The odd thing about Zelda...

[Opa Opa]

The window dressing changes sometimes, but inside the package it is always the same.

And some Zelda games have better curtains than others.

I have to disagree with Zelda being deep. OoT and Majora's Mask have great atmosphere, but that's not depth. Games like Deus Ex or MGS2 are much better fits for the descriptor. Zelda's just about a mute elf who goes on the same quest over and over, sort of like Mario but in a fantasy setting.

I do agree that atmosphere =/= deep storytelling. However, Majora's Mask is probably the only game in the entire series that really achieves any sort of in-depth character plot lines. Almost every NPC in the game has a part in the overall story-arc; which is impressive considering most of the NPC's in the rest of the series rarely say more than "Hi Link".

But I'm not trying to argue that Majora's Mask is as complex as say the MGS games.

I feel like I'm rambling.

My main point: There can be complex narratives within the Zelda games.

It's a real shame Nintendo rarely strays from the basic fantasy plot that Flake points out in his earlier post. Majora's Mask is pretty epic as far as Zelda goes. I wish they'd create more Zelda games that have nothing to do with an idiotic triangle, a rusty sword in a pedestal, and the damned castle's chamber maid.

[k.vlaros]

I've played a few Zelda's before but, until Skyward Sword, had only beat Minish Cap and Link's Awakening. Both of those experiences were gaming highlights, for me. But Skyward Sword is the first Zelda that I rapaciously consumed every preview and tease leading up to (and review following) its release. And I did beat the game after a very thorough 60 hour play through. From reading all of the material around the game's release, and the "cave-in" (IMHO) announcement of the official split timeline, I would admit that there is more to Legend of Zelda's storyline than I gave it credit for.

I'd like to think that things like the Windfish being shared in Skyward Sword and Link's Awakening are part of an overarching plan. And that the red bird that has long been on Link's shield / crest was always planned to connect back to Skyloft. On the other hand, Nintendo might just have some very talented artists and comprehensive binders of sketches from past games that they pick from like Family Feud categories for later installments.

But I wouldn't call the series generally deep because I don't think it brings much insight to the human condition or challenges the player's social constructs / morality / identity.

[Lorfarius]

The closest I felt the entire series came to good story telling was the beginning of A Link to the Past. The whole atmosphere, music and Link waking up on a rainy night to find Zelda. None of the others came close to this, even the game itself can't repeat how well the beginning is.

[Curlypaul]

I think there is a great atmosphere in the Zelda games. I loved how the entrance clip to every dungeon in Skyward Sword had Link peering around the door way, looking anxious.

The words spoken by the Hero's Shade in Twilight princess are fantastic as well. Made me think about Link and what happened to him in a different light altogether.

[Flake]

The words spoken by the Hero's Shade in Twilight princess are fantastic as well. Made me think about Link and what happened to him in a different light altogether.

This. Another example of how the Zelda series could have depth and substance but Nintendo is terrified of taking a chance.

Nintendo has pretty much admitted there are at least two, if not three, timelines. All stemming from the way Zelda and Link chose to resolve Ocarina of Time. What a cool way to explain away incongruities between the different games. But that's all that Nintendo does with what COULD be an awesome plot device. It's used as a gimmick when it could be the basis of a game all on its own!

But Nintendo is a timid company from the software side of things.

[garrett123]

twighlight princess, It took me 1 1/2 years to beat that game?
I never got all of the bugs
the atmosphere in that game creeped me out the first time you were a wolf
Im not 100% sure what your talking about, but that white wolf seemed kind of strange, so does the temple of time.
they did a good job with fighting in that game, I used to just shoot trolls on my horse for a half hour. they make a good use of shadows of enemies. a link to the past did a good job with fog.