Since its first video game was released in 1986, The Legend of Zelda has been part of the lives of millions of gamers around the world. Many of these users have ended up dedicating themselves to the world of video games, hence when citing their influences, Link’s saga is always mentioned in interviews. But how does it appear in these other video games?
Today we take a trip through the world of electronic entertainment and talk about the easter eggs and references that Zelda has in other video games.
Call of Duty Ghosts
Although it may seem incredible as it is a genre totally distant from Zelda, the reality is that Call of Duty Ghosts has a nice easter egg from Link’s adventure.
To be exact, on one of the game’s shelves there is a display case full of trophies. If you’re observant, you’ll quickly realize that one of them is in the shape of a rupee. As if this were not enough, the plaque says that it has been given for “cutting the most bushes and breaking pots”. And with this we believe that there is no possible confusion, right?
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
This may be one of the most bizarre crossovers we bring you in this article. When Tekken Tag Tournament 2 was released in 2012, its Wii U version included the possibility of putting Nintendo character costumes on the different fighters.
We’re not going to deny it: seeing a Kazuya Mishima in Link’s costume is one of the most bizarre things we’ve ever witnessed in a video game. It doesn’t fit him at all. Likewise, also appears the outfit of Princess Zelda, which can be equipped to the female fighters of the game. This also looks weird, but it’s less clashing than Link’s.
Final Fantasy I
Only a year after the first Zelda game was released in the Japanese market, the stores received another title that was going to shake the videogame of the moment: Final Fantasy. The saga created by Squaresoft hit hard in Japan, so much so that it catapulted the company to great success. And yes, the first Final Fantasy of 1987 also has a reference to Zelda.
In one of the tombs appears a “Here rests Link”, making clear reference to the main character of Zelda. The curiosity around this anecdote is that in the original Japanese version it always appeared, but when it was translated for the United States, the name changed to Erdrick.
When the later versions were released on different consoles, including this latest pixel remaster, Square Enix took advantage and left Link’s name as a token for eternity.
Monster Hunter X Zelda
This is not an easter egg, but a collaboration announced with great fanfare by Nintendo and Capcom. The popular hunting saga Monster Hunter had a tie-in with The Legend of Zelda that was very well inserted. To be exact, it took place with Monster Hunter Stories through a downloadable content released in September 2017.
Through this content, the most representative elements of Zelda appeared: Epona, Link’s horse, was the one we rode in the game; Link himself appeared as an “outfit” for our protagonist; and the character who accompanied us wore a Majora mask. It was clearer than that.
Bayonetta 2
Although Bayonetta emerged as a multiplatform title, the reality is that since its second part can only be played on Nintendo consoles. And it is logical, it must be said, since the Japanese company is the one that provides the money to Platinum Games to make its development possible. As usual, this also gives rise to very direct references.
In the case of Bayonetta 2, the witch can dress up in Link’s outfit. Yes, her leather outfit gives way to the costume of our adventurer. Under the name Hero of Hyrule, thanks to this change we can also play with both Link’s sword and bow. In addition, instead of the usual halos we will have rupees, as well as other exclusive moves and even the sounds of the saga. As a curiosity, there are more costumes available from Nintendo characters like Peach or Samus.
