Back with another article, I’m really sorry it took so long but with the end of the school year coming up I really need to spend more of my time on my homework, and other boring non-Zelda things. But anyway it’s been over a month now which seems much too long, so I will be working towards releasing my next one faster, although I put a bit more effort into this article so please leave me some feedback. Ideally I’ll have another article out before E3, I know! The wait is killing me too! So have a read and tell me what you think about Link from Zelda Wii by commenting!!

As a long standing fan of the series it has finally occured to me that I’m getting older, and so is Link. We have journeyed far and wide together and even traveled across time itself to different ages and sometimes even to different realms. Recently Link, at least in my opinion, was the embodiment of youth, and inner strength. A role model for future generations, and he still is all those things, but as time passes peoples opinions change or develop. My own perspective of the world has slowly been changing over the past few years and I am beginning to see things in a different light. Link also has begun to change in this fashion, in this new game people will begin to see him in a new perspective, and I wonder what that will be like.

After all, those of us who seem to be around Link’s new age will most likely see this as our most personal and engaging journey yet. So far this “older,” Link appears to be resounding well with the Zelda community, I just hope that his age isen’t misrepresented. Like if they didn’t succeed in developing this new character very far, I believe since this Link is the oldest to date that he should recieve the most treatment in terms of character development that Link has ever had.

I’m not saying that I want full on voice acting (far from it!) but some changes to his character are in order. Suppose that this game is the most graphically advanced to date, even outdoing TP’s Style. In a game where Link is more defined than ever before do you think they wouldn’t try to make improvements on his costume and character? I do. Also it may come to pass that Link’s gear recieves an overhaul as well, example being his shield, reminiscent to the transition between OoT and MM they may decide to redesign the Hylian Shield. It’s all very confusing I know, so many possible changes to the series with no hints toward what the developers are really focusing on other than the sword play. Which sounds like some crazy metaphor for growing up. Tons of potential with no clear direction. If Zelda Wii can harness it’s potential then I’m sure it will become one of the greatest Zelda games yet, but if they mess up or skip over important aspects of the game it might end up feeling half baked or “too casual,” for hardcore Zelda fans.

Recently it was mentioned (by Miyamoto I think,) that the core areas of the game had already been realised and that they had decided to create the layout of the game world before working on the cut scenes and plot, wheras every game prior to this they had worked on the story and cutscenes before the gameplay and game areas. Depending on what they have created in the game will have a direct affect on the storyline and Link’s developement, not really sure what that has to do with Link’s maturity but I hope they pick out some really great spots in the game world for the cut scenes and esspecially the minor developements, like meeting new characters… anything that in turn influences Link and his decisions really. I think it would be neat since he is older to see lots of minor developements turn into something greater. like mere willingness slowly turning into fierce determination, the hallmark of a true hero.

In the adult timeline and in MM there were a few moments that really confirmed Link’s adulthood to me and I believe it is really important that they capture that feel again. The Romani Mask was a big one and in OoT every time you recieved a madallion or had a conversation with one of the sages it made me feel as if Link was indeed older. Talkin about marriage and stuff with Ruto. It would be so nice if some of the lightheartedness of Zelda was removed and we had to deal with some serious dialouge,  I’d like to point out that grown up conversations in game would impress on us that Link is older. With more interactions and heavier conversations, balanced with accessible gameplay Zelda Wii could become a must have game for any Wii owner. I think somehow this idea of maturity needs to be brought accross to the player. Maybe the swordplay itself will be enough to convince us that Link has indeed, matured.

It’s only a matter of time before E3 and and despite being older than I’ve ever been I feel young having to wait for this new epic Zelda game. Nintendo has been very hush hush of late and I believe this is because they are trying their best to concentrate on the presentation they are setting up at this years convention and they can’t afford any leaks when they are so close to the date of this huge annual event. Just a little longer until we, the Zelda community get a look at one of Nintendo’s huggest titles. I just wish they would tell us what it’s title really is.