, the game offered players unparalleled freedom to explore, discover hidden treasures, and embark on their own unique adventures.
Its simplicity, lack of rules, and emphasis on exploration resonated with players and led to immense popularity, with over 30.7 million copies sold.
Breath of the Wild’s success paved the way for other open-world games and solidified the franchise’s place in gaming history.
Anticipation for Tears of the Kingdom:
With the upcoming release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, fans are eagerly awaiting another chapter in the franchise’s legacy.
Speculation is rampant about the new abilities and the expanded lore within the game.
Some hope for a shift back towards the style of the older games, while others anticipate new alliances and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The beauty of the Zelda franchise lies in the individual experiences it offers to players, and the upcoming installment is poised to continue that tradition.
Conclusion:
The Legend of Zelda franchise has captivated gamers for four decades, continuously pushing the boundaries of gameplay and storytelling.
From its humble beginnings to the groundbreaking success of Breath of the Wild, Zelda has remained a beloved and influential series.
The upcoming release of Tears of the Kingdom brings a new chapter in the franchise’s legacy, promising to deliver unique experiences and further expand the rich lore of the Zelda universe.
With its lasting impact on the gaming industry, The