The Legend of Zeldahad quickly become one of Nintendo’s best video game franchises with the major success ofLegend of Zelda Ocarina of Time. TheZeldafranchise has made billions of dollars in revenue, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
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The game’s mascot,Link, has also become ahousehold name when it comes to video games.The hero of time sporting a green tunic and iconic hat is so popular that hisface is seen in many other places other thanThe Legend of Zelda. TheZeldaseries has found itself in many hidden or unhidden references throughout hundreds of games, likeCallof Duty: Ghosts, but few titles have presented theZeldaprotagonist Link himself within those games.
7The Super Smash Bros. Franchise
Super Smash Bros.all started with theSuper Smash Bros. 64game that was released for the Nintendo 64back in 1999.The game originally featured 12 characters from different Nintendo games, like Mario and Pikachu. One original character was Link fromOcarina of Time.
After that, Link has been present in everySuper Smash Bros.game sinceSuper Smash Bros. 64, with his more recent appearance being inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.The character is very important to theSuper Smash Bros.franchise, as Link has been, and will always be, a staple of the platform fighting game.
6Mario Kart 8
Mario Kartgames are arguably the most recognized video games on the entire planet, as even one who doesn’t play video games would know the household name. The series has come very far from what the first game entailed, though the gameplay has, more or less, stayed the same.
In the newestMario Karttitle,Mario Kart 8,Link was added to the roster along with other Nintendo faces, like Inkling, so thatLegend of Zeldafans could get into the action with their favorite character. Even more, Link has his vehicle, whichresembles the Master Cycle Zero.
5Soulcalibur 2
Soulcaliburis one of the most popular fighting games to this day, and its character creation feature may even be more famous than the actual game itself. There are several great characters that players can choose from inSoulcaliburgames, with a few titles withholding great crossover characters.
One such entry would beSoulcalibur 2, in whichLegend of Zelda’sLink was playable. Link usedhis Master Swordand Hyrulian Shield to battle it out against other melee weapon-wielding fighters in the game. Though Link has been disregarded by the community as a non-competitive character, it is still great to see the Hero of Time getting a spotlight in another franchise.
4Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Makerwas an excellent idea for a video game, and it was such a hit that Nintendo eventually brought along a sequel. In the sequel,Super Mario Maker 2,players can choose different styles of Mario games for their levels.
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But, what some players may not know is that rather than playing as Mario characters, players can use Link. There’s a special power-up that players can add to their levels that turn them into Link. When playing as the8-bit version of Link,players can use Link’s sword, use his sword projectiles, and even utilize bombs.
3Cadence Of Hyrule
Crypt of the Necrodanceris a rhythm-based video game that focuses on music and combat while players get through unique maps.Cadence of Hyruleis a crossover game which featuresLink and Zeldain aCrypt of the NecrodancergamewithLegend of Zeldamusic,enemies, maps, and more.
This gives theLegend of Zeldafranchise a unique twist on gameplay for fans of the fantasy games to delve into. And not to mention thatCrypt of the Necrodanceris one of the best music-based games that fans of the rhythm genre can enjoy.
2My Nintendo Picross
My Nintendo Picrossis a puzzle game that fans could download on the Nintendo 3DS. Inthis spin-off game,My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda - Twilight Princess, fans could complete various puzzle challenges featuring different aspects and scenes from theTwilight Princess.
Link is presented in several different puzzles: Wolf Link, Link fishing outside, Link, the Hero’s Shade, and even a puzzle image of Link sledding. Though it’s not exactly as exciting as playing as Link inSuper Smash Bros., it’s a great game for fans ofZeldaand puzzles.
1Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
In 1996,Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starswas released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. In this game, fans guide Mario and his party in old-school RPG-styled combat while collecting Star Pieces. During their playthrough, players can rest at the Rose Town Inn.
Upon waking up, players can find Link sleeping in the bed next to Mario’s. When players attempt to speak to Link while he’s asleep, aLegend of Zeldatune plays overhead, though Link will not wake up. Whether his silence is a reference to Link never speaking in theLegend of Zeldagames or just to keep Link as a small Easter Egg is up for debate.
