7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

It’s hard to talk about any Zelda game without mentioning A Link to the Past, a game that’s I’ve already mentioned repeatedly for its timeless sprite art. Skyward Sword aims to be the narrative proto Zelda game, but A Link to the Past is the game that solidified how we view the franchise today. Since much has already been said about an art style that has so boldly stood the test of time , there’s just one scene in the game I want to discuss that encapsulates the conversation around its aesthetic.

As the player you enter an area called the Lost Woods, a foggy mysterious labyrinth of trees and brush. After finally navigating the maze of woods, you know when you’ve finally reached your destination; a hidden grove with cute little critters running in your path. In the grove there is a stone plateau, and in its center is the legendary blade, the Master Sword. Pulling the blade from its pedestal (the first time we ever do this in a Zelda game), takes time. Music swells, a bright light blinds us, and when we finally free the blade, the fog clears, changing the woods, and the character of Link, forever.

That is a vibe, communicated through aesthetics, giving us one of the greatest moments in video game history