You know what can be a good thing? Options. Especially when it comes to gaming. I know I can't be the only one who enjoys it when video games allow the player to approach a situation in a multitude of ways. Or when they let me customize every little detail of my character's outfit. It can give us more of a sense of immersion. A way to enjoy a piece of entertainment our way. Which is why I think a pretty good step in the innovation department for a Zelda title, is allowing the player to choose Link's gender.
Now, I understand this debate has been brought up many times before. Usually with a lot of definite answers from hardcore Zelda enthusiast. However, is there really any reason why we can't have a change like this? Short answer: Nope. Long answer incoming. To finally end this debate once and for all.
When we look at Link as a character, we know that he's the destined savior of the world. Caught in an endless cycle of reincarnation to fix things when evil is afoot time and time again. There is no rule specifically stating the hero (or any other character for that matter in this prophecy) is born a specific gender each time.
Another thing Nintendo has settled on when it comes to Link, is that he's supposed to be the vessel the player can project themselves upon. Allowing the player to choose Link's gender at the start of their quest is nothing but an extension of this concept.
Sure, a decision like this would cause backlash. One of the defining aspects of the internet is "nerd rage". But Link is a video game icon you can do something like this and it would make the most sense. This isn't like gender reversing someone like Mario. That would certainly come off as something that's more like nonsensical pandering than anything, and Mario is more of a caricature of a masculine archetype.
Without a doubt this would be nothing but a positive drop in the bucket when it comes to the industry. Representation and diversity is definitely where the gaming can stumble often. It's almost sad how many variations of the same, generic, scruffy looking white dude we see as gaming protagonist. A video game icon like Link being the platform for such a move could be a decision that creates quite a splash. I really hope Nintendo has thought of something like this.
Everyone keeps calling him Zelda anyway.
Now, I understand this debate has been brought up many times before. Usually with a lot of definite answers from hardcore Zelda enthusiast. However, is there really any reason why we can't have a change like this? Short answer: Nope. Long answer incoming. To finally end this debate once and for all.
When we look at Link as a character, we know that he's the destined savior of the world. Caught in an endless cycle of reincarnation to fix things when evil is afoot time and time again. There is no rule specifically stating the hero (or any other character for that matter in this prophecy) is born a specific gender each time.
Another thing Nintendo has settled on when it comes to Link, is that he's supposed to be the vessel the player can project themselves upon. Allowing the player to choose Link's gender at the start of their quest is nothing but an extension of this concept.
Sure, a decision like this would cause backlash. One of the defining aspects of the internet is "nerd rage". But Link is a video game icon you can do something like this and it would make the most sense. This isn't like gender reversing someone like Mario. That would certainly come off as something that's more like nonsensical pandering than anything, and Mario is more of a caricature of a masculine archetype.
Without a doubt this would be nothing but a positive drop in the bucket when it comes to the industry. Representation and diversity is definitely where the gaming can stumble often. It's almost sad how many variations of the same, generic, scruffy looking white dude we see as gaming protagonist. A video game icon like Link being the platform for such a move could be a decision that creates quite a splash. I really hope Nintendo has thought of something like this.
Everyone keeps calling him Zelda anyway.
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