ZD Top 5 – Cutscenes

Though the notion is much maligned by some of the fan base, the Zelda series has become increasingly story-focused as the franchise has progressed. Each new entry brings with it new characters and new scenarios for our hero to face. Some of these scenarios have left lasting impressions on fans throughout the years, and have come to make the series the beloved journey that it is. This week, the Zelda Dungeon staffers list their five favorite story moments in Zelda. As usual, feel free to leave your personal lists in the comments!

Jon Lett – View Profile

5. Ravio Pleads to Hilda for Her to Stop (A Link Between Worlds)
4. Ganondorf Explains Himself Before the Final Fight (The Wind Waker)
3. Zant Storms Hyrule Castle’s Throne Room (Twilight Princess)
2. Link Realizes Ilia Does Not Remember Him (Twilight Princess)
1. Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule Says Goodbye to Link and Zelda (The Wind Waker)

I may be a bit biased, since The Wind Waker is my favorite Zelda, but still. Not only did the gorgeous piano music in the background fit the scene perfectly, but the King’s speech really hit me hard. Plus, as a kid, I didn’t even realize that the Hyrule that was being flooded as the scene happened was the same Hyrule from so many beloved Zelda games in that timeline. Nonetheless, it was a very emotional moment, and to this day, the final fight and scene immediately after are well-worth re-watching, but nothing tops the King’s goodbye speech.

Kassye Butler – View Profile

5. Link and Shiek together after Water Temple (Ocarina of Time)
4. Shiek saves Link from Shadow being (Ocarina of Time)
3. Groose saves Zelda (Skyward Sword)
2. Link sees Ilia for the first time (Twilight Princess)
1. Zelda asks Link to wake her up (Skyward Sword)

Ok, I am a sucker for sappy moments. But come on! If you didn’t cry when Zelda asks Link to wake her up instead of her waking Link up, THEN YOU HAVE NO SOUL. I cried, paused the game, and had to collect myself. And I love it. These kind of character moments are what keep drawing me back into the games.

Kevin O’Rourke – View Profile

5. Skull Kid and the Fairies Carve Their Drawing (Majora’s Mask)
4. Explanation of the Triforce (Ocarina of Time)
3. Kaepora Gaebora Guiding Link (Ocarina of Time)
2. Sheik’s Identity is Revealed (Ocarina of Time)
1. Link’s Uncle (A Link to the Past)

The most vivid games from my Zelda career are the Nintendo 64 releases so they dominate this Top 5. The one that seals it for me is Link’s Uncle in A Link to the Past. Going into Hyrule Castle for the first time and having him spur you on before seemingly biting the dust helped keep the stakes high in Link to the Past.

Alasyn Eletha – View Profile

5. Meeting Lord Ghirahim (Skyward Sword)
4. Facing Ganondorf the Second Time (The Wind Waker)
3. Goddess Pearls (The Wind Waker)
2. Korok Ceremony (The Wind Waker)
1. Grooseland (Skyward Sword)

Do I really only get to pick five? Ugh, fine… I think that Ghirahim is such an awesome character; you’re weirded out by his antics, however, you can’t help but love him. The Wind Waker has a few pretty deep story scenes, but I also love some of the silliness thrown in there in addition to the adorable ceremony performed by the Koroks. Finally, Grooseland is probably my favorite scene because, though it has an element of comedy, I also find the change in Link and Groose’s relationship in this moment really heartwarming.

Mark Olson – View Profile

5. Aryll’s Kidnapping (Wind Waker)
4. Hilda’s Explanation of Motives (A Link Between Worlds)
3. “Will you come to wake me up?” (Skyward Sword)
2. Showdown at the Temple of Time (Skyward Sword)
1. Ganondorf’s Monologue (Wind Waker)

The top three were neck in neck for me- it came down to an epic battle showcasing what Ghirahim was capable of, a beautifully human moment, or a beautifully humanizing moment. Ultimately, I chose the latter; everyone gives (admittedly well-deserved) props to Majora’s Mask for its vivid characters, but The Wind Waker pulled off some spectacular characterization of Ganondorf, showing that he was more than just a final boss.