The Legend of Zelda: 6 Ways Zelda Could Make A Better Protagonist Than Link

Highlights

Zelda shines with the Tri Rod, creating matter and controlling monsters in a new way.
She showcases versatility with different forms, turning into a dragon and commanding pirates.
Potential for future spinoffs exploring Zelda’s unique abilities in various gaming genres.

As a long-time fan of The Legend of Zelda series, I must say that Zelda has truly come into her own over the years. From her various forms to her ability to speak and even transform into a dragon, it’s clear that she is more versatile than our silent hero, Link.

It’s often debated among fans that the series should be called “The Legend of Link” instead of “The Legend of Zelda,” as Link, not Zelda, is the central character. Despite being the namesake, Zelda receives less recognition than she deserves in the series.

As an ardent fan, I’ve always admired Zelda, even when she seems to be the typical damsel in distress. However, there have been instances where she shines as a playable character, and that’s particularly true in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, where she takes center stage, effectively replacing Link. What sets Zelda apart in this game, making her more captivating than Link? And how could she continue to be a compelling protagonist in future installments of the series? Let’s ponder these questions together.

6 Item Creation

Using The Power Of Tri

The Legend of Zelda: 6 Ways Zelda Could Make A Better Protagonist Than Link

The Link character is quite useful in several contemporary Zelda games. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, he can prepare food and construct items ranging from airplanes to boats. On the other hand, Zelda outshines him in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom due to her powerful new weapon, the Tri Rod.

In the world of Zelda, Zelda can generate replicas of scanned items using the Tri-Force Rod. Once she’s scanned an object like a box, she can produce multiple copies or ‘echoes’ of it. Throughout the Zelda series, numerous amazing items and weapons have been introduced, but the Tri-Force Rod stands out as exceptional. It significantly enhances Zelda’s capabilities compared to Link.

5 Can Recruit The Help Of Others

The Enemy Of My Enemy

In the world of Zelda games, it’s not just action-adventure where they excel; they’ve ventured into other game categories as well. However, no title in the series has allowed Link to command minions like in a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game. Yet again, Zelda proves its uniqueness with the Tri Force’s ability to mimic monsters. With an Echoed creature, it will follow Zelda’s commands.

In the Zelda series, it’s fitting that Zelda wields such power because, to some extent, Link has been under her influence as a character. Although she doesn’t physically manipulate him, she has guided him on his quests, often portrayed as the damsel in distress. This control is reminiscent of Zelda from “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom“, who possesses the ability to command monsters.

4 Zelda Has Different Forms

Become A Ninja As Sheik

Steering clear from the game “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom“, it’s worth noting that Zelda has shown she can handle things independently in previous games. However, it’s only recently, after many years, that Nintendo decided to make her the main character. For instance, in “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time“, Zelda assumes the identity of Sheik to aid Link. Sheik is essentially a swift and agile ninja, characterized by her fluid movements.

In the game titled “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” Zelda assumes the role of Tetra, a pirate captain who leads a sizable band of pirates. Unlike Link, Zelda demonstrates an impressive ability to adapt to various roles. For instance, Link dons different outfits in the multiplayer game “The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes.” However, Zelda’s diverse roles consistently stand out.

3 Zelda Can Talk

No “Ehs” Or “Hyas” From This Girl

“Well excuuuuse me, Princess!” That’s the most infamous line Link has ever said and that was put on repeat in The Legend of Zelda cartoon adaptation. Otherwise, Link has always been a silent protagonist in the games save for his grunts which were introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

As a devoted fan, I find it logical that Link remains silent in the games, serving as a player stand-in. In contrast, Zelda has always been quite talkative throughout the series. Regarding Zelda’s upcoming solo adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, we are yet to discover how much she will converse. However, it is known that her gift of eloquence runs deep within her, unlike Link.

2 Has The Ability To Turn Into A Dragon

A Powerful Demonstration Of Love, Magic, And Strategy

In this franchise, the Triforce significantly influences events, and typically, Link, Zelda, and the antagonist Ganondorf hold its powers. Ganondorf possesses the Triforce of Power, reflecting his ambition to either control or annihilate the world. Link is imbued with the Triforce of Courage, enabling him to explore uncharted territories and uphold justice. Zelda’s game, “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” showcases her ownership of the Triforce of Wisdom.

In established lore, both The Tri Force and Zelda have the ability to create copies of items known as Echoes. Wise beyond others, Zelda stands out as the most intelligent character within the series, exhibiting magical prowess that seems almost uncontainable. Her most impressive display of power occurs in “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” where she transforms into a dragon to protect the Master Sword for Link. Even Link, who has undergone transformations like becoming a wolf in “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess“, can’t compare with the sheer might of Zelda’s transformation and true power: her intellect.

1 Zelda Is Potentially A More Versatile Protagonist

Getting Into New Genres

As a fan, I’ve always admired Princess Zelda from Hyrule for her versatility as a protagonist compared to Link. Her royal status allows for a smoother transition into various genres, making her an ideal character for spinoffs and crossovers. For instance, the monster-controlling aspect introduced in “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” could be developed further into a tactical RPG or Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game. I believe Nintendo could collaborate with Intelligent Systems, creators of the popular “Fire Emblem” series, to bring this idea to life. Imagine Zelda commanding troops in a strategic battlefield, leveraging her wisdom and courage to lead her forces. That would be an exciting adventure indeed!

Certain players might find it easier to play as Zelda in game styles reminiscent of titles like “Animal Crossing”. Notably, the game “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” may incorporate a mini-game element similar to simulation games due to the Tri Rod’s function of manifesting beds and other objects. Additionally, Zelda could fit well in a puzzle-based role akin to Dr. Mario. Essentially, Nintendo could explore new avenues by expanding Zelda’s character and franchise into various game genres.

2024-08-03 05:33