A Link to the Zelda series
Throughout all of the mainlineZeldagames, Link has been the star, taking the fight to Ganon (or other villains) and saving the world in the process. But Link’s heroics haven’t always been limited exclusively toThe Legend ofZeldaseries.
No, Link has been on many adventures outside the lands of Hyrule too, into entirely different game worlds. Some are within the Nintendo universe, and others — including maybe his most famous guest appearance — come from other companies.
So as we celebrate a new adventure for Link, I wanted to look back at the various times he’s appeared in other games. To be clear, this is not a recollection of every green tunic or vaguely Link-like character; these are, largely, the genuine article.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest(SNES)
Though Link wouldn’t get involved in the actual gameplay ofDonkey Kong Country 2, he does appear as a potential placing in Cranky’s Video Game Heroes alongside the likes of Mario and Yoshi. What’s more, this sees Link take on a more dimensional look than we’ve seen from his traditionally top-down games up to this point.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars(SNES)
Saving Hyrule is tiring work, alright? So in this Square RPG imagining Mario on a grand journey, it’s nice that Link gets to take a little nap at the Rose Town Inn. He isn’t the only Nintendo hero catching Z’s either, as you can also find Samus taking a nap inSuper Mario RPGtoo. In full Power Armor, too.
F1 Race(Game Boy)
Here’s a classic but overlooked Link cameo. I’m not sure why Link would show up at an F1 race (maybe he’s studying up for a cameo later down this list) but here he is, cheering you on at the start of a challenge course. I’m not sure those weapons should be allowed on the course.
Super Smash Bros.(Various)
Link has been a part of the coreSmashcast since the original game on the Nintendo 64. And as the years went on, Nintendo would add more and more versions of Link, too. While the N64 featured only Adult Link, in hisOcarina of Timeappearance, the GameCube’sSuper Smash Bros. Meleewould introduce Young Link fromOcarinaandMajora’s Mask. Soon, Toon Link would join the crew, and inUltimate, Link was slightly updated to reflect hisBreath of the Wildlook and abilities, including his bomb skills.
WarioWare(Various)
There are plenty ofZeldamini-games featuring Link throughout theWarioWarefranchise. Challenges have ranged from classic NESZeldato yanking the Master Sword out of the pedestal inOcarina, but my personal favorite was the game pictured above, taken fromWarioWare:Smooth Moves. As Link’s 3D games have gone on, his glider has become a more and more recognizable tool in his arsenal. And I fondly remember beefing it on this mini-game at least a few times.
Soulcalibur II(Gamecube)
Let’s be honest: This was the reason for this list. If you playedSoulcalibur IIback when it came out, and I hope you did, you knew about Link. Link’s cameo inSoulcaliburmight be one of the best fighting game guest characters ever, even in a series that’s had some stellar guests. The hero’s move set fit naturally fit into the world ofSoulcalibur, with tons of gadgets and stance-swapping between bow, bomb, boomerang, and sword. The only bummer is that, whenSoulcalibur IIgot the HD treatment, Link wasnot brought forwardalong with his fellowSC2guests, comic avenger Spawn andTekken‘s Heihachi.
Scribblenauts Unlimited(Wii U, 3DS)
In a game where you have to imagine the solution to your problems, it turns out that you could also just imagine Link to help handle them for you. The Hero of Time cameos in this version ofScribblenauts, letting you both summon him and equip him with the Master Sword to take on evil. Or to put out a fire, or tackle otherScribblenautsproblems.
Super Mario Maker 2(Switch)
While theLink’s Awakeningremake gave us theclosest possible thingto aZelda Maker,Super Mario Maker 2introduced Link as a full-on character. While you could use a costume, previously, this made Link playable in a side-scrolling form. So I guess this is a bit more of aZelda 2 Maker? Either way, it was enjoyable seeing what players concocted with this new set of moves, and especially seeing how Link gets by in aMarioworld.
Sonic Lost World(3DS / Wii U)
Mario isn’t the only classic gaming hero that gets to hang out with Link. While Nintendo cameos are much more common for Link, he also gets to pop up alongside a third-party hero: Sonic the Hedgehog.
Sonic Lost Worldgot a special DLC, adding a new adventure for Sonic and Link to undertake that involved oldZeldaenemies and areas, and saw Link sporting hisSkyward Swordgarb. Really, I’m just here for Sonic fleeing a rolling Goron.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf(3DS)
Yes, Wolf Link counts as Link. And so, thus, does his furry appearance inAnimal Crossing: New Leafcount for this list. You can get your very own Wolf Link villager by scanning aZeldaseries amiibo inNew Leaf, and I mean, who wouldn’t want Wolf Link around? He can fight enemies, carry small people from place to place, and even gets a fun dungeon-themed house. Well, now that I think about that last part, it might be a bit concerning. But it’s not my place to judge Wolf Link.
Mario Kart 8(Wii U / Switch)
Nowadays, when Link’s vacations don’t involve fighting in the arena ofSmash, they’re all about racing through the world ofMario Kart. Added inMario Kart 8DLC and brought over with the insanely successfulMario Kart 8 Deluxeon Switch, Link is a no-brainer for theKartseries. He’s got his sick ancient motorcycle, wears the champion’s garb, and even brings a new course with him. As much as I love the extendedMariocast, I would like to see some more Nintendo faces pop up in futureKartgames alongside Link and the Inklings.
BONUS:Final Fantasy(NES / Pixel Remaster)
Link’s been alive for all previous cameos, but here’s a little reference that’s endured through the eras:Final Fantasy. Apparently, the original Japanese Famicom version ofFinal Fantasyhad a grave in Elfheim that declared “Here lies Link,” a reference to Nintendo’s series. In the English localization for the NES, this was changed to “May Erdrick rest in peace,” a reference toDragon Quest. But in subsequent adaptations, including the Pixel Remaster, it’s been returned to Link. Congratulations?
