Legend+of+Zelda+History

//This article is about the series of video games. For the first game in the series, see [|The Legend of Zelda (video game)].// //The Legend of Zelda// series logo || [|Capcom]/[|Flagship] [|Vanpool] || [|Takashi Tezuka] || //**The Legend of Zelda**//​ ( ゼルダの伝説 //Zeruda no Densetsu//[|?]  )  is a [|high fantasy] [|action-adventure] [|video game] series created by Japanese [|game designers],[|Shigeru Miyamoto] and [|Takashi Tezuka]. It was [|developed] and [|published] by [|Nintendo], with some portable installments outsourced to [|Flagship]/[|Capcom] and[|Vanpool]. Considered one of Nintendo's most important franchises, its [|gameplay] consists of a mixture of [|action], [|adventure], and [|puzzle] solving. The series centers on [|Link], the main playable character and [|protagonist]. Link is often given the task of rescuing [|Princess Zelda] in the most common setting of the series, [|Hyrule], from [|Ganon] — also known as [|Ganondorf] — who is the primary [|antagonist] of the series. However, other settings and antagonists have appeared throughout the games, with [|Vaati] having recently become the series' secondary antagonist. The story commonly involves a relic known as the[|Triforce], which is a set of three golden triangles of [|omnipotence]. Link holds the triforce of courage, Zelda holds the triforce of wisdom, and Ganon holds the triforce of power. The protagonist in each game is usually not the same incarnation of Link, but a few exceptions do exist. As of April 2010, //The Legend of Zelda// series has sold over 59 million copies since the release of the first game, //[|The Legend of Zelda]//,[|[1]] and continues to be successful worldwide. The series consists of 15 official games on all of Nintendo's major consoles, as well as several spin-offs. An American [|animated series] based on the games aired in 1989, and [|individual manga adaptions] which are officially endorsed and commissioned by Nintendo have been produced in Japan since 1997. [[|hide]] * [|1] [|Overview]
 * ~ //The Legend of Zelda// ||
 * = [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2a/Zelda_Logo.svg/250px-Zelda_Logo.svg.png width="250" height="112" caption="The text "The Legend of Zelda"" link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zelda_Logo.svg"]]
 * **[|Genres]** || [|Action-adventure] ||
 * **[|Developers]** || [|Nintendo]
 * **[|Publishers]** || Nintendo ||
 * **[|Creators]** || [|Shigeru Miyamoto]
 * **[|First release]** || //The Legend of Zelda//
 * [|JP] February 21, 1986 ||
 * **[|Latest release]** || //[|Skyward Sword]//
 * [|NA] 2011 ||
 * **Official website** || [|Zelda Universe] ||
 * ==**Contents**==
 * [|1.1] [|Gameplay]
 * [|1.2] [|Chronology]
 * [|1.3] [|Inspiration]
 * [|2] [|Fictional universe]
 * [|2.1] [|History]
 * [|2.2] [|Protagonist]
 * [|2.3] [|Princess Zelda]
 * [|3] [|Media]
 * [|3.1] [|Games]
 * [|3.1.1] [|Future]
 * [|3.2] [|Music]
 * [|3.3] [|Cartoons]
 * [|3.4] [|Comics and manga]
 * [|3.5] [|CD-i games]
 * [|3.6] [|LCD games]
 * [|3.7] [|Cancelled games]
 * [|3.8] [|Spin-off games]
 * [|3.9] [|Zelda in other video games]
 * [|4] [|Reception]
 * [|4.1] [|Cultural influence]
 * [|5] [|Notes]
 * [|6] [|References]
 * [|7] [|External links] ||

** [[|edit]] Gameplay **
//The Legend of Zelda// games feature a mixture of puzzles, action, adventure/battle [|gameplay], and exploration. These elements have remained constant throughout the series, but with refinements and additions featured in each new game. The player is frequently rewarded for solving puzzles or exploring areas. Most //Zelda// games involve locating and exploring dungeons, in which puzzles are solved and[|enemies] fought, then defeating the dungeon's [|boss]. Each dungeon usually has one major item inside, which is usually essential for solving many of the puzzles in that dungeon and often plays a crucial role in defeating that dungeon's boss. Some items are consistent and appear many times throughout the series, while others are unique to a single game. The series also consists of stealth gameplay, where the player must avoid enemies while proceeding through a level, as well as racing elements.Battle mode was first featured in phantom hourglass to play on ds wireless connection and nintendo wi-fi connection.

** [[|edit]] Chronology **
Though the chronology of the //Legend of Zelda// series is subject to much debate among fans, numerous materials and developer statements have partially established an official timeline of the released installments. //[|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]// is a direct sequel to the original //[|The Legend of Zelda]// and takes place several years later.[|[2]][|[3]] The third game, //[|A Link to the Past]//, is a prequel to the first two titles[|[4]][|[5]][|[6]] and is followed by //[|Link's Awakening]//.[|[7]] //[|Ocarina of Time]// is also a prequel, taking the story many centuries back and implicitly telling the Imprisoning War from the manual of //A Link to the Past//.[|[8]][|[9]] The ending of this game caused the timeline to split, with the child era leading into the direct sequel //[|Majora's Mask]//,[|[10]] and //[|Twilight Princess]// set more than 100 years later.[|[11]] //[|The Wind Waker]//is parallel and takes place in the other timeline branch, more than a century after the adult era of //Ocarina of Time//.[|[11]][|[12]] //[|Phantom Hourglass]// is a continuation of Link's and Tetra's story,[|[13]] followed by//[|Spirit Tracks]// about 100 years later.[|[14]] At the time of its release, //[|Four Swords]// for the Game Boy Advance was considered the oldest tale in the series' chronology, with //[|Four Swords Adventures]// set sometime after its events.[|[15]] //[|The Minish Cap]// precedes the two games, telling the story of the Four Sword's birth.[|[16]] There have been no statements about the placement of the //[|Oracle]// titles and //[|Skyward Sword]//, or about which timeline branch some of the earlier installments are meant to be set in.

** [[|edit]] Inspiration **
//The Legend of Zelda// was principally inspired by [|Shigeru Miyamoto]'s explorations as a young boy in the hillsides surrounding his childhood home in [|Kyoto], [|Japan][|[17]] where he ventured into forests with secluded lakes, caves, and rural villages. According to Miyamoto, one of his most memorable experiences was the discovery of a cave entrance in the middle of the woods. After some hesitation, he apprehensively entered the cave, and explored its depths with the aid of a lantern. Miyamoto has referred to the creation of the //Zelda// games as an attempt to bring to life a "miniature garden" for players to play with in each game of the series.[|[18]] Hearing of American novelist [|F. Scott Fitzgerald]'s wife [|Zelda], Miyamoto thought the name sounded "pleasant and significant".[|[19]] Paying tribute, he chose to name the princess after her, and titled his creation //The Legend of Zelda//.

[[|edit]] Fictional universe
//Main article: [|Universe of The Legend of Zelda]// Please help [|improve this article] by adding [|reliable references]. Unsourced material may be [|challenged] and [|removed]. //(January 2009)// || //The Legend of Zelda// series has developed a deep story and wide [|universe] over its many releases. Much of the backstory of the creation of Hyrule was revealed in the games //[|A Link to the Past]//, //[|Ocarina of Time]//, //[|The Wind Waker]//, and //[|Twilight Princess]//.
 * = [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/50px-Question_book-new.svg.png width="50" height="39" caption="Question book-new.svg" link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book-new.svg"]] || This section **needs additional [|citations] for [|verification].**

** [[|edit]] History **
According to the in-game backstories, long ago, three [|golden goddesses] descended and created the land of Hyrule. Din, the Goddess of Power, with her powerful, flaming arms, cultivated the empty space, and created the red earth. Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, bestowed her divine [|Wisdom] upon the land, and created the world's laws to give a sense of [|justice] and order to the world, and to guide the people in the goddesses' absence. Farore, the Goddess of [|Courage], endowed Hyrule with her powers, creating life to follow this justice. After their work was completed, the goddesses left a sacred artifact called the [|Triforce], which could grant the wishes of the user. It consisted of three golden triangles (each also called a "Triforce"—one of [|Wisdom], one of [|Power] and one of [|Courage]). However, because the Triforce was not divine, and could not judge between good and evil, the goddesses placed the Triforce in an alternate world called the "Sacred Realm" or the "Golden Land", hoping that a worthy person would one day seek it. According to legend, the discoverer of the Triforce will receive the Triforce as a whole - along with the true force to govern all - only if that person has a balance of power, wisdom and courage. If the heart of that person is pure, the Sacred Realm will become a paradise. If the heart of that person is evil, the Sacred Realm will become a nightmarish world of evil. If they are unbalanced, they will only receive the part of the Triforce that represents the characteristic they most demonstrate, with the remaining parts of the whole transferring into the people in Hyrule who most exemplify the other two traits. The Triforce was first distributed as such starting in [|//Ocarina of Time//], with the Triforces of Power, Wisdom, and Courage being transferred to Ganondorf, Princess Zelda, and Link, respectively. While the Triforce of Power and Wisdom have been part of the series since the original //The Legend of Zelda//, it was only in //[|The Adventure of Link]// that the Triforce of Courage was first introduced, being obtained by Link at the end of his quest. The triforce, or even a piece of it, isn't always distributed as a whole. Such as in Wind Waker, Link must find all the pieces (called Triforce Shards) of the Triforce of Courage before he can return to Hyrule. The fictional universe established by the //Zelda// games sets the stage for each adventure. Many games take place in lands with their own back-stories. [|Termina], for example, is a parallel world [|[20]] while[|Koholint] is an island far away from Hyrule that appears to be part of a dream.[|[21]]

** [[|edit]] Protagonist **
//Main article: [|Link (The Legend of Zelda)]// The main [|protagonist] of //The Legend of Zelda// series, Link, is portrayed as a male child or teen who wears a green tunic and pointed cap for most of each game. He is a member of the Hylian race. Link is described on the series' official website as humble and brave, and therefore appropriate to bear the [|Triforce] of Courage. He sometimes has a special title, such as "Hero of Time","Hero of the Winds" or "Hero of Twilight". All incarnations of Link are left-handed, the only exceptions currently being in the [|Wii] version of //[|Twilight Princess]//, and the upcoming Skyward Sword, in which he is right-handed due to "mirroring" used to accommodate the right-handed control scheme,[|[22]] which flips the entire game world's layout from that of its [|Nintendo GameCube] counterpart, and in the manual for the original game, he is depicted as being right-handed. Also in the original game Link is seen as ambidextrous because whether he is facing left or right his sword is in the "down screen side" Link does not usually speak, and only produces grunts, yells or similar sounds. One exception is //[|The Wind Waker]// is in which he says "Come on!" to make people or objects follow him. When Link is asked questions, the player answers by choosing options from a list, with the exception of a few times in [|Spirit Tracks], where the microphone is used to speak; Link usually does not give any oral or visual indication that he has answered, however he sometimes nods his head in //The Wind Waker//. Link does speak in the [|cartoon] series and the [|CD-i games] produced by [|Philips], though these are not canon materials in the series. However, he does "speak" two lines in //[|The Adventure of Link]//; when he locates a mirror under a table, the text, "I found a mirror under the table" appears on screen, and later on, if he examines a fireplace that he can enter, "Looks like I can get in the fireplace" is displayed. In most games, the player can name Link before the start of the adventure, and he will be referred by that given name throughout by the NPCs.[|[23]]

** [[|edit]] Princess Zelda **
//Main article: [|Princess Zelda]// Princess Zelda is the princess of Hyrule and guardian of the Triforce of Wisdom. While most titles require Link to save Zelda from Ganon, she is sometimes shown to be quite capable in battle, using magical powers and weapons to aid Link. With the exception of the CD-i games, she wasn't playable in the main series until //Spirit Tracks//, where she becomes a spirit and can possess a Phantom Knight that can be controlled by the player.

[[|edit]] Media
//Main article: [|List of The Legend of Zelda media]//

** [[|edit]] Games **
//The Legend of Zelda// on the [|Nintendo Entertainment System] console //The Legend of Zelda//, the first game of the series, was first released in Japan on February 21, 1986 on the [|Famicom Disk System]. A cartridge version, using battery-backed [|memory], was released in the United States on August 22, 1987 and Europe on November 27, 1987. The game features a "Second Quest", accessible on completing the game, or by registering your name as "ZELDA" when starting a new quest, in which dungeons and item placement are different, and enemies are more difficult for the player to defeat.[|[24]] In 1994, near the end of the Famicom's lifespan, the game was rereleased in cartridge format.[|[25]] A modified version, //[|BS Zelda no Densetsu]//, was released for the [|Super Famicom]'s satellite-based expansion, [|Satellaview], on August 6, 1995 in Japan. A second Satellaview title, //BS Zelda no Densetsu MAP2// was released for the Satellaview on December 30, 1995. Both titles featured rearranged dungeons, an altered [|overworld], and new voice-acted plot-lines.[|[26]] The second game, //[|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]//, was released for the [|Famicom Disk System] in Japan in January 1987, and for the [|Nintendo Entertainment System] in Europe in November 1988 and North America in December 1988. The game exchanged the [|top-down perspective] for [|side-scrolling] (though the top-down point of view was retained for overworld areas), and introduced [|RPG] elements (such as [|experience points]) not used in //The Legend of Zelda//. //The Legend of Zelda// and //Zelda II// were released in gold-colored game cartridges instead of the console's regular gray cartridges. Both were rereleased in the final years of the [|Nintendo Entertainment System] with gray cartridges. Four years later, //[|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]// returned to the top-down view (under a [|3/4 perspective]), and added the concept of an [|alternate dimension], the Dark World. The game was released for the [|SNES] in 1991. It was later rereleased for the [|Game Boy Advance] on December 9, 2002 in North America, on a cartridge with //[|Four Swords]//, the first multiplayer //Zelda//, and then through Nintendo's Virtual Console service on January 22, 2007. In addition, both this game (unchanged, except for being converted into a downloadable format)[|[27]] and an exclusive "loosely-based" sequel (which used the same game engine) called //[|BS Zelda no Densetsu Kodai no Sekiban]//[|[28]] were released on the [|Satellaview] in Japan on March 2, 1997 and March 30, 1997 respectively. Link in the opening [|cutscene] of [|//Link's Awakening DX//] The next game, //[|Link's Awakening]//, is the first //Zelda// for Nintendo's [|Game Boy] [|handheld], and the first set outside Hyrule and to exclude Princess Zelda. It was rereleased, in full color, as a launch title for the Game Boy Color in 1998 as //Link's Awakening DX// with some additional features, including an extra color-based dungeon and a photo shop that allows interaction with the [|Game Boy Printer]. After another hiatus, the series made the transition to [|3D] with //[|Ocarina of Time]// for the [|Nintendo 64], which was released in November 1998. This game, initially known as //Zelda 64//, retains the core gameplay of the previous [|2D] games, and was very successful commercially and critically. It ranks highly on IGN and EGM's "greatest games of all time" lists, and scored perfect scores in several video game publications.[|[29]] In February 2006, it was ranked by //[|Nintendo Power]// as the best game released for a Nintendo console.[|[30]] The game was originally developed for the poorly-selling, Japanese-only [|Nintendo 64DD], but was [|ported] to cartridge format when the 64DD hardware was delayed.[|[31]] A new gameplay mechanic, lock-on targeting, is used in the game, which focuses the camera on a nearby target and alters the player's actions relative to that target.[|[32]]Such mechanics allow precise sword fighting in a 3D space. The game also heavily used context-sensitive button play, which enabled the player to control various actions with Link using only one button on the Nintendo 64's game pad. Each action was handled slightly differently but all used the 'A' button to perform. For instance standing next to a block and pressing 'A' made Link grab it (enabling him to push/pull it), but moving forwards into a block and pressing 'A' allowed Link to climb the block. Or if you stood next to something which you could pick up, you pressed 'A' to pick it up, and to drop it back down to the floor you simply pressed 'A' again (and if you pressed 'A' while moving Link threw whatever he was holding). Those who preordered the game received a gold-colored cartridge in a limited edition box with a golden plastic card affixed, reading "Collector's Edition".[|[33]] //[|Ocarina of Time]//, the first 3D-styled game of the franchise //Ocarina of Time// was rereleased on the [|Nintendo GameCube] in 2002, when it was offered as a [|pre-order incentive] for //[|The Wind Waker]// in the U.S., Canada and Japan.[|[34]] Europe continues to receive it free in every copy of //[|The Wind Waker]//, except for the discounted [|Player's Choice] version. It includes a previously unreleased [|64DD] expansion known as //Ura Zelda// in Japan and //[|Ocarina of Time Master Quest]// in North America.[|[34]] //Ocarina of Time// was included as part of//[|Collector's Edition]// for the GameCube in 2003.[|[35]] It is now available through the [|Wii]'s [|Virtual Console] service.[|[36]] //Ocarina of Time// ' s follow-up, //[|Majora's Mask]//, was released in November 2000. It uses the same [|3D] [|game engine] as the previous game,[|[37]] and added a time-based concept, in which [|Link], the protagonist, relives the events of three days as many times as needed to complete the game's objectives. It was originally called //Zelda Gaiden//,[|[38]] a [|Japanese] title that translates as //Zelda [|Side story]//. Gameplay changed significantly; in addition to the time-limit, Link can use masks to transform into creatures with unique abilities. While //Majora's Mask// retains the graphical style of //Ocarina of Time//, it is also a departure, particularly in its atmosphere. It also features motion-blur, unlike its predecessor. The game is darker,[|[37]] dealing with death and tragedy in a manner not previously seen in the series, and has a sense of impending doom, as a large moon slowly descends upon the land of [|Termina]. All copies of //[|Majora's Mask]// are gold cartridges. A "Limited Collector's Edition" [|lenticular] cartridge label was offered as the [|pre-order incentive]. Copies of the game that were not collector's editions featured a regular sticker cartridge label. Majora's Mask is now available on the Virtual Console. The next two games, [|//Oracle of Seasons// and //Oracle of Ages//], were released simultaneously for the [|Game Boy Color], and interact using [|passwords][|[39]] or a [|Game Link Cable].[|[40]] After one game has been completed, the player is given a password that allows the other game to be played as a sequel.[|[39]] They were developed by [|Flagship] in conjunction with Nintendo, with supervision from Miyamoto. After the team experimented with porting the original //The Legend of Zelda// to the Game Boy Color, they decided to make an original trilogy[|[41]] to be called the "Triforce Series".[|[42]] When the password system linking the three games proved too troublesome, the concept was reduced to two games at Miyamoto's suggestion.[|[43]] These two games became //Oracle of Ages//, which is more puzzle-based, and //Oracle of Seasons//, which is more action-oriented.[|[44]] The cel-shaded art-style of //[|The Wind Waker]// When Nintendo revealed the [|Nintendo GameCube] on August 24, 2000, the day before Nintendo's [|SpaceWorld] 2000 exposition,[|[45]] a software demonstration showed a realistically-styled real-time duel between [|Ganondorf] and [|Link]. Fans and the media speculated that the battle might be from a //Zelda// game in development.[|[46]] At Spaceworld 2001 Nintendo showed a [|cel-shaded] //Zelda// title, later released as //[|The Wind Waker]//, which Miyamoto felt would "extend //Zelda// ' s reach to all ages".[|[47]] The media reported that //Zelda// was shifting to a younger audience, to Miyamoto's surprise.[|[48]] Nothing further was shown until a playable demonstration was ready. The gameplay centers on controlling wind with a baton called the "Wind Waker" and sailing a small boat around an island-filled ocean, retaining similar gameplay mechanics as the previous 3D games in the series.[//[|citation needed]//] Following the release of //The Wind Waker// came //The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition//, which included the original //The Legend of Zelda//, //Zelda II//, //Ocarina of Time//, //Majora's Mask//, and a demo of //The Wind Waker//. [|Gamespot] noted that //Majora's Mask// suffered from a frame rate which appeared choppier and inconsistencies in the audio.[|[49]] This compilation was never sold commercially, and originally could only be obtained by purchasing a GameCube bundled with the disc,[|[50]][|[51]] (in North America, Europe and Australia), by registering a GameCube and two games at Nintendo.com,[|[50]] or by subscribing or renewing a subscription to //[|Nintendo Power]// (in North America) or [|Club Nintendo] in Sweden.[|[50]] In the UK, 1000 copies were made available through the Club Nintendo Stars Catalogue program.[|[51]] After these were quickly claimed, Nintendo gave a copy to customers who mailed in [|proof of purchases] from select Nintendo GameCube games.[|[51]] The next game released in the series was //[|Four Swords Adventures]// for the GameCube, which was released in early 2004 in Japan and America, and January 2005 in Europe. Based on the handheld //[|Four Swords]//, //Four Swords Adventures// was another deviation from previous //Zelda// gameplay, focusing on [|level]-based and [|multiplayer] gameplay. The game contains 24 levels and a map screen; there is no connecting [|overworld]. For multiplayer features, each player must use a Game Boy Advance system linked to the Nintendo GameCube via a [|Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance cable]. The game also features a single-player campaign, in which using a Game Boy Advance is optional. //Four Swords Adventures// includes two gameplay modes: "Hyrulean Adventure", with a plot and gameplay similar to other //Zelda// games, and "Shadow Battle", in which multiple Links, played by multiple players, battle each other. The Japanese version includes an exclusive third segment, "Navi Trackers" (originally designed as the stand-alone game "Tetra's Trackers"), which contains spoken dialog for most of the characters, unlike other games in //The Legend of Zelda// series. Concept art of //[|Twilight Princess]// In November 2004 in Japan and Europe, and January 2005 in America, Nintendo released //[|The Minish Cap]// for the [|Game Boy Advance]. In //The Minish Cap// Link can shrink in size using a mystical, sentient hat named [|Ezlo]. While shrunk, he can see previously-explored parts of a dungeon from a different perspective, and enter areas through otherwise-impassable openings. In November 2006, //[|Twilight Princess]// was released as the first //Zelda// game on the [|Wii], and later, in December 2006, on the [|Nintendo GameCube], the console for which it was originally developed. The Wii version features a reversed world; everything that is in the west on the GameCube is in the east on the Wii, and vice versa (The game was mirrored in order to make Link right-handed to make use of the Wii remote feel more natural). The game chronicles the struggle of an older Link to clear the troubles of the interacting "Twilight Realm", a mysterious force that appears around Hyrule. When he enters this realm, he is transformed into a[|wolf], changing the gameplay. //Twilight Princess// also features horseback transportation and mounted battle scenarios, including [|boss] battles. At the 2006 [|Game Developers Conference], a trailer for //[|Phantom Hourglass]// for the [|Nintendo DS] was shown. It revealed traditional top-down //Zelda// gameplay optimized for the DS' features, with a cel-shaded graphical style similar to //The Wind Waker//. At [|E3] 2006, Nintendo confirmed the game's status as a direct sequel to//The Wind Waker//,[|[52]] and released an extensive playable demo, including a multiplayer mode with "[|capture the flag]" elements. //Phantom Hourglass// was released on June 23, 2007 in Japan, October 1, 2007 in North America and October 19, 2007 in Europe. The next //Legend of Zelda// for the DS, //[|The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks]//, was released December 7, 2009 in North America and December 11, 2009 in the UK. In this game, the 'spirit tracks', railroads which chain an ancient evil, are disappearing from Hyrule. Zelda and Link go to the 'Spirit Tower' (the ethereal point of convergence for the tracks) to find out why. But villains steal Zelda's body for the resurrection of the Demon King. Rendered disembodied, Zelda is left a spirit, and only Link (and a certain few sages) can see her. Together they go on a quest to restore the spirit tracks, defeat the Demon King, and return Zelda to her body. Using a modified engine of that used in //[|Phantom Hourglass]//, the notably new feature in this game is that the Phantom Guardians seen in //Phantom Hourglass// are, through a series of events, periodically controllable.

** [[|edit]] Future **
//Main article: [|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]// In April 2008, Miyamoto stated that "the //Zelda// team is forming again to work on new games".[|[53]] Miyamoto clarified in July that the //Zelda// team has been working on a new //Zelda// game for the [|Wii].[|[54]] In January 2010, Nintendo Executive [|Satoru Iwata] stated that the game would be coming out at some time in 2010. The new Zelda game on the [|Wii] will be compatible with the [|Wii MotionPlus] accessory to make sword-play more realistic, blocking with the shield using the nunchuck and combining both the remote and the nunchuck for the bow and arrow, similar to archery in [|Wii Sports Resort]. The game title was announced at E3 in 2010 as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.[|[55]] It was also revealed after the Nintendo Press conference, the roster for all 3DS games in development, and included in the list was an enhanced remake of Ocarina of Time in 3D with enhanced graphics. Six screen shots have surfaced of the game and feature better lighting, textures and models than the original. The game was confirmed by Eiji Aonuma in a post-keynote interview with Joystiq.[|[56]]

** [[|edit]] Music **
//The Legend of Zelda// series, like many [|Nintendo] games, has been noted for its use of music. [|Koji Kondo], who has been described as the "greatest legend in the video game audio industry" due to his work for Nintendo,[|[57]] has composed much of the music for the series, although the last game for which he was solely responsible for the composition of the soundtrack was //The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time//.[|[57]] Games in //The Legend of Zelda// series frequently feature in-game musical instruments, particularly in musical [|puzzles], which are widespread.[|[58]] Often, instruments trigger game events: for example, the[|recorder] in //The Legend of Zelda// can reveal "secret" areas. In //[|Ocarina of Time]//, playing instruments is a core part of the game, the player needing to play the instrument through the use of the game controller to succeed.[|[59]] //Ocarina of Time// is "[one of the] first contemporary nondance title[s] to feature music-making as part of its gameplay",[|[60]] using music as a [|heuristic] device and requiring the player to utilize songs to progress in the game[|[61]]—a [|game mechanic] that is also present in //[|Majora's Mask]//[|[62]] and, in different forms, //[|The Wind Waker]//[|[63]], and //[|Oracle of Ages]//. "The Legend of Zelda Theme" has topped [|ScrewAttack]'s "Top Ten Videogame Themes Ever" list.[|[64]] Taking place in [|Cologne], [|Germany] on September 23, 2010, the video game music concert //[|Symphonic Legends]// will focus on music from [|Nintendo] and, among others, will feature titles such as //The Legend of Zelda//.[|[65]].

** [[|edit]] Cartoons **
Animated series logo //Main article: [|The Legend of Zelda (TV series)]// //The Legend of Zelda// was made into an [|animated series] as a "show within a show" in the semi-live-action //[|Super Mario Bros. Super Show]// [|TV series] produced by [|DiC] and distributed by [|Viacom Enterprises]. The animated //Zelda// shorts were aired each Friday, instead of the usual //[|Super Mario Bros.]// cartoon that aired during the rest of the week. The series loosely followed the NES //Zelda// games, mixing settings and characters from those games with original creations. Thirteen animated //Zelda// shorts were featured within the show's 65-episode run. The show's incarnations of Link and Zelda also appeared in various episodes of //[|Captain N: The Game Master]// during its second season.

** [[|edit]] Comics and manga **
//Main article: [|Comics from The Legend of Zelda series]// [|Valiant Comics] released a short-lived series of [|comics] featuring characters and settings from the //Zelda// cartoon as part of their //[|Nintendo Comics System]// line. In addition,[|manga] have been created based on the many of the series' games, including //A Link to the Past//, //Link's Awakening//, //Ocarina of Time//, //Majora's Mask//, the //Oracle// series, //The Wind Waker//, //Four Swords Adventures//, //The Minish Cap// and //Phantom Hourglass//.

** [[|edit]] CD-i games **
//Main article: [|CD-i games from The Legend of Zelda series]// A series of video games were developed and released for the [|Philips] [|CD-i] in the early 1990s as a product of a compromise between Philips and Nintendo, after the companies failed to develop a [|CD]-based [|peripheral] for the Super Nintendo. Created with no influence from Nintendo, the games are //[|Link: The Faces of Evil]//, //[|Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon]//, and //[|Zelda's Adventure]//. Nintendo has erased them from the //Zelda// canon, evidenced by their absence from any of Nintendo's websites and publications. The character designs and personalities used in the games appear to be based heavily on the cartoon series.

** [[|edit]] LCD games **
//Main article: [|LCD games from The Legend of Zelda series]// Three //Zelda//-themed [|LCD] games were created between 1989 and 1992. The //[|Zelda]// version of Nintendo's [|Game & Watch] series was released first in August 1989 as a dual-screen [|handheld electronic game] similar in appearance to today's [|Nintendo DS]. It was re-released in 1998 as a Toymax, Inc. Mini Classic and was later included as an unlockable extra in //[|Game & Watch Gallery 4]//, a 2002 compilation for the [|Game Boy Advance]. While the Game & Watch //Zelda// was developed in-house by Nintendo, the subsequent two LCD games were developed by third parties under license by Nintendo. In October 1989, //[|The Legend of Zelda]// was developed by [|Nelsonic] as part of its Game Watch line. This game was an actual digital [|watch] with primitive [|gameplay] based on the original //Legend of Zelda//. In 1992, [|Epoch Co.] developed //[|Zelda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Triforce]// for its [|Barcode Battler II] console. The game employed card-scanning technology similar to the later-released [|Nintendo e-Reader].

** [[|edit]] Cancelled games **
Logo of the cancelled//Mystical Seed of Courage//game. There have been several titles in //The Legend of Zelda// series that have never been released for various reasons. One such title was //The Legend of Zelda: Mystical Seed of Courage// for [|Game Boy Color]. When [|Yoshiki Okamoto] worked to develop //Zelda// titles for the [|Game Boy Color], his [|Capcom] team decided to create a series of three games.[|[66]] Referred to as the "Triforce Series",[|[67]] the games were known as //The Legend of Zelda: The Mysterious Acorn: Chapter of Power//, //Chapter of Wisdom//, and//Chapter of Courage// in Japan[|[68]] and //The Legend of Zelda: Mystical Seed of Power//, //Mystical Seed of Wisdom//, and //Mystical Seed of Courage// in the US.[|[69]] The games were to interact using a [|password system],[|[67]] but the limitations of this system and the difficulty of coordinating three games proved too complicated, so the team scaled back to two titles at Miyamoto's suggestion.[|[70]][|[71]] //Oracle of Seasons// was adapted from //Mystical Seed of Power//, //Oracle of Ages// was adapted from //Mystical Seed of Wisdom//, and //Mystical Seed of Courage// was canceled.[|[67]] Another title is //[|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Ura]//, intended to be an upgraded remake of //[|Ocarina of Time]// for the [|Nintendo 64DD]. For a long time the game was not released as the N64DD was never sold outside of Japan due to poor sales. Prior to the release of //[|The Wind Waker]//, a bonus disc called //[|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest]// was released, containing a port of //Ocarina of Time// and a [|GameCube]-modified version of//Ocarina of Time Ura//.

** [[|edit]] Spin-off games **
As the franchise has grown in popularity, several titles have been released that are set within or star a minor character from the //The Legend of Zelda// universe but are not directly connected to the main//The Legend of Zelda// series. Both map versions of the title //[|BS Zelda no Densetsu]// for the Satellaview (released in August and December 1995) could be considered spin-offs due to the fact that they star the "Hero of Light" (portrayed by either the Satellaview's male or female mascot) as opposed to [|Link] as the protagonist of Hyrule. A third Satellaview title released in March 1997, //[|BS Zelda no Densetsu Kodai no Sekiban]// (//BS The Legend of Zelda: Ancient Stone Tablets//) could also be considered a spin-off for the same reason. Other spin-off titles include //[|Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland]// for the[|Nintendo DS] - an RPG game released in September 2006 in Japan (Summer of 2007 in the UK) to star supporting character [|Tingle]. A second Tingle title is //[|Tingle's Balloon Fight DS]// for the Nintendo DS. Here Tingle again stars in this spin-off arcade style platformer, released in April 2007 only in Japan and available solely to Platinum Club Nintendo members. In addition to titles in which Link does not star as the protagonist, games such as the shooter title, //[|Link's Crossbow Training]// (for the [|Wii]), have been considered spin-offs due to the lack of a traditional "Save Hyrule" plot-line. Released in November 2007 as a bundle with the Wii Zapper, this game allows players to assume the identity of Link as he progresses through a series of tests to perfect his crossbow marksmanship.

** [[|edit]] //Zelda// in other video games **
Characters from and references to the //The Legend of Zelda// series have appeared in a variety of other video games that go beyond what is considered a typical cameo appearance. This may include major story elements, character development, and even affect major game features. [|Link] appears as a fighter in //[|Super Smash Bros.]// for the [|Nintendo 64]. Link is also a fighter in //[|Super Smash Bros. Melee]// for the [|Nintendo GameCube], alongside [|Zelda] (also able to transform into [|Sheik]), [|Ganondorf] and Young Link (the child version of Link from //[|Ocarina of Time]//). In //[|Super Smash Bros. Brawl]// for the [|Wii] all //Zelda//characters make a return with the exception of Young Link, who was replaced by Toon Link (//[|Wind Waker]'//s Link). Instead of their //[|Ocarina of Time]// appearances that have been used in previous //Super Smash Bros.// games, all but Toon Link are depicted in the style of //[|Twilight Princess]//. Link appears as an exclusive fighter in the GameCube version of //[|Soul Calibur II]//, and is also featured prominently in several mini-games from //[|WarioWare: Smooth Moves]// and //[|WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]//. The //[|Game Boy Camera]: Gold Version// contains //[|Ocarina of Time]// themed stamps of characters and items for editing photos that are not found in any other color version of the Game Boy Camera.[|[72]] Multiple items from the //Zelda// series are obtainable in-game in the [|Satellaview]-exclusive //SatellaWalker 2//. Link also makes a brief appearance in //[|Super Mario RPG]// where he appears sleeping in an inn, remaining asleep in a bed throughout the game. Examining him will cause a jingle (that which plays when the player completes a puzzle or opens a doorway in //The Legend of Zelda// games) to play. Also, a text box may appear with only "....." inside, referring to Link's tendency to be silent. In the [|Super Nintendo]game [|Kirby Superstar] (and its [|Nintendo DS] re-make [|Kirby Superstar Ultra]), you can find the Triforce in the game //The Great Cave Offensive//(Also, when Kirby obtains the Sword ability, he wears a hat highly similar to Link's). In [|Final Fantasy], there is a tombstone in the elven town which reads, "Here lies Link." //[|Okami]// director [|Hideki Kamiya] states that he has been influenced by //The Legend of Zelda//series in developing the title.[|[73]] The developers of the game //[|Dark Sector]// have stated they have been heavily influenced by //The Legend of Zelda// series, and that the structure of the game is much like a//Zelda// game.[|[74]] Other games which reference the series are //[|Donkey Kong Country 2]//, the [|//Animal Crossing// series], and //[|World of Warcraft]//.[|[75]][|[76]] Link was also introduced in the game Soulcalibur II which is a fighting game developed and published by Namco and the third installment in the Soul series. It was ported for both Xbox, Gamecube, and Playstation 2 but Link only appears in the Gamecube version with his Master Sword and Hylian Shield which he fights with.

[[|edit]] Reception
‹ The [|template] below (//[|Globalize/Eng]//) is being considered for deletion. See [|templates for discussion] to help reach a consensus.›‹ The [|template] below (//[|Globalize]//) is being considered for deletion. See [|templates for discussion] to help reach a consensus.› Aggregate review scores||~ Game ||~ [|MC]  ||~ [|TTR]  ||~ [|GR]  ||~ [|MG]  || //The Legend of Zelda// series has generated many extremely positive reviews within the gaming industry. [|GameFAQs] has held a contest for the best video game series ever, with //The Legend of Zelda// claiming the top position.[|[138]] //[|Ocarina of Time]//and //[|The Wind Waker]// have both received a perfect 40/40 score (10/10 by four reviewers) by Japanese //[|Famitsu]//magazine,[|[139]][|[140]] making //Zelda// the first and currently only series with multiple perfect scores. //[|Computer and Video Games]//awarded //The Wind Waker// and //[|Twilight Princess]// a score of 10/10.[|[141]][|[142]] //[|A Link to the Past]// has won Gold Award from//[|Electronic Gaming Monthly]//. In //[|Nintendo Power]// ' s Top 200 countdown in 2004, //Ocarina of Time// took first place, and seven other //Zelda// games placed in the top 40.[|[143]] //Twilight Princess// was named [|Game of the Year] by //[|X-Play]//, //[|Game Trailers]//, //[|1UP]//,//[|Electronic Gaming Monthly]//, //[|Spacey Awards]//, //[|Game Informer]//, //[|GameSpy]//, //[|Nintendo Power]//, and many other websites. The editors of review aggregator websites [|Game Rankings] and [|Metacritic] have both given //Ocarina of Time// their highest aggregate scores.[|[144]] //[|Game Informer]// awarded both //The Wind Waker// and //[|Twilight Princess]// a score of 10/10. They praised//The Wind Waker// as "an absolute necessity for anyone who considers themselves a gamer.".[|[145]] //Twilight Princess// received perfect scores of 10/10 from two different editors, who called it a "[|masterpiece]", "[|genius]", "epic", and the "[|game of the year]".[|[146]] //[|Phantom Hourglass]// was named DS Game of the Year by //[|IGN]// and //[|GameSpy]//.[|[147]][|[148]] //[|Ocarina of Time]// and its use of melodic themes to identify different game regions has been called a reverse of [|Richard Wagner's] use of [|leitmotifs] to identify characters and themes.[|[149]] //Ocarina of Time// was so well received that sales increased for real [|ocarinas].[|[150]] [|IGN] praised the music of //Majora's Mask// for its brilliance despite its heavy use of [|MIDI].[|[151]] The success of //The Legend of Zelda// series has resulted in Guinness World Records awarding it five world records in//Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008//. These records include "Highest-Rated Game of All Time", "First Game with a Battery Powered Save Feature", and "Longest Running Action-Adventure Series".
 * = [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Ambox_globe_content.svg/48px-Ambox_globe_content.svg.png width="48" height="40" caption="Globe icon." link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ambox_globe_content.svg"]] || The examples and perspective in this section **deal primarily with [|English-speaking territories] and do not represent a [|worldwide view] of the subject**. Please [|improve this article] and discuss the issue on the [|talk page]. //(January 2010)// ||
 * //[|The Legend of Zelda]// ([|NES]) || — || 3.21/4[|[77]] || — || 88/100[|[78]] ||
 * //[|The Adventure of Link]// ([|NES]) || — || 2.30/4[|[79]] || — || — ||
 * //[|A Link to the Past]// || — || 3.56/4[|[80]] || 94%[|[81]] || 94/100[|[82]] ||
 * //[|Link's Awakening]// || — || — || 90%[|[83]] || 88/100[|[84]] ||
 * //[|Ocarina of Time]// || 99/100[|[85]] || 3.77/4[|[86]] || 97%[|[87]] || 95/100[|[88]] ||
 * //[|Link's Awakening DX]// || — || — || 91%[|[89]] || 91/100[|[90]] ||
 * //[|Majora's Mask]// || 95/100[|[91]] || 3.72/4[|[92]] || 92%[|[93]] || 92/100[|[94]] ||
 * //[|Oracle of Ages]// || — || — || 92%[|[95]] || 94/100[|[96]] ||
 * //[|Oracle of Seasons]// || — || — || 92%[|[97]] || 92/100[|[98]] ||
 * //[|A Link to the Past & Four Swords]// || 95/100[|[99]] || 3.70/4[|[100]] || 92%[|[101]] || 90/100[|[102]] ||
 * //[|Ocarina of Time Master Quest]// || 91/100[|[103]] || 3.46/4[|[104]] || 90%[|[105]] || — ||
 * //[|The Wind Waker]// ([|GCN]) || 96/100[|[106]] || 3.86/4[|[107]] || 95%[|[108]] || 95/100[|[109]] ||
 * //[|Four Swords Adventures]// || 86/100[|[110]] || 3.49/4[|[111]] || 85%[|[112]] || 82/100[|[113]] ||
 * //The Legend of Zelda// ([|GBA]) || 84/100[|[114]] || 3.43/4[|[115]] || 79%[|[116]] || 85/100[|[117]] ||
 * //The Adventure of Link// (GBA) || 73/100[|[118]] || 2.80/4[|[119]] || 69%[|[120]] || 72/100[|[121]] ||
 * //[|The Minish Cap]// || 89/100[|[122]] || 3.68/4[|[123]] || 90%[|[124]] || 90/100[|[125]] ||
 * //[|Twilight Princess]// ([|Wii]) || 95/100[|[126]] || 3.86/4[|[127]] || 94%[|[128]] || 95/100[|[129]] ||
 * //[|Link's Crossbow Training]// ([|Wii]) || — || — || — || — ||
 * //Twilight Princess// ([|GCN]) || 96/100[|[130]] || 3.55/4[|[131]] || 95%[|[132]] || 96/100[|[133]] ||
 * //[|Phantom Hourglass]// || 90/100[|[134]] || 3.69/4[|[135]] || 89%[|[136]] || 90/100[|[137]] ||
 * //[|Spirit Tracks]// || — || — || — || — ||

** [[|edit]] Cultural influence **
The worldwide success and popularity of //The Legend of Zelda// series has led to many influences in [|popular culture]. The series has also been parodied, including an episode of //[|The Powerpuff Girls]// which features the Mayor of Townsville playing a spoof of //Ocarina of Time//,[|[152]] and a season 3 episode of //[|Robot Chicken]//, in which a [|skit] based on //The Legend of Zelda//references aspects of the series, including the existence of multiple Links, [|Triforce], Rupees and rescuing [|Princess Zelda].[|IGN.com] made a [|fanfilm] trailer based on the Legend of Zelda as an [|April fools] prank. Additionally, [|The Legend of Neil] is a web-video series that aired on Comedy Central, spoofing the original Legend of Zelda game. Professional wrestler [|Cody Runnels] (better known as Cody Rhodes) is a fan of the series and has stated he replays [|A Link to the Past] yearly. His wrestling boots feature a Triforce symbol.[|[153]][|[154]] Actor/comedian [|Robin Williams] revealed in an interview with [|Jimmy Fallon] that his daughter [|Zelda Rae] is named after the title character in the series.[|[155]] Fans have also produced numerous artwork related to the series, most notably the "Zelda Car", painted by Kathy VanWormer [|[156]]

[[|edit]] Notes
Type in the content of your page here.
 * 1) **[|^]** [|"Like Sands Through the Hourglass, Zeldas Debut on Nintendo DS Approaches"]. Gamespot . Retrieved 2009-04-12.
 * 2) **[|^]** Nintendo EAD. //The Legend of Zelda 2: Link no Bōken//. (Nintendo Co., Ltd.). Famicom Disk System. (14 January 1987) "Several years after Gannon was destroyed, Link learns from Impa about the another sleeping Princess Zelda."
 * 3) **[|^]** Nintendo EAD. //Zelda II: The Adventure of Link//. (Nintendo of America, Inc.). Nintendo Entertainment System. (December 1988) "After Ganon was destroyed, Impa told Link a sleeping spell was cast on Princess Zelda."
 * 4) **[|^]** [|"Zelda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Triforce - Back Cover"] (in Japanese). Nintendo Co., Ltd. (via [|MobyGames]). 21 November 1991 . Retrieved 10 June 2010 . "今度の舞台はリンクが活躍した頃よりも遥か昔、ハイラルが、まだ一つの王国であった時代.  / This time, the stage is set a long time before Link's exploits, an era when Hyrule was still one kingdom."
 * 5) **[|^]** [|"The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Back Cover"]. Nintendo of America, Inc. (via [|MobyGames]). 13 April 1992 . Retrieved 10 June 2010 . "The predecessors of Link and Zelda face monsters on the march when a menacing magician takes over the kingdom."
 * 6) **[|^]** //Dengeki Nintendo 64// (MediaWorks, Inc.). January 1999. "**Shigeru Miyamoto:** (時オカ→神トラ)それから初代ときてリンクの冒険という順番になる.  / //Ocarina of Time//, //A Link to the Past//, then comes the original one and //The Adventure of Link// in turn.".
 * 7) **[|^]** [|"ZELDAの伝説 プロローグ"]. Nintendo Co., Ltd. . Retrieved 10 June 2010.
 * 8) **[|^]** //The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Instruction Booklet//. Nintendo of America, Inc.. 13 April 1992. pp. 5–6. "Many centuries have passed since the Imprisoning War."
 * 9) **[|^]** [|"「ゼルダの伝説時のオカリナ」の情報･産地直送!"]. Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun. 26 November 1998 . Retrieved 9 June 2010 . "**Satoru Takizawa:** 今回のストーリーは本当のオリジナルではなくって、前作のスーパーファミコン版に出てきた「七賢者の封印戦争」を扱っているんだ / The story this time is not truly original, it's from the previous SNES version and tells of the "Seal War of the Seven Sages"."
 * 10) **[|^]** [|"新しい「ゼルダ」の世界"]. Nintendo Co., Ltd. . Retrieved 10 June 2010 . "舞台は、前作『時のオカリナ』での活躍から数ヶ月後の世界.  / The stage is the world a few months after the exploits of the previous work "Ocarina of Time"."
 * 11) ^ [|//**a**//] [|//**b**//] [|"Long interview with Eiji Aonuma"]. //nindori.com//. Nintendo DREAM. Feb 2007 . Retrieved 4 Jun 2010 . "『時のオカリナ』から百数年後の世界です.  [...] 『風のタクト』はパラレルなんですよ. 『時のオカリナ』でリンクが7年後の世界に飛んで、ガノンを倒すと、子ども時代に戻るじゃないですか. 『トワイライトプリンセス』は、平和になった子ども時代から百数年後の世界なんです.  / It is a world 100 and something years after //Ocarina of Time//. [...] //The Wind Waker// is parallel. In //Ocarina of Time//, Link leaps to a world seven years later, defeats Ganon, and then returns to the child era, right? //Twilight Princess// is the world 100 and something years after peace is restored in the child era."
 * 12) **[|^]** Fennec Fox (6 Dec 2002). [|"Interview With Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and Eiji Aonuma"]. //GamePro//. GamePro Media . Retrieved 30 May 2010.
 * 13) **[|^]** [|"The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass"]. //Zelda Universe//. Nintendo of America, Inc. . Retrieved 10 June 2010.
 * 14) **[|^]** [|"The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Eiji Aonuma Interview"]. [|GameSpot]. 2009-11-20 . Retrieved 2010-05-30 . "**Eiji Aonuma:** Yes, it is actually a sequel and it is taking place about 100 years after the world of the game //Phantom Hourglass//."
 * 15) **[|^]** Billy Berghammer (17 May 2004). [|"A Legend Of Zelda: The Eiji Aonuma Interview"]. //Game Informer Online//. Game Informer Magazine . Retrieved 11 November 2009.
 * 16) **[|^]** [|"Zelda: The interview!"]. Nintendo of Europe GmbH. 17 Nov 2004 . Retrieved 30 May 2010 . "**NoE:** How does the Minish Cap fit into the Zelda chronology? Is it a prequel to the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures on GameCube? **Aonuma:** Yes, this title takes place prior to The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, and tells the secret of the birth of the Four Sword."
 * 17) **[|^]** Johnson, Carl. [|"Biography"]. Miyamoto Shrine . Retrieved February 12, 2006.
 * 18) **[|^]** Andrew Vestal (2000-09-14). [|"The History of Zelda"]. GameSpot . Retrieved 2006-09-25.
 * 19) **[|^]** Todd Mowatt. [|"In the Game: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto"]. Amazon.com . Retrieved 2006-09-25.
 * 20) **[|^]** //The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask// manual: "This is a kind of parallel world that is similar to and yet different from the land of Hyrule, which was the setting for the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time."
 * 21) **[|^]** [|"The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia (K)"]. Nintendo . Retrieved 2009-06-07.
 * 22) **[|^]** [|Casamassina, Matt] (2006-09-20). [|"Miyamoto Talks Righty Link"]. IGN . Retrieved 2007-12-28.
 * 23) **[|^]** In all //Zelda// games you can name the character any name, and that name will appear in the dialog text of those characters that do speak in the game, although, in //Link's Awakening//, if the player steals from the shop, characters would later refer to him a