Celebrating 40 Years of The Legend of Zelda
Today marks four decades since the launch of The Legend of Zelda. First introduced on the Famicom Disk System in 1986, Nintendo’s groundbreaking adventure set the stage for what would become a cherished high-fantasy video game franchise. Over the years, Link has battled stalfos, vanquished octoroks, and dealt with cuccos. Yet, amid all the fantasy and adventure, there lies an intriguing idea for a campaign that Link has yet to experience: a journey into outer space.
Insights from Breath of the Wild’s Development
In 2017, key figures behind Breath of the Wild, including director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, art director Satoru Takizawa, and technical director Takuhiro Dohta, shared insights during a keynote at GDC. This presentation provided an insightful look into the creative process behind the acclaimed game, just days after its release, and included some unusual concepts that were initially considered.
The INVASION Concept
During a portion of the keynote dubbed “Trial and Error,” Takizawa unveiled ideas for a project titled The Legend of Zelda: INVASION. He described this phase of development as “a bit dodgy,” particularly highlighting the vision of an invasion from outer space.
A Glimpse of the Unusual Design
The audience was met with quirky slides showcasing this alternate Zelda vision, including a UFO landing in Hyrule, plans for an alien autopsy, and even a portrayal of Ganondorf in a Metallica t-shirt. Perhaps most memorable was a depiction of Link dressed in baggy denim and a winter hat, complete with a Triforce-themed guitar and motorcycle—a far cry from the traditional tunic-wearing hero.
Link’s Sci-Fi Connection
Fortunately, we embraced the incredible game we have now, but Takizawa’s reference to INVASION highlights the design elements found in Breath of the Wild. The ancient ruins and Guardians showcased Sheikah technology with a distinctly alien flair. From mechanical octopus arms to Link wielding a smartphone, it’s evident that some sci-fi elements linger within Hyrule’s history, hinting at ancient visitors from beyond.
Genre Blending in Zelda’s Evolution
This wasn’t the only time The Legend of Zelda strayed towards a different genre. Shigeru Miyamoto initially contemplated a greater sci-fi angle for the series. In an interview, he mentioned that the earliest ideas revolved around time travel, a theme that has since woven its way into various titles within the franchise.
The Future of Zelda and Space Adventures
After 40 years, it’s unlikely that Nintendo will send Link and his companions into the cosmos anytime soon. Historically, when Hylians interact with the moon, it’s typically Hyrule that comes to the moon, not the other way around. As Nintendo expands into different media, it seems increasingly probable that they will maintain a conservative approach to their characters and stories. Yet, the concept of Link in space continues to intrigue, reflecting a creative ambition that might one day be realized.
