The Legend of Zelda game series has inspired generations of video game makers with its storytelling and gameplay, paving the way for series such as Okami, Shadow of Colossus and Souls. Soul Reaver and Uncharted creators Richard Lemarhand and Amy Hennig have cited Zelda as an influence for Soul Reaver, mentioning how important the pairing of gameplay and storytelling is. Created in 1986, Zelda protagonist Link has become one of the most well-known Nintendo characters. The silent, lone fantasy hero treks his way through dungeons and forests. You follow him as he defeats enemies and solves puzzles that progress the narrative. Mario Bros. (1981) and Donkey Kong (1980), Zelda’s level-based predecessors, have known world-wide success but Legend of Zelda ushered in a new era – one where beating your high score didn’t matter anymore.

Over the last 30 years, The Legend of Zelda  has grown in step with the leaps in gaming technology, particularly with the movement from 2D to 3D gaming. The latest game, Breath of the Wild (2017), has received critical acclaim, not least being named the best game released on the Nintendo Switch, the most recent Nintendo device, by the TN2 team in 2017.

As the Zelda series has grown,  Nintendo have stretched themselves to the limit. Over the 19 games that have been released in the series, each presents a new version of Link. His goal? To save Princess Zelda and the world of Hyrule from destruction. As the storylines have evolved, Zelda has become more and more complex, with a carefully woven narrative.

The debate around Link’s character depth has been tossed around Zelda forums for years. As a silent protagonist, the player can project their own feelings onto him but is Link a character in and of himself? Whilst Link has his own facial reactions to situations in cutscenes, he is a character that is loyal to a set of values. The triforce, a holy artefact made of three triangles, represents power, courage and wisdom. As well as knowing right from wrong, Link stays true to these values, showing his capability to be a real hero. It can be said that he is a character who is more than just the hero in the fight against evil. The influence of Link’s silence can definitely be seen in Okami. The protagonist is a white wolf, Amaterasu, who must rid Nippon of evil forces by bringing back the old gods and restoring the people’s belief in them. Amaterasu can bark and whine but for most of the game is silent. Endearing facial expressions and paw movements only add to her character which is reminiscent of Link.

Majora’s mask (2000) is an example of how one game can freshen up a series and put a whole new spin on storytelling. Majora’s mask is the sequel to the game Ocarina of Time (1998) and takes place in a parallel universe to Hyrule, the kingdom where most of the series is set. What is unique about this game is that it is based around a repeating cycle of three days. To progress the narrative, Link has to note their routines, meet their needs at specific times until the clock resets. The ultimate goal is to beat the final enemy but Link is able to develop his skills as a fighter, learning more with each interaction with the game’s characters. As a player, there is no better reward than to find all the jigsaw pieces and watch how they fit together, knowing that it was your acquired skills that got you this far.

Nowadays, side quests are inescapable in RPGs. They have a unique function, as while they may distract the player from progressing to the end of the main plot line, they are necessary in order to complete the game in its entirety. Weapons, potions, power-ups and attack methods are obtained during these side quests. In Breath of the Wild, Link wakes up in Hyrule with no shield or weapon, only himself and the clothes he is wearing. In order to become a skilled fighter, Link has to explore, giving the game an adventurous aspect. Going on side quests does not inhibit or take away from the main narrative. The game becomes fully realised as multiple stories exist in its world but are connected to, and ultimately add to, the progress of the main storyline. With each hour you play, the more immersed you become. In Hyrule, obsessing over the details of each nook and cranny you stumble across is half the fun. The likes of The Witcher and Fable have included side quests that have been noted for their bizarreness, the creators of which have often taken notes from Zelda (probably from the side quest in Majora’s mask with a very demanding sentient toilet).

The narrative value of the Zelda games is just one feature that has caught the attention of audiences over the years. With a cult following, there have been times when Nintendo have been berated by their fans, but have ultimately delivered. When the pre-game trailer for The Wind Waker (2003) was released, the forums blew up with anger. Toon Link was described as ‘too childish’, the graphics were ‘too colourful’ and nothing like what Nintendo players had seen in the Zelda universe before. Wind Waker went on to be one of the most beloved Zelda games, according to The New Statesman. It follows a parallel timeline where the Ocarina of Time Link has become a legend and others follow in his footsteps. The effect of this time skip on the narrative was that it was easier to follow for newcomers. The setting is a flooded world, made up of islands. Travelling to each island and completing the battles and tasks on said islands unlocks the next. This structure of isolated levels was also applied to the Nintendo DS games, Phantom Hourglass (2007) and Spirit Tracks (2009). The gameplay of these titles focuses more on puzzle solving, memory and reaching your destination unscathed. The story is just as satisfying whether you find yourself in an open world or not.

Regardless of the type of gameplay, The Legend of Zelda has delivered with each release and has led the way in adventure and open world style video games. Once the move from 2D to 3D was made, the possibilities were endless. The open world aspect of the more recent Zelda games has given the series a brand-new dimension. Masterpieces in adventure like Prince of Persia, Assassin’s Creed and Final Fantasy have all been influenced by the adventures of Link. What can’t be forgotten are the stories that have been told with each game. They are timeless tales that will inspire game-makers for decades to come.