The purpose of this thread is to hear from the forum what members believe the core concepts of a Zelda game are. In other words, without which parts of would Zelda stop being Zelda?
The following are what I deem to be the defining characteristics of a Zelda game:
Dungeons
Sure many videogames feature dungeons but The Legend of Zelda series handles this aspect in a unique and intriguing fashion. Most dungeons possess one or several elemental themes, a dungeon item, and a boss battle at the end. But that's a rather bland way of putting it. The dungeons in Zelda are filled with multiple branching pathways, are characterized by a vibrant aesthetic element, and often have puzzles which deceive the mind.
Musical Instruments
Another aspect which obviously sets the Zelda franchise away from the pack is its heavy emphasis on musical instruments whether it be an ocarina, conductor's baton, spirit flute, or harp. Nintendo so masterfully intertwines these items into the fabric of a Zelda game. An exceptional soundtrack has always characterized the franchise, however, these instruments added an extra layer of immersion by allowing the player to create beautiful tunes. Also, in most games instruments were useful for quick transportation by allowing Link to teleport and helped to progress the main story.
Indigenous Races
There have been so many races throughout the Zelda series that it's impossible to truly count. Kokiri, Goron, Zora, Deku, Korok, Mogma, Ancient Robot, Kikwi, and so much more! The interesting thing about the Zelda series in regards to new races is that Nintendo always finds a way to successfully incorporate them as a story element while also 1uping previous designs from one game to the next.
The Triforce
This is unarguably the one main symbol of the franchise uniting the essences of courage, power, and wisdom into one. It has been featured in every main Zelda game in some way, shape, or form. The most recent installment of the franchise-Skyward Sword-told the intriguing story of how the Triforce came to be. Link ultimately obtains the complete Triforce at the end of A Link to the Past.
Revolution
Something The Legend of Zelda franchise never fails to achieve is turn the videogame industry completely upside down. And that's certainly not a bad thing. The NES original was one of the first videogames with a save feature and was longer than most during its day. Ocarina of Time established the precedent for all future 3D games and invented the all important lock-on feature with its Z-targeting mechanism. And just last year Skyward Sword truly validated the use of motion control by masterfully building on the mere prototypes that were Wii Sports Resort and Red Steel 2.
What are your thoughts on my list of what defines a Zelda game-its essential elements? What key mechanics do you believe reside at the heart of the franchise? I thank any input into this thread in advance.
The following are what I deem to be the defining characteristics of a Zelda game:
Dungeons
Sure many videogames feature dungeons but The Legend of Zelda series handles this aspect in a unique and intriguing fashion. Most dungeons possess one or several elemental themes, a dungeon item, and a boss battle at the end. But that's a rather bland way of putting it. The dungeons in Zelda are filled with multiple branching pathways, are characterized by a vibrant aesthetic element, and often have puzzles which deceive the mind.
Musical Instruments
Another aspect which obviously sets the Zelda franchise away from the pack is its heavy emphasis on musical instruments whether it be an ocarina, conductor's baton, spirit flute, or harp. Nintendo so masterfully intertwines these items into the fabric of a Zelda game. An exceptional soundtrack has always characterized the franchise, however, these instruments added an extra layer of immersion by allowing the player to create beautiful tunes. Also, in most games instruments were useful for quick transportation by allowing Link to teleport and helped to progress the main story.
Indigenous Races
There have been so many races throughout the Zelda series that it's impossible to truly count. Kokiri, Goron, Zora, Deku, Korok, Mogma, Ancient Robot, Kikwi, and so much more! The interesting thing about the Zelda series in regards to new races is that Nintendo always finds a way to successfully incorporate them as a story element while also 1uping previous designs from one game to the next.
The Triforce
This is unarguably the one main symbol of the franchise uniting the essences of courage, power, and wisdom into one. It has been featured in every main Zelda game in some way, shape, or form. The most recent installment of the franchise-Skyward Sword-told the intriguing story of how the Triforce came to be. Link ultimately obtains the complete Triforce at the end of A Link to the Past.
Revolution
Something The Legend of Zelda franchise never fails to achieve is turn the videogame industry completely upside down. And that's certainly not a bad thing. The NES original was one of the first videogames with a save feature and was longer than most during its day. Ocarina of Time established the precedent for all future 3D games and invented the all important lock-on feature with its Z-targeting mechanism. And just last year Skyward Sword truly validated the use of motion control by masterfully building on the mere prototypes that were Wii Sports Resort and Red Steel 2.
What are your thoughts on my list of what defines a Zelda game-its essential elements? What key mechanics do you believe reside at the heart of the franchise? I thank any input into this thread in advance.
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