Last week, we told you about the awesome dad who hacked Donkey Kong so that his daughter could play as Pauline and rescue the dude-in-distress, Mario. Professional animator Kenna W. was inspired by his work, and she decided to “redo” The Legend of Zelda ROM. Her goal: have Zelda save Link, which is a lot less confusing.
For me, I played my first Zelda game when I was pretty young, and at the time, I thought the game did star Princess Zelda. I figured I’d get to play as a magical battle princess that saved her kingdom. The game was fun, but I was bummed out that I never got to play as Zelda.
Now I had complete control of all of the elements of the game that I needed to make this Zelda’s story. I just needed to come up with new opening text. But after playing as Zelda: Warrior Princess, I couldn’t figure out how to put Link back into the story. In cannon, Link is the one with the sword. When you take away the sword, who is he? Just some guy that can’t get out of a room? Do I make him Prince Link? Is he a knight to Zelda? In the end, I decided he’s still Link. Even though he’s seemingly powerless to leave a simple room. (Via)
Men be struggling to leave rooms, amirate ladies?
(Via) (Via Kotaku)
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I really don’t understand why these are things
I don’t play the Metroid or the new Tomb Raider and think “Oh, this game is great but I would be able to relate to it way more if they were dudes.”
I mean, it’s cool and all from a technical standpoint, but I just don’t see the point.
Because you are a guy and there is already a huge plethora of games marketed towards you.
Metroid it was only revealed at the end it was a woman and you can’t tell at all while playing the game.
And Tomb Raider is the worst example you could possible choose…
NewNoise is right, the two games you mentioned are the exception, not the rule.
Like you, I don’t have a problem playing Metroid NOW, as an adult, but kids tend to relate to characters they share similarities with. Our society tends to draw a thick line in the sand between male and female from an early age (not judging this, but you can’t deny it’s true)… cooties and whatnot. I know I personally fell in love with the Zelda games because the hero was a little quiet blonde boy, just like me.
That said, I’m totally cool with more things in general where the girl saves the guy. Or whatever.
I see what you mean SuperHans. I wasn’t really thinking about it from a kid’s perspective.
And, TheNewNoise. That’s why I purposely said the NEW tomb raider.
Oh, so now she thinks she can save Hyrule? Well exuuuuuuuuuuse me, Princess!
Do we really live in a world where we have to point out that Zelda is the girl and Link is the guy?
I hope this becomes a trend, it’s interesting seeing the gender roles switched in these classics. Hey, howzabout a top 5 games that need a gender role flip?
My submission: WNBA Jam
Daisy Nukem :3D(D?)
WNBA Jam??
Someone get a Kickstarter going, quick.
I’m confused at the point that Link is “Just a guy who can’t leave a room” I mean the original had Zelda as “Just a girl who can’t leave a room” no? Link doesn’t get his sword after all until he visits that old dude in the cave.
instead of trying to “fix” the past why don’t we focus on more inclusion in future games.
I personally think that every modern game should have a edit your own protagonist option.
That way your hero is whoever you want him/her to be.