#ZeldaMonth
Written by: J.H. Longman
With such an iconic series hitting its thirties this month and the release of Twilight Princess HD next, I thought it was high time we had a run-down of all original canon games celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this year. Where else to begin then with the game that started it all? Turning 30 is of course The Legend of Zelda, first released in Japan, on the 21st of February, 1986 before over a year and a half, it released in North America. But we already know that, we want to know about the rest, so here they are:
Zelda II: Adventure of Link: First released on the 14th of January, 1987 – Turned 29 last month. Celebrates its 30th anniversary next year.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: First released on the 21st of November, 1991 – Celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening: First released on the 6th of June, 1993 – Turns 23 this year. Celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: First released on the 21st of November, 1998 – Turns 18 this year. Celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: First released on the 27th of April, 2000 – Turns 16 this year. Celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2020.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages: First released on the 27th of February, 2001 – Celebrates its 15th anniversary this month.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons: First released on the 27th of February, 2001 – Celebrates its 15th anniversary this month.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords: First released on the 2nd of December, 2002 – Turns 14 this year. Celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2017.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker: First released on the 13th of December, 2003 – Turns 13 this year. Celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2018.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures: First released on the 18th of March, 2004 – Turns 12 next month. Celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2019.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap: First released on the 4th of November, 2004 – Turns 12 this year. Celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2019.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: First released on the 19th of November, 2006 – Turns 10 this year. Celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: First released on the 23rd of June, 2007 – Turns 9 this year. Celebrates its 10th anniversary next year.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks: First released on the 7th of December, 2009 – Turns 7 this year. Celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: First released on the 18th of November, 2011 – Turns 5 this year. Celebrates its 5th anniversary this year.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: First released on the 22nd of November, 2013 – Turns 3 this year. Celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2018.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: First released on the 22nd of October, 2015 – Turns 1 this year. Celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2020.
The last 30 years have been a hell of a ride, for us and even the series’ iconic protagonist, Link. From soaring through the clouds on the back of a Loftwing, to riding the waves of the open sea. Then there’s also been trains, horses and a whole lot of time travelling. The Legend of Zelda is a series that continues to evolve and implements another touch of our modern down world, into its own. Yesterday it was selfies, today its fashion and who knows what tomorrow will bring, but I look forwards to finding out just what it could be.
May the series continue its reign so that we all can all enjoy Zelda50!
