In 1986, Nintendo rocked the video game world when it released the first Legend of Zelda game on the NES. This inaugural game featured Link, the series' sword-wielding protagonist, and a world of adventure and puzzles for him to soldier through. Twenty-seven years and fifteen video game knockouts later, Link has taken on a variety of appearances in a kaleidoscope of epic journeys. But nothing could've prepared Zelda fans for Link's most controversial rendition: Toon Link.
In 2001, when fans were expecting a darker, more realistic return to the Legend of Zelda world, Nintendo announced something radically different. Enter The Wind Waker, bearing colorful cel-shaded graphics and a cartoonish feel. This was not what fans were expecting. It was an extreme shift from the traditional Zelda game, and was designed to, as Miyamoto (creator of the Legend of Zelda series) explained, "extend Zelda's reach to all ages."
Zelda fans were divided. Many enjoyed the cel-shaded Toon Link, especially when it was paired with The Wind Waker's slick gameplay after its release in 2003. But there were a lot of fans who had been waiting for that grittier, more realistic Link. These were left bitter and disappointed. All these years later, there is still a dark rift between many Zelda fans. Some prefer the charm and style of Toon Link, while others cheer for the traditional, classic Link.
Which version of Link do fans prefer? Which version of Link do you prefer? I asked forty fellow Legend of Zelda fans what they thought about classic Link and Toon Link, and the results were quite surprising. To learn more about either version of Link, claim your champion below and begin your quest!
In 2001, when fans were expecting a darker, more realistic return to the Legend of Zelda world, Nintendo announced something radically different. Enter The Wind Waker, bearing colorful cel-shaded graphics and a cartoonish feel. This was not what fans were expecting. It was an extreme shift from the traditional Zelda game, and was designed to, as Miyamoto (creator of the Legend of Zelda series) explained, "extend Zelda's reach to all ages."
Zelda fans were divided. Many enjoyed the cel-shaded Toon Link, especially when it was paired with The Wind Waker's slick gameplay after its release in 2003. But there were a lot of fans who had been waiting for that grittier, more realistic Link. These were left bitter and disappointed. All these years later, there is still a dark rift between many Zelda fans. Some prefer the charm and style of Toon Link, while others cheer for the traditional, classic Link.
Which version of Link do fans prefer? Which version of Link do you prefer? I asked forty fellow Legend of Zelda fans what they thought about classic Link and Toon Link, and the results were quite surprising. To learn more about either version of Link, claim your champion below and begin your quest!
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