Our group of Zelda followers have gotten collectively to choose a few of their favorite locations within the sport, and we wish to hear from you, as properly. Choose us if you need. Or do not. As a result of in every single place in Hyrule guidelines, proper? Apart from Jabu Jabu’s Stomach… we do not ever wish to revisit there.
Nintendo Life workers key: Alana Hagues (AH), Gavin Lane (GL), Jim Norman (JN), Ollie Reynolds (OR)
Exterior the Temple of Time
That is in all probability the best pick of in every single place — the Temple of Time is an iconic landmark in a number of Zelda video games, however come on, it is the very place the place Hyperlink “grows up” in Ocarina of Time. The within is perhaps what all of us keep in mind — there’s an actual sense of splendor concerning the altar room what with the haunting, heavy music. However the outdoors, and the stark distinction between the polygonal halls and the pre-rendered background of the Temple; have at all times caught with me.
The comfortable inexperienced, bushy bushes, neatly trimmed; the mild, nonetheless lake; and the ambient noises of birds chirping. That is the way you first see the Temple of Time, and even when the within has extra influence storywise, the skin fills me with a mix of calm dedication.
However saying the skin would not inform a narrative both could be a lie. Younger Hyperlink may see the skin as a spot of serenity and energy, however as an grownup, Hyperlink’s very first sight when he reawakens is the skin of the temple. The greens have gone. The bushes are naked. The sky is black. And there is now only a hole wind blowing by way of the world. It units the tone for the remainder of your journey and fills you with a completely completely different dedication — one which makes you wish to save the world, to protect that greener previous. AH
Lake Hylia’s shoreline
I’ve waxed lyrical earlier than, a number of occasions, concerning the majesty of the mist over Lake Hylia at dawn, however I simply cannot resist a chance to wax some extra.
As a child, I would go on household tenting holidays in and close to forests and we would usually take early-morning strolls round lakes and the like. It is usually chilly and moist in England, and even in the summertime you are liable to get up to condensing dew because the solar slowly rises.
Seeing the identical phenomenon rendered in-game as the sunshine turned from deep, darkish blue to pink within the early hours was a revelatory second for me. It showcased video gaming’s potential for capturing the sedate great thing about nature amongst all of the excessive fantasy and spectacular landscapes. Unforgettable. GL
Kakariko Graveyard
I’ve at all times loved a Zelda graveyard. It is principally for the comedy worth of studying a ‘passed-down Hylian poem’ that goes one thing like “press up, down, proper to show day to nighttime!” — a cryptic message that solely Hyperlink can decipher. However on this case, it is as a result of OoT’s Kakariko Graveyard taught me to love them. It taught me that they had been usually stacked with thriller.
The village graveyard is a somewhat small location, all issues thought-about, however there are songs to be realized, races available, gadgets to be acquired (the very best merchandise, when you ask me) and, sure, a flippin’ dungeon to be explored in a while. That is a variety of actions for an space that might doubtless solely comprise half a puzzle in later Zelda video games.
I had walked the world numerous occasions as Little one Hyperlink, so to return as an grownup and work out that I might truly transfer the graves and, wait, go inside?! You may preserve your Depths, gimme Dampé’s Crypt any day. JN
Hyrule Fort Maze
Although you would definitely argue that the sequence wherein Hyperlink sneaks by way of Hyrule Fort’s courtyard towards our titular Princess is considerably rudimentary by at the moment’s requirements, it stays some of the memorable moments of the sport, notably throughout these introductory few hours.
With the brilliant inexperienced colors, the neatly trimmed hedges, and the quirky accompanying musical rating, the maze represented one of many ‘cleanest’ locales in Ocarina of Time, and I keep in mind taking part in by way of this for the primary time and wishing I might merely exist within the setting; possibly pitch up a recliner and bathe within the perpetual daylight.
The complete sequence would not final very lengthy (except you repeatedly run into these dastardly guards), however for me, this nearly makes the entire thing much more unforgettable. There are environments in Ocarina of Time that allow you to drink within the environment for so long as you want, however I am going to at all times keep in mind the maze for its distinctly memorable brevity. OR
Again Alley
If I can get by way of this with out struggling an innuendoism (that is an innuendo embolism, mates), I am a giant fan of the Again Alley. Ahem. Okay, quieten down.
The again streets to the west of Fort City’s market type a loop the place previous males linger, ne’er-do-wells loiter, and black market items may be discovered. It is also the situation of one of many collection’ most low-key surprising moments. I at all times liked not solely how the group noise disappeared whenever you depart the bustling hub, however the quantity of the cheerful music lowered, too, with Hyperlink’s footsteps echoing down these static facet streets.
Not probably the most glamourous of locales, for certain, however an emotive one stuffed with characters and character. And canine. GL
Haunted Wasteland
The Haunted Wasteland is not as spooky as its identify suggests, however it is without doubt one of the few locations that’s shut off to grown-up Hyperlink when he wakes up within the huge huge world of maturity, so it has at all times managed to keep up that sense of thriller for me.
Sure, this may not be fairly as jam-packed as a number of the different places on this checklist, however that’s type of the entire level. In its barren openness, the Haunted Wasteland stretches out like an enormous immovable impediment and depends on you placing your Longshot and Eye of Reality to good use if you’re to move by way of it. The sound of the wind and the sandstorm obstructing your view solely serve to boost this environment additional.
If it wasn’t for that funky Gerudo Valley theme that retains taking part in within the background, this may in all probability be probably the most isolated-feeling place in the whole sport. Happily, you’re by no means really alone when there’s a good bop. JN
Sleepless Waterfall
There’s one thing actually magical about being a child and discovering secrets and techniques hidden behind waterfalls, proper? Gavin’s already talked about Lake Hylia and the fantastic thing about the mist, however I believe this stretches to most watery areas within the Zelda collection. The serenity of Zora’s Area is at all times one thing that provides me the cosy, mild feeling of being residence.
Because it seems, the scenic entrance to Zora’s Area additionally offers me that very same feeling. It is like the doorway to a secret fort that you have made as a child — besides behind a waterfall. The winding path in entrance of the Sleepless Waterfall acts as a way of safety but in addition seems to be like a spot of worship. Enjoying Zelda’s Lullaby places the falls right into a deep “slumber”, and opens the way in which to Zora’s Area and that stunning, soothing music.
Typically, the only of secrets and techniques are simply as particular as the largest ones.
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