<![CDATA[Kotaku: Link]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Link]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/link http://kotaku.com/tag/link <![CDATA[ Rasslin' for Link ]]> As this is the weekend, let's open up with some classic Saturday-morning fare: Professional wrestling. Think that emblem on rassler Cody Rhodes' boot above is just a coincidence? Nope. Rhodes not only pays tribute to the Triforce in every bout, not only lives his professional life by its creed, he also replays The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past every year on his Super Nintendo. So when he stamps Power, Courage and Wisdom into your face, sumbitch comes by it honestly.

GoNintendo was dubious at first that Rhodes deliberately put the Triforce on his boots. But the grappler makes it pretty damn clear in the latest issue of WWE Magazine:

"It's the Tri-Force from The Legend of Zelda," Rhodes confirmed. "You know how some people have a book they re-read every year? Well I re-play The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for Super Nintendo every year. In the game, the Tri-Force symbolized power, wisdom and courage. I thought I could apply those qualities to my life."

In 1992 I actually refereed a pro rasslin' match in North Carolina. It's a long-ass story how I ended up doing that. But on the card was this clown who went by Mean Mark. Mean had Scripture printed on the ass of his trunks, which, if I was the Lord, I'd kind of grimace and nod at the sentiment but not really feel complimented, you know? Now 16 years later a value set inspired by a video game gets better treatment on a nationwide stage.

As for me, I replay Red Dead Revolver about halfway every year. It teaches me that revenge is a great and awesome goal but gets real boring after about the fourth time.

WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes Pays Tribute to Zelda via his Ring Attire
[GoNintendo]

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Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:00:00 MDT Owen Good http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5014182&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Don't Fuck With British Link ]]>
This is a short little clip a bunch of guys by the name of Waverley Films put together for MTV's Gamer's Week. It's about Link, a bully, and what happens when Link is confronted by said bully. The moral of the story? Link is never to be messed with. Especially when he's awkward, and British.

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Wed, 14 May 2008 04:30:00 MDT Luke Plunkett http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=390233&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Virtual Archery Bow Puts Link..And Rambo...To Shame ]]> Most Wiimote accessories are pitiful mockeries of the real thing. Cutesy, plastic tennis rackets don't make me feel like Andre Agassi. And the Wii Zapper doesn't make me feel like a Dirty Harry. But this Virtual Archery Bow by Thomas Foo is a full-blown bow made out of a full-blown bow. The only thing it's missing are the arrows...which we're thinking would put flying Wiimotes of yore to shame in a heartbeat. Here's a picture of the game he made for the peripheral, Trajectory:

wiibow2.jpgThere's no doubt—the Virtual Archery Bow is completely absurd. But it's almost poetic in its fanaticism. Is there something to be said for higher quality Wiimote accessories for the niche enthusiast?

As long as some people are willing to buy golf club extensions and tiny tennis rackets, why not just cut the foreplay, put a disclaimer on the package and offer the real thing?

Wiimote-Modded Bow for Hardcore Zelda Wannabes
[Gizmodo]

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Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:40:00 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=378251&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Triforce Cutting Board, Now You're Playing With Flour ]]> For Kotaku's ever-growing chef contingent, this Zelda-inspired cutting board is built from the finest (we don't really know if it is the finest, but it sounds good) walnut and hard-maple wood for chopping as many leafy vegetables as it takes for gems to pop out. We know the $125 price tag will prove too hefty for some, but for what is surely the world's first foray into unlicensed, triforce-themed cutting blocks, we can't complain too much. Besides, we'd drop that amount in a heart piece if it included a bundled Master Sword Ginsu. We apologize for the lame puns. We're all done now.

Triforce End-Grain Cutting Board [Etsy via HawtyMcBloggy]

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Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:40:00 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=377962&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Super Smash Bros. Brawl Character Super Evolved ]]> Sure, we've seen stuff like this before, that doesn't mean we're sick of Nintendo character evolution charts. Never! This time around we're tracking the progression that the brawlers from Super Smash Bros. Brawl have undergone. Hit the jump for a look at Samus, Kirby and non-Nintendo character but Wii-favorite Sonic.

ssbbevolved2.jpg So, yeah, Kirby's about the same.
Ninty Retro [Image Shack via Digg via Infendo]

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Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:00:44 MST Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=363892&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo Characters Big and Evolved ]]> We've seen charts like this before. You know, ones that show how Nintendo characters evolve. That doesn't mean we'll ever get tired of them. No way! Here was have a look at Mario, Link and Donkey Kong over the years. Do yourself a favor, ignore that some of them are out of order! It'll ruin the effect.

Full chart after the jump.

bkn_500_3.jpg
Nintendo Character Evo [Bynabi via Danny Choo]

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Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:00:28 MST Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=356212&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Zelda II Commercial ]]>
From RetroGameVideos comes this Zelda II: The Adventures f Link commercial featuring yet another live action Link. It amazes me that in pretty much every commercial featuring a live action Link, they never actually look like Link. In this version we get some Fabio looking hippie Link running through a lot of dark empty hallways only to be met at the end by an invisible wall blocking his real self from entering Zelda's 8-bit room. Note the plug for the Ghostbusters II game at the end. So timely.

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Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:00:00 MST fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=324001&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Another Awesome Zelda Pumpkin ]]> Our own Luke Plunkett will be so jealous when he sees that the day shift got to post this beautiful pumpkin of his beloved cel-shaded Link. There's something about combining the pure act of pumpkin carving with the innocent Zelda storyline that warms our hearts almost enough to see in color and believe in miracles. Almost. Reader Nick writes:

This is how my girlfriend and I started out the Halloween season, with two of our favorite characters Jack and Link.
Hit the jump for the slightly less game related but still amazing, Jack.

jackpumpkin.jpg

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Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:40:11 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=314051&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Sonic vs Link ]]>
From the folks at 1Up comes this clip of SSBB featuring a battle between Link and the newly announced Sonic. The fight takes place on the StarFox level so we get to see some nice wormhole action as well as getting an explanation form the narrator about some of the weaponry and special moves. It's looking really good, it's just a shame that we are going to have to endure another four months of teases like this before the actual game comes out. Let's all just hold hands and pray it doesn't get pushed back again. Just don't finger my palm or I'll punch you.

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Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=310575&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Link Teaches Geometry ]]>

The BBPS reports that a crafty New York math teacher has been using Link and his triangle-loving ways to sneak a little edu-ma-cation into his students. Am I the only one slightly confused by the description?

Legend of Zelda Used to Teach the Little Ones [The BBPS]

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Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:00:43 MDT Brian Crecente http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=308890&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Zelda Sleeve Tattoo: The Beginning ]]> zeldasleeve.jpg Some of you may remember Sam Mullin and his kick ass Nintendo/Mario sleeve tattoo. Back when we first posted it, Sam had mentioned that he would soon be getting a Zelda sleeve on the other arm and well, it looks like he's started the process! Already present are Link, Princess Zelda and Ghoma, with Gannon and others yet to come. The tattoo work is being done by Daniel Innes , the same artist from the Mario piece and if this new one turns out as good as the last one, it's bound to be great.

The Zelda sleeve [SamuelMullin.com]
[via GayGamer]

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Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=307987&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo Delivers Phantom Hourglass E-card ]]> The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass hits stores on October 1st, and to honor the occasion Nintendo has created a Phantom Hourglass e-card, complete with an exclusive video of the game in action. They've also created a handy-dandy countdown widget on their Zelda.com site, suitable for MySpace pages and personal blogs alike. Two doses of Zelda goodness to keep you going until the big day.

Phantom Hourglass E-Card [Nintendo]

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Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:40:32 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=301541&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Robot Chicken Questions Link's Chivalry ]]>
So just why do Link and Mario keep chasing the princesses time and time again? Robot Chicken believes there's a clear motivator...call it the quest for a "high score." We always knew that we were perverts and we liked video games. But who would have thought we liked video games because we were perverts?

This is why our wives prefer we play Metroid.

Robot Chicken Shoe
[via siliconera]

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Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:00:22 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=298176&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Twilight Princess Capsule Figures ]]> While I was roaming around PAX last weekend I happened upon a booth by local Seattle store Pink Godzilla. They had an amazing selection of vintage games, Japanese toys and even some Japanese systems. What really caught my eye (although it was hard to focus on just one thing) were these little Twilight Princess figures. These are actually capsule figures from Japan and each figure came in parts, reminding me of my model making days. They come in pieces so that they can produce larger figures and still manage to fit them into the little plastic egg shaped capsules. I grabbed the whole set for $25 and spoke with one of the guys working the booth who told me they are readily available through the Pink Godzilla website. What's really great about PG is that all of their items include free shipping from right here in the US, thus relieving some of the long ship times often run into when ordering the same items from overseas. So, if you're a fan of Japanese games and toys and don't like waiting six to eight weeks for your precious treasures to arrive, run, don't walk to Pink Godzilla now!

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Sun, 02 Sep 2007 08:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=295818&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Impressive Fan Made CG Zelda Trailer ]]>
Most of the fan made Zelda trailers we've seen have involved some guy in a bad wig attempting to pass as Link surrounded by cardboard castles and the like. This one, entitled Dark Sage, is done a little differently, utilizing CG graphics and I have to say, it's pretty damned impressive. It's really too bad that something like this will never see a full film release because it looks a better than a lot of the stuff coming out of Hollywood right now. If I was sitting in a theater and saw this trailer as a coming soon, my ticket would be as good as bought.

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Sun, 01 Jul 2007 08:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=274017&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Clip: Zelda: Heart For The Hero ]]>
One of things I always noticed about Zelda games was Link's incredible ability to make it around the land of Hyrule without ever speaking a word. Everyone else does the talking while he seems to be able to communicate with nods and possibly some sort of telepathy.

This clip, now showing on GameTrailers.com, is a pretty clever look at this phenomenon that had me laughing out loud quite a few times. I don't want to give away the joke so I'll just let you watch it for yourself. Enjoy!

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Sun, 24 Jun 2007 11:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271709&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Homemade Link Notepad ]]>

Lostmitten is a master of the art of perlerbeads. Her creations have graced the hallowed halls of Kotaku Tower many times and today, we have another one. This time she has made an 8-bit Legend of Zelda notepad featuring Link on the front and an Octoroc on the back. Unfortunately (for us, not for her) Lostmitten's one of a kind creations go quickly and this one is already sold. Using these detailed photos and a little elbow grease, you could probably make one yourself, but if you're lazy, visit Lostmitten's Etsy page for a lovely array of game crafts at a nice cheap price.

[via Wonderland]

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Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=269599&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Papercraft: The Other Link Model ]]>

I've pointed to a Link papercraft model before, but it was unfortunately less than stellar and now no longer exists. This version however is pretty sweet. This is the original Chokipeta model of Wind Waker Link and can be downloaded in PDF form and can be downloaded via RapidShare from the link below. For once, I'm actually going to get off my duff and try putting this guy together. I will see how my very un-nimble fingers do on this one and post the end product next weekend regardless of how terrible or great it may be. So tune in next week for the final results!

Wind Waker Link Papercraft model [RapidShare]
[via Paperkraft.net]

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Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=269508&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Sony Connects With Gamers On PSP-PS3 Connectivity ]]>

Remember back at last year's E3 when Kaz Hirai showed how the PSP could be used as a rearview mirror in Gran Turismo? Sony hasn't made secret its plans to increase connectivity between the PS3 and the PSP. But now, the company is trying to get gamers to rank how appealing certain PS3/PSP features would or could be. Remember, this isn't Sony confirming anything, but rather, feeling out the Joe Q. Gamer. Included in the survey:


  • Use the device to complete side missions for games (unlockables, etc.)

  • Transfer media (music/pictures/video) wirelessly from the console to the device (broadcast television, new levels for games)

  • Use the device WHILE PLAYING the console game as an additional weapon/ulitiy to help the gameplay (2nd player option, radar for incoming enemies, etc.)

  • Record console gameplay video...


Transferring media and side missions have piqued my interest — the "WHILE PLAYING" feature seems gimmicky. What about you, Kotaku peanut gallery?

PSP Survey [PS3 Forums via PS3 Fanboy]

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Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:00:18 MDT Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=268310&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Link And The Lamp ]]>

Not only does flasher The Legend of Zelda and the Lampshade of No Real Significance have Link and a lampshade, but it has has Samus and Kirby. What's more, Samus is eating a burger and Kirby is shooting stuff! Delightful flash game.

Play Here [Chimp Media Thanks, Chilly!]

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Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:00:17 MDT Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267903&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo Plot Twist ]]>

Wow, that Peach sure does get around. Just a few months back we get an invitation to her wedding to Bowser and now she's marrying Link? But then I think we all know about Peach's questionable morals.

It really reminds me of the illustrations in the Little Golden Books I had as a kid. Some of my favorite parts of this image are Link's tie and the silhouettes of Pikachu, Megaman and Fox McCloud in the background. I also question exactly what Luigi is looking at as he wipes his tears away...

Nintendo Plot Twist [YTMND]
[via GayGamer]

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Sat, 02 Jun 2007 10:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265400&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Legend of Zelda: Oracle Of Cuddles ]]> LINK!Ah, cel-shaded Link. One of the most hated variations on a classic Nintendo character just happens to be the cutest sonofabitch to ever grace a GameCube. Now 'toon Link is going felt.

For those of us who didn't feel "betrayed" and stomp our adult baby feet when faced with immature Link in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker nor dread the stylus controlled cuteness of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass comes a pair of plush Links that are perfect for snuggling. From the product description, they also appear to be compatible with cuddles.

Japanese manufacturer Sanei is bringing the plush duo of Links to Nintendo fans this fall with importer National Console Support now taking pre-orders. Large plush Link (at $29) is 12 1/2" tall while Small plush Link (only $16) measures just a hair over 7" in height. Perfect for your next Nintendo themed tea party!

Zelda no Densetsu: Link L and S Plushes [NCSX]

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Wed, 30 May 2007 15:40:06 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=264620&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ More Details On Phantom Hourglass Surface ]]> phantommag.jpg

The The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass publicity train is picking up steam with a four page article in Japan's Nintendo Dream. Sure, we know that the game will take full advantage of the DS stylus, letting players control Link, sword movements and the boomerang all with the touch pen. And the new details?

  • Depending on how you move the touch pen, Link has three different sword attacks.
  • Touch on-screen arrows, and Link will move objects in that direction.
  • Touch on a far point, and Link will run or jump there.
  • Touch on a close point, and Link will walk there.

And there you have it!

Zelda DS [The Hylia via QJ.Net]

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Fri, 25 May 2007 02:00:25 MDT Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=263525&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Fierce Deity Link Review ]]> FIERCEBrett Martin at the Video Game Memorabilia Museum Forums got his Fierce Deity Link limited edition statue in the mail recently, posting a series of pictures and hands-on impressions of the packaging and sculpt.

While the review is generally positive, there was one tiny little issue. While assembling the Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask version of Link, Martin's statue suffered a slight crack. Don't worry, it has a happy ending. Of the 2500 Fierce Deity Link statues made by First4Figures, it looks like they are still in stock and ready to order from the official site.

Interested collectors should check out the in-depth analysis before they consider dropping $130.

Thanks for the heads up, Brett.

[Review] Fierce Deity Link has arrived - ONI-NOES!!! [Video Game Memorabilia Museum]

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Tue, 08 May 2007 19:40:04 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=258800&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Game Characters Into Beer Pong, Too ]]>

Blame the plastic cups. American college students know, love and live "Beer Pong." It's a drinking game in which players attempt to bounce a ping pong in their opponent's cup, forcing them to imbibe it. A couple readers at game site The Last Boss created this wonder:

Just some notes on it about detail which may not be visible: Mario is holding a Guiness bottle, Soda Popinski a Killian, Luigi has a bud light 6er, the Turtles are bathing in Heineken, Link attacking with a broken Corona and Bubble Bobble guys with a bud can beer-amid. The triangles for the cups are the Triforce and they are fully wired under the plexiglass so they light up for night games. My friend Paul T did the crafty cutting and I designed, drew and painted the entire table.

This was created back in 2004, proving that, yes, Beer Pong is timeless.

Beer Pong Game Table [The Last Boss via Game|Life]

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Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:00:51 MDT Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=256287&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ A T-Shirt To Rule Hyrule In ]]>

And the name of the neato tee? Born 2 High-Rule. Cute and clever. I like.

Order Here [Bountee via Alice]

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Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:00:53 MDT Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=254715&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo World Store Fashion Show ]]>

I had no idea this was even happening, but apparently the Nintendo World Store held some kind of fashion event yesterday. From the looks of these photos, snapped by GoNintendo friend Phishbowl, there was all sorts of Nintendo wear to be seen and had. From 11 - 1, fans were given the opportunity to create their own Nintendo themed T-shirts and then at 1pm a fashion show ensued showing of the latest in Nintendo sleepwear, t-shirts along with gaming and fashion accessories. I wish I would have been there, because being a T-shirt freak, I could definitely go for some hot Zelda pret-a-porter.

You can see Phishbowl's entire set of photos of this fashionista extravaganza by going to his Flickr gallery.

Nintendo World Store Fashion Event Photos [Flickr]
[via GoNintendo]

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Sun, 15 Apr 2007 13:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=252380&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ You Can Own Link's Shield ]]>

Now, for all your cosplay and obsessive fan needs, True Swords offers a full size Hylian Shield. There are no actual dimensions listed on the page, but the description says that in can be hung on the wall or worn on your arm. It can even hold Link's Master Sword when mounted on the wall! The shield runs $74.99 with the Master Sword, also available through True Swords, coming in at around $44.

If you are a true Link-o-phile or a cosplayer looking to win that big costume prize, these are definitely the props for you. And if you have this hanging on your wall I promise you no one will think your a huge geek. Really... I promise.

Hylian Shield [True Swords - Thanks, Kyle]
Link's Master Sword [True Swords]

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Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=250564&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Adventures of Link (the Kitten) ]]> kittenzelda.jpg

I believe this would be one of those posts that requires exactly zero comment. On a personal note: Fahey, I'm in your house stealing your pictures!

Kitten Loves Zelda [VH1]

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Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:00:51 MDT Brian Crecente http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=246644&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Papercraft: Wind Waker Link ]]> zeldapc.jpg

More papercraft goodness for your weekend craftyness! I've got a terrific one for you today although unlike last weeks Nintendo Zapper, this one is a mite more complicated. I wish there was a larger picture of it all put together, but unfortunately, this was all I could find.

A little tip to the papercraft newbs out there: Always print your papercraft on cardstock. Its much easier to fold and holds it's shape better. It also is less likely to turn into a crumpled wad when an overenthusiastic friend grabs it and screams "Oh my god, that's the most awesome Link statue ever...oops!"

Legend of Zelda papercraft [Siliconera - Thanks Briana]

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Sat, 17 Mar 2007 19:00:00 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=245027&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Clip: Mega64's GDC Mario Skit ]]> Wednesday night at the Game Developer's Choice awards marked the closest I have ever come to peeing myself in public since I was five, and Mega64 is to blame. Shown as interstitials to give host Tim Schafer (who himself was hilarious) time to take his ritalin, the series of bits they showed ran from eh to pretty damn funny, and then this one showed up.

Amazing how link, on screen for all of four seconds, completely doles out the major funny in the clip. Well, that and Miyamoto's acting. Just watch the part where he first shows up, and imagine Gary Coleman saying, "Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?"

Super Mario Bros.
[Mega64]

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Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:20:46 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=243483&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ GDC 07: Hands On: Phantom Hourglass Multiplayer ]]> ZeldaPhantomHourglass_04-multi.JPG

I got a chance to sit down for a few minutes with Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass DS at the Nintendo booth on the Expo floor on Friday. The only bit they were actually showing was the multiplayer mode, but I swallowed my bitter disappointment at not being able to try out a real level and gave it a try.

The gameplay was pretty simple with one player taking on the role of Link while the other player controlled a trio of Armored Knights. The lower screen is an overhead map of a maze, while the top screen shows the 3rd person view. Link must run through the maze, picking up Tri-Forces and dropping them off at his base area all the while avoiding the Armored Knights who are chasing him. Link can be controlled with the stylus or the d-pad and the knights make their moves by following a trail that the player traces out using the stylus.

There are two sizes of Tri-force, the smaller light weight version and the large heavier version. These Tri-forces will weigh you down and make you run slower, so if you see one of the knights approaching, your best bet is just to drop your prize and make a run for it, you can always come back and pick it up later. Various power-ups are scattered around the level such as super speed to help carry you swiftly away from your imposing enemies. Once one of the knights catches Link, the round is over and the players switch sides, with the former Link now controlling the knights and vice versa.

I had a good time playing it, but honestly, there wasn't a whole lot to keep me intrigued for more than a few minutes. Hopefully next time they display it we'll get a chance to play some real levels.

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Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:40:53 MDT fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=243297&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Real, True Origins of the Triforce? ]]>

Earlier, we posted a debt collection agency with a Triforce logo on it as kind of a ha-ha look at that. It was totally superficial and had no deeper cultural connotations whatsoever. But Japan-based reader Ryan sent us the following:

I was in Kamakura on a vacation last weekend, and I spotted this local Kamon around a shrine near a really nice little marketplace. But I remembered Kotaku's posting about Superior Tax Collectors, where they used a symbol similar to the triforce.

Fascinating, truly fascinating.

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Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:30:59 MST Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=243151&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Littlest Link ]]> lillink.jpg

File this one under "Things that make you go awwwwww."

Conventions are always a great place to see cosplay. The costumes and their wearers range from the really amazing to the completely embarrassing. On his recent foray to WonderCon, Game|Life's Chris Kohler was able to snap a pic of this tiny Link cosplayer. He was quite popular apparently and his outfit is impeccable, note the bomb and Rupee bag attached to his belt. I only wish he had the shield up where we could see it, because according to Chris it was right on. I'm glad to see the little guy didn't have to resort to the same kind of hideous yellow yarn wigs and cheap accoutrement we often see on some of our, how shall we say, more mature cosplayers. The only thing that could make this better is if he made the outfit himself.

Wondercon: The Littlest Link Cosplayer [Game|Life]

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Sun, 04 Mar 2007 15:00:00 MST fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=241385&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Triforce Debt Collection Agency ]]>

Quick: What do you see? Reader Adam writes:

I got back to Mass last night from a snowboarding trip to Utah. As I was driving down the main street in Logan, UT something caught my eye. A quick google search found the website of this debt collection agency with a very familiar logo.

You know, I'd actually be more inclined to pay up to a debt collection agency with a Triforce logo, especially a "Superior" one.

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Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:00:28 MST Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=240553&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Link Ice, Ice Baby ]]>

This is simply spectacular. If Nintendo doesn't have this sculpture at their next big event, with chilled Tanqueray pouring from his sword, I'm going to be deeply disappointed.

[Thanks Bryan]

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Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:00:36 MST Brian Crecente http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=232737&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ VC Monday: A Link to the Past ]]>

It's finally time for me to break into the piggy bank and add some more points to my Wii shopping channel account, as today sees the release of THE game for the SNES on Nintendo's Virtual Console. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is now available for download for 800 points. This game is the only Zelda game I need. A pure experience, unmuddied by the need for 3D graphics while still 100 times more substantial than the classic yet dated original.

Return to an age of magic and heroes. When an evil magician named Agahnim begins kidnapping young maidens in Hyrule in a quest to break the imprisoning seal on Ganon, a young boy named Link is called upon to stop him.
Doesn't get much better than that.

That's it for this week, with Nintendo bucking the trend of multi-game releases, either in honor of this gaming classic, or for the sake of the other games that would have been lost in it's dust. Press release follows.

WII-KLY UPDATE: CLASSIC ZELDA GAME ANNOUNCED FOR WII SHOP CHANNEL

Jan. 22, 2007

Today Nintendo adds one of the most popular games in its library of classics to the Wii video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The Legend of Zelda : A Link to the Past goes live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super NES , 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Return to an age of magic and heroes. When an evil magician named Agahnim begins kidnapping young maidens in Hyrule in a quest to break the imprisoning seal on Ganon, a young boy named Link is called upon to stop him. Link must venture into twisting mazes, dungeons, palaces and shadowy forests as he searches for the maidens and Princess Zelda. Traversing both Light and Dark Worlds, he must navigate eight dark dungeons, fighting evil enemies and huge bosses. Help our hero prevent Ganon and Agahnim from shattering Hyrule forever.

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Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:40:17 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=230459&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Put Words In Link's Mouth ]]> We've seen this before with Phoenix Wright. Just type in whatever you want, and this program will generate that in The Legend of Zelda. Nothing revolutionary, but still pretty neat.

Generator For Zelda [DUH DUH DUH, Thanks Bryce!]

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Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:20:14 MST Brian Ashcraft http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=229866&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Revenge Of The Life-Sized Link Statues ]]>

Just when you thought we couldn't get yet another post out of the life-size Link statues, we have another one for you! This one is on eBay Australia, ships out of Germany and has a price tag of $1,199.00 listed in U.S. dollars. Or, if you prefer, you can pay the Buy It Now price of $2,499.00 which includes worldwide insured shipping. For some reason the buyer chose to tag the entry with such oddities as PS3, weta, and LOTR. I guess he figured once you rope a geek in, the rest just follows.

No one has bid on it as of yet, but you still have two whole days to make Link your very own special friend. Your dismembered buddy will arrive at your home in three separate crates. Some assembly required.

Zelda Wii Nintendo PS3 lifesize statue prop [eBay Australia - Thanks, Lachlan]

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Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:00:59 MST fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=228587&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ 8-Bit Link Is A Real Treat ]]>

We've see a lot of gaming cakes, but here are some gaming cupcakes!

Little Gia is a new Zelda fan, apparently having reached a gaming epiphany with Twilight Princess. She wanted a Link cake fro her birthday, so instead of going the traditional route, mom, dad, grandma and her "crazy gaming uncles" came up with this 8-bit Link made from 143 delicious cupcakes.

At 36" by 44", this might be the biggest game related dessert treat we've seen. I have to say it was a pretty clever idea to use the cupcakes in place of the pixels. Maybe this will spawn a whole new generation of gamer cakes. Anyone want to try for a Samus?

link cake's photos [Flickr - Thanks, Chris]

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Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:00:09 MST fdemarco http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=228580&view=rss&microfeed=true