Author: Leslie Jacobson

The vast world of Hyrule is amazing within Zelda games themselves. When someone brings those maps from a 2D representation to a 3D world, it makes it even more impressive. Zelda Dungeon has recently featured two Breath of the Wild maps, one created with LEGO and the other a diorama with mixed media. Artist Jazza decided to honor the newest entry in the Zelda series, Echoes of Wisdom, with a 3D printed map. Jazza created and worked on the map long…

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is certainly one of the most popular and nostalgic games for both fans of the Zelda series and just any gamer in general. Yet, there is one question that I have wondered for many, many years.  Why are there wrappings around the scabbard of the Master Sword? It’s such a beautiful scabbard that it seems a shame to cover it up with the wrappings. So, why are they there? Every piece of official art for…

Now that everyone has had a good two months to play Echoes of Wisdom, we’ve had a lot of time to experiment with echoes. Of course, part of the gameplay itself is experimenting and trying different combinations of echoes to complete the quests. Still, I’ve run into some unusual properties of certain echoes that do not necessarily affect gameplay. For example, Zelda can lift quite a few of the enemy echoes. In the early part of the game, it’s easier to…

Nintendo’s Japanese stores have a new gacha collection of magnetic toys featuring Zonai Devices from Tears of the Kingdom! According to the official X account for Nintendo’s Japanese stores, these Zonai Device figures (published by Bandai) will receive a wide release in Spring 2025. Meanwhile, they will be available at Nintendo Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto and at a pop-up location at the Kanazawa Forus Shopping Mall. Leslie JacobsonLeslie is a mom, a cosplayer, an educator, and a fervent fan of The Legend of…

The term “black sheep” comes from the natural phenomenon that a sheep may be born with black wool instead of the typical white. The wool of a black sheep cannot be dyed as easily. Therefore, people valued the black wool less than the white wool. Eventually the phrase “black sheep” became an expression given to those who did not fit in amongst the flock. In more modern use, a black sheep is simply an oddity that does not fit in…

“Why do I always have to babysit?” I muttered to myself. Just because I was the oldest, I had to take care of my sisters whenever my parents had company from other tribes. The delegation from the Gerudo tribe had arrived late yesterday, had some refreshments, and retired early to the guest chambers. This morning, they were discussing a potential alliance with my family and tribe, the forest people. I had to keep my sisters out of my parents’ way…

The two most recent Zelda series titles have such different announcement-to-release timeframes that it makes me wonder how Nintendo decides when to announce a game.  The game that eventually became Tears of the Kingdom was first announced in 2019 and released in 2023, about four years after its initial announcement.  Of course, the pandemic is one factor for why the game may have taken as long as it did. Compare that to Echoes of Wisdom, which was announced in June 2024…

In a recent edition of Ask the Developer, Echoes of Wisdom developers shared insights into what it was like creating the game. Those interviewed include The Legend of Zelda Series Producer Eiji Aonuma, the Director for Echoes of Wisdom from Nintendo Tomomi Sano, and the Director from the Grezzo side of production Satoshi Terada. Grezzo is the company behind many Zelda remakes, including the 2019 version of Link’s Awakening. In Part 2 of the interview, the developers spoke about the development…

In just a couple of years, The Legend of Zelda for the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System — the game that started it all — will be 40 years old! In that time, fans of multiple generations have been able to share with their peers the secrets they’ve found, the best strategies for tricky bosses, and the lore that ties the games together. And as the rivers of time flow on, those who grew up with The Legend of Zelda…

Just about a month ago, Nintendo announced that in October there will be a new two-way charging stand for Joy-Cons. Shortly after the announcement, some questioned Nintendo’s decision to release this two-way charging stand so late in the Switch’s life cycle. The Switch is seven years old at this point, and Nintendo has already said they’ll make an announcement about the Switch successor sometime before March 2025. Why would Nintendo release a charging stand for a system that will be…