This may contain spoilers, so read at your own risk!
The Legend of Zelda is a video game series that revolves around swords, castles, and other medieval themes. Who would think that music could really be an integral part of such a series? I, for one, believe it is very important throughout the games. I have not played much of the original LoZ through LA, but I will use my knowledge of the rest of the series in my discussion.
Let's begin with Ocarina of Time. It's in the title, "Ocarina." Although the game does not center around the ocarina itself, it is a very useful tool. It is capable of teleporting the gamer to many locations, and is invaluable when you need to travel through time. How else would you quickly arrive at the Temple of Time?
OoT's direct sequel, Majora's Mask, also featues the Ocarina of Time. It is stolen by Skull Kid in the onset of the game, and is responsible for giving Link the ability to go back in time and summon the Giants. Without it, Link would really only have three days. Three days that passed by at normal speed. And he would not be able to stop the moon.
Another installment subsequent to OoT, The Wind Waker, also contains an instrument in the title. The Wind Waker, the baton itself, has many uses, none more important than the melodies used to gin access to the Wind and Earth Temples. However, it also has many more subtle uses, like changing the flow of the wind, or teleporting via cyclones.
Continuing along the timeline, Spirit Tracks is the next game that features a key instrument. The Spirit Flute was a by-product of the Mic in the Nintendo DS, and allowed the user to feel like they were blowing into the panflute. The Spirit Flute was not as important as some other implements like the Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker, but it was still vital to activate the Spirit Tracks on the Rail Map with the Lokomos.
Two other games that included a musical reference are Oracle of Ages and Twilight Princess. In Oracle of Ages, the Harp of Ages, though not used too often, was necessary to travel between the past and present. In addition, Twilight Princess, which did not include an actual instrument, but the songs of a howling wolf at the Howling Stones. These were used to teach Link the Hidden Skills by the Hero's Shade.
My general point is to notice how music has been implemented in an action and puzzle-solving video game series. What do you guys think about the prior uses of instruments and music in the Legend of Zelda? Was it a good idea? Or do you think Nintendo pushed it a bit far? Is there something I missed? Do you think there will be an instrument of some sort introduced in Skyward Sword?
These are all valid questions, and I'd like to hear your opinions and theories on the music in Zelda.
The Legend of Zelda is a video game series that revolves around swords, castles, and other medieval themes. Who would think that music could really be an integral part of such a series? I, for one, believe it is very important throughout the games. I have not played much of the original LoZ through LA, but I will use my knowledge of the rest of the series in my discussion.
Let's begin with Ocarina of Time. It's in the title, "Ocarina." Although the game does not center around the ocarina itself, it is a very useful tool. It is capable of teleporting the gamer to many locations, and is invaluable when you need to travel through time. How else would you quickly arrive at the Temple of Time?
OoT's direct sequel, Majora's Mask, also featues the Ocarina of Time. It is stolen by Skull Kid in the onset of the game, and is responsible for giving Link the ability to go back in time and summon the Giants. Without it, Link would really only have three days. Three days that passed by at normal speed. And he would not be able to stop the moon.
Another installment subsequent to OoT, The Wind Waker, also contains an instrument in the title. The Wind Waker, the baton itself, has many uses, none more important than the melodies used to gin access to the Wind and Earth Temples. However, it also has many more subtle uses, like changing the flow of the wind, or teleporting via cyclones.
Continuing along the timeline, Spirit Tracks is the next game that features a key instrument. The Spirit Flute was a by-product of the Mic in the Nintendo DS, and allowed the user to feel like they were blowing into the panflute. The Spirit Flute was not as important as some other implements like the Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker, but it was still vital to activate the Spirit Tracks on the Rail Map with the Lokomos.
Two other games that included a musical reference are Oracle of Ages and Twilight Princess. In Oracle of Ages, the Harp of Ages, though not used too often, was necessary to travel between the past and present. In addition, Twilight Princess, which did not include an actual instrument, but the songs of a howling wolf at the Howling Stones. These were used to teach Link the Hidden Skills by the Hero's Shade.
My general point is to notice how music has been implemented in an action and puzzle-solving video game series. What do you guys think about the prior uses of instruments and music in the Legend of Zelda? Was it a good idea? Or do you think Nintendo pushed it a bit far? Is there something I missed? Do you think there will be an instrument of some sort introduced in Skyward Sword?
These are all valid questions, and I'd like to hear your opinions and theories on the music in Zelda.
