As you might have guessed, I love my video games, but there’s one game I love more than anything: The Legend of Zelda. I’ve played every version, completed them 100% and still want more. I’m seriously considering becoming a Zelda collector, from consoles to games, to figurines to novelty items. With this mild obsession, it’s no surprise that the first of my side-projects for 2012 is Zelda related.
Zelda Timeline is an interactive look at the story-arc of Zelda, the one that Nintendo says exists but has never been published. Many websites have attempted to describe the timeline, with some illogical infographics and even one poorly implemented ‘website’ attempting to explain the idea. My version of the timeline comes from many hints and interviews from Shigeru Miyamoto, Eiji Aonuma and Reggie Fils-Aime and confirmation that the latest edition in the series, Skyward Sword, is the first in the story (and upon playing, you’ll realise why).
Originally it was confirmed that Ocarina of Time was first, but with the release of Four Swords and rumours of Minish Cap coming first, things have gotten confusing down the line. And that’s not even touching on the timeline split as a result of Ocarina of Time’s time jumping.
Overall, there will be a cohesive timeline, with a rational explanation and background to the order, as well as quotes and game information confirming said order. Coupled with game info, trailers, pictures, ratings and links to goodies, Zelda Timeline will be thehome to the story of Zelda. Keep ‘em peeled in February, when the site launches in full, along with Game Histories not long after.
EDIT: I’ve just come across some potentially idea-altering news that Nintendo may in fact be publishing the Timeline in their book ‘Hyrule Historia’ which is a stunning 274 pages of official Zelda material that contains a lot of never-before-seen concept artwork for the games, from the development of a stylised Link in Skyward Sword, to the many wolf forms in Twilight Princess as well as other miscellaneous sketches representing the earlier games. Thanks to some translators, the contents page reads:
“History of Hyrule
~Finally Revealed, The Genealogy of the [Legend]~
The Timeline of Hyrule, Kingdom of the Gods………………………………… 68
The Legend of Gods and the Hero of Time…………………………………………… 70
The Downfall of Hyrule and the Last Hero………………………………………… 92
The Twilight Realm and the Hero’s Descendant……………………………… 110
The Hero of Wind and the New World………………………………………………………… 122
The book contains official artwork and covers events such as “The Origin Story” introduced in Skyward Sword within the first section of the book, and “A Complete History of Hyrule” in the second section. The rest is filled with 25 years of Zelda artwork, and early reports suggest that this book includes the complete history of Hyrule – including the coveted timeline, which might put paid to my idea for the timeline.
Until it’s released on 21st December, we don’t know that the chapter titles are in fact Nintendo revealing their precious timeline, or just titles describing aspects of eras mentioned in the games, but I for one really want this book dedicated to all things Zelda. Check out some images below, or click here to see the Japanese website. Even so, if the Timeline is revealed in full by Nintendo, my Zelda Timeline site will reflect the timeline as Nintendo meant it, still featuring the same great features, images, videos and snippets.
Bonus Treat
As a bonus treat, I’ve designed a cool new wallpaper in the same style as the Zelda Timeline Coming Soon page, with sizes available in all the usual flavours – Widescreen, HD, Standard, iPhone and iPad. These wallpapers feature the iconic Hyrule Symbol featuring the Triforce and the wingspan of a Loftwing, and feature a really subtle but effective texture to make it look like the symbol is impressed into gold. Check out the previews and use links below to download the wallpaper. Enjoy!
