Dampe

Just up the hill from Kakariko Village, you'll find a graveyard with lurking spirits and an old misshapen caretaker.

This is Dampe. One of the most memorable changes between the past and future Hyrules of Ocarina is the fate of Dampe, who will have passed away in the interim years, now haunting the graveyards as a ghost himself. Dampe would recur throughout the series, often in the 2D games, and ran the dungeon maker in the Link's Awakening remake.

As a fighter, Dampe will be slow without a lot of power behind him. His main strength will be his durability, gained from his ghostly self. His moveset will pull from all across the Zelda series.

Likelihood rating: Probably not.

Character Sheet: Dampe

DAMPE

Now, let's go over the new characters brought to us by Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. I have the time, so, let's just do the character sheets. Also, I just remembered that somebody sent me a list of Kirby characters, so I'll go through them after this list is done.

1. Tri

2. Dohna

3. Darston

4. Conde

5. Dampe

6. Null

7. Talus

8. Volvagia

9. Mogryph

10. Skorchill

Dampe is a recurring face throughout the Zelda series, often the local cemetery keeper, often older, with a misshapen face and a slight hunch. Sort of a Quasimodo archetype, generally. Though older games have given him a few things to work with, like his lantern and his shovel, he didn't quite have enough to go on until Echoes of Wisdom, where he is inexplicably now an inventor, building robotic versions of various enemies. And suddenly he's made it.

Here's the moveset I came up with:

Side B: Automaton

He will create a robot of various enemies from Echoes of Wisdom, and release it. It will then be free to fly around the stage and cause problems for a short time.

Side B: Will o' Wisp

He will launch a flame from his lantern, where it will land and then stay in place, burning anyone who touches it.

Up B: Ghostly Presence

He will transform into a ghost, flying upward and becoming intangible for the duration of the move.

Down B: Shovel

He will dig into the ground, creating a grave that players can fall into.

Final Smash: Inventing Process

He will grab a player and throw them into his invention machine, pumping it and working it for a while, before a robotic version of the player is popped out.

Entrance: He will wander back and forth with a lamp.

Taunts: Up, he will stretch and yawn for a moment. Side, he will wave his lantern back and forth, looking around. Down, he will stop and rest, wiping his head.

Kirby Hat: Kirby will get his lower jaw.

Kart: Based on a headstone from Ocarina.

Special Move: Turning into a ghost and becoming intangible.

Spirit Battle: On a night version of Kakariko Village. Poes will also appear from time to time, as enemies of both he and the player.

Victory Screen: He will kick back in a chair and take a nap.

Losing Screen: He will turn into a ghost and fade away.

Color Swaps: Link's Awakening version, Ocarina version, Majora's Mask version, Four Swords version, Minish Cap version, Link Between Worlds version, Echoes of Wisdom version, a ghostly version.

Thanks for reading! Next up, Null devours all.

Character Sheet: Talon

TALON

And here's all the characters that I gave a definitive YES to during my second chance round. They are:

1.       Fierce Deity Link

2.       Kalin

3.       Darbus

4.       Ralis

5.       Gulley

6.       Osfala

7.       Irene

8.       Rosso

9.       Queen Oren

10.   Paya

11.   Rune

12.   Kanan

13.   Talon

14.   Ingo

15.   Gwonam

16.   Tetra’s Crew

17.   Kokiri

18.   Goron

19.   Zora

20.   Rito

21.   Korok

22.   Gerudo

23.   Stalchildren

24.   Ganon Blight

Next up, we have Talon, Malon's father and the owner of Lon Lon Ranch, known for being lazy and sleeping all the time, much to his daughter's dismay. Marin likewise has a father named Tarin, of similar design, both being based heavily on Mario.

Here is his moveset:

Standard B: Romani Bow

His shots will probably be slower but more powerful.

Side B: Horse Charge

He will jump on one of the larger horses at the stable.

Up B: Golden Cucco

It will carry him up but not as high as his daughter.

Down B: Lon Lon Milk

He will drink more, thus gaining more health.

Final Smash: Romani Ranch Invasion

Same, but he'll be sleeping through it.

Entrance: He will be asleep and wake up with a snort.

Taunts: Up, his Golden Cucco will try to escape. Side, he will look around in confusion. Down, he will sit down and nap for a second.

Kirby Hat: His big mustache.

Kart: One of his horses.

Special Move: His golden cucco will allow him to float over small gaps in the track.

Spirit Battle: On Lon Lon Ranch, with Malon, Ingo, and Epona.

Victory Screen: He will rest peacefully with his Cuccos all around him.

Losing Screen: He will be sleeping curled up in a back alley, having lost the farm.

Color Swaps: His Ocarina version, Tarin from Link's Awakening, his doppelganger from Termina, a version based on Luigi, a version based on Wario, a version based on Waluigi, a version based on Malon, and a version based on Ingo.

Thanks for reading! Up next, Ingo seizes his advantage.

Legend of Zelda Second Chance Round (Final)

LEGEND OF ZELDA

SECOND CHANCE ROUND

And finally, we had a couple of suggestions made by commenters. Specifically, the bodyguards of the Tingle games, and the Shopkeeper from Link's Awakening. I already covered the bodyguards and what I would do for them, making them a "menu" of sorts to pick from in place of Aba, so let's move on to the shopkeeper. Specifically, and I expect this is the reasoning for the suggestion, he is known for a mechanic where Link can steal from his shop, if he's not looking at the present time, and who will blast you with lightning if you try to come back into his shop later. While that is badass, I don't think it quite qualifies in the end. (I am seriously considering adding a new Assist Trophy to the list though). So, my answer is:

NO

And that's it. Tomorrow, we begin our new character sheets! See you then!

Koholint Island

KOHOLINT ISLAND

Link’s Awakening was probably the first Zelda game to not feature Zelda, taking Link away from Hyrule and stranding him on a desert island. This island would soon turn out to be all just a dream, projected from the mind of the sleeping Wind Fish, hibernating inside of a giant egg at the top of the island.

Really the most important aspect of this stage is the visual of the giant mountain with the egg on top, easily the most iconic feature of the game’s map. I think it would be best to place the player on the ring of clouds circling the peak, so that the players get that nice good visual.

Potential theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtvtZT-PXGk

Nightmare

NIGHTMARE

As Link recovers from his crash and explores Koholint Island, it starts to become clear that all is not as it seems. He works his way up to the egg atop the mountain in order to awaken the Wind Fish from its nightmare, unaware that doing so will cause the island itself to disappear.

This nightmare however will not go down quietly. Having taken on a life of its own, it attacks Link, taking up the role of final boss. Link will have to fight it through several rounds of battle, with it taking on different forms reminiscent of old foes from his own past.

As a fighter, Nightmare will have a constantly shifting form as it takes on different shapes for different attacks. Its moveset will pull from all of its battle phases, including those referencing older boss fights.

Likelihood rating: Probably not.

Marin

MARIN

Once again, The Legend of Zelda proved a blockbuster franchise, with Link to the Past becoming a beloved entry in the series still well-regarded to this day. So it was only natural that when Nintendo released their handheld gaming system, the Game Boy, a new entry be developed for that as well. This one starred the same Link from Link to the Past, having sailed off to sea and been caught in a storm, only to wake on a strange island being tended to by a pretty redhead with a passing resemblance to Zelda.

This is Marin, a simple girl with an angelic voice living on Koholint Island with her father Tarin, who spends her days sitting on the beach and daydreaming of being a seagull simply so she could leave the island and explore the rest of the world. She would not appear in later games, though a spiritual successor would become a staple of the series and she herself would become playable in Hyrule Warriors.

As a fighter, she won’t be too much of a physical fighter, with a bit more of a floaty whispy way of fighting than most other fighters. Much like her moveset in Hyrule Warriors, she will act largely as a representative of Link’s Awakening as a whole.

Likelihood rating: Could happen.

Other Zelda Manga

OTHER ZELDA MANGA

Today, we have about six other random Zelda manga that have come out over the years, which couldn't be attributed to one mangaka or were part of a continuous series. This includes the 1986 Legend of Zelda manga by Susumu Kobayashi, the 1988 Adventure of Link manga by Shigoto Daisuke, the 1993 A Link to the Past manga by Taguchi Junko, the 1993 Link's Awakening manga by Fujiaka Masato, the 2012 Ocarina of Time 3D manga by Ming Yukawa, and The Legend of Zelda: An Original Version, a 1987 alternative take on the original game written by Kitadono Mitsunori.

The first five offer up little special. They basically act as visual guides for the games they are based on, or quick little promotional pieces. "The Original Version" however, is a bit like the Mishouzaki stuff, where it takes a lot of liberties. Link is constantly accompanied by a young thief named Com, eventually revealed to be the comic's version of Impa, who can steal things, throw rocks, supply Link with potions, and even bites a tentacle at one point. Link himself can also freeze enemies in time, and they are also accompanied by a crystal bird named Cryckon, an avatar of the fairy Fonti. Ganon takes the form of more of a lion-man named Ganos, who wields a sword, breathes fireballs, breathes thick black smoke, and can trap people in jewels.

Anyway, that's about it. Here's what we've got so far:

Characters:

Manga Link: slingshot, sword, shield, bow, boomerang, bombs, magic wand, Watto, become a fairy, healing magic, thunder, fly on shield, raft, Link to the Past-related stuff, White Sword, Hyper Magical Sword, time freeze

Riruto: sword, lightning sword, spin attack, cyclone sword, sword beam, shield, power bracelet, giant pot, grapple, backflip

Zelda: club, rope, sword, flute, spells, transform, sea monster, magic, sword, Triforce magic

Kalin: energy aura

Biri: sword, torches, pitchforks, battering rams

Com: steal, rock, bite, potion, Cryckon, Triforce blast, time freeze?

Raska: palm thrust, knee, jab, two-palm strike, shield thrust, throwing spikes

Captain Arjuna: Hylian Soldier moveset

Gonza: sword, throwing daggers, bombs, rock, dash

Kala: ferret, worm, dragon, punch, pile driver

Cho: rope, power bracelet

Maple: broom, create cushions, lift things, summon demon, false monsters, crystal ball

Ricky: leap, tornado punch, multi-jabs, tuck into pouch, ski, flying bear

Ghanti: sword, dagger, silver arrows, wolf, monster, apple

Sir Raven: sword, horse, fishing, fish hook lockpick, mystery seeds, axe, peashooter

Marin

Link's Uncle: sword

Kanika

Tou: same as Raska

Couscous: spells, claw, bite

Birina

Gump: trained Link, sword, training staff, flip

Shemlon: forge, enchant swords, sword, reflect

Rouro: fly, peck, flyswatter, bag, storm

Jolene: ship's cannons, twin swords, lunge, block, Linebeck-related moves

Pirate Captain: dagger, sword, hook

Ganon/Ganon's Minion: burn, magic blast, disappear, fly, shock, storm, teleport, shapeshift, Ganon's hand

Demon Ganon/Ganon's Heart: extend arms, White Sword, absorb, disappear, teleport, Demon Ganon form

Ganos: sword, fireballs, smoke, jewel

Agahnim

Nabat: lightning storm

Haggis: steed, protection amulet, punch, flick, bow, head bash, wind strike, kick, lightning strike, energy blast, lightning speed, energy shield.

Stages:

Ganon's Statue

Spirit World Training Arena

Demon World

Thanks for reading! There have been a lot of 4-Koma comics over the years, so I'm next going to cover all of them.

The Legend of Zelda (Cagiva)

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA (CAGIVA)

Ah, now this is more like it. If you ever want just a quick fun read with good characters and story, Cagiva Ataru's adaptations of A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening are the manga for you. While they're not quite the quality of the Himekawa manga that we'll talk about later, these are still a really good time. It ran starting in 1995, generally following the plot of both games, though with a few key differences.

Cagiva's A Link to the Past adaptation follows a trio of companions as they fight against the forces of Ganon and Agahnim, venturing into the Dark World to save Zelda and the land of Hyrule. These three are Link, his best friend and martial artist Raska, and Captain Arjuna, leader of the royal guard and Kakashi-esque mentor to the two of them. Link is pretty standard, training in using a sword and shield and all the other tools of the game, while Raska uses more physical martial arts moves, including a palm thrust, knee attack, jab, two-palm strike, a shield thrust, and throwing spikes used as projectiles. Captain Arjuna, while constantly fighting alongside the boys, never seems to get any clear focus on any of his attacks outside of basic sword strikes, the artwork instead preferring to show what the boys are doing. Luckily, though, he is the leader of the Hylian Soldiers, and we might be able to do something with that.

We have a few other supporting characters here, such as Princess Zelda herself, a damsel in distress for most of the plot; Link's Uncle, who straight up died in this version of the story; Kanika, a scientist and researcher trapped in the dark world who becomes a companion and almost traitor to our heroes at one point. Sadly, he is a very distinctly inactive character, so not much there. And we have Tou, Raska's father, who taught him everything he knows and thus knows all of it too. From there, we have Agahnim and Ganon as the villains, but they're pretty standard to the game.

Cagiva's version of Link's Awakening sticks much closer to the source, with barely any original characters. We see Link decide to leave home for a while, leaving Raska and Arjuna behind, and set out to sea. He ends up on Koholint Island and develops a rather sweet romance with Marin, making him struggle with the choice to wake the Wind Fish or not. There is a couple of new characters, like Felicia the fairy, and Master Drona, who punches and throws his sword, but that's about it.

Anyway, that's about it. Here's what we've got so far:

Characters:

Manga Link: slingshot, sword, shield, bow, boomerang, bombs, magic wand, Watto, become a fairy, healing magic, thunder, fly on shield, raft, Link to the Past-related stuff

Zelda: club, rope, sword, flute, spells, transform, sea monster, magic

Biri: sword, torches, pitchforks, battering rams

Raska: palm thrust, knee, jab, two-palm strike, shield thrust, throwing spikes

Captain Arjuna: Hylian Soldier moveset

Marin

Link's Uncle: sword

Kanika

Tou: same as Raska

Couscous: spells, claw, bite

Birina

Gump: trained Link, sword, training staff, flip

Shemlon: forge, enchant swords, sword, reflect

Ganon/Ganon's Minion: burn, magic blast, disappear, fly, shock, storm, teleport, shapeshift, Ganon's hand

Agahnim

Stages:

Ganon's Statue

Thanks for reading! Next up, the most consistent mangaka of the bunch, the works of Himekawa Akira!

Link's Awakening Remakes

LINK'S AWAKENING REMAKES

Today, let's begin with our coverage of the Legend of Zelda remakes, re-releases, and ports. There are quite a few, but I've broken them up into five specific groups as they made sense to me. First off, let's cover those re-releases for Link's Awakening, which has received two notable remakes. The first is Link's Awakening DX, an updated re-release for the Game Boy Color with enhanced graphics, a camera function, and a bonus dungeon. Other than that, it's pretty much the same.

Next is the game's remake released for the Switch in 2019, pretty much a shot-for-shot remake of the original, but built from the ground up with full 3D graphics and a toy-like chibi style. Some have suggested the possibility of a Toy Link character back during the Smash Ultimate speculation days, but I really never saw the need for it, so we're not. Outside of the new style, some of the biggest changes was some soundtrack rearranging, full eight-directional sword controls, and no screen transitions, plus a make-your-own dungeon bonus feature, which some expect to be testing the waters on a possible Zelda Maker (which I'd be down for).

Anyway, now that we have that done, here's what we've got:

Not much

Thanks for reading! Next up, we'll cover the Ocarina of Time remakes.

Character Sheet: Vire/Keese

VIRE/KEESE

Today, we begin our very first run of Legend of Zelda character sheets, figuring out just what kind of movesets we can pull from all these characters and building a roster. For the moment, we have about fourteen:

1. Link

2. Dark Link

3. Princess Zelda (Currently honorary)

4. Marin

5. Sahasrahla

6. Old Man

7. Hylian Soldier

8. Ganon

9. Agahnim

10. Nightmare

11. Moblin

12. Stalfos

13. Vire/Keese

14. Thunderbird

Today, let's cover two major enemies of the Zelda series: Keese and Vires. Keese are your standard bat enemies, not dissimilar to Swoops and Zubats, while Vires are vampiric creatures that can split into multiple Keese when hit. Keese would appear throughout the series, in basically every installment of it, but the Vires would sadly only crop up in 2D games. Apart from the whole "split into Keese" part, our movepool also includes the ability to breath fireballs, strike with a lightning curse that it places on Link in Link's Awakening, plus the Keese's variants including Fire, Ice, and Thunder types.

Here's the moveset I came up with:

Standard B: Fireball

So, as much as I'd love to give the "bat/vampire" enemy a bloodsucking move for the standard, it doesn't seem to have really been a thing for these enemies. Instead we will use the fireballs Vires are known to spew, both in Link's Awakening, and in a boss battle in the Oracle games which we'll get to later.

Side B: Lightning Curse

In Link's Awakening, Link encounters a Vire that casts a hex upon him by summoning lightning in both of its hands and striking him with it. It would work much like that.

Up B: Keese Swarm

The base and most iconic move, the Vire will split into a Keese swarm and fly upward, each individual dealing its own slight damage.

Down B: Fire Keese

Now this will either represent Fire Keese alone, or the various varieties of them. Alone it will just burst into flames, dealing damage on contact. All three, it will cycle through Fire, Ice, and Thunder, dealing that specific type of damage.

Final Smash: Gomess

Gomess is a similar type of enemy to Vire, but appears as a boss in Majora's Mask. The Vire will burst into Keese, before a whole swarm of them merge into Gomess, who then strikes the stage with its scythe.

Entrance: A swarm of Keese will come together to form a Vire.

Taunts: Up, it will turn into a Keese and flap upward. Side, it will flare its wings and make a scary face. Down, it will curl up its wings like a bat sleeping.

Thanks for reading! Next up, the Thunderbird and its relatives, the Fokka and Fokkeru!

Character Sheet: Moblin

MOBLIN

Today, we begin our very first run of Legend of Zelda character sheets, figuring out just what kind of movesets we can pull from all these characters and building a roster. For the moment, we have about fourteen:

1. Link

2. Dark Link

3. Princess Zelda (Currently honorary)

4. Marin

5. Sahasrahla

6. Old Man

7. Hylian Soldier

8. Ganon

9. Agahnim

10. Nightmare

11. Moblin

12. Stalfos

13. Vire/Keese

14. Thunderbird

Right from the get-go, the first and foremost minion of Ganon and core enemy throughout the series are the Moblins. Starting life as large anthropomorphic bulldogs, they would eventually take more of a pig form to be more in keeping with their boss Ganon. They would also be replaced in a way by their smaller cousins, the Bokoblins, making Moblins more the elite warriors to the Bokoblin grunts, sorta like the Uruk-hai to the Orcs if you will.

So far we only have a few actions of note, but enough, and we all know that the list will only keep growing in future games, so I'd say we've crossed the playable threshold. Their main weapon is their large spears, which they throw in some games, and charge with in others. They are also seen wielding tridents, just like their master, and have also taken up the sword and shield on occasion. Some even set up a keep in Link's Awakening with a big boss at the end.

Here's the moveset I came up with:

Standard B: Trident Throw

Based on both the trident weapon and the weapon throw they frequently employ, the playable Moblin will throw its trident as a projectile, skewering opponents from across the stage.

Side B: Spear Charge

Probably most well known from Ocarina of Time, but seen in other games as well, the Moblin will charge forward with its spear down, dealing damage and forcing players off the stage.

Up B: Helmaroc Drop

Unfortunately not a whole lot of aerial maneuvers seen yet, but luckily I am familiar enough with our upcoming games to know of at least one option to make use of. A Helmaroc will pick up the Moblin, carry it high into the air, and then airdrop it.

Down B: Heavy Shield

Somewhat seen already, but for sure more prominent in games like Skyward Sword, the Moblin will pull out a heavy shield that will form an impenetrable wall in front of it and protect it from harm.

Final Smash: Horde Rush

Hmm, now here's an interesting one. The first thing that comes to mind is the whole "Lookout blows horn, then a horde of enemies rush the enemy." That's more specifically a Bokoblin thing, but it still works for Moblins. Hmm. You know what? Let's do it.

Entrance: The Moblin will pace back and forth for a second like its been patrolling.

Taunts: Up, it will blow a horn to sound an alarm. Side, it will do a pace back and forth with its spear out. Down, it will doze for a second before being awoken from its sleep.

Thanks for reading! Next up, one of my favorite enemy types, the Stalfos!

Character Sheet: Nightmare

NIGHTMARE

Today, we begin our very first run of Legend of Zelda character sheets, figuring out just what kind of movesets we can pull from all these characters and building a roster. For the moment, we have about fourteen:

1. Link

2. Dark Link

3. Princess Zelda (Currently honorary)

4. Marin

5. Sahasrahla

6. Old Man

7. Hylian Soldier

8. Ganon

9. Agahnim

10. Nightmare

11. Moblin

12. Stalfos

13. Vire/Keese

14. Thunderbird

Today, we will cover Nightmare, the main villain of Link's Awakening and a nightmare spawned from the Wind Fish's dreams that was causing havoc all over the island. His battle took multiple forms, including a basic blob, a spellcaster form, a lanmola and moldorm form, and a Ganon form, before taking on his standard two-armed shape. Across these forms, he was shown hopping around, firing off bursts of shadow, throwing giant orbs of light, summoning monsters to fight for him, and swinging around his big arms.

Here's the moveset I came up with:

Standard B: Shadow Burst

He will take on his spellcaster form and cast a burst of shadow energy, probably similar in look and action to Ness's PK flash.

Side B: Lanmola

He will lunge forward in his Lanmola form, digging in and out of the ground and doing damage wherever he hits.

Up B: Blob Form

He will launch into the around, curling up into his large blob form before slamming down, kinda similar to moves like King Dedede's Up B.

Down B: Enemy Summon

He will summon enemies made of shadow (probably smaller ones like Moldorms, Pols Voices, or Leevers) and send them forward to attack.

Final Smash: Nightmare Tremble

Basically, he will cause the Wind Fish to tremble in his sleep from the nightmare, causing the stage to rumble, shadow enemies to emerge and lightning to strike the stage.

Entrance: He will form from pure shadow.

Taunts: Up, he will rise up into the shadowy form of Ganon for a second. Side, he will stretch his arms out wide and spin. Down, he will melt into shadow once again.

Thanks for reading! Next up, Ganon's main minions, the Moblins!

Character Sheet: Marin

MARIN

Today, we begin our very first run of Legend of Zelda character sheets, figuring out just what kind of movesets we can pull from all these characters and building a roster. For the moment, we have about fourteen:

1. Link

2. Dark Link

3. Princess Zelda (Currently honorary)

4. Marin

5. Sahasrahla

6. Old Man

7. Hylian Soldier

8. Ganon

9. Agahnim

10. Nightmare

11. Moblin

12. Stalfos

13. Vire/Keese

14. Thunderbird

Hailing from Link's Awakening, we now cover Marin, a girl created from the Wind Fish's dream, who . . . apparently bears a striking resemblance to Zelda, though character design for both has not particularly held true to that statement. While she is not particularly active in the plot of her home game, her major role in the game and her playable appearance in Hyrule Warriors have cemented her as the go-to gimmick rep for it.

In game, she is shown to be able to sing so well, she entrances both people and animals around her, and fantasizes about becoming a seagull, something that seems to be confirmed happened to her in the game's closing cutscene. The game itself also features such unique items as honeycombs full of bees, guardian acorns, her neighbor's dog Bow Wow, cuccos that allow one to hover for a short time, the Roc's feather, the ability to fish, a mirror shield, and the magical instruments that awaken the Wind Fish.

No moveset yet, but here's a general approximation of what it could be:

Standard B: Sing

She will sing, notes appearing in the air above her, disorienting any character within her bubble of influence and rendering them incapable of fighting for a short time.

Side B: Bow Wow

She will send out her neighbor's dog Bow Wow, who will lunge forward like any typical Chain Chomp, biting at anyone in front of it and dragging Marin along behind.

Up B: Rooster

She will pull out her Rooster Cucco, which will carry her upwards but only a little, allowing her to hang in the air for a short time.

Down B: Honeycomb

She will toss out the honeycomb her father knocked loose from a tree. Like any honeycomb, the person it hits will instantly be swarmed by bees.

Final Smash: Awakening the Wind Fish

The eight magical instruments will appear around her and start playing, disorienting all players on screen, before the Wind Fish swoops through and smashes into the players.

Entrance: She will be sitting on a log of driftwood playing her harp.

Taunts: Up, she will become a seagull and hover in the air a moment. Side, she will sing and animals will appear around her. Down, Bow Wow will come out and she will pet it.

Thanks for reading! Next up, Sahasrahla from A Link to the Past.

Character Sheet: Link

LINK

Today, we begin our very first run of Legend of Zelda character sheets, figuring out just what kind of movesets we can pull from all these characters and building a roster. For the moment, we have about fourteen:

1. Link

2. Dark Link

3. Princess Zelda (Currently honorary)

4. Marin

5. Sahasrahla

6. Old Man

7. Hylian Soldier

8. Ganon

9. Agahnim

10. Nightmare

11. Moblin

12. Stalfos

13. Vire/Keese

14. Thunderbird

We'll start with Link, our perennial hero, always saving Hyrule and protecting Princess Zelda. He has a number of abilities across every game in the series, most being unique to each respective game, but with a handful of standard regulars (which will be make up most of our focus today). These regulars include his sword, the ability to shoot beams, perform a spin attack, and stab down with said sword, his shield, his bombs, his bow and arrows, his boomerang, a power glove or bracelet that lets him lift heavy objects, and his hookshot.

More game-specific abilities we will factor in, but not focus on too heavily, as many of them have characters who can take them up and let Link focus on his regulars. Regardless, these include magic rods that let him cast certain elemental spells, magical potions and powders, the Pegasus Boots, a cross, various spells from Zelda II, three magical medallions from Link to the Past, a shovel, a bug net, two magical canes, flippers that let him swim, a magic mirror, the Roc's feather, and the instruments from Link's Awakening.

I'd say that's more than enough! Here's the moveset I came up with, heavily leaning into his already existing Smash moveset, because, well, it gets it:

Standard B: Sword Beam

Or maybe bow and arrow. I get why Smash went the way it did, his arrows and his boomerang are both very important standards for him and it would be a shame to exclude either of them, but it feels even more a shame to leave out his sword beams considering they are his first and foremost line of attack in so many games.

Side B: Bow and Arrow OR Boomerang

If we keep the Sword Beam, I'd rather keep the Bow and Arrow over the Boomerang, but if Standard B is Bow and Arrow, Boomerang is a natural fit here.

Up B: Sword Spin

It's not . . . great. At least not my first pick for an Up B, but it is a pretty essential move, and its not like he has that much upward momentum-based abilities in most games. Plus, the hookshot is better for a grab, so it works.

Down B: Bombs

I feel this is a natural choice, and Smash already has it down pat.

Final Smash: Triforce and Master Sword

He will draw the Master Sword from its pedestal and hold it high into the air, the Triforce appearing behind him and making the sword glow. He will then strike with full power, landing the finishing blow and insta-KOing anyone it hits.

Entrance: A bird with drop him off on the stage.

Taunts: Up, he will hold his sword straight up in the air. Side, he will let a fairy out of a bottle and it will circle around him. Down, he will play a little on his Ocarina and small animals will appear around him.

Thanks for reading! Next up, we will cover our first echo fighter of the series!

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: LINK'S AWAKENING

Today, let's cover Link's Awakening, the very first handheld Zelda game and probably the second-place record holder for most remakes after Ocarina of Time. Side note: This will be covering the original game, not DX or the recent HD remake. Those will come later. This game is also the first to not feature the titular Zelda, with Link washing up on a remote island after a storm and having to investigate a strange evil presence besieging the inhabitants.

Link, of course, is our main character, complete with his sword and shield like always. His items and weapons include bombs, a boomerang, a bow and arrows, a bottle to keep fairies in, a hookshot, a bag of magic powder, a magical rod to cast spells, a mirror shield that reflects beams, an ocarina, Pegasus Boots, the power bracelet, the Roc's feather that lets you hop over multiple pits in sequence, and a shovel. He can also go fishing, swim with fins, surf on a raft, throw honeycombs, and protect himself with an acorn. He also collects eight instruments as the "maguffins" of his quest from each dungeon: the Full Moon Cello, the Conch Horn, the Sea Lily's Bell, the Surf Harp, the Wind Marimba, the Coral Triangle, the Organ of Evening Calm, and the Thunder Drum, all of which are used together to awaken the Wind Fish at the end of the game.

There are a few select supporting characters living around the island. The most notable of these is Marin, a daydreaming girl with a beautiful voice who dreams of someday leaving the island. Hyrule Warriors already designated her the go-to gimmick rep for this game, so I guess most of the above can be applied down to her. She lives with her lazy father Tarin, who teaches you the honeycomb trick, and an owl acts as your exposition character. A few other characters pop up here and there, such as a friendly mermaid, a Chain Chomp named Bow Wow you can take with you on certain missions, Cuccos and a Rooster that you can hover with for a time, the Great Fairy, the monkey Kiki again, and Wart of all things (or I guess his name is Mamu here). The Wind Fish is a giant sleeping whale at the top of the island, whose dreams created the island which will disappear upon its awakening.

The main villain of the game is a Nightmare that has been infecting the Wind Fish's dreams. In its battle it takes multiple different forms, including a giant blob form, a spellcaster form, a lanmola form, a moldorm form, and a Ganon form. It also attacks by hopping around, shooting bursts of shadow, throwing a giant orb, summoning monsters, and swinging its big arms around in its true form.

Across the game, you have a number of bosses in each dungeon, as well as mini-bosses both in and out of said dungeons. The mini-bosses include: A Moblin Chief that charges and throws spears at you; a Lanmola; an Armos Knight; the entrance to the Turtle Rock dungeon itself; a blobby creature that rolls spikes at you; a Hinox that throws bombs; snakes based on Dodongos; Hydrosoar, an aquatic monster; Master Stalfos, a Stalfos with a sword and shield that jumps around and collapses into pieces when hit; Gohma with its eye beam; Rover, a big manta ray thing that throws a ball; the Grim Creeper, who can summon enemies; and Blaino, a boxer who punches you. The actual bosses include: Moldorm; a Genie that hits you with magic blasts; an eyeball inside a blob of slime; Facade, a giant living floor; an evil Eagle; and Hot Head, a living fireball.

As for our enemies, our returning cast includes: Hardhat Beetles, Leevers, Moblins (with swords and shields), Zoras, Tektites, Keese, Zols, Stalfos (some with shrouds), Mini-Moldorms, Goombas, Shy Guys, Bob-Ombs, Pokeys, Boos, Bloopers, and Thwomps, Pols Voices, Soldiers with ball-and-chains, Darknuts, Peahats, Helmasaurs, Like Likes, Bubbles, Buzz Blobs, Wizzrobes, Armos, and a Vire that casts a curse upon you. New enemies include: Sea Urchins, Boarblins (slightly different from Moblins), Zombies, Sparks, Three of a Kind (basically slot machines as enemies), Zirros (flying mushrooms that drop bombs), Pairrods (parrots that spit projectiles), Arm Mimics whose arms mimic yours, Mad Bombers (knights who live in holes and throw bombs), Battle Bats (basically flies), Angler Fries (angler fish), and Stars.

The action of the game takes place entirely on Koholint Island, a dream island with a giant egg at the very top of the central mountain. Mabe Village is the main location where Marin, Tarin, and the other NPCs live, Toronbo Shores is the nearby beach, along with a Mysterious Wood, Goponga Swamp (a swamp area), Ukuku Prairie, a mansion made of seashells, a village full of talking animals, Yarna Desert, Tal Tal Heights (a mountainous region), the Eagle's Tower, and the inside of the Wind Fish's Egg. The dungeons are hidden around these regions.

As for items, past what we've already mentioned for Link, we have a lot of the standards, like keys and hearts and rupees.

And that's it! Here's what we've got so far:

Link: sword slash, sword beams, shield, bombs, arrows, candles, boomerangs, life potions, magical rod, book of magic, flute, rings, power bracelet, hammer, power glove, raft, boots, cross, shield spell, jump spell, healing spell, fairy spell, fireball spell, reflect spell, opening spell, thunder spell, stab up, stab down, hookshot, magical powder, ice rod, fire rod, bombos medallion, ether medallion, quake medallion, shovel, bug net, Book of Mudora, Cane of Somaria, Cane of Byrna, magical cape, Titan's Mitt, Zora flippers, magic mirror, moon pearl, spin attack, mirror shield, Roc's feather, fish, honeycombs, guardian acorn, instruments.

Princess Zelda: Triforce, dreams, open doors, gem containment

Impa

Sahasrahla: Pegasus Boots, Ice Rod, Fire Rod, Bombos, Ether, and Quake Medallions, Cane of Somaria, Cane of Byrna, magic powder, magic cape, magic mirror (all a maybe)

Old Men/Old Women: swords, life potions, shield spell, jump spell, healing spell, fairy spell, fireball spell, reflect spell, opening spell, thunder spell

Marin: sing, seagull form, gimmick rep (mirror shield, Roc's feather, fish, honeycombs, guardian acorn, instruments, Bow Wow, cuccos, Wind Fish)

Tarin

Great Fairies: heal, upgrade

Monkey/Kiki: hop

Wart

Ganon: teleport, shoot fireballs, turn invisible, statue fire, spins and throws his trident, teleports, sends out swarms of fiery bats, transforms into a bat, circle of fire, stomp.

Dark Link: sword slash, sword beams, shield, hammer, power glove, raft, boots, cross, shield spell, jump spell, healing spell, fairy spell, fireball spell, reflect spell, opening spell, thunder spell, stab up, stab down.

Agahnim: levitating, teleporting, splitting into three, casting laser spells, shooting lighting, warping through shadow, vanishing, warping into the Dark World

Nightmare: blob, spellcaster, lanmola, moldrom, Ganon, hop, shadow burst, giant orb, monsters, big arms

Hylian Soldiers: swords, spears, bows, bombs, ball and chain, hide in grass.

Moblins: throw spears, tridents, sword, shield, charge

Octoroks: shoot rocks, Octoballoon

Zoras: swim, spit fireballs, teleport, flippers

Tektites: jump around

Armos: shields, tridents

Lynels: swords, shoot beams, breathe fire

Vire/Acheman: turn into Keese, lightning curse, everything a Keese can do

Moldorms: slither

Stalfos: swords, throw heads, shroud, cast spell, shield, jump, collapse

Goriyas: boomerangs, clubs, breathe fire

Darknuts/Iron Knuckles: swords, shields, heavy armor, throw swords

Wizzrobes/Magos: spells, teleport, fire

Gibdos

Eyegor: laser eye

Aquamentus: fireballs

Dodongo: breathes fire

Gleeok: breathe fire

Gohma: energy balls

Dairas: axe

Gerus: tridents, maces, shields, fire from behind cover

Wosus: hop, daggers

Fokka/Fokkeru/Thunderbird: fly, fireballs, jump, mace, shield

Helmasaur: charge, fire breath, mace tail

Hinox: bombs

Poe

Bosses:

Aquamentus

Dodongo

Manhandla

Gleeok

Digdogger

Gohma

Ganon

Horsehead

Jermafenser

Rebonack

Carock

Gooma

Barba

Thunderbird

Armos Knights

Lanmola

Moldora

Helmasaur King

Arrghus

Mothula

Blind the Thief

Kholdstare

Vitreous

Trinexx

Moblin Chief

Turtle Rock

Spike Roller

Hydrosoar

Master Stalfos

Rover

Grim Creeper

Blaino

Genie

Slime Eye

Facade

Evil Eagle

Hot Head

Nightmare

Locations:

Overworld-based stage

Dungeon room-based stage

Death Mountain

North Castle

Rauru

Ruto

Saria

Mido

Nabooru

Darunia

Kasuto

Parapa Palace

Midoro Palace

Island Palace

Great Maze Palace

Palace on the Sea

Three-Eye Rock Palace

Great Palace

Hyrule Castle

Kakariko Village

Lost Woods

Eastern Palace

Lake Hylia

Great Swamp

Desert of Mystery

Zora's Domain

Death Mountain

Tower of Hera

Pyramid of Power

Palace of Darkness

Plains of Ruin

Skeleton Forest

Village of Outcasts

Ice Lake

Lake of Ill Omen

Swamp of Evil

Turtle Rock

Ganon's Tower

Koholint Island

Mabe Village

Toronbo Shores

Mysterious Wood

Goponga Swamp

Ukuku Prairie

Animal Village

Yarna Desert

Tal Tal Heights

Eagle's Tower

Mt. Tamaranch

Wind Fish's Egg

Items:

Bombs

Bow and Arrows

Candles

Boomerangs

Life potions

Magical rod

Book of magic

Flute

Rings

Power bracelet

Hearts

Heart containers

Triforce pieces

Rupees

Clock

Raft

Step ladder

Hammer

Power glove

Boots

Cross

Magic Container

Trophy

All of Link's items from this game

Unique Link's Awakening items

Thanks for reading! Now, let's take a stop there, since from here the series kinda splits into two branches, and we'll cover all characters we can possibly pull from this round, starting with Link.

Wart

When you finally reach the end of your journey through Super Mario Bros. 2, you come to the final boss and are greeted by, not Bowser, but a giant frog spewing bubbles at you, holding a race of fairies hostage in order to seize control of the dream world.

This is Wart, the main villain of the original Doki Doki Panic, and the new main villain of Super Mario Bros. 2. Sadly, Wart will not see life outside of this game, much like many of his minions, not even in the Super Mario Bros. Super Show! or other tertiary material.

In game, true to final boss form, Wart will be heavy and slow with powerful attacks that deal a lot of damage. His moves will pull not only from his own personal boss battle, but also from the world of Subcon itself and all the various minions in it. He is their boss after all.

Likelihood rating: Could happen