Topic: The Zelda Story

So, I love Zelda games. I just completed Skyward Sword a few days ago. They are fun games that require some thought.

Many Zelda fans and critics, including myself, often say that one of the weaknesses of the Zelda franchise is its story telling ability. However, after completing SS, I have come to a different conclusion. I think the story of the Legend of Zelda is finally coming together in a remarkable way. If you view one game in a vacuum, then yes, there is much to be desired in terms of story. But considering the last few installments and I think we are beginning to see quite a breathtaking story starting to come into its own.

Am I wrong?

I think the story is what you make it. A game can have a detailed story and you can get lost in it and that can be great, but Zelda to me is more of a work of art or maybe a novel compared to a movie.....you look at it and it tells a story but what that story is, is dictated by your own imagination and experiences. Because the story is intentionally vague in ways, no voice acting, less overall dialog, not really a connecting story line, it allows you to make up your own and that to me is part of the magic.

I prefer to think of it as a lore rather than a story.

Storytelling and story are two completely different things. The whimsical storytelling of Zelda and rich lore are far more important than having some deep, thought-provoking narrative. Honestly, having a deep story would detract from the experience, in my opinion. The story isn't supposed to be challenging. It's supposed to be adventurous.

I agree with everything that has been said. How about I say the lore is growing in depth and breadth as franchise expands.

I thought Skyward Sword had one of the most predictable formulaic stories in anything I've ever seen. The origin story was interesting, but other than that the plot, characters, and Link & Zelda's relationship was just so formulaic. I think the other 4 3D Zeldas had much better stories and worlds.

I would put myself firmly on the side of more developed storytelling in Zelda. I would really like to see some very fleshed out characters as well as the whole 'save the kingdom' plot that always comes about. A villain with a character would be a good start, the Wind Waker and Twilight Princess came closest to this thus far.

What's wonderful about Zelda narrative, when it works, is that it's so very complex and layered. For instance, the end of the Wind Waker can be seen as a metaphor for climate change and the older generation failing their descendants even as they pass on the mantle of leadership to the younger generation.

I'm worried about Zelda U's plot in an open world with a randomized dungeon order. I really hope it isn't too minimal or fragmented as a result of that.

This reminds me of art critics who look at a piece and go on about existentialism or the duality of man, when really it's just a painting of a banana.

Actually it's pretty blatant if you watch the ending cutscenes with this lens in mind. Everything Ganondorf and the King say, and of course the whole dramatic ocean rise thing, could easily refer to climate change and poor ecological stewardship. Ganondorf even goes on about ecological degradation and how now humans cling to a few bits of dirt amidst barren seas that bear no fish.

Completely agree. I'm sure literary theorists have a more helpful vocabulary to describe these differences, but yours will certainly do. I usually just say "plot" to distinguish it from "narrative".
The Zelda plots are usually quite bad or simple. But the narrative, to the extent that it exists, tends to be quite good.
I always fall back to thinking of Final Fantasy 10. The plot is absolutely ridiculous and seems like it was conceived by someone getting stoned whilst they read the Old Testament. But the narrative is brilliant. Perfectly paced and does an incredible job of making you feel the character development.

Haha. So true. There is that kind of empty-headed attitude where almost anything can be correct in certain parts of the arts. I would be cautious about making climatological inferences in Nintendo games.

Zelda seems to be having growing pains with it.

Twilight Princess opened with an amazing storyline. But after Arbiters Grounds, it felt rushed as all hell.

Skyward Sword was paced better, but it was more isolated. As in, only Demise, Ghirahim, Impa, Zelda, Link, and Groose were involved in any regard. No other character is affected by the events of the storyline.

How was Twilight Princess rushed? If anything the 9 dungeons made the plot elements feel a bit distant in the later half of the game. I don't mind additional dungeons, though.

Also, don't discount different interpretations of the end of the Wind Waker without actually re-watching the Ganon's Tower cutscenes with them in mind. Just saying I'm overanalyzing it without presenting evidence to refute my point is lazy and closed-minded. The intent of the writers might have been different to your intent as an audience member, you don't know unless you do your research.