Kotaku: Zelda

Don't Fuck With British Link

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:30:00 MDT

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.

Designing the Single Player Economy

Maggie Greene — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:30:00 MDT

Economic issues in MMOs and virtual worlds get a ton of attention, but less attention is paid to the 'single player economies.' Richard Knight argues they're no less important — while a bad economic setup won't ruin an otherwise good game, it can put a damper on the proceedings. I can certainly think of a few games that had economic setups that were mind-bogglingly bad in a number of respects:

Games that don't recognize that key fact have what we call a "false depth economy"; a situation in which currency is rapidly devalued until it becomes irrelevant - or possibly even aggravating - to gameplay. Remember putting rupees back into chests in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess? Or ignoring the store in Star Fox Adventures entirely after the first few hours? These are both bright examples of what happens when the economy doesn't work as planned.
I can't argue that good games haven't fallen to this problem before but succeeded nonetheless. Nobody is going to throw down Twilight Princess in disgust over rupee returns. But I can assure you that it's a design problem that every designer wishes they could take back and fix, and one that every player will write down as a negative about their overall experience with a game.

He lays out three principles that ought to be followed — it's a quick article and worth a read if you're interested in game design.

Single Player Economist [Moogle.net via GameSetWatch]

RAC Re-ignites Nintendo Sega Feud

Mike Fahey — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:00:00 MDT

The console wars between Sega and Nintendo ended years ago, but the folks of the RemixArtistCollective are bringing it back with a special 4-track remix album of classic tunes from both systems. On the Nintendo side of things you've got Mario and of course The Legend of Zelda, while Sega is represented here by Sonic the Hedgehog and...Sonic the Hedgehog. Does Nintendo win on sheer variety, or can two Sonic remixes stand up to the double threat of Mario and Link? Find out for yourself by downloading the electro dance versions of these classic tunes below. Not bad at all.

NINTENDO VS SEGA EP [RAC]

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]

Zelda Etched Glassware

Maggie Greene — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:30:00 MDT

Who needs boring tumblers when you can prove to company exactly how geeky you are? Etsy seller saaio is offering these Zelda etched glass tumblers for $20 a pop. A little steep, but I'm a big fan of eclectic kitchenware sets. [via Wonderland]

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]

Midna Cosplay Takes The Cosplay Cake

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:30:00 MDT

The 2007 Anime Expo at Long Beach was held last year. Why, then, has it taken until now for this amazing Midna cosplay photo to end up on my desk? You know what, forget it, I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses. Do not fail me again, internet. Click through for a full-size version.

Anime Expo 2007 [i360 via Go Nintendo]

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.

Lego Zelda? Sure, Why Not

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:30:00 MST

Let me see. This has Zelda. And Lego. And Stop-motion animation. All together. I don't know about you, but all my boxes are ticked. Time to watch this for a seventh time.

Real Zelda Looking For Real Link, Real Love

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:20:00 MST

You know, I'm just going to let the following craigslist entry speak for itself:

I want a guy who looks like link. from the game. I thought to myself that I might as well be honest. I look like zelda, so why not ask for it? who knows.. I know theres a guy like that. So if you think you look like link, the blonde skater cut, and light eyes look email me. Im a simple chick who loves zelda. I know thats a corney one to ask but heck we might as well be honest as to what we like? am I right? I want a guy like that and a guy who is romantic and believes in chilvary, love, old school ways, and doesnt have a problem with european culture. Thanks a bunch!!! If I like you, and you have a pic, ill email you back. PS I WILL NOT RESPOND to guys without FACE SHOTS. period. Thankyou for understanding. Im not a body chick. more a face and Please only guys 30 and below. And please do not email me rude comments... this world has too many jerks and I delete them and report to the authorities. Its extreme I know But please have respect.

Nice to see she's not the picky type.
LOOKING FOR LEGEND OF ZELDA LINK>>> IF HES OUT THERE [best of craigslist, via GayGamer]

Zelda Song Played ON A FRIGGIN' CARROT

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:38 MST

Zelda music renditions are a dime a dozen. Zelda YouTube music renditions ON A CARROT ain't. Here, YouTuber heita3 plays the tune "Song of Time" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on a carrot, which he's dubbed his "Carrot Ocarina." Hey, cut him some slack, he's playing music on vegetables! Hit the jump for him playing non-game songs on broccoli, a pumpkin, a cucumber, a radish, a cabbage and a bunch of carrots. This guy is all kinds of awesome.

Zelda on a carrot [Jyouhouya]

The 15 Most Annoying Game Characters

Mike Fahey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:20:43 MST

Hey! ...Listen! Cracked.com, "America's Only Humor & Video Site Since 1958", has taken it upon themselves to put together a list of the 15 most annoying game characters from games that were otherwise excellent. It's the kind of article you read while nodding your head sympathetically, hopefully in between sentences because it's hard to read and nod at the same time. My personal most annoying character - Waluigi - comes in at number 3:

Sure, maybe the concept of an evil counterpart to Luigi actually had potential at some point, like maybe if they didn't just take the Luigi model, turn it purple, then stretch him out and give him a mustache like a silent film-era villain. It also doesn't help that you're debuting him in a damned tennis game. Seriously, if this is the first time we've seen him, how do we know he's evil? Because of his backhand?

Everyone is represented, from Tingle to John "Tough-Actin' Tinactin" Madden. I'd say they hit the nail on the head, but all of our nails have been borrowed to seal shut HD DVD's coffin.

The 15 Most Annoying Video Game Characters [Cracked.com - Thanks DeadEyeReborn!]

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]

Phantom Hourglass Gashapon

fdemarco — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:00:00 MST

Kotakuite Gene has discovered some Phantom Hourglass Gashapon in Kobe. Six different "sound drops" are available playing such classic Zelda sounds as the Rupee discovery sound, the bow and arrow and the Heart container sound. Gene has already figured out multiple uses for his purchases which he was more than willing to share with us.

They're great fun. Playing the 'discovery' sound when you find some old leftovers in the fridge, playing the prize sound when you find 100yen down the back of the couch, and playing the phantom sounds when your boss nearly catches you on youtube at work.

Video Games: providing the soundtrack of our lives. If you'd like to hear what each one sounds like, Gene has thoughtfully provided us with a YouTube clip of samples.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Peach and Zelda Upskirts

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:28 MST

An attempt to answer the eternal question: Does Princess Peach actually wear pink underoos?

Miyamoto Talks Future Projects

Mark Wilson — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:40:34 MST

In the latest issue of Famitsu, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto talked about what's next on his agenda list. Believe it or not, he's considering working on some sequels to existing Nintendo franchises, including a new Super Mario Galaxy game and another Zelda title. But what may come as bigger news is that the Wii Fit Balance Board may be getting some new games as well.

Whether or not we'll see more Balance Board titles depends on the success of Wii Fit outside of Japan. If the game succeeds, expect peripheral-compatible titles to follow. To the casual observer, there's a huge opportunity to make a Wii Balance title for those who'd like to pick up an extra board. Given that such a model succeeded in the past, don't be surprised at the reprise.

Nintendo Considering Wii Balance Board Games [IGN via Maxconsole][photo: Nathan Smart]

Marathon Zelda Gamers at it Again

fdemarco — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:00:00 MST

You may remember last weekend when I posted about the guys at cameronbanga.com who tried to make it through four Zelda games in 48 hours. Due to some glitches, they weren't able to squeeze in all four games but still managed to raise over $1200 for Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity. So, in an attempt to make up what they couldn't finish, the boys are at it again but this time they have given themselves eleven hours to complete Twilight Princess. The marathon gaming session will again benefit Child's Play and will be the first in a series of charity driven weekend gaming sessions. Good luck on your mission guys, you are benefiting a great charity.

Four Zeldas in Forty-Eight Hours

fdemarco — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:00:00 MST

Some feisty gamers embarked on a charity mission this weekend. Their goal: to play through four Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess in forty-eight hours. While the playing is happening, you can go on to their website to watch some streaming video of the action as well as donate some money for their efforts that will go to Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity.

The four friends have been going since 5pm Friday and according to their latest update, they have completed Ocarina, but hit a snag at the end of Majora's Mask due to multiple console freezes right on the last dungeon. They decided to skip the end of MM and moved on to Wind Waker in which they are currently immersed. The plan is to finish WW, complete Twilight Princess and then loop back around to complete the end of Majora's Mask.

With less than 12 hours to go, will they be able to make their goal? Whether they make it or not, it was a herculean effort that will be rewarded by a nice donation to Child's Play. So far they have raised over a thousand dollars for the charity. You can catch up on all their antics as they race to the finish at 5pm tonight at cameronbanga.com. Good luck, guys. The eyes of the internets are upon you!

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]

Swarovski Crystal Wii Owners Can't Complain Ever

Mark Wilson — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:40:18 MST

If you are lucky enough to own not only a Wii but a one-of-a-kind Zelda Wii covered in 7,500 24-carat dipped Swarovski crystals, then no, you can't complain to us about much of anything. Sure, you may still have family or relationship problems—we know money can't buy happiness. But apparently money very much can buy objects that induce happiness by attracting new friends and new family to your prominence. But if the custom Wii is our of your price range, maybe you'll settle for the same designer's swank Mario DS:

At $350, that DS is not such a bad price. And I'll admit it...I actually kind of like it. But only kind of.

Crystal Icing Mario DS [via GoNintendo - who has the Zelda pics]

'Is Our Children Reading?' - A Defense of Video Games

Maggie Greene — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:00:23 MST

Reader Chris W. pointed us to a nice little piece in The Guardian on the questions of video games and literacy, with author Steven Poole coming to the defense of that medium we're all so fond of. It's nothing new for those of us who game, but it never hurts to have another (reasonable, rational) voice in the chorus. Poole points out there are plenty of games out there that require as much reading as the average children's novel (if not more), and while the quality of writing may be variable, it's not as if every paperback on the shelves is fantastically written.

Ah, but is the writing in these games any good? Well, it's variable, like the writing in books. Some of it's rubbish and some of it is very good. (In my opinion, Phoenix Wright is funnier and cleverer than most TV made for adults.) But quality doesn't really matter. My memory of reading as a child is basically that of voraciously hoovering up any old crap. (This turned out to be excellent training for becoming a book reviewer.)
Not all of the games that children are playing are so dependent on reading, of course. Doubtless children are also playing a lot of games where you race shiny cars or shoot zombies into bloody chunks with massive guns. Well, everybody has to relax now and then. To insist that a young person spend every minute of his or her waking day in adult-mandated forms of self-improvement would be a kind of child abuse.

In answer to the 'is our children reading?' comment - no, they're probably not reading as much as they 'should,' but Poole's point about new forms of literacy is a well-taken one. Not that it will stem the tide of 'Video games are ruining literacy rates!' screeching, but one can dream ....

Is our children reading? [The Guardian]

The Legend of Zelda 2008 Website

fdemarco — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:00:00 MST

Now before you get all excited, let me tell you one thing. Don't get too excited. This "website" is really only a teaser page and in all likelihood, has nothing to do with Nintendo. A quick whois lookup reveals that the domain was registered through GoDaddy and seeing as Nintendo generally registers their domains through Network Solutions, the probability of this being an actual licensed project is slim to none. More probable is that this is some fan project that may or may not ever come to fruition. Anyone care to make further speculations?

The Legend of Zelda (2008) [zelda2008.com]
[Thanks, Karl]

Zelda II Commercial

fdemarco — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:00:00 MST

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.

New DS Colors, Bundles Coming This Holiday

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:20:08 MDT

Two Nintendo DS colors will be coming to North America later this year according to information creeping out of retailers gearing up for the post-Thanksgiving holiday spend frenzy. The two will be bundled with copies of the system's best-selling games, with a rose DS paired with Nintendogs and the gold DS packed with a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Each features a decoration on the outside of the top half, the former a paw print, the latter a Triforce.

Based on information from BlackFriday.info, both Sears and FYE are listing the bundles, but show different prices. Sears is listing both at $149.99, with FYE listing the Zelda bundle at $129.99.

Ad scan via GoNintendo. Thanks to BPMΩ and Andrew for the tips.

Another Awesome Zelda Pumpkin

Mark Wilson — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:40:11 MDT

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.

The Blue and White DS Zelda Mod

fdemarco — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:00:00 MDT

I always like seeing a nice mod and one that goes to benefit a charity always wins extra points with me. Ebay seller page8205 has created this lovely sky blue and white DS lite case mod complete with Legend of Zelda crest and mini LED lights. Now before you get all excited and start bidding, please be aware this auction takes place in Australia, but they will send to the US and several other countries. Currently, there are six days left and with three bidders, the price is at a reasonable $255. Once the auction is over, 15% of the profits will go to one of my favorite charities, Penny Arcade's Child's Play. Always nice to see gamers doing good.

ONE OF A KIND Nintendo Blue & White DS Lite Zelda Mod [eBay]

The Zelda Sleeve Tattoo: The Beginning

fdemarco — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:00:00 MDT

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]

Frankenreview, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

Mark Wilson — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:00:24 MDT

Since the last scene of the GameCube's Wind Waker, we've been craving cel-shaded Link at the lust level we generally reserve for booze, pantsu and headshots. So his triumphant return in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the DS had us...how can we put this gently...playing the DS without a stylus.

So hit the jump for our Frankenreview on the newest Zelda title—offering almost enough time savings for you to finish school, get a job, become rich, buy the game and retire early to play it—because you don't need to click around and fight all the ads.

Eurogamer
Phantom Hourglass follows the events of the GameCube's Wind Waker, and does an unbelievably successful job of aping its visual style too, wisely focusing on creating expressive and beautifully-animated characters rather than effects, or environmental detail. As happy as most fans were to see Twilight Princess revive Ocarina's epic mood, the immense charm and polish of Wind Waker's art deserved better than the scrap heap, and so it's a delight to see it continued here.

CVG
Controlling Link with the stylus is like riding a bike without holding the handlebars: you know it can be done, but at first you might worry that it's just a stupid thing to do. It's not. Stylus control of Link is a very cool thing. Say sayonara to the d-pad, then, and embrace the technology that makes Phantom Hourglass the most enjoyable Zelda game since Ocarina of Time.

GameLife
Hold the stylus anywhere on the screen, and Link will run in that direction. Tap an enemy and Link will rush forward and attack it. Slash back and forth and he'll swing his sword in a wide arc...You can also draw on the game's map, perfect for plotting your ship's course at sea or making notes about places of interest you might want to return to later. And simple actions like throwing a boomerang become novel again when you're drawing the path that it will take, directly on the screen.

Variety
In some cases, gamers are asked to unearth buried treasures by plotting intersections on a map. In others, the game relies on more devious brain twisters, one of which even involves hidden numbers and the use of cryptology. There's occasional repetition in the dungeons and at least two cases in which the puzzles are so complex that finding their answers seems more about luck than honest intellect. But overall, this "Zelda" game succeeds by keeping players' mind fully engaged.

Gamespy
One of the most satisfying reasons to explore hidden parts of the world is to find some of the many ship parts you can customize your vessel with. From your bridge to your cannon, you can take the ship to the shipyard and see just what kind of super-vessel you can come up with...Salvaging treasure from the bottom of the sea is represented by a simple mini-game that can be frustrating, since failure requires sailing back to the dock to get your salvage arm fixed, but is a nice diversion to have.

- Looks like it's a keeper. Now to finish Bioshock, Metroid, and Halo 3...this list is getting heavy and it's barely October.

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!

Nintendo Delivers Phantom Hourglass E-card

Mike Fahey — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:40:32 MDT

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]

Robot Chicken Questions Link's Chivalry

Mark Wilson — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:00:22 MDT

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]

Twilight Princess Capsule Figures

fdemarco — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 08:00:00 MDT

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!

Camy Unleashes The Wii Hero Pack

Mike Fahey — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:40:36 MDT

Are you a real fan of The Twilight Princess is you are playing with just the boring old Wiimote and nunchuk attachment? Camy International doesn't seem to think so. They are releasing the Hero Pack, which consists of plastic and foam replicas of iconic Hyrulean shield and master sword combo. Your Wiimote fits into the hilt of the blade, while the nunchuk connects to the strap on the shield, effectively making you king dork of the Zelda people for around $20. It certainly looks nifty, but I worry about how awkward the setup might be for activities like fishing, or just basic platforming for that matter. Hit the link below for the full release, and keep an eye open for Kotaku impressions on the set in the near future.

Camy Hero Pack Product Page [Camy International]

The Tragically Fugly Zelda Belt

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:00:16 MDT

Game shirts? Nothing new! But game belts? Not your everyday fare. So whenever we find gaming belts, we post 'em. This Zelda map belt, for example. Thing is, we're not sure if we actually like this belt. We're not sure at all.
Belt designers out there, this is a call. Please make better gaming belts! Yes, people will actually wear them.
Zelda Map Belt [Alice]

Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Live Demo

Noah Robischon — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:00:02 MDT

A History Of Gaming Cartoons

Mike Fahey — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:20:12 MDT

Back in the 1980's I wasn't in a position to get my hands on all the video games I wanted to play. Luckily for me, television provided an outlet for me every Saturday morning in the form of countless videogame cartoons, based off fo some of the most iconic characters in the industry. Pac Man, Link, and even Frogger got the cartoon treatment, and my mother had no qualms at all about me being glued to the television all morning long. At least I wasn't setting things on fire...as much. Samuel Claiborn of AZNightBuzz.com takes a look back at those glory days of commercialism with commercials in part one pf a two part series on video game cartoons, gathering together some of the best YouTube has to offer in one convenient package.

A History of Video Game Cartoons: The 1980s [AZNightBuzz.com]

Zelda Meets Lucky Star

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 03:00:49 MDT

Even if the Haruhi has officially creeped me out, there's always the Lucky Star anime opening. Not as slick as the Haruhi dance, but pretty catchy! Here's the Zelda take on it, complete with Triforces being tossed into the air. It was done by David Wagstaff, who writes:

After seeing a couple of Lucky Star intro parodies I decided to make my own using the Zelda models that were ripped by someone a while ago. Rigging each model ready for animation was pretty lengthy but animating them was alot of fun.

Creepy, but not *that* creepy! Hit the jump for the original, which is creepy in its own right.