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  1. Games
  2. Adventure

Time traveling with Link

News
By James Jarvis
Published 23 May 2007

See how 20 years of adventuring has transformed Link from a tiny sprite into the man he is today

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Mention Link today and most people will envisage the young wolf boy that inhabits Twilight Princess complete with his signature sword, shield and green tunic. And while there’s no denying that this is certainly the best Link has ever looked, he’s come along way since he first graced our consoles way back in 1986.

Of course it comes as no surprise that Link has taken on a wealth of different looks over his years of adventuring and exploring. He began his adventures as a tiny sprite in The Legend of Zelda before becoming a 3D model in Ocarina of Time and cel-shaded in The Wind Waker. This ability to move with the times and keep the gaming worlds feeling fresh and accessible has earned Link his place as one of the longest surviving and most loved characters in gaming history. (Sorry Lara)

Take a look at the video below and read the next few pages and you’ll see what we mean. Starting at the very beginning with Link’s appearance on Nintendo’s NES and travelling through 20 years of gaming history, until we hit 2006 and Twilight Princess on Wii, the video will give you an idea of how Link and the Zelda series has molded and transformed into what we know and love today.

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Watch full video here:

Of course it comes as no surprise that Link has taken on a wealth of different looks over his years of adventuring and exploring. He began his adventures as a tiny sprite in The Legend of Zelda before becoming a 3D model in Ocarina of Time and cel-shaded in The Wind Waker. This ability to move with the times and keep the gaming worlds feeling fresh and accessible has earned Link his place as one of the longest surviving and most loved characters in gaming history. (Sorry Lara)

Take a look at the video below and read the next few pages and you’ll see what we mean. Starting at the very beginning with Link’s appearance on Nintendo’s NES and travelling through 20 years of gaming history, until we hit 2006 and Twilight Princess on Wii, the video will give you an idea of how Link and the Zelda series has molded and transformed into what we know and love today.

Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 Spotlight newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
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Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
James Jarvis
James Jarvis
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Executive Producer, GR Video

Hi I'm James or JJ if you like, I'll answer to both. I'm the Executive producer for GR video which means I've had at least a part in all the hot moving pictures you'll find on the site (even if that part was just saying, yes that's a good video). I also produce the Future Games Show and Golden Joystick Awards. Away from the office you'll either find me playing Fortnite, or walking my dog. I'm better at one than the other, I'll let you decide which.

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