Today marks a significant milestone for The Legend of Zelda as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Debuting on the Famicom Disk System in 1986, Nintendo launched an iconic high-fantasy video game saga that has since captivated audiences worldwide. Players have followed Link on his numerous quests through Hyrule. However, beneath the surface of enchanted forests and mystical castles, there lurks an intriguing idea: a venture into the realms of science fiction.
In 2017, key figures from Breath of the Wild shared insights during a keynote at GDC, offering fans a deeper look into the game’s development process. Among the fascinating discussions, a peculiar pitch for an earlier concept of the game surfaced.
During a segment titled “Trial and Error,” an idea for a project named The Legend of Zelda: INVASION was humorously presented, showcasing an invasion from outer space.
Imaginative visuals depicted UFOs descending upon Hyrule, alien-related storyboards, and even Ganondorf in a casual Metallica T-shirt. Link appeared in a getup reminiscent of a college freshman, complete with denim pants, a striped hat, and a guitar shaped like the Triforce. It’s a surreal adjustment to consider how close we were to experiencing such a unique take on Link.
While we’re grateful for the exquisite game that eventually released, it’s telling that this concept was recalled during discussions about the game’s design, specifically relating to ancient ruins and the omnipresent Guardians throughout Breath of the Wild. The Sheikah technology bears a striking resemblance to something otherworldly, with mechanical elements and eerie luminosity that starkly contrast the traditional architecture of Hyrule. Link’s primary tool resembles a smartphone, further intertwining these sci-fi references within the game’s fabric.
This isn’t the series’ only flirtation with the sci-fi genre. From the inception, ideas of incorporating a more science-fiction theme into The Legend of Zelda were explored. The original concept for the series involved elements of time travel.
While time travel has been a recurring theme, early visions diverged from familiar ocarinas, leaning towards futuristic concepts like steel meeting advanced technology—implying that the Triforce’s powers could stem from microchips. Additionally, concept art for 1992’s A Link to the Past proposed Link facing off against flying vehicles, with a futuristic Princess Zelda depicted in a vibrant, cyberpunk style.
Given Nintendo’s careful approach to maintaining its iconic brand, it seems unlikely that players will see Link, Zelda, and their companions diving into cosmic adventures anytime soon. When the story reaches the moon, it’s typically the moon coming to Hyrule. As Nintendo explores new media, it’s reasonable to expect a more cautious approach in the journeys their characters undertake. Still, despite the unnerving nature of INVASION’s Link, it’s fascinating how often creators push boundaries. Perhaps, one day, the dream of sending Link into the vastness of space will become a reality.