The Legend of Zelda is a high-fantasy action-adventure video game series created by Japanese game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. Since its inception in 1986, it has become one of the most influential and successful franchises in the gaming industry. The storyline commonly centers around Link, the playable character, who is often given the task of rescuing Princess Zelda and Hyrule from the antagonist, Ganon. However, there is more to this game than meets the eye. Here are some fascinating facts about the much-loved game series Legend of Zelda.
1. The Origin of the Name
The series' name, 'The Legend of Zelda,' was inspired by a real person - Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of famous American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The creators felt her name captured the sophistication and timelessness they wanted for the game.
2. The Influence of Peter Pan
Link's design was influenced by Peter Pan. The green tunic, the fairy companion, and even the pointed ears were all inspired by Disney's interpretation of the character.
3. The Game's Non-Linear Approach
The Legend of Zelda was one of the first games to take a non-linear approach. This means the player isn't forced to follow a set path and can explore the game world at their leisure, a feature that has since become a staple in modern gaming.
4. Hidden Characters
There are characters hidden throughout the Zelda series that are named after people who worked on the game, an interesting nod to the team behind the scenes.
5. The Ocarina's Real-world Influence
The ocarina, a key item in many Zelda games, became so popular that it boosted real-world sales of the instrument significantly.
6. The Three Pieces of the Triforce
The Triforce, a sacred golden relic representing power, wisdom, and courage, is central to the game's storyline. It's inspired by the Japanese family crest known as 'Mitsudomoe.'
7. The Unmade Movie
There were plans to make a Zelda movie in the late 2000s. However, Nintendo pulled the plug on the project due to disagreements with the movie studio.
8. Zelda's Transformations
Zelda sometimes remains a princess throughout the series. She has been known to transform into a pirate, a ninja, and even a spirit in various games.
9. The Game Series' Longevity
Since its debut in 1986, over 20 games have been released under The Legend of Zelda banner, making it one of the longest-running game series to date.
10. Real-world Locations Inspiration
The beautiful landscapes in the Zelda series were inspired by Miyamoto's childhood experiences of exploring caves, fields, and forests in the rural countryside of Japan.
In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda is not just a game series; it's a phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. Its legacy goes beyond its innovative gameplay and captivating storylines, seeping into popular culture, influencing a new generation of games, and even boosting the sales of a musical instrument. This enduring game series, with its rich history and fascinating trivia, truly is the stuff of legend.