STACK March 2016 Issue 71

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arose from the idea to port
the original Legend of
Zelda to the GBC. The
pair were designed to be
complementary, much like
iterations of the Pokémon
games that are released
together.
The Wind Waker (2003)
The Wind Waker saw a
dramatic change in the art
style of Link, which led to the
introduction of the Toon Link
we now see in Smash Bros.
titles. The game focuses on travel
between multiple islands through
use of the Wind Waker;
a baton manipulating
wind currents through
music.
Twilight Princess
(2006)
Now 10 years old,
Twilight Princess saw Link
transformed into a wolf
to travel between parallel
dimensions. The game is
considered by many to be the
best entry in the Zelda series
to date.
Phantom Hourglass (2007)
Phantom Hourglass was released
for Nintendo DS as a sequel to Wind
Waker , and features the return of “Toon
Link” as he travels to save his childhood
friend Tetra. The title was very well
received and earned numerous Game of
the Year awards for its platform.
Spirit Tracks (2009)
A follow-on from Phantom Hourglass
for the DS, Spirit Tracks employed a
similar gameplay mechanic to the ship
traversal of its predecessor, this time
having players control a train. You could
even blow into the microphone on the
console to activate certain actions.
Skyward Sword (2011)
Skyward Sword is chronologically
the earliest instalment in the Zelda
franchise, however it didn’t make it to
Wii until 2011. Designed with the Wii
controllers in mind, players can use the
Motion Sensor Remote and Nunchuk
to control Link and his sword on their
quest to, once again, rescue Zelda.
A Link Between Worlds (2013)
A sequel to the SNES’ Link to the
Past, A Link Between Worlds was
developed for the 3DS and mostly takes
place in the same setting as its prequel.
The game allows players to merge onto
the walls of their environment as a
painting, granting access to previously
inaccessible areas.
Hyrule Warriors (2014)
Hyrule Warriors takes inspiration from
Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors series,
and introduces the first hack-and-slash
title to the Zelda series.
Retaining the infamous
spinning move, as well as
the typical bombs and bow
and arrows, the title also
holds amiibo compatibility.
Tri-Force Heroes
(2015)
A multiplayer-only title
for the 3DS, Tri-Force
Heroes relies on teamwork
to reach the end of dungeons.
The game exists mostly
outside the main Zelda “canon”,
as it involves three players as
alternately coloured Links.
The Legend of Zelda (2016)
A remake of the original
Legend of Zelda, the 2016
Wii U port has been delayed
multiple times. Featuring a
more open world and more
choice for players, the
title is scheduled to land
sometime later this year.
HEY! LISTEN!
The chronology of The Legend of Zelda isn't
synchronous with the years the games were
released. But if you’re looking at it from a
chronological point of view, Skyward Swords
is the first entry in the franchise, which then
splits into one of three separate timelines
following events in The Ocarina of Time. Either
Link is defeated by Ganon and descends into
The Decline of Hyrule and the Last Hero, or he
is the champion and enters either The Twilight
Realm and the Legacy of the Hero or The Hero
of Winds and a NewWorld. Confusing, isn’t it?
The Triforce
The world of The Legend of Zelda was created by three mythical goddesses; Nayru, the goddess of wisdom; Farore, the
goddess of courage; and Din, the goddess of power. When they departed the world they had created, they left behind three
golden triangles, better known as the Triforce. It is said that any wish the holder of this Triforce desires will be imagined. It
does not, however, distinguish between good and evil, allowing for both good and bad wishes. It is said to be the root of most
disturbances in Hyrule, as the battle to obtain it wages on throughout history.