Books, Board Games, & More with Bryn
Hello and welcome to the next installment of Books, Board Games, and More (with Bryn)! It’s September, which means summer is fading and fall is rolling in. Let’s explore some fun options for you in this month of shifting seasons!
The Legend of Zelda is a game that came out for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. In nearly 40 years, there have been a multitude of games, graphic novels, and more released. Arguably one of the most innovative and famous game franchises, the initial concepts focused on the hero named Link as he fought to defeat the evil Ganondorf/Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda.
If you’ve never had the chance to play the original game that started it all, The Legend of Zelda is available as part of the NES Remix Pack for the Wii-U as well as the Ultimate NES Remix for the 3DS. If you want some background information without playing from the beginning, The Hyrule Historia and The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia offer information about the game’s settings, history, lore, and characters. If you’re looking to introduce kids to the series, The Legend of Zelda (Bolte) and The Legenda of Zelda (Goerwitz) are both a great start as well as Link: Legend of Zelda Hero (which gives an overview of Link’s character).
Although some games aren’t available through the libraries to borrow, we own copies of the manga adaptations of the games Oracle of Seasons / Oracle of Ages, Ocarina of Time, and Four Swords. These are awesome ways to experience some of those games that can be harder to find.
Speaking of the games themselves, here are the ones available through your WEPL libraries!
Link’s Awakening [Remake] (Switch) is the remake of the 1993 Gameboy game with the same title. This game changed the art style and display from the original, utilizing the strengths of the Switch and applying some of the art styles used in more recent games. It’s considered a faithful update of the original and I recommend you look for yourself.
If you don’t have access to the 2000 Nintendo 64 version or want to buy a membership to access an online version, Majora’s Mask 3D (3DS) is the way to go. Many have praised the game for its imaginative (if albeit sometimes stressful) time management system. Give it a try! However, if you (like me) get too frustrated playing the game, check out the manga adapation of Majora’s Mask AND A Link to the Past!
Originally released on GameCube in 2003, Wind Waker HD (Wii-U) brings the story back for an updated console experience. This game was the first that experimented with the cartoon-like art style that was also used in its direct sequel, Phantom Hourglass (DS). Phantom Hourglass is also available as a manga adaptation that includes The Minish Cap.
Twilight Princess HD (Wii-U) is a great series addition that’s received a lot of praise over the years. It introduced a game mechanic where Link could turn into a wolf and use a separate set of skills in that form. Aside from that, the story itself is solid and engaging. You can check out the game guide and the manga adaptation for it, too!
Skyward Sword HD (Switch) is a remaster of the 2011-released game for the Wii. Considered the first game in the Zelda series, it gives history for key items and lore. With the addition of a generally bright atmosphere and new characters, it’s no wonder that millions of copies have been sold worldwide!
A Link Between Worlds (3DS) is an innovative addition to the franchise that employs tactics of merging into walls as a portrait and being able to rent items to defeat bosses. The game guide has all the details you could ask for! Its direct sequel, Tri Force Heroes (3DS), is also available!
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (Switch) has all the game content plus DLC that was released on the Wii-U in 2014. In a departure from more exploration driving the plot like in previous games, this installment is a fighting game that unlocks the story through combat progression. [Hyrule Warriors: Legends (3DS) is the same base game with minor differences.] The second game in the Hyrule Warriors series, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (Switch), has the same hack and slash combat system and serves as a prequel for the next game on this list, Breath of the Wild.
Breath of the Wild (Switch) (also available on the Wii-U) is one of the best games in recent Zelda releases. It’s been extremely popular since it came out in 2017, reigniting the passion of longtime fans while welcoming new adventurers. If you’re interested, I would suggest looking at the Breath of the Wild Complete Official Guide or even The Big Book of Zelda: the Unofficial Guide to Breath of the Wild and the Legend of Zelda. (There’s even a children’s book The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Beginner’s Guide for younger players starting out.)
The highly anticipated sequel of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom (Switch), interestingly took gameplay style from the first game and introduced new features and methods that required (and showed!) creativity and critical thinking. Coupled with incredible voice acting and another beautiful world to explore, I implore you to check this one out.
Echoes of Wisdom (Switch) is the latest installment in the series. The art style is very similar to that of Link’s Awakening [Remake]. The best part, however, is that you FINALLY get to play a game as Zelda! In the past, a lot of people have confused Link, as the protagonist, being the titular Zelda. This time, however, Zelda stars in her own game to rescue Link. A fun way to turn the tables, right?
To bridge the gap into this next section, I’ll happily mention that Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda (Switch) is also available. A crossover with Crypt of the NecroDancer, this rhythm-based roguelike game features characters and music from Zelda.
Speaking of music, tracks from the Zelda series have remained relevant over the years. CDs such as The Legend of Zelda Game Music Collection: 30th Anniversary showcase compositions from the games, whereas albums like Video Games Live: Level 2, Game On!, and Gaming X Symphony: Legends and Quests in Concert are examples of how beautifully some of that music translates into other styles. Fun fact: There is also a book of easy piano music and another volume of piano sheet music that consist of tracks solely from Zelda games.
Is all this reading making you hungry for more? Good thing we have some cookbooks for you to consider! (Sorry, how else am I supposed to transition into cooking? The pun was necessary.) The Unofficial Legend of Zelda Cookbook is obviously your first stop. Although I poked fun at there being a cookbook for anything and everything in the previous post, I enjoy that people can be so creative with making works of fiction something real (and tasty). On that note, The Geek’s Cookbook and Gastronogeek: The Book of Potions are the other recommendations I have. Both have recipes for snacks and/or beverages on a variety of games, books, and more.
As a fun parting note, The Legend of Zelda: The Complete Series is an interesting look at the Zelda series. An animated show that came out in 1989, the main characters of Link, Zelda, and Ganon are all there, but be warned that it’s only loosely based on its source material. Zelda is presented as strong and independent, which is a pleasant shift from being captured or asleep. Link, being given a voice, is obnoxious (intentionally). It’s entertaining to watch, especially if you do it Mystery Science Theater 3000-style and eat something from one of the cookbooks while making sarcastic comments. Excuuuuuuse me, Princess, but I think it’s time we wrapped this up.
See you in the next installment, reader!
-Bryn
