Kotaku: The Legend Of Zelda

Rasslin' for Link

Owen Good — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:00:00 MDT

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]

Zelda Team Working on New Games

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:00:22 MDT

Don't forget. Nintendo doesn't just make Wii Fit and Brain Age. It makes other games, too. Games like The Legend of Zelda. About which, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto says:

I think we'd gotten to a point where videogames were something that everyone could no longer enjoy. As a designer, I'm always focusing on what is fun — ideas that people can enjoy. For me, I'm trying to entertain as many people as I can, creating games that the widest number of people can enjoy. Of course, that being said, we do have the existing teams at Nintendo working on the kinds of products we've always made over the years. The Zelda team is forming again to work on new games! But to me, it's about finding these new interactive experiences and bringing them to people.

Please don't make a casual Zelda game, please don't make a casual Zelda game, please don't make a casual Zelda game.
Miyamoto on Wii Fit [1Up via Go Nintendo]

Katsuya Terada Zelda Artwork: Save, Cherish

Mark Wilson — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:00 MDT

You'll be pressed to find bigger fans of cel-shaded Link than me or Luke Plunkett, but these classic renditions of Link by famous illustrator Katsuya Terada are enough to put the whole realistic vs. cartoony argument to rest. Rescued from a fading edition of Nintendo Power, they are yours until your computer crashes, the bombs drop or Ganon plunges us into a world of darkness.

Avoiding cheesy fantasy hyperbole while still capturing an exciting world of the unknown, I'd love to see a Zelda title look just like this. Hit the link for even more shots.

Here, have some amazing Zelda artwork [Livejournal via Gaming Today]

Virtual Archery Bow Puts Link..And Rambo...To Shame

Mark Wilson — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:40:00 MDT

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:

There'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]

Triforce Cutting Board, Now You're Playing With Flour

Mark Wilson — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:40:00 MDT

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]

Zelda Manga Getting Its English On

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:00:52 MDT

The Legend of Zelda manga incoming! Word on the street is that English adaptations of two volumes of Zelda, written by Akira Himekawa, the pen name for two writers who wrote half a dozen Zelda manga. The books trace the Ocarina of Time story line. Release date is October 7th, 2008, and it will be published by Viz Media. Better late than never, no?
Zelda Manga [Go Nintendo via Anime News Network via Albotas]

Behind The Scenes Of The Fake Zelda Movie

Mark Wilson — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:40:00 MDT

IGN's Zelda movie prank by Rainfall Films probably broke a lot of fanboy hearts April 1st morning, but that doesn't mean a lot of love for the series wasn't put into the trailer. Requiring 3 months of work for a crew that peaked at 20 people, the first makeup tests actually started all the way back on July 20th of 2007. (Which means that when accounting for casting, costume design and general organization, its a date nowhere near the actual project's start.) Here's the making of video, which we promise doesn't end as badly as Adam's Kaketakumentary.

Editorial: Zelda on the Big Screen [IGN]

Video Game Currencies That Out-Value The US Dollar

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:40:07 MDT

Curious about how an investment in rupees, the currency in The Legend of Zelda, would have translated into real world profit? The financial wizards at Maxim have gone through the impressive effort of translating the in-game value of currencies to real-world dollars from a septet of classic and modern video games, a scientific pursuit that proves a single mineral unit from StarCraft is worth far, far more than a gold ring from Sonic the Hedgehog will ever be. Pulitzer for economic research, please!

7 Video Game Currencies Stronger Than the U.S. Dollar [Maxim]

Amazing Zelda The Movie Prank

Brian Crecente — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:00:00 MDT

There are a lot of splendid jokes hitting the net today, a lot of bad ones too, but this wonderful Zelda the Movie trailer created by IGN has to take the cake. I for one am happy it's a prank, Link, a real Link, wearing that silly little green hat is the last thing I want to see in a movie theater.

Legend of Zelda Movie Trailer Premiere Your dreams realized. [IGN]

Wired's A Brief History Of Nintendo's Godawful Philips CD-i Games

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:20:59 MDT

You may already be familiar with the handful of Nintendo-licensed games that were released for the Philips CD-i during the heady days of CD-ROMania. If not, you will definitely want to unsee the latest episode of Game|Life The Video which offers a fantastic and hilarious primer on the near ruining of Nintendo's best known IPs, Mario and Zelda.

You may learn a thing or two while getting your first horrific glances at Super Mario's Wacky Worlds and Zelda's Adventure, Novalogic's braindead sequel of sorts to Super Mario World and the photorealistic stillborn offspring of digitized graphics and The Legend of Zelda respectively. Proceed with caution toward the Kohler-Baker tag team of these unclassics.

Game|Life The Video, #7: Nintendo and CD-i [Game|Life]

The Legend of Zelda Remade In N+

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:20:00 MDT

Well, not the entire thing. That would be madness. While we fully expect some group of nutjobs to pick up the slack, recreating the entirety of the original Legend of Zelda in two-tone gray, the current N+ user created stab at Zelda-nostalgia is a perfect sampling of glorious obsession. Kudos for making it difficult-looking to boot. Via GameSetWatch.

Fear and Loathing in Hyrule

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:00:33 MST

Link, Rad Racer and a trunk full of red and blue potion. So buy a ticket, and take a ride.

Hate Them Bats [Boing Boing TV]

A Triforce Atop The Christmas Tree

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:20:00 MST

Here's an idea you still have time to steal. Nick and Will of the Gnatline podcast created their very own lighted Triforce, fashioned from "fairy lights", ran it up to the top of a fifty foot tree and took pics to prove it happened. The results (and making of) are the subject of massive gallery at their site. It's totally the tops.

The Triforce Tree [GnatOnline via MAKE]

The Zelda Vodka Luge (And Um... Mario Wedding Cake)

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:20:18 MDT

We're well aware of the fact that some of our readers are so humorless, so singularly focused on complaining between bouts of waiting to die, that the posting of kitschy video game cakes makes their blood boil. But, when someone delivers frosted awesome into our tips inbox, giving us a view into their wedding day baked goods, we're just pleased as punch. Take, for example, newlywed Cory of Blizzard Entertainment who had this gorgeous cake designed to commemorate the last day of his bachelorhood featuring a three-tiered Super Mario Bros. stack of deliciousness.

Not quite sure why the underwater level is hovering over world 1-1... but who are we to nitpick something this tasty and gorgeous?

While cake may genuinely be my favorite thing to ingest, alcohol may come a close second. That's why I was doubly impressed to see the wedding's ice luge.

Yes, that's the Master Sword and Hylien Shield from The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time delivering ice cold vodka to wedding invitees. Could anything be more perfect?

Those in the SoCal area who are interested in achieving this level of nerd-cool at their next social gathering will be happy to know that Cory plugged the creators of both. Professional cake maker Erica Obrien was responsible for the Mario creation, with Union Ice doing their best to get everyone drunk at freezing temperatures.

Thanks a bunch, Cory!

Camp Hyrule Open For Business

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:40:06 MDT

Nintendo's annual Camp Hyrule festivities have commenced, giving The Legend of Zelda fans an understated opportunity to hang out anonymously and safely online with their peers. Plenty of poorly designed Flash-based games with camping themes await them, along with a heavily moderated bulletin board and loads of other goodies. Surprisingly, the site is barren of any mention of the next Zelda game, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the Nintendo DS.

The meatiest section of the site is, of course, the Sweepstakes area, giving registered My Nintendo members a chance to win a full-size Link statue. Go on! Annoy your parents, wife and/or girlfriend with an unwieldy giant elf-boy replica. They'll loathe you for it.

Camp Hyrule

Link And The Lamp

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:00:17 MDT

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. Brian Ashcraft

Play Here [Chimp Media Thanks, Chilly!]

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle Of Cuddles

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:40:06 MDT

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! Michael McWhertor

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

The Zelda Council

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 03 May 2007 03:00:22 MDT

Rest easy. The Legend of Zelda is in good hands. To prevent the series from getting all wacky and pissing people off, Nintendo brings together company brass to discuss what is appropriate and not for future Zelda games. This ensures that the series has a continuous vision and tone. Conversely, Square-Enix does not have such a Jedi council to discuss Final Fantasy games, which is why design elements in things like the Chocobo characters change so much. The metrosexual frosted hair, that's consistent! Brian Ashcraft

FF Anniversary [IGN via Dark Diamond]

A T-Shirt To Rule Hyrule In

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:00:53 MDT

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

Order Here [Bountee via Alice]

Game Vixens To Look Up To

Brian Ashcraft — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 00:00:39 MDT

Top ten list for female gaming characters usually look like this. Old hat and mehsville. So! It's nice to see something, I dunno, different? Interesting? Over at ShinyShiny, they've put together a list of ten female game characters to idolize. They are:

10. Claire Redfield from Resident Evil
9. Yorda from Ico
8. Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda series
7. Kreia from Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
6. Mia Fey from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
5. Yuna from Final Fantasy
4. Samus Aran from Metroid
3. Jade from Beyond Good and Evil
2. Carla Valenti from Fahrenheit
1. Jill Valentine from Resident Evil

Agree? Disagree? Discuss. Brian Ashcraft

List of Characters [Shiny Shiny via Alice]

The Triforce Debt Collection Agency

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:00:28 MST

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. Brian Ashcraft

Put Words In Link's Mouth

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:20:14 MST

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. Brian Ashcraft

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

Custom Painted NESes On eBay

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 21:30:28 MST

eBay seller hellokitty11111111111 (yeah, that's right) is auctioning off a number of hand painted, custom NES consoles, including the pictured Metroid version, as well as ones based on Mega Man 2, Kid Icarus, Dragon Warrior, Bubble Bobble, The Legend of Zelda, and Super Mario Bros. 3. At starting prices ranging from $120 and $150, these one-of-a-kind items aren't cheap, but they look surprisingly nice. Okay, that Kid Icarus looks half-assed at best, but many of them look quite lovely.

From the oddly capitalized item description:

The System Has been Custom Hand Painted With Acrylic Paints and then Sprayed down with 3 to 4 Coats of Clear Acrylic Sealer to protect your Painting from being Scratched or Ruined. It also Gives your Painted Nintendo a Wicked Awesome Shine to it that really does the artwork Justice. Over 10 Hours of Painting Went into this Nintendo! This Hand Painted Nintendo's is 1 of a Kind. No One on Ebay is Doing anything like this and The Painted Nintendo Is in Absolute Center Piece To your Video Gaming Collection.

At those prices, I won't be biting, but those with deeper pockets should check out the whole line. Michael McWhertor

Custom Painted Nintendo Nes Game System Metroid Samus [eBay via Insert Credit]

Order Your Ocarina of Time Adult Link Statues Tomorrow

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:40:32 MST

Continuining the series kicked off by the Fierce Diety Link and Skull Kid collectible statues comes the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time edition of "adult" Link. Sadly, Link is not naked nor involved in adult situations as the characters in adult films and adult books typically are. He's in the expected elf gear he sported on the Nintendo 64.

Again limited to 2500 pieces, the third statue in First4Figures Legend of Zelda line will be available for pre-order tomorrow, December 8 for a cheap $109.99. More pics are available at the official site. Michael McWhertor

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Adult Link Statue From First 4 Figures

Nintendo Sells 600,000 Wiis

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:20:48 MST

After just eight days, a minimum of 600,000 Wiis are out there in gamers hot little hands. (But not my hands. I still can't find one. I appreciate the outpouring of support from various readers throughout the week, but I have to deal with this grief on my own terms.)

In addition to racking up lots of monies with their profitable Gamecube Turbo, Nintendo is also very proud of themselves for selling over 454,000 copies of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. (I assume this game is very good. Since I don't have a Wii to play my copy on, I wouldn't know, would I?)

Hit the jump for the full back-slapping, rubbing-it-in-my-face press release, while I slink off to hug my unopened Wii-mote, then write an angry letter to Reggie. Michael McWhertor

WII IS A MASSIVE HIT

600,000 First-Week Purchases Attracting Veteran and New Gamers

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 27, 2006 - Built on a foundation of pure fun, Nintendo's new Wii video game availability. That's a rate of nearly one per second continuously since the Nov. 19 launch. Including just first-party software and accessory sales, Wii instantly has become a $190 million business in the Americas.

During the Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend, there was plenty of conversation across the nation about the high demand for the Wii system, with the acknowledgment that if you see one, you'd better buy it.

"Even with sales already in excess of 600,000 units, demand continues to exceed supply, as it's clear this is one of the 'gotta-have' products for the holiday season," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "We've shipped retailers several times the amount of hardware the other company was able to deliver for its launch around the same time - and we still sold out. Given the inclusive nature of Wii game play, we're seeing this new form of video gaming is already a huge hit with gamers and newcomers alike. It continues to be a phenomenal launch."

The system also is succeeding in its stated mission of reinvigorating current players, while attracting new ones. Every Wii system includes the five-game Wii Sports software, which is the talk of the Internet, featuring countless reports on how previously devout non-gamers have suddenly been converted via the amazing new way games are experienced using the system's remarkable controller. At the same time, the masterful The Legend of Zelda : Twilight Princess, a favorite of avid gamers, already has achieved sales of more than 454,000 units in the Americas, representing more than 75 percent of all hardware purchasers.

Licensees, pleased not only with the sales performance of the Wii, but also its creative development capabilities, are publicly sharing their comments:

"Madden NFL 07 is a great example of how the Wii gives players a whole new experience on their favorite games," says EA Studio President Paul Lee. "EA's creative teams are working to build more Wii features into some of our most popular franchises."

"The creativity we've been able to unleash on the Wii system with our game Red Steel has been eye-opening for our development teams," explains Ubisoft President Laurent Detoc. "Having the opportunity to design and develop entirely new game-play experiences using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk is both exciting and rewarding."

Classic games also are proving to be a hit on Wii, which offers downloadable access to 20 years of the best of Nintendo , Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx16 hits via the system's Virtual Console feature.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii , Nintendo DS , Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.2 billion video games and more than 387 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario , Donkey Kong , Metroid , Zelda and Pok mon . A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.

Legend of Zelda Wii In Home Impressions

Brian Crecente — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:01:40 MST

I won't go on too much with my impressions of The Legend of Zelda for the Wii since Mark has already done a fantastic job of going over his extensive time with the game.

But I don't want to give a quick run down of what I think so far. Visually, the game is quite impressive. Sure not in a next-gen PS3/360 sort of way, but what graphics power they have, the developers used quite well. The end result is a game that takes a more stylized approach instead of ultra-realism.

There is very little voice acting, which will continue to be a pet peeve of mine until they probably stop making Zelda games. I don't want to read the damn dialog.

The play mechanics are quite nice from fishing, to using a sling shot to swordplay. I personally would have preferred more realistic sword movements, but its still tight.

From what I've seen of the game I think I'm going to have a lot of fun playing through it. I'm still reserving judgment on whether its the best Wii launch title, but it's the best of the three I've seen. Brian Crecente

The Zelda Standee

Brian Crecente — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:58:27 MST

The British Gaming Blog snagged a pic of the new Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess standee for the Wii. Exciting? Not really, but check back at 6 p.m. Mountain for our hands-on review of the game from the Seattle event earlier this week. Now that's exciting...er. Brian Crecente

Legend of Zelda Stand [British Gaming Blog]

Zelda Comic and Cartoon Blow Out Bonanza!

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 11:24:09 MDT

Like Zelda? Comics your thing? Cartoons? We got you covered. Web site Urban Retro Lifestyle has a 196 page PDF of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past comic book as well as the Fox Kids cartoon with a brown-haired Link uttering the unforgettable "Excuuuuuuuuuse me, princess" line. Classic! Brian Ashcraft

Check Out the Zelda Clips and Download [Urban Retro Lifestyle]

The Spinning Link Action Figure

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 06:22:12 MDT

Alice over at Wonderland directs our attention to this odd Link toy. Apparently, it was a kid's meal toy from a Canadian fast food outfit from a couple years back. When you press the button, Link spins around and attacks. This is available at Princess Peach's eBay shop, which has loads, I repeat loads, of cool stuff. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Wonderland]

Depressing Marriage Outfits for Zelda

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:20:41 MDT

If and when Zelda marries Link, it's good to know this Japanese clothing store has given the princess her own bridal collection. Though, while probably inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's batshit insane wife Zelda (whose name Miyamoto borrowed) and not the Nintendo game, these outfits don't exactly scream "marry me." Brian Ashcraft

The Legend of Zelda Blue Jeans

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:22:16 MDT

DIY Japanese blogger Takuronyan's previous denim wonder was Mario. This go round, he's done a pair of jeans with Zelda's Link right on the seat pocket. Link just loves it when you sit on his face. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [FAMIcomplex]

Hello Bad Ass Link

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 14:22:55 MDT

This neat statue depicts young LInk donning the Fierce Deity Mask, which allows him to harness its power with being corrupted. Basically, it makes him a super tough dude. The figurine is 14.5 inches, hand finished, hand painted and limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide. Fierce, indeed.

More Here [First 4 Figures]

Super Link Bros. Isn't Super Irritating

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 07:22:54 MDT

Super Mario Bros. seems to be the default setting for hackers looking to mash games. This clever Legend of Zelda hack actually does a good job of blending Mario and Link's universe in an non-annoying way. That's what these mash-ups are becoming, you know. Brian Ashcraft

Link In Stained Glass

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:22:45 MDT

Not from the church of Nintendo, but close. Artist Kelli loves to paint video game characters like Link. For her birthday, Kelli's husband commissioned this stained-glass version of her work. Absolutely beautiful! Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Wonderland]

Sleep Well with Zelda PJs

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:22:11 MDT

Waiting for Twilight Princess keeping you up at night? Good to know there are Nintendo-approved Legend of Zelda pajama bottoms. Well, there were. This eBay auction ended yesterday. Dagnabit! Brian Ashcraft

Dream Here [Wonderland]

Emulator Free Zelda Finished in 33 Minutes

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 13:22:33 MDT

Yesterday, we featured a tool-enabled Zelda speed run. A Kotaku reader pointed us to another speed run, this one done by fella named Mike "TSA" Damiani without emulators and tools. After Mike finished his run, he had this to say, "However, honest to god - I am not doing this game again. I've had it with this game. I love playing it when I can max out Link early on and destroy levels like a joke. But the speed run of this game is just so demanding and stressing. I do not see myself having the desire to get this game out to try again." Sure, Mike's tool-free run might be slower, but he did it on skill alone. And he was cool enough to give a how-to, which is after the jump.

Travel to Level 3: Bomb drop from Blue Octorok can be annoying as a start of a run because it can fail to work several times. I always went for the closest one, and tried to only kill it and get the bombs from it to save time fighting any other enemies.

Level 3 - Manji: Pretty straight forward. Red Darknut room before Raft I tried to be as efficient with bombs (no more than 3). Got Manhandla in one bomb and got the bomb drop.

Travel to Level 4: Gamble time. I pick the middle because it is the closest and fastest option. Get Blue Candle then and head to level.

Level 4 - Snake: Bomb time. I try to knock Vires out of the way. I mess up in the first room, I should have stayed right and hit the one Vire out of the way. Got nice bomb drops from Vire room before Stepladder and Gleeok chamber. Stepladder room I had an issue with one Like Like, but it went alright other than that.

Travel to Level 2: Get the HC and 100 rupees. Had an issue right before Level 2 with going back to kill a pointless Red Octorok.

Level 2 - Moon: Overall I think I did very well except for the Moldorms. I missed them with one bomb, but using an extra one paid off with a drop. Took out the Ropes pretty nicely, and the Goriyas at the end. Took down Dodongo with 1 bomb.

Travel to Level 5: I was short on rupees, so I chose to get the 30 rupees from Armos cave at the cost of no item switch or bombs. The Blue Lynel didn't cooperate like I wanted on way to White Sword, but I probably could have been more bold. I wanted to preserve the laser shot for Level 5.

Level 5 - Lizard: Probably my worst dungeon. I had rotten luck with the Gibdos, they bunched around the bomb carrying one, so I just tried to slay them all quickly, but it still cost seconds. The first Blue Darknut battle didn't start off well, but it finished up better with bombs. Last Darknut was a moron for running away. The second one, for some crazy reason, I didn't use any bombs when I should have used them. Overall, I think I realistically could cut the most time on this dungeon if I could do it over. Took damage from a Gibdo on way to Digdogger, so I was down to one hit. Got the two bombs to knock out Digdogger instantly.

Travel to Level 1: Pretty straight forward, got HC.

Level 1 - Eagle: I get hit a few times and I lost some time as a result, but the double bomb drop at the end by the Goriyas saved this attempt and persuaded me to keep going (the rather average Level 5 and the stupid hits in this level were almost ready to make me slam the GCN). Then I promptly get hit by Aquamentus because it decides to move in the wrong direction, but still not that costly because I used the stand below his head method.

Travel to Level 7: I got the Bait and Arrows, then went to Level 7, but took a half heart damage to lose the laser. Ouch.

Level 7 - Demon: Bunch of damage taken, but I ripped through this level and got the bomb drop I needed. I took out one Dodongo for a bomb replenish. Used arrows on Wallmasters because bubbles swarmed me too quickly. Aquamentus went down faster this time.

Travel to Level 6: Get the Magical Sword, preserve health.

Level 6 - Dragon: Thank you clocks. Yeah, let me explain something really quick that I should have earlier on. I can't "see" Wizzrobes sometimes on my screen because I can't watch or capture in 60fps on my PC. So if you really want to get into it, I beat this game with a handicap. That's why I get hit like an apparent idiot in some places. Last Wizzrobe room I had to fight in went really well. Gohma went down quickly, despite moving to the side.

Travel to Level 8: Nothing spectacular.

Level 8 - Lion: I just went all out in fighting. Took damage to save time rather than waiting. Not a particularly good Gleeok battle, but oh well. Anyone notice I walked away from a bomb? This would have saved me probably 10 seconds...

Travel to Level 9: ...because I waste time killing Blue Lynels for the bomb drop. But I preserved my life.

Level 9 - Death Mountain: I thought it went well. The last Patra battle could have been quicker. I could have closed in on the first Patra I had to fight to take it out faster. Pretty darn good Wizzrobe fights. Best Ganon battle I've ever had.

Find the Clip Here [SpeedDemosArchieve] Thanks, ReverendTed!

Zelda Finished in 25 Minutes

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 07:22:00 MDT

A speed run done with tools and emulators. Shucks.

Zelda [Official Site]