Zelda is undoubtedly one of Nintendo’s claims to fame. Nintendo is a very old company dating back to the late 1800’s when they made playing cards. Nintendo released the first Zelda game almost a century after the company began. Zelda 1986 featured 2D graphics on home computing systems. In 1996, Zelda games evolved to 3D on Nintendo’s fifth generation gaming unit the N64. Rightfully named N64 for its 64bit processor, the N64 sold 32.9 million units worldwide. Originally released on the N64, “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” is considered to be one of the best video games of all time.

Several years later the Nintendo Wii was produced as Nintendo’s second consol using compact discs, the first being Game Cube. The Game Cube brought a new controller design to the user, and still embodied the flavor of the elegant N64 controller. The game play of “Zelda: The Wind Waker,” is nothing short of awesome, the setback for most being the graphics. An over-the-top attempt to adhere to the younger audience had gamers playing a cartoon character while battling monsters. This was a major difference from the N64 Zelda’s where the 3D is the only thing to fuss about. Still completely button-based, users were subjected to thumb rolls, button mashing and other combinations to execute the many moves and attacks.

Like many Zelda games, “Zelda: Skyward Sword,” released Thanksgiving of 2011, is a unique incarnation of Link and Zelda. Tradition, and legend is the glue to keeps that keeps the Zelda games consistent. Making several references to other incarnations, Skyward Sword takes place several years apart from the days of Ganondorf (the original bad guy.) Though the timeline between games may be a bit daunting to understand and in some cases downright inconsistent; however, anybody would be capable of picking up Skyward Sword without knowledge of Zelda games.

Older Zelda games played on their respective system had gamers blowing into cartridges, using memory packs, and putting up with high pitched annoying fairies. Gamers all around were happy not to have the N64 fairy on the Wii’s first Zelda game “Zelda: Twilight Princess,” similarly appreciative with the guide choice for “Skyward Sword.” The new guide is a sweet-talking spirit, with a wealth of knowledge and tips to assist the player. She is a lot like the iPhone’s Siri.  She can help in many ways but only truly contributes when necessary.

In older Zelda games Link has always had the ability to walk and climb but most recently Link can now run, jump, climb, swing, sit, sleep and now has a stamina bar. The expandable stamina bar adds a new element to battle and has mixed signals from the gaming community.  Whereas some see it as an unnecessary setback, others embrace the new challenge. The classic themes remain the same. Link is seemingly unmotivated at the very beginning but his destiny requires much from him. Zelda manages to become detained, and it is up to Link to go save her from the threat of impending harm.

With many locations to save and start from, it is easy to maintain a normal, healthy life without fear of losing ones spot on the quest to save Zelda on the more recent games. What is in store for Zelda games in the future is not exactly public information.  Nintendo’s plan to release a new console soon has devout Nintendo fans waiting to discover the new Mario and Zelda games.  With each new system and technology the controller and game play interface becomes engaging. Thus, sky is the limit for more expansive games; it is only a matter of time.