Gossip Stone: Will Future Zelda Games Use a “Non-Link” Hero?

Link is one of the most famous heros in gaming, and he has taken on so many iterations that he does not seem stale. Hyrule Warriors, though, seems to show that many other Zelda characters are a lot of fun to play as as well. Perhaps it is time for a new protagonist, or even just a spin-off featuring a familiar side character. Should there be a new hero featured in a future Zelda title? Join the discussion after the jump!

Recently, Hyrule Warriors‘ Japanese art book revealed development plans for a potentially female Link character, who turned out to be, most likely, Link’s little sister. Having optional male and female versions of the main hero, like in Fire Emblem: Awakening or Mass Effect, would please a lot of players that are apparently getting a bit tired of the solely male hero. Again, Hyrule Warriors is proving that fighting as the series’ ladies is just as awesome.

Having a game without Link as the hero at all could also be an interesting step. Many people thought that the character in the Zelda Wii U trailer at this year’s E3 convention was not link at all. Some thought it was a brand new character. If this were the case, would it honestly be a bad thing? Sure, I would miss our favorite gran-clad hero, but who’s to say we would not grow fond of this potential new guy/girl?

Of course, spin-off’s about side characters are something people have wished for for a long time. Tingle had his own games in Japan, and they were honestly quite fun, but who else could make a good game. Well, the first one I think of is Groose. When the words “The Legend of Groose” passed his lips at the end of Skyward Sword, everyone seemed to want Groose to have his own game. Maybe it would be a fun little departure.

Your turn! Is it about time that Link stepped out of the spotlight? If so, who should replace him in a new game in the series? Leave a comment below!