S4 E10 | Daniel McGarr and Chris Harkey from the Turn-By-Turn podcast guest host as they discuss the action role playing game elements in Breath of the Wild. INTRODUCTION BY: David Geisler HOSTS: Daniel McGarr, Chris Harkey Written by Daniel McGarr and Chris Harkey Directed by David Gesiler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

S4 E12 | Kate and David finish off Season 4 by talking about their favorite castles in Hyrule. HOSTS: David Geisler, Kate May Written by David Geisler and Kate May Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

S1 EP11 | Kate and David build a list of their ten favorite boss battles. ▶︎ Direct Download iTunes | Google Play | YouTube CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 11

S1 EP10 | David and Kate talk about the fire-based dungeons that span the Legend of Zelda series.. ▶︎ Direct Download iTunes | Google Play | YouTube CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 10

S4 E11 | David, Kate, Ryan, and Mallory get together to have a roundtable discussion about which Zelda games do a particularly excellent job of building a believable world. HOSTS: David Geisler, Kate May CAST: Mallory Kuhn, Ryan Kuhn Written by David Geisler and Kate May Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

The film takes place in the Hyrule of Breath of the Wild between the events of Age of Calamity and Breath of the Wild. by M.J. Kuhn The topic of a Legend of Zelda movie is one that has surfaced again and again over the years. It’s an idea some fans find exciting and one that makes other fans (perhaps fans remembering the disastrous “Excuuuuse me, Princess” days of the Zelda TV show) nervous. I tend to fall into the latter camp. The Legend of Zelda is a series of fairly cinematic games featuring a completely silent protagonist. In my opinion, neither of these things scream “film adaptation"! However, as an avid fan of the franchise, I would love to sit in a theatre or open up Netflix and watch a movie that captures the magic of Legend of Zelda. So, I decided to put my creative thinking hat on and ask myself, “How could a Zelda movie actually work?” The first thing I decided on is going to be controversial. I’m expecting a lot of you to disagree with me here… but in my opinion, for a Legend of Zelda film to work, Link can’t be the main character. Before you get out your torches and pitchforks, let me explain myself! Link is purposely silent. Link is purposely androgynous. As a video game character, Link is meant to be a relatively blank canvas upon which the player can paint themselves, essentially. I legitimately cannot picture a voice, speech pattern, or personality for Link that is satisfying to me, so my Zelda movie concept is going to feature a protagonist who isn’t Link. (Image Source: Cloudinary) Additionally, I believe that we can’t just rehash the story from one of the games. The plots of games like Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess are undoubtedly strong! But the fact that the plot of those games is strong is precisely why they probably won’t adapt well to film. While it feels like a game with a solid plot is the perfect candidate for film adaptation, I think it’s just the opposite. When you’re playing a game with a great story, you’re not only taking in the story; you’re participating in it. By taking away the ability to interact with the story environment, I predict that a game with a great plot and great gameplay being made into a movie with just a great plot and no gameplay (obviously) is guaranteed to disappoint. SO, without further ado, here is my proposal for a Legend of Zelda film that might actually work. The film takes place in the Hyrule of Breath of the Wild between the events of Age of Calamity and Breath of the Wild. Our protagonist is a young Hylian named Harlon who lives with his father in Hateno Village. The story begins with Harlon’s village being attacked by Moblins. Harlon and the other villagers struggle to repel the Moblins, but Harlon’s home is destroyed in the attack, resulting in the death of his father. (Image Source: CDNA Art Station) Harlon is sick of the constant monster invasions in Hateno. The rest of the village is content to wait for the return of the Hero of Time to save them, but Harlon wants revenge and decides to take matters into his own hands. Instead of reacting to monster attacks as they come, Harlon plans to hunt down the source, ridding Hateno Village of Moblin attacks for good. Using the hunting and tracking skills his father taught him, Harlon follows the retreating Moblins into the Tabantha region, where he discovers that these monsters aren’t attacking and raiding of their own accord: they are fighting under a single banner. Not Ganon, who is still grappling with Zelda in Hyrule Castle, or even the infamous Yiga Clan, but a power-hungry Rito outcast named Uvekk. Uvekk is desperate to get his hands on the ancient tech lab just east of Hateno and plans to destroy the entire village in order to make it his new base of operations. Harlon makes it his mission to defeat Uvekk and protect his village from destruction. (Image Source: IGN Imgs) On his journey, Harlon ends up teaming up with a fellow Hylian named Sarine and a Goron named Durami. Sarine is a talented archer, and Durami has a knack for making creative weaponry. On their travels, they encounter a Sheikah named Jura who has also been looking to stop Uvekk, and she joins their team. Working together, the four of them are able to outmaneuver and outsmart Uvekk. They defeat him, and the Moblins and other monsters under his influence disband and resume their violent--but disorganized--activities. Hyrule as a whole is not saved, as there is still darkness spreading over the land, but without the coordination by Uvekk, the Moblins around Hateno Village and the surrounding regions are much less effective in their attacks, and Hateno Village remains standing. Harlon returns home, bringing Sarine with him. Woohoo, the end! I do think it would be cool if in an “end credits” scene we see the cave from Breath of the Wild and sleeping Link, and then right before we cut to black we see Link’s eyes snap open, implying that Breath of the Wild kicks off right after the events of the movie. (Image Source: Wikia) Is this film concept perfect? Absolutely not. I am not a screenwriter, nor am I a writer for Nintendo. But I think a concept like this--a completely original story filled with familiar scenery and races but with nothing more than nods and mentions of the usual core cast --has the highest chance of success. What do you guys think? Is there any way to make a successful Legend of Zelda film? Are you ready to disown me from the fandom for saying such a film shouldn’t have Link as the protagonist? Let’s chat it out in the comments! You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @mjkuhnbooks, and you can check out my debut fantasy novel, AMONG THIEVES, here!

S1 EP9 | Kate and David speak about their love for Twilight Princess. ▶︎ Direct Download iTunes | Google Play | YouTube CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 9

S1 EP8 | David and Kate talk about the myriad of art styles that have graced the Zelda franchise. iTunes | Google Play | YouTube CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 8

S1 EP7 | Kate and David talk about some of their favorite non-playable characters from any Zelda game. ▶︎ Direct Download iTunes | Google Play | YouTube CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 7

S4 E9 | David and Dan head into the wilderness to see what it's like to live like Link in Breath of the Wild. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Dan McCoy Written and Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

S1 EP4 | Kate recently defeated Calamity Ganon. She and David discuss what they did and didn't like about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. ▶︎ Direct Download CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 4

S4 E8 | David and Kate get together to talk about the making of Link's Awakening. HOSTS: David Geisler, Kate May Written by David Geisler, Kate May, and Dan Murphy Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

S4 E7 | Ross Hochwert joins David to talk about some fantastic breakthroughs in Zelda Speed Run History. HOST: David Geisler GUEST: Ross Hochwert Written and Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

By Carlos Gomez (aka, The Lost Hylian) Fresh off the heels of 2019’s E3, I was struck with awe when the teaser for the next installment of the Zelda franchise was shown. The brief trailer was amazing, yet that’s not what sent me into this state of being: instead, it was the reaction of the Zelda fandom that truly sent my brain spinning. If you haven’t seen the fan reactions, they are all over social media. There you will find entire crowds of Zelda fans cheering with utter elation at the reveal. In the midst of this overwhelming excitement, I pondered the question: What is it about the Zelda fandom that makes it so special? No doubt there are as many fandoms as there are platforms to have fandoms about, so what makes Zelda so different? At the onset of this mental exploration, let me be perfectly clear: this blog is not about disparaging any other fandom. In fact, I would assume that many readers like myself are a part of multiple fandoms. Yet for me (and very likely you), there is something special about The Legend of Zelda series. No doubt each one of us has that favorite, that one game that pushes the nostalgia button like no other. You know which one I mean, right? The one you play that brings back the memories of fighting over the controller with your sibling, or the one you remember rushing home to play after school. For each of us, that may be a different title in the series, yet never forget that in each installment beats the heart of the original. So, what makes Zelda fans different? In an effort to answer this question, all we have to do is look at the mythos of the series. I believe to play Zelda, one must subscribe to the idea that someone of humble origins would choose to embody courage and stand up to evil-doers, no matter the odds. I’m not saying that Zelda fans offer the template to create a Utopian society (pottery vandalism would be rampant), nor am I saying that there are no scoundrels amongst the fan base. However, I do see a few common themes amongst the fans. Zelda fans are fascinated by the wonders of the world. That vision is woven into the series by creator Shigeru Miyamoto, who loved to explore caves and forests as a child. We fans gravitate towards that, thrilled at the idea of seeing something new and wonderful. There is beauty and mysticism in the natural world that the game strives to embody, and we, like moths to a flame, are drawn to this. Furthermore, the beautiful land of Hyrule inspires creativity with complex puzzles, dazzling scenery, and evocative music. This inspiration floods YouTube with tributes and remixes to beloved songs. It has resulted in podcasts (such as Another Zelda Podcast) and countless social media forums where the like-minded congregate. You can find everything from timeline theories to fan art to cosplay. With just a few easy keystrokes into your Internet search bar, you will be treated to a never-ending supply of corny Zelda memes only a fan would understand. Photo source: Imgur If you want to see how special the Zelda fandom is, just attend the Symphony of the Goddesses. As I stood waiting in line to be seated, I was jittery and overwhelmed with excitement. I scanned those in front of me and behind, and, in doing so, the realization came over me: something special was about to happen. For the first time in my life, I was completely surrounded by people that had fallen in love with the same franchise that I had. To these people, Zelda was more than just a game; it was a part of them. You could feel it as the orchestra played and the energy of every person in the music hall synchronized to the vibration of the melodies. Truly amazing! The one thing that seems to stand out most of all, however, is that Zelda fans are a community. Simply put, the love of the game brings people together like the pieces of the Triforce. I can’t even say how many conversations I’ve had simply because I was rocking my Zelda gear or how many times I’ve seen Zelda fans console one another over the loss of family or a fellow fan from the community. The support from fellow Hylians is like nothing I’ve encountered in other communities. Why are Zelda fans so helpful, so quick to aid those in need? Well, let’s look at the series itself as a whole. It starts with the silent hero (if you haven’t read Shane’s article on the silent hero, you can check it out here), whom we the player embody. As this hero, we rise from humble origins and out of goodness of heart and courage to step up in the face of insurmountable odds. Perhaps it’s the games inspiring us to do good, or perhaps the games call out to those who already do good works. I know when I was an eight-year-old boy blowing on that original gold cartridge, I believed I could save the world. Zelda fans believe they can make a difference, and, in the end, that is what makes the difference. Photo source: The Lost Hylian’s Nintendo Switch Share Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. A special shout-out to Legend of Zelda fans on Facebook for your input on this. To you, the reader, I would love to know what you think! Did I just over-fanboy? Or do you feel something special about the Zelda community yourself? If you want to share your thoughts, you can reach me @The_Lost_Hylian on Twitter, thelosthylian on Instagram, or check out my Facebook page, The Lost Hylian.

by Celeste Roberts Imagine a Zelda game--or nearly any adventure video game--without non-playable characters (NPCs). Perhaps this scenario would be your dream come true; perhaps you loathe side quests or engaging in inane chit-chat with characters you cannot even control. They slow you down; they stand in your way. They are merely backdrops as you traverse the span of Hyrule, the Great Sea, Termina… whatever location needs Link. Or perhaps, like yours truly, you would notice something amiss in such a video game. No characters to care about saving from some looming evil. No delightful quips from shopkeepers or barmaids to give you a chuckle. No mini games to help you earn more Rupees or items (the horror!). In my real life, I often wonder what everyone’s story is. A cool word to describe this curiosity is sonder, “the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.” If I spot another person, animal, creature, or non-playable entity in a game, I’m taking time to chat with them--even multiple times (bothering people frequently like this is frowned upon in real life, so I have to exercise this ability in the virtual world). The characters Link encounters on his quests are from all walks of life: wealth, poverty, entrepreneurship, weapon mastery, family wrangler, education… the list is seemingly endless. I especially love learning more about the NPCs’ hopes and dreams, as well as their connections to other characters. Spoiler: Who else feels bad for Cremia after learning she has romantic feelings for Kafei? Instead of listing my favorite NPCs in the Zelda universe, I would like to acknowledge the roles—and a few of the people in those roles—that enhance Link’s adventure or assist him in his mission to thwart evil. Shopkeepers/Merchants: Yes, Link can cut grass and bushes to acquire countable items, like Rupees, arrows, and Deku nuts, but some parts of his inventory rely on the business savvy of shopkeepers or merchants he encounters. Take Beedle in The Wind Waker: he sells a Bait Bag, which holds All-Purpose Bait for Link to use to summon Fishmen or feed pigs and rats. These creatures can then provide Link information for his Sea Chart and Pieces of Heart. Another useful merchant in this same game is Zunari, who sells his sole sail to Link and then offers him decorations to spruce up Windfall Island. Playing the role of the island’s exterior decorator earns Link a Piece of Heart, and we all know the value in increasing Link’s lifeforce. What about the precocious Malo in Twilight Princess? He sells the Hylian Shield in his titular shop, and one must admit that a shield incapable of bursting into flames (sorry, Ordon Shield) is mighty valuable. Another cool item, the Hawkeye, though not essential, is quite helpful in sniper-esque missions in the game. Other young folks who establish businesses include the Kokiri in Ocarina of Time (although I am left to wonder about the point in exchanging currency since the Kokiri cannot even leave their home, lest they perish). Let’s not forget the handy Blue Ring in the original The Legend of Zelda--a merchant offers this damage-reducing piece of jewelry for a meager 250 Rupees. Similar items include the jewel version of Magic Armor from Zunari in The Wind Waker and a full set of armor at Malo Mart in Twilight Princess. Any merchant willing to make Link’s quest easier is a true hero. Innkeepers: A comfortable bed to rest after a long, draining day of saving the world is all any explorer needs, and, thankfully, Hyrule and the other lands in The Legend of Zelda series have multiple locations where Link can sleep. Although Link usually has a house to call his own, there are a few games where he relies on innkeepers to provide a roof over his head. Sleeping typically restores health and prepares him for another day of adventuring; in Breath of the Wild, some inns offer special soft beds for a few more Rupees, allowing Link to enjoy an extra heart. I don’t know whether I could sleep soundly in one of the stables, though--I need my own room! At least I could slumber a little easier knowing the innkeeper is taking care of my horse in the stable section. One of the most memorable inns for me is The Stockpot Inn in Majora’s Mask. Meal service from sweet Anju (albeit not very tasty), entertaining residents, and a room called “the Knife Chamber '' bearing a treasure chest with 100 Rupees… what’s not to love about the hospitality this business provides? I guess my only complaint is the location of the sole lavatory in the building… and the occupant… In The Minish Cap, Link can sleep in one of three rooms at the Happy Hearth Inn in Hyrule Town. Emma, the inn’s clerk, is hospitable enough to include gifts for those who patron the business. If you need your hearts restored or Kinstone Pieces, Emma’s workplace is essential in your quest. Usually I just receive complimentary bars of soap at hotels, so I might need to begin inquiring about extra amenities. Mini Game Proprietors: Mini games and side quests make Zelda games so enjoyable for me. They can be challenging but rewarding. I doubt Link finds himself in the doldrums (Peahats in Hyrule Field can keep him on his toes—quite literally), but every so often, he needs a little stress relief after battling ghastly monsters. Thank goodness for the entertainment resources scattered throughout the world! Bombchu bowling, shooting galleries, digging for treasure, fishing, claw games, and a grave digging tour (!!!) are but a few types of mini games Link can enjoy. I’m trying to picture the moment the proprietors imagined their games. Was there severe demand in Hyrule for games that use literal bombs? Were parents on board with allowing their children to harness weapons that could easily injure themselves or other unfortunate players? Did Dampe think, “You know what would make the night shift go by more quickly? Digging up some of these graves! But only a little bit to avoid disturbing remains”? Is Selmie satisfied staying in the frozen Hebra region, where she teaches snowboard shield surfing? Also, would the Zelda-equivalent of PETA be all right with Talon forcing Cuccos to play hide-and-seek at Lon Lon Ranch? I think my favorite mini game creator is Salvatore in The Wind Waker. He runs Squid Hunt (akin to Battleship) and Barrel Shoot and looks as though he would rather be on the receiving end of the cannonballs than stuck proctoring this mini game. Unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a renowned painter, he spends his time crafting wooden cut-outs to role play characters to make his mini game more engaging. Frankly, anyone who is willing to impersonate sea captains and damsels in distress while shouting “KA-BOOM” is a hero worthy of endless praise. Couriers/Delivery Folks: The mail carriers in The Legend of Zelda series provide Link with useful information, a fun s orting mini game in The Wind Waker (bonus points for this), and idiosyncrasies only those sworn to a life of duty and service can provide. First appearing in Majora’s Mask, the Postman is a fountain of information since he delivers items to everyone in Clock Town; however, he follows a regimented lifestyle in which altering even a few seconds can mess up his day. The Rito assume the courier role in The Wind Waker, which makes sense because of their ability to fly to different islands. In Twilight Princess, the Postman makes a mad dash for Link at predetermined locations, bearing an important item update at a shop, a change in plot, or simply a kind thought from another NPC. You know that feeling when you see a delivery driver drop off a package to your front door or spy some holiday cards in your mailbox? I feel this way whenever I receive mail or a package in a Zelda game. Fortune Tellers: Sometimes you want to use a walkthrough or Player’s Guide to assist you in completing a game, and sometimes you would prefer to figure out puzzles and where to journey to next on your own. Unfortunately, I don’t always play a game for multiple hours or days, and I often have been left scratching my head at trying to remember what I need to do and where I need to go next whenever I pick up a game after several months (or even years). I am not shy about admitting I rely on walkthroughs and my old-school physical game guides, but if I am feeling bold and fearless, I like to use what is available to me in most Zelda games: fortune tellers. First appearing in A Link the Past, these enigmatic clairvoyants provide hints for a few Rupees. Subsequent games feature named crystal gazers, like Madame Fanadi in Twilight Princess, Astrid in Phantom Hourglass, and Sparrot in Skyward Sword. Barring the most infamous fortune teller, Astor in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, these mysterious folks are an invaluable resource if you aim to collect every Heart Piece or simply need a little help with progressing in the game. I personally would love to learn more about the fortune tellers’ pasts and tribes. Madame Fanadi has red eyes and the Sheikah symbol on her forehead, and the cloaked oracles in A Link to the Past never reveal their faces. Are any of them connected to some divine power through the goddesses? What are some other NPC roles you admire in the Zelda series? Let me know on Twitter!

What if the sequel to Breath of the Wild includes an advanced kinstone quest? by Shane Kelley We all know the vast landscapes in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the countless side quests the game offers. One of the quests is finding the Koroks to obtain their seeds to upgrade your slots, and, as you may know, the total count to track down is 900, which is a substantial amount for anyone to achieve. So, what quest like the Korok hunt will be the equivalent task in the sequel? Thinking about the content in Breath of the Wild also had me thinking about what was potentially cut from the game. After looking into this a bit more, a few ideas crossed my mind. I thought about what you could seek, such as Blessed Butterflies from Skyward Sword or perhaps Skulltulas from Ocarina of Time. In the end, though, I think another item could work extremely well in a vast landscape and promote story, exploration, and overall fun. An item from my favorite top-down Zelda game, The Minish Cap, gives us a unique item called a kinstone. Kinstones come in a variety of colors (green, red, blue, and gold) and range from common to very rare. A kinstone also has a unique shape that is one half to a whole circle. The player seeks out the other half of the kinstone to make a complete circle through the process of kinstone fusion. Finding the other half of a kinstone and putting two pieces together will have various effects, such as revealing hidden treasure chests or locations. The rarest, gold, are related to story development and would be a nice incorporation in a new Zelda game. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion, published by Dark Horse Comics, gives us insight on everything in this game. This publication shows all sorts of concepts that are in the game or that were not used in the final creation. Besides this book, we also have interviews with the creators on concepts, ideas, etc., that did not make it into the final product. Here is where the Minish (or Picori) come into play. What if in the sequel to Breath of the Wild we see quests for kinstones? Imagine finding a rare gold half piece with a unique design that will require you to venture out into the wild and explore vast areas to find the second half? Once found, it unlocks a unique weapon, a helpful outfit, compelling storyline, or big payoff in Rupees. Various colors and pattern combinations would give you different rewards, and you could then use the kinstones to upgrade your item slots. Even if you have around 250 whole kinstones (500 individual pieces), this would be an incredible amount of items to seek out and fuse together. Maybe finding a certain amount of these kinstones could unlock a door to a secret dungeon or maybe connect to some future downloadable content (DLC). That DLC could have you shrinking down and visiting the Minish for an amazing bonus quest. I know if Nintendo incorporated this idea, we could expect something as exciting or as unique as “golden poo.” I just hope we get something fun in the end that really motivates us to seek and find the items presented. What are your thoughts on the Picori and kinstones? Have you played The Minish Cap? What hopes do you have for the sequel to Breath of the Wild? I personally cannot wait for what is to come with the new entry in the series. Now we wait. Please follow me on Twitter @Stillsaneshane Cover Image Source: Zeldadungeon.net Image 1: FNAC

S4 E6 | Dan and David build a wish list of sorts about ways that they would enjoy seeing The Legend of Zelda expand into other media. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Dan McCoy Written and Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021

By Shane Kelley June 4, 2019 When telling a story, there are five basic guidelines to include: characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. When one of these elements is lacking, too strong, or missing altogether, the overall story can be unbalanced, resulting in an uninteresting, unexciting, and sometimes incomprehensible story. Within the Legend of Zelda series, Link is often seen and not heard, yet the world and story seem to be strong and unwavering. How does Nintendo make these experiences so harmonious? Link’s lack of speaking really makes the player feel that his or her actions directly influence how he or she can interact and communicate with the world within the game. In doing so, this choice by the creators offers the chance to feel isolated and, in this state, could really unbalance the guidelines of the story. However, Nintendo counteracts the lack of speech with the power of music and ambient sound. This once again levels those guidelines and can bring balance to the “Triforce,” my young Hylian. In every Legend of Zelda game, we can count on having an amazing musical score and all the amazing sounds that delight our inner ears. The lack of verbiage with our main character really allows the player to see the sights and hear the sounds within an area. The music pieces that are crafted for the specific areas are reminiscent of real-world cultures and take influence from them to create an original and delightful piece. This experience is what really helps to define a Legend of Zelda journey. Also, instruments play an important role in most of the games, even to the point where an instrument can be seen in a title, such as in Ocarina of Time. Instruments, of course, provide both a way to interact with the world and create new ways to play. An example is the pan pipes in Phantom Hourglass, where the player blows into the microphone on a Nintendo DS to play the notes. Creative ideas and unique ways to utilize these instruments or mechanics in the game set these experiences apart from other types of games by pushing the game’s boundaries, which is brought about by the human element, restricted only by one’s imagination. Other games incorporate new ideas, such as The Wind Waker, by using a new art style that left some excited to play and others wanting to shy away. By using this new art style, Nintendo incorporated a new way to help tell the hero’s story. With the cell-shaded, cartoon-like graphics, the game is able to use the characters’ faces, most notably Link’s, to show emotions and expressions unlike before. These ideas were incorporated in later games using all sorts of art styles, but the use of one’s face to further along the plot really brings more life and depth to the characters and allows them to be more relatable to the audience. The question that a lot of players might have is will Link ever talk, and, if so, will he be annoying like his cartoon counterpart? (Insert “Excuse me, princess.”) If Link were given a voice, how would Nintendo go about doing so? Would his voice play an important role with the mechanics of the game? Could we hear Link sing opera or simply hear him say “Hi”? These questions, if answered, could change up the game mechanics, story, and overall feeling of a Zelda title. Do you think that Nintendo will have Link break his silence? Who knows what Nintendo will incorporate in the next Legend of Zelda game, but we can relate to these lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel: “Hello darkness, my old friend,” reminding us that Link will always battle an evil, whether it be Ganon or any other darkness within the series. The song also goes on to say, “People talking without speaking...” This is the whole essence of Link’s persona within the game, ultimately saying a person can effectively communicate without physically talking. Though the comparison of this song to the Legend of Zelda has nothing to do with the game, you can see how its words can be used to explain that there are many ways to convey one’s ideas and relate to the audience. Before Breath of the Wild, “No one dared disturb the sound of silence,” but Nintendo did and had another new idea that shapes how Link interacts with his surroundings, once again telling another fantastic story. Please comment below with your thoughts on the matter, and please follow me on Twitter @stillsaneshane.

S1 E1 | David and Kate start things off by discussing their favorite three Zelda games across all systems. ► Direct Download CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 1

S4 E5 | Stephanie Klimov joins David to talk about Majora's Mask and some of the complicated themes explored in the game. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Stephanie Klimov Written and Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2021