The Anniversary (The Legend of Zelda)

25 years ago today, Link first graced Nintendo consoles in The Legend of Zelda. Since then, his struggles to save the nearly always in danger princess of Hyrule have brought excitement and joy to many a Nintendo fan. So what is Nintendo doing to celebrate the half-century birthday for one of the greatest franchises it has given rise to?

Nothing apparently.

Last year marked the 25th anniversary for Mario, and Nintendo fans were able to get their hands on limited copies of Super Mario All-Stars for the Wii and limited edition red Wii and DSi consoles. In fact, Nintendo is bringing back Super Mario All-Stars again for another limited release since it sold out so quickly the first time around. While the Man in Red gets tons of praise, there is no word yet on anything for the Boy in Green.

Courtesy of IGN

This year already marks a big Zelda year, with Skyward Sword and Ocarina of Time 3DS set to be released. Beyond that, Nintendo hasn't made a peep about anything celebrating the series milestone. Why not a collector's edition of the classic NES games, packaged with Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask? Something similar was done back when Wind Waker was being released for the Gamecube, with the Master Quest. Why not do it again? Include more in the package of course like a full-color history book and a soundtrack (which would be amazing by the way). Or what about Link's portable adventures like Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, and Minish Cap? Those could probably easily be ported to a DS cartridge of some sorts.

The point is: Nintendo, give us something! Not only has nothing been announced for Link's 25th birthday, but Samus Aran also turns 25 this year, and yet again Nintendo is suspiciously silent. Two major franchises and nothing to commemorate it? I'm really just hoping that Nintendo is pouring everything they can into developing Skyward Sword into the badass Zelda title we've been hoping for, and improving Ocarina of Time and that's why we haven't heard of any collector's swag yet, but come on Nintendo. We know you love the plumber, but a lot of us love the Hero of Time as well.

Anyway, in honor of Link and all his descendants, take a moment to relive your favorite Zelda memory. Maybe listen to some of the music, dust off your console and pop the game in, or cosplay (if you're into that sort of thing). I'll keep you posted on any news from the Big N about plans for a special anniversary package, but for the moment it seems my usual sign off is fitting.

Dream on.

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