History YMMV / TheLegendOfZelda

*** There were arguments for and against its used since roughly UsefulNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, but the debate came to a turning point with ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', which introduced extensive voice acting for the first time in the franchise. The reception was definitely mixed, but most people agreed that the division was more a matter of execution and casting choices, rather than the concept not fitting the game[[note]]Proof of this is that division was the biggest in the English-speaking community, where the actors performances were less well received than in communities in other languages that received localized voice acting, as well as the SugarWiki/SuperlativeDubbing of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTearsOfTheKingdom'' getting a much warmer reception[[/note]].

** During UsefulNotes/TheFifthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, there was also another one with the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, especially ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' (and also by extension, Link Vs. Cloud). Both franchises were probably the most iconic ones of their [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation respective]] [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 consoles]], and people used to compare them out of their fantasy settings (despite the fact that they were for the most part very different). So it was a natural extension of that generation UsefulNotes/ConsoleWars. Just like with the previous console war's [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Mario]] vs. [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic]] rivalry, an official Link vs. Cloud fight was finally made possible when Cloud was added to ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU'', and as of ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'' their respective arch-enemies (Ganondorf and Sephiroth) are also playable.

** This seems to be a driving factor behind the fan-defined "Zelda Cycle", where a game that was once universally acclaimed and considered the best game in the series suddenly [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny falls out of favor]] and is deemed "overrated", while a game that was once criticized takes its place and is VindicatedByHistory. ''Breath of the Wild'' broke this cycle and caused a metastasis of sorts where it, its sequel ''Tears of the Kingdom'', ''Ocarina of Time'', ''A Link to the Past'' and ''Majora's Mask'' are seen as the most revolutionary and important games in the series, and all other games are {{contested sequel}}s.

** While the core fanbase is [[BrokenBase split]] as to the overall quality of each game, six in particular -- ''A Link to the Past'', ''Link's Awakening'', ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'', and the duology of ''Breath of the Wild'' and ''Tears of the Kingdom'' -- are treated as this and adamantly defended from any sort of criticism, although this raises accusations of SeinfeldIsUnfunny and HypeBacklash. ''The Wind Waker'' gets this treatment from its fans to a somewhat lesser extent.

* OnceOriginalNowCommon: Some fans feel that ''Breath of the Wild'' has done this to any number of previous games in the series, due to how much more expansive it is and how much it benefits from advancements in game design of the time, which makes previous games look like minor variations on the same formula (''A Link to the Past'' for 2D, ''Ocarina of Time'' for 3D) in comparison.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: Some fans feel that ''Breath of the Wild'' has done this to any number of previous games in the series, due to how much more expansive it is and how much it benefits from advancements in game design of the time, which makes previous games look like minor variations on the same formula (''A Link to the Past'' for 2D, ''Ocarina of Time'' for 3D) in comparison.

* SignatureScene: Any time Link pulls the Master Sword out of its pedestal, with the most memorable instances of this being in ''A Link to the Past'', ''Ocarina of Time'', and ''Breath of the Wild''.

* SignatureSeriesArc: The "Hero of Time Saga", which strictly consists of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Ocarina of Time]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask Majora's Mask]]''[[note]]These games directly feature the Hero of Time as the protagonist[[/note]] and more loosely also includes ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker Wind Waker]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]'',[[note]]These games are alternate {{Distant Finale}}s to the saga dealing with the consequences of the Hero of Time's adventures[[/note]] is this for the franchise. These games collectively defined and built on the lore and themes established by the games preceding ''Ocarina of Time'', making the series' infamous timeline much more clear at least among the games in the arc.

* {{Adorkable}}: Starting with the "Oracle Of" duo, Link's been given this quirk as a minor personality trait, especially his "Wind Waker" style "Toon" versions. The ''Wind Waker'' Link was specifically characterized as someone who was trying very hard to live up to the standard of being a hero, but constantly failed in hilarious ways. The creators specifically mentioned making him this to avoid having him be "too cool" and thus too much of an unrelatable action hero. The latest incarnation of Link, via ''Breath of the Wild'', is considered one of the dorkiest and cutest versions of him.

* OneTruePairing: Link and Zelda. This pairing has been since the very beginning and is still on top. The only other pairing that comes even close would be Link/Midna, but has the disadvantage of appearing in only one game that feels more like an exception, rather than a norm. Plus there is a romance angle in their relationship sometimes. Zelda clearly showed interest in Link in the first two games, the "Oracle" duology and "Spirit Tracks", with the two being a couple in "Skyward Sword". A ReincarnationRomance was downright confirmed in ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriors''. The game may or may not be {{canon}}, and is a separate {{continuity}} from the three official timelines where Link and Zelda ''don't'' reincarnate in the same way, but it still helps make Link-Zelda more popular than any other canon pairing the series has shown.

*** There were arguments for and against its used since roughly UsefulNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, but the debate came to a turning point with ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', which introduced extensive voice acting for the first time in the franchise. The reception was definitely mixed, but most people agreed that the division was more a matter of execution and casting choices, rather than the concept not fitting the game[[note]]Proof of this is that division was the biggest in the English-speaking community, where the actors performances were less well received than in communities in other languages that received localized voice acting[[/note]].

* BaseBreakingCharacter: Princess Zelda, across her incarnations. As the namesake and overall {{deuteragonist}} of the series, many fans consider her to be one of Nintendo's best heroines, appreciate how she's given generous character exposition and/or development in each game (as Link is a deliberate VanillaProtagonist), and respect her as a wise and helpful ruler. Others find her to be an overhyped character who suffers too much from the DamselInDistress[[note]]except in a few games such as ''Breath of the Wild''[[/note]], FauxActionGirl, and InformedAbility tropes; for example, her stint as Sheik in ''Ocarina of Time'' is praised by many people for having her act as a "badass {{bifauxnen}} ninja", but she doesn't perform any actual fighting or impressive feats on-screen, and while ''Twilight Princess'' depicts her with a sword to convey her image as a PrettyPrincessPowerhouse, she doesn't actually ''do'' anything with it [[spoiler:unless you count Ganondorf possessing her empty body]], although [[spoiler:she does use the Light Arrows against Ganondorf soon afterwards]]. Her "Wild Saga" incarnation fixed this by giving her very extensive characterization and voice acting, and giving her a more obviously proactive role in the games' events despite not directly helping in the games' combat (unless you count ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriorsAgeOfCalamity'').

* BaseBreakingCharacter: Princess Zelda, across her incarnations. As the namesake and overall {{deuteragonist}} of the series, many fans consider her to be one of Nintendo's best heroines, appreciate how she's given generous character exposition and/or development in each game (as Link is a deliberate VanillaProtagonist), and respect her as a wise and helpful ruler. Others find her to be an overhyped character who suffers too much from the DamselInDistress[[note]]except in a few games such as ''Breath of the Wild''[[/note]], FauxActionGirl, and InformedAbility tropes; for example, her stint as Sheik in ''Ocarina of Time'' is praised by many people for having her act as a "badass {{bifauxnen}} ninja", but she doesn't perform any actual fighting or impressive feats on-screen, and while ''Twilight Princess'' depicts her with a sword to convey her image as a PrettyPrincessPowerhouse, she doesn't actually ''do'' anything with it [[spoiler:unless you count Ganondorf possessing her empty body]], although [[spoiler:she does use the Light Arrows against Ganondorf soon afterwards]].

* GatewaySeries: While the games have always been decently successful, ''Breath of the Wild'' and its related titles became by far the most famous and popular, with ''BOTW'' itself outselling ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Twilight Princess'' nearly three-fold. This has allowed these games in particular to act as an introduction to the rest of the series for many fans, especially with the sheer number of ''Zelda'' titles accessible on the Nintendo Switch.

** Ganondorf, for being a NighInvulnerable KnightOfCerebus GeniusBruiser in all his appearances and for frequently ''succeeding'' in his evil schemes (granted, Link stops him later, but only ''afterwards''). It helps that ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' makes him an [[MightyGlacier even harder-hitting]] MovesetClone of [[VideoGame/FZero Captain Falcon]], who's already considered Nintendo's answer to Creator/ChuckNorris.[[note]]However, his slowness, controversial moveset and generally low tier standing in ''Smash'' can also make his incarnation there a MemeticLoser [[BrokenBase depending on the fan]].[[/note]]

* MagnificentBastard: [[Characters/TheLegendOfZeldaGanonGanondorf Ganondorf Dragmire]] ("Ganon" in his bestial form) is the king of the Gerudo, the reincarnation of Demise's hatred, and the eternal nemesis of Link, Zelda, and all who carry their names. Initially coveting the Triforce to bring prosperity to his people, Ganondorf would be overcome by his own lust for power, and abuses his intellect and strength to gain it by any means. In [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime his first chronological appearance]], he manipulates and exploits his situation to gain the Triforce of Power, and takes the steps to ensure no one can end his rule. He also uses Link to bait Zelda into a trap, and challenges Link himself so that he can gather all three of the Triforce in one place. In all three timelines he is undone, but he always bounces back in some way, whether by [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess manipulating an aspiring usurper]], [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker cutting off the Master Sword's power]], or [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast disguising himself to befriend and betray Hyrule's king]]. Stylish, smart, strong, and sometimes tragic, Ganondorf has forever solidified himself as one of gaming's most celebrated villains.

** While the core fanbase is [[BrokenBase split]] as to the overall quality of each game, five in particular -- ''A Link to the Past'', ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'' and the duology of ''Breath of the Wild'' and ''Tears of the Kingdom'' -- are treated as this and adamantly defended from any sort of criticism, although this raises accusations of SeinfeldIsUnfunny and HypeBacklash. ''The Wind Waker'' gets this treatment to a somewhat lesser extent.

** [[https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/gaming/2018/06/15/e3-interview-nintendo-super-smashes-expectations-with-switch.html Reggie Fils-Aime has commented]] that while the series in general is more popular in North America than Europe (Excluding France, where the series is very popular in that country), and Japan, the one country where Zelda is most popular overall is actually ''Canada''![[note]]It's ambiguous if Reggie is referring to sales figures with pure numbers or proportionate to the population, but it's probably the latter since Canada has a much smaller population than the US.[[/note]]

** [[https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/gaming/2018/06/15/e3-interview-nintendo-super-smashes-expectations-with-switch.html Reggie Fils-Aime has commented]] that while the series in general is more popular in North America than Europe and Japan, the one country where Zelda is most popular overall is actually ''Canada''![[note]]It's ambiguous if Reggie is referring to sales figures with pure numbers or proportionate to the population, but it's probably the latter since Canada has a much smaller population than the US.[[/note]]

** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'': Many Zelda/Link fics taking place after the Calamity cast Link as an AmnesiacLover while Zelda struggles with him not fully remembering her or their relationship if they're portrayed as having had one before the Calamity. These usually end with either Link remembering his past feelings for Zelda or not regaining the rest of his memories but falling in love with her anyway.

* FoeYayShipping: Link and Zelda are shipped alongside villains in the series.
** Link is often paired with [[VideoGame/HyruleWarriors Cia]], who has a confirmed interest in him.
** Princess Zelda is often paired with either Ganondorf or Vaati. The former only kidnaps her for her connection to the Triforce (his animated counterpart did have an interest in her) and the latter only shows interest in his failed resurrected form (though fanfiction depicts his humanoid form when this happens).

%%* ThatOneLevel

* CrossesTheLineTwice: Getting killed by ''Cuccos'' in games where attacking them summons an endless aggressive flock of them. The Hero of Time, slain by a bunch of ''chickens''.

* {{Adorkable}}: Starting with the "Oracle Of" duo, Link's been given this quirk as a minor personality trait, especially his "Wind Waker" style "Toon" versions. The ''Wind Waker'' Link was specifically characterized as someone who was trying very hard to live up to the standard of being a hero, but constantly failed in hilarious ways. The creators specifically mentioned making him this to avoid having him be "too cool" and an unrelatable action hero. The latest incarnation of Link, via ''Breath of the Wild'', is considered one of the dorkiest and cutest versions of him.

** Ganondorf, for being a NighInvulnerable KnightOfCerebus RatedMForManly GeniusBruiser in all his appearances and for frequently ''succeeding'' in his evil schemes (granted, Link stops him later, but only ''afterwards''). It helps that ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' makes him an [[MightyGlacier even harder-hitting]] MovesetClone of [[VideoGame/FZero Captain Falcon]], who's already considered Nintendo's answer to Creator/ChuckNorris.[[note]]However, his slowness, controversial moveset and generally low tier standing in ''Smash'' can also make his incarnation there a MemeticLoser [[BrokenBase depending on the fan]].[[/note]]

** As an older {{Hunk}}, Ganondorf also has a following in the {{Bara|Genre}} community.

** This seems to be a driving factor behind the fan-defined "Zelda Cycle", where a game that was once universally acclaimed and considered the best game in the series suddenly [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny falls out of favor]] and is deemed "overrated", while a game that was once criticized takes its place and is VindicatedByHistory. ''Breath of the Wild'' broke this cycle and caused a metastasis of sorts where it, its sequel ''Tears of the Kingdom'', ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''A Link to the Past'' are seen as the most revolutionary and important games in the series, and all other games are {{contested sequel}}s.

** And with ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles1'' fans as of ''Breath of the Wild'', due to Creator/MonolithSoft working on both franchises. It probably also helps that Rex's outfit is available in ''Breath of the Wild'' through DLC, and that both ''Breath of the Wild'' and ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'' were released during the Switch's launch year.