The world of “Zelda” has captivated gamers for decades, offering immersive adventures filled with puzzles, dungeons, and heart-pounding action. Most players are familiar with the protagonist Link, who is tasked with saving Princess Zelda from the clutches of evil. But what if you could step into the shoes of Zelda herself? In this article, we will uncover some of the hidden gems within the Zelda franchise where you can actually play as the beloved princess. These games offer a fresh perspective and allow players to experience the adventures from Zelda’s point of view.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems: Games that Let You Play as Zelda
Princess Zelda is one of the most iconic characters in video game history, known for her wisdom, bravery, and strong presence in the “Legend of Zelda” series. While she is often the damsel in distress, a few games give her the chance to shine as a playable character. From spin-off titles to hidden roles within main games, let’s dive into the different titles where you can play as Zelda.
1. “Hyrule Warriors” – A Unique Spin on Zelda
One of the most well-known games where you can play as Zelda is “Hyrule Warriors.” Released for the Wii U in 2014 and later for the Nintendo Switch, “Hyrule Warriors” offers an action-packed hack-and-slash experience. In this game, Zelda is not a helpless princess waiting to be saved but a fierce warrior who can wield the power of the Triforce. Unlike traditional “Zelda” games, where she plays a passive role, in “Hyrule Warriors,” she takes on an active role in the battle to defend Hyrule.
- Zelda is playable with her iconic sword and the magical powers of Light.
- She also has unique movesets, including summoning forces of light to aid in combat.
- Different versions of Zelda appear throughout the game, offering various play styles.
This game is a great way to see Zelda in a completely new light, showcasing her prowess and strategic abilities in combat. Nintendo’s official website provides more information on this title.
2. “The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks” – A Taste of Zelda’s Power
While “Spirit Tracks” primarily focuses on Link’s adventures, Princess Zelda is an active character throughout the game. One of the most unique aspects of “Spirit Tracks” is the ability to temporarily control Zelda. In specific sections of the game, Zelda’s spirit leaves her body and possesses a phantom suit, allowing her to participate in combat and puzzle-solving alongside Link. This gives players a chance to experience Zelda’s strength and intellect firsthand.
- Zelda’s Phantom form can move around the map and assist Link in combat.
- The game features strategic puzzle-solving mechanics where Zelda’s spirit helps navigate obstacles.
“Spirit Tracks” cleverly integrates Zelda into the gameplay without overshadowing Link’s primary role. It is an excellent example of how to include the princess in a meaningful way. If you want to learn more about the game, click here for additional details.
3. “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” – Zelda’s Role Beyond the Princess
In “Breath of the Wild,” players can explore the vast world of Hyrule from Link’s perspective, but it’s impossible to ignore Zelda’s significant role. While you cannot directly play as Zelda, her presence is felt throughout the game. In fact, players will uncover Zelda’s hidden power as they progress through the story, especially as they uncover the truth behind her mysterious sealing of Calamity Ganon. Through a series of flashbacks, Zelda is shown to be a pivotal character with a deep connection to the fate of Hyrule.
- Zelda is an essential figure in the game’s lore and her powers are crucial to the storyline.
- Although not directly playable, players interact with Zelda’s past and learn about her courage and wisdom.
Though the game focuses on Link’s adventure, Zelda’s strength and knowledge are integral to the journey, making “Breath of the Wild” an excellent entry for fans who want to see her in a different light.
4. “The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes” – A Cooperative Adventure
“Tri Force Heroes” is a cooperative multiplayer game for the Nintendo 3DS that introduces a unique twist on the traditional Zelda formula. While Link remains the primary playable character, players can take on the role of different characters wearing costumes that represent Zelda. These different Zeldas have various abilities that can be used to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
- In multiplayer mode, players control a trio of characters, one of which can be Zelda.
- Zelda’s abilities are tied to the costumes she wears, with each costume offering different powers.
- The game encourages teamwork, as all three characters must work together to complete challenges.
“Tri Force Heroes” allows players to experience Zelda in a completely different way, showcasing her adaptability and versatility in gameplay. This title offers a great opportunity for fans to enjoy cooperative gameplay while embodying the princess in a fun and engaging way.
5. “Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon” – A Forgotten Classic
Released as part of the Philips CD-i series in the early 1990s, “Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon” is one of the more obscure titles in the Zelda franchise. In this game, you can control Zelda directly as she embarks on an adventure to rescue Link from the clutches of evil. The game features side-scrolling gameplay, and Zelda is fully playable with her own set of attacks and abilities.
- Zelda fights with a sword and other magical items.
- It’s a unique entry that gives players the chance to explore dungeons and solve puzzles from Zelda’s perspective.
While “The Wand of Gamelon” was criticized for its clunky controls and awkward animation, it remains a part of Zelda history. It offers a rare opportunity to see Princess Zelda in a starring role, and for die-hard fans, it’s an interesting piece of the series’ legacy.
6. “Zelda: The Adventure of Link” – A Role Reversal?
While not featuring Princess Zelda as a playable character in the traditional sense, “The Adventure of Link” offers a notable twist in the franchise. The game is primarily centered around Link’s quest to awaken Princess Zelda from a curse, but players will encounter Zelda in key moments. In certain cutscenes, Zelda provides guidance and plays a central role in the game’s progression.
- Zelda’s role in “The Adventure of Link” is more about her influence over the story, setting up the stakes for Link’s journey.
- The game delves into Zelda’s backstory, showcasing her as more than just a damsel in distress.
While “The Adventure of Link” doesn’t allow players to control Zelda directly, it’s an interesting part of the series that highlights her as an essential character in the Zelda universe.
Conclusion
While most “Zelda” games focus on Link’s heroic journey, there are several titles where you can step into the shoes of Princess Zelda herself. From her role as a powerful warrior in “Hyrule Warriors” to her magical powers in “Spirit Tracks,” these games offer a fresh perspective on the iconic princess. Whether you’re looking for a cooperative multiplayer experience or a solo adventure, there are plenty of hidden gems that let you explore Hyrule through Zelda’s eyes.
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of Zelda, keep exploring the games in the franchise to discover new ways to experience this iconic character. Be sure to check out resources like Zelda Dungeon for guides, tips, and more insights into the world of Zelda!
This article is in the category Entertainment and created by GameMasterHub Team