32 replies to this topic

[JaxTH]

Link could be easily made into a girl and nothing at all in the series would have to be changed.

What is your take on a female Link?

[Kentilan]

Honestly I don't know much about the Zelda franchise, but I think Link is basically mute and has no personality or backstory, and only serves to represent the player. So making him a girl wouldn't change anything, aside from the romance with Zelda. In that case I guess they should also make Zelda a boy.
I guess they could let the player choose between a male or a female character like many other games do.

Though they could also just impose a female Link. I'm sure many people would complain, but in the end it wouldn't make much difference.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

Changing Link's gender would be odd, especially since he's so iconic. Also, Ocarina of Time has A LOT of dialogue about becoming a man, being a man, the proper behaviour of a gentleman, et cetera. We need a game with Miss Tetra.

[Lenneth]

I'd love Link to be a girl once at least, or at least the option to play a female Link, since it could drastically change the story at some points. How funny would it be, if a villain fell in love with Link?xD Also it would be nice, because female Link would be the first Nintendo hero, that doesn't rely on technology or magic to stand herself, but rather her own wits and strength(and some items, but still~). And it also would lure in some new female players I guess, if Nintendo doesn't decide to make female Link a total femme fatale, or overdone busty. Also it wouldn't be such a big change at all, Link was always somewhat androgynous, except for TP Link, who was the most masculine Link yet in my oppinion.

[JaxTH]

Honestly I don't know much about the Zelda franchise, but I think Link is basically mute and has no personality or backstory, and only serves to represent the player. So making him a girl wouldn't change anything, aside from the romance with Zelda. In that case I guess they should also make Zelda a boy.
I guess they could let the player choose between a male or a female character like many other games do.

Though they could also just impose a female Link. I'm sure many people would complain, but in the end it wouldn't make much difference.

There actually isn't any romance between the various Links and Zeldas at all except for Zelda II where Link gets a kiss at the end.

[DiENE]

I wouldn't mind either way, for the sake of simplicity, I would say keep it the way it is, Zelda can become confusing enough let alone more plot holes to explain a female hero of time.

However I think it could be implemented in someway, things like script, voice acting is certainly not an issue, just change text for he to she if they wanted but I feel if they wanted to make a change by replacing/adding the female role of link there would be more reason than just a sprite change.

I think having Zelda playable will happen before a female Link. Now that would be AWESOME.

[JaxTH]

Zelda's already been playable in games before...AND THEY WERE HORRIBLE.

Female Link plz.

[DiENE]

Haha wow I must have had a total brainfart when I typed that up because I knew she was playable, and I totally forgot XD

[Nessa Mouse]

Make it simple: choose male or female at the start of the game. Everybody can be happy that way!

[Nix Entente]

They did make a female Link. Her name was Samus Aran. Awesome incarnate, amirite?

But seriously, I love Link, and the idea of making him female really bends my boogie. As a very archetypal hero, I feel like he needs to be male for this game. I'm not saying that "HURR GIRLS CANT BE HEROES HURR," but I don't think the feats performed and the emotions experienced in the N64-Wii games would be the same if Link were a girl. Maybe I just read way too much into that game. : /

[DiENE]

They did make a female Link. Her name was Samus Aran. Awesome incarnate, amirite?

But seriously, I love Link, and the idea of making him female really bends my boogie. As a very archetypal hero, I feel like he needs to be male for this game. I'm not saying that "HURR GIRLS CANT BE HEROES HURR," but I don't think the feats performed and the emotions experienced in the N64-Wii games would be the same if Link were a girl. Maybe I just read way too much into that game. : /

I get your point. Also it would disrupt the flow its had this whole time threw each game (I think you were getting at that anyway) Like the story tells the same way each time with a twist, and that's kind of what makes the game "The Legend of Zelda"

However they want to break the routine a bit ever since they announced they were not having Ganon grace each game with his malevolence making room for more changes. I was so unhappy when in the early makings of Twilight Princess they might have not had Zoras, unless that was just a fan made rumor.

[LUCiD]

I think a female Link would be great as long as you could choose between male and female Link and she isn't pink, don't get me wrong, pink is a good color and all, but it's been overdone on female protagonists to the point where it's just not funny. Maybe a purple color for her outfit?

[Zero-Shift]

Link could be easily made into a girl and nothing at all in the series would have to be changed.

God, if the next Link was female I'd certainly hope something would change, at least insofar as the narration. Making a change like that and not taking advantage of it would make the alteration completely pointless. Hell, change is what the series needs.

Female Link would be cool but I think the series needs to step it up in the narrative, particularly in characterization of the protagonist before it should happen. Twilight Princess, for all its faults, at least showed us Nintendo can craft a genuinely compelling and deep character. Too bad it wasn't the supposed star of the title. Interestingly enough it was a female character who didn't exactly fall into typical gender stereotypes.

I think the best way to set apart a female Link from her predecessors would be in her personality and that would very difficult considering the series' status quo. Link as a character has failed to develop at all for over 20 years and I'm tired of him being a two dimensional mute. Give him some lines dammit! Also, for what it's worth I think a hotheaded, tomboyish female Link would be a lot of fun, but there are so many different possibilities I'd love to see any of them explored. Just so long as it's not the same humble hero we've had all these years. At this point we just need something fresh. If that means a gender swap so be it.

[Penelopi]

I'm fairly new to the series compared to most other people on these forums (I think), but from what I've observed, the Zelda series' sameness is mostly caused by the game producers drawing too much on Ocarina of Time. They've made creative tweaks in each game since, but I've noticed 1) more Zelda games officially connect chronologically to OoT than any other game 2) weapons and boss designs are often reused in some way from OoT (like Wind Waker's Phantom Ganon being an obvious tribute to Ganon's first form in the final boss fight of OoT) 3) most music that carries through multiple Zelda games comes originally from OoT (the Hyrule Overture being the only exception I can think of right now). Twilight Princess especially, while being an awesome game, has so many similarities to Ocarina of Time that it feels almost like a remake. I think the Zelda series may be suffering from a mentality that OoT is THE best Zelda game of all time and can never be surpassed. More than a change in Link's character, I think the developers need to get past that "Ocarina of Time can't be beat" thinking.

Speaking of video game character personalities, what about Samus? I've played a few Metroid games (and I've watched my brothers play even more), and Samus, though she does talk, does so rarely. I only remember her speaking once: in Metroid Fusion when she was reminiscing about the past. And as for expressions, it's hard to see anything behind that visor. Most of her fear/tenseness has to be expressed simply by her stance. But in spite of this, there's enough to tell that she's an independent, no-nonsense girl who's very tough but still is soft enough to get attached to certain people. Likewise, Link's character, though shown through only his expressions, can be seen as a boy or young man who is fearful/wary of the dangers, but so determined and driven to protect his home, family, and friends that he pushes on in spite of it. The point I'm trying to make is that maybe Link's personality isn't as well-developed as some other modern video game characters', but it's enough to make him more than just a sprite on the screen and is enough for the purposes of a video game. I mean, the developers aren't writing a novel here.

But back on topic:
I never thought about a female Link before the topic was brought up on these forums. Link being male never really bothered me because so many other games I've played have male protagonists, and I never thought he needed to be changed. I was fine with him just being the mute puppet who showed an expression here and there that let me kind of piece together a personality for him in my mind. He was kind of "open to interpretation," like NiGHTS. I still don't really think he needs to be changed. I'm not against tough, kick-butt female heroes (I love them, actually), but they have their place in other games (like Metroid), and Link has a unique boyish charm that would be missing if he were a girl. His funny victory pose and "I'm sneakin around like a ninja" ( ) peer to the side during sidles in Wind Waker wouldn't be there if he were a girl. He did all those cute things in that game because he was a little boy and thought it was cool. But girls don't usually care so much for all that cool pizazz, they just want to get the job done.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

1) more Zelda games officially connect chronologically to OoT than any other game

2) weapons and boss designs are often reused in some way from OoT (like Wind Waker's Phantom Ganon being an obvious tribute to Ganon's first form in the final boss fight of OoT)

I agree with you fo everything excapt the idea that OoT is considered too heavily drawn upon. It's definately the most story based pre-Wind Waker (I haven't played Twilight Princess), and is the "Legend" behind the Legend of Zelda referenced in WW. Because of this, all games chronologically connected to WW (Phantom Hourglass, A Link to the Past) are then connected to OoT. Majora's Mask must also be connected to OoT, since it's a direct sequel.

As for weapons and bosses, the Weapons have been the same in most Zelda games- they all seem to have arrows, bombs, swords, etc. I don't think that it's strictly an OoT phenominon. Phantom Ganon is a recurring character. His name appeared first in OoT, but the gameplay style was seen in *I think* A Link to the Past in a boss that I forget.

Fianlly, the story of "Ganon attacks and is locked in the Dark World by the Seven Sages" was first used in A Link to the Past.

[TORiAS_the_fallen]

Well, I think I pretty much made my opinion known last time, but let me re-iterate abit.

I DO like the Midna character in TP, and I would totally but a game that lets you play as Midna... seriously.
Also, being able to choose gender at the begining isn't a bad idea, but I don't think making Link female would increase female playership. Personally, I'd rather play as a hot guy. >< Give me eye candy, and I'm happy.

I do like to play as women- I spend alot of time playing Colette in ToS and Tear in TotA- and I always pick the female pokemon trainer.

Also, for the OoT thing, I noticed that that game jacks alot of things from LtP. So LtP is really the first Zelda with serious story telling elements. OtT ( in my opinion) was only popular because it was the first 3D Zelda.

[Zero-Shift]

Snip

If anything I think the sameness stems from developer's refusal to explore new concepts. In my opinion the series didn't start becoming stale until after Majora's Mask. The basic gameplay elements and themes of the series have remained essentially the same since the first installment. The difference is that in the early days, newer installments would expand on previous concepts and/or do something entirely new. Lately the series seems content to reuse the same puzzles from older games in slightly different ways or with easier solutions.

As far as the story is concerned, I think people are just tired of the current quality of the narrative and want something more, like voice acting. Also, the plot of "Bad guy is trying to rule the world" is getting really old, especially considering 9 times out of 10 the bad guy is Ganon.

I'll just say this much. Ōkami​ is the best Zelda game to be released in years.

On an off-topic note, I thought Samus' characterization was just as shallow as Link's for quite a time, but the fact is that Fusion, Zero Mission and to a lesser extent the Prime titles did a fair bit to help her character come along.

[NNR07]

Maybe as a choice (i.e. is your character male or female?).

Deffinitely not a whole game though. Way too much fanservice from everyone.

[EZEKiAL]

Well, I think I pretty much made my opinion known last time, but let me re-iterate abit.

I DO like the Midna character in TP, and I would totally but a game that lets you play as Midna... seriously.
Also, being able to choose gender at the begining isn't a bad idea, but I don't think making Link female would increase female playership. Personally, I'd rather play as a hot guy. >< Give me eye candy, and I'm happy.

I do like to play as women- I spend alot of time playing Colette in ToS and Tear in TotA- and I always pick the female pokemon trainer.

Also, for the OoT thing, I noticed that that game jacks alot of things from LtP. So LtP is really the first Zelda with serious story telling elements. OtT ( in my opinion) was only popular because it was the first 3D Zelda.

I LOVE Midna. She was definitely an amazing character, and I'm sad that circumstances don't allow for her to ever appear again.

As far as Link becoming female, I really don't think we're going to see that. But perhaps we'll be able to play as Captain Tetra in a future title.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

As far as Link becoming female, I really don't think we're going to see that. But perhaps we'll be able to play as Captain Tetra in a future title.

I wouldn't portray a female Link as a previous game's Link becoming a girl, but rather a female reincarnation of a past link. Being able to choose a gender would be an interesting concept that could definately work. Costume would be an issue, though, because a short tunic is much too skimpy for a medieval woman, and fighting evil in a gown could become silly.

We need a Miss Tetra game. Now.

[EZEKiAL]

I wouldn't portray a female Link as a previous game's Link becoming a girl, but rather a female reincarnation of a past link. Being able to choose a gender would be an interesting concept that could definately work. Costume would be an issue, though, because a short tunic is much too skimpy for a medieval woman, and fighting evil in a gown could become silly.

We need a Miss Tetra game. Now.

That's what I meant, of course.

[TORiAS_the_fallen]

I'm so happy we can come to an areement.
Totally agree about the Miss Tetra thing.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

That's what I meant, of course.

I know, but I could imagine something like Phantom Hourglass with a female Link. That would be impossible, because it's the male Wind Waker Link, for example.

[iLLViLLAiN]

Make your own Link!

Now with 6 exciting challenges!

[LUCiD]

I like that make your own Link idea!!

[DiENE]

"This statue's one-eyed gaze pierces into your mind... BOINNG! BOINNG! The current time is: 00:00"
" Back in the day, Zelda was viewed as both female and male after the whole Sheik thing and all."

The Hero of time has almost no story development other than: "Link" wakes up one ordinary day then all of a sudden get wrapped up in an epic, over told adventure between good and evil. You can do ALOT with that, if you wanted to I guess.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

I was replaying Wind Waker and realised how much we need a Miss Tetra backstory game. She's a kid with a band of pirates. A KID WITH PIRATES! How cool is that?

[DiENE]

I was replaying Wind Waker and realised how much we need a Miss Tetra backstory game. She's a kid with a band of pirates. A KID WITH PIRATES! How cool is that?

And you would ride around in a Pirate ship and sink enemy ships in like a online multiplayer mode...sweet.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

I feel so bad for Tetra. First she was an cool pirate, then some kid and a talking boat changed her name and made her sit in a dress in abasement. Sure she's a princess, but her country is dead! No wonder she shot Link at the end.

[Dex la Cabra]

No wonder she shot Link at the end.

she does WHAT! aww man i shouldn't have come on here without finishing this!

[EZEKiAL]

she does WHAT! aww man i shouldn't have come on here without finishing this!

No no no no, if you(Link) gets shot, it's your own fault. Link needs to improve his reflexes with the Mirror Shield, though!

[JaxTH]

No...Tetra just has horrible aim.

[Noctourne Wonderland]

she does WHAT! aww man i shouldn't have come on here without finishing this!

I didn't spoil much; the really climax is much less dramtic. ;D