ZD Top 5 – Enemy Designs

It’s clear that a lot of work goes into creating the settings of every Zelda game, but some of the best details in the worlds happen to be the enemies that pervade them. each enemy is remarkable in its own right, and all add a bit of flare to Link’s adventure. In this week’s Zelda Dungeon Top 5, we take a look at the design of enemies throughout the Zelda franchise. Predictably, the 3D games dominate this list, but there are still appearances made by representatives from A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening. As usual, feel free to leave your own lists down below!

Andrew Kiser – View Profile

5. Wizzrobe (Wind Waker)
4. Poe (Ocarina of Time 3D)
3. Furnix (Skyward Sword)
2. Darknut (Twilight Princess)
1. Aeralfos (Twilight Princess)

Obviously I like enemies that can fly. Their unique movements and requirement for quick reactions set them apart from a lot of other enemies. These enemies also take more than one shot as opposed to the Keese or Bad Bats. I also really like the Darknut of Twilight Princess because it just looks so intimidating. I could almost fill this whole list with Twilight Princess enemies because I think that art style is by far my favorite of the series.

Ethan Hunt – View Profile

5. Deku Baba (Skyward Sword)
4. Beamos (Skyward Sword)
3. Lizalfos (Ocarina of Time)
2. Iron Knuckle (Ocarina of Time)
1. Scervo (Skyward Sword)

Skyward Sword enemies dominate this list because I love the way combat was incorporated into their designs. For example, the Deku Babas would open horizontally and vertically and required you to slash in the corresponding direction.

Kevin O’Rourke – View Profile

5. Guardian (Flying) (Skyward Sword)
4. Aerolfos (Twilight Princess)
3. Ball and Chain Trooper (Link to the Past)
2. Darknut (Twilight Princess)
1. Iron Knuckle (Ocarina of Time)

By far the coolest enemy design is the Iron Knuckle from Ocarina of Time. These guys were so tough and they showed it in their armor and the way they swung their giant axes. Taking down an Iron Knuckle was always a tough battle and very rewarding once you finally defeated one.

Alexis Anderson – View Profile

5. Eyegore (Ocarina of Time)
4. Darknut (Wind Waker)
3. Buzzblob (Link’s Awakening)
2. Garo Robe (Majora’s Mask)
1. Wall Master (Ocarina of Time)

I don’t often think about the designs of Zelda enemies; because they’re easy just to slash-and-hack, I pay them little mind. So, my picks are memorable more than anything. Wall Masters, though annoying, are so intriguing! Veiny severed hands that clearly aren’t human and seem to pop up out of nowhere are flawless for invoking fear, and the fact that they warn players with their shadow makes them bearable deterrents. Garo Robes are just cool in a historical context, Buzzblob look so unassuming but ZAP, and, as for the rest, I find them hard to kill and interesting to look at.

Mark Olson – View Profile

5. Stalfos (Wind Waker)
4. Armos (Skyward Sword)
3. Lynel (A Link to the Past/Between Worlds)
2. Bulbin (Twilight Princess)
1. Armos Knight (Wind Waker)

I seem to have a thing for vaguely-humanoid creatures; three of my five choices fit this description. I always thought that the Armos Knights from the Wind Waker looked crazy cool. I like the detailing on their armor and the design of their swords in particular.

Phillip Wybenga – View Profile

5. Garo Robe (Majora’s Mask)
4. Mothula (Wind Waker)
3. Anti-Kirby (Link’s Awakening)
2. Staldra (Skyward Sword)
1. Lynel (A Link to the Past)

Like Alexis, I never looked closely at enemy designs until now. Garo Robes are hooded, dual wielding assassins, and are somewhat enigmatic. I loved the vibrant and majestic design of Mothula in Wind Waker and how they’re rocket propelled. My third pick is kind of cheating, as they are based on Kirby, but I like hero foil characters. Tri-headed snakes are cool, and who doesn’t like fearsome, fire-breathing centaurs?