Hey there, fellow gamers! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here. The highly anticipated sequel to Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, will be released this May. As the first $70 game for the Nintendo Switch console, it’s time to get hyped for this epic adventure. Don’t forget to check out the latest Gamespot post for all the juicy details on Tears of the Kingdom, including some wicked preorder bonuses and a limited edition wall scroll that’s sure to sell out fast [1].
Why are we talking about The Legend of Zelda to begin with? Let’s dive into the world of our favorite silent, green-clad hero, Link, who shares a ton of traits with shonen anime protagonists. For those of you who aren’t familiar with shonen, it’s a genre of Japanese animation and manga. These stories often feature a central hero embarking on thrilling adventures, overcoming challenges, and developing massively overpowered abilities to achieve their goals.
Link’s journey of growth and self-discovery, along with his unwavering determination and perseverance, make him a perfect shonen hero. His relationships with other characters in the games, like Princess Zelda and his companions Navi, Midna, and Tatl, showcase the power of friendship in overcoming obstacles (also annoyingly popular in shonen anime). The Legend of Zelda games are known for their expansive worlds, filled with secrets, puzzles, and mysteries to uncover. As Link explores these worlds, he aligns with the spirit of adventure found in shonen anime.
While The Legend of Zelda is not an anime per se, Link’s character traits and the franchise’s themes, visual aesthetic, and emotional depth make him an honorary anime protagonist. The colorful and imaginative worlds, expressive character designs, and epic, cinematic battles in The Legend of Zelda are reminiscent of elements found in shonen anime, creating a visual connection between the game series and the anime genre. Plus, the emotional resonance in Link’s journey and the fate of the characters he encounters strike a chord with shonen anime fans.
A New Journey for our Hero
Now, let’s talk about the upcoming Tears of the Kingdom release. For those of you itching to get your hands on some exclusive goodies, you’re in luck! Nintendo is celebrating Link’s next adventure in style with a Collector’s Edition (currently sold out at time of writing), a special-edition Nintendo Switch OLED (available to order), a Zelda-themed Pro controller, carrying case, a new Link Amiibo and lots more Zelda swag to be had [1]. Be sure to keep an eye on availability, as it’s bound to fluctuate leading up to the release (which is May 12, 2023). If you’re a fan of collectables, be sure to check out Entertainment Earth’s huge assortment of figures, mugs, posters and way way more!
And if you’re looking for some sweet preorder bonuses, you’ve got options. GameStop is offering a wooden plaque with preorders, but quantities are limited and you’ll need to pick it up at a GameStop store [1]. Meanwhile, Walmart is offering a limited edition Tears of the Kingdom wall scroll (limited to 5,000), but you’ll want to act fast since it’s sure to sell out quickly [1].
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Link in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. With its unique blend of shonen anime characteristics, unforgettable characters, and immersive worlds, this game is sure to leave a lasting impression on gamers and shonen fans alike. Link, as the protagonist of this iconic series, has become a symbol of adventure, heroism, and the power of perseverance, much like many shonen anime protagonists, bridging the gap between the world of gaming and anime.
Sources: [1] Gamespot. (n.d.). The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Preorder Guide: Bonuses, Switch OLED, And More. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-preorder-guide-bonuses-switch-oled-and-more/1100-6497150/