This edition focuses on the above artwork, no doubt you have seen it by now. It has been having rounds on the internet lately, usually along side a Skyward Sword thread, with gamers saying “lol this looks cool, why can’t we have this instead”. It’s happened before and it will happen again- a fan art which just sparks the imagination, which may or may not be a worthy concept.
Lets look first at what the artist obviously intended, the idea seems to be a Majoras Mask deal- in the sense that Link can transform into different “creatures” which gives him different powers. In this artwork its all about elements, with different elements giving Link a different power. Its unknown in this artwork if the artist intended Link to transform by some means such as a mask, or if this is something like a multiplayer concept- like Four Swords, different “coloured” Links for different players.
Now we have that out of the way, lets talk about if this concept would work in a Zelda universe. The answer to that in my mind is yes- but a very stretched yes. Zelda games hasn’t really focused around useable magic for quite some time. With the only real magic in the series been the goddesses spells. Which means in my mind- if Link started having magic it would feel out of place- but I do believe there is a way that it could work to a point.
When it comes to how Link achieved this magic, I think an evil guy cursing him would be such as shot in the leg. Its not something which gamers would want to see. While it could work- at the same time I don’t think it will work in the world of Zelda. Also Link been a “god” or part of a magical race would also seem like a copout.
In my mind the only way to achieve this power for Link is by giving him magic when he collects the temples artifices. Some kind of power inside them which gives the holder magic. Also in simple Zelda fashion might even be more greater then the triforce power combined- or some crazy thing like that. This way makes the magic gradual, and for the first dungeon Link could even be battling with a Sword and a Shield- but not the top of the range stuff, something unwanted, passed down and damaged. Once Link gets the first power, lets say its the “earth” power. Link would think its a blessing.
I think the gradual acceptance and growth of the range of powers is something that would be included. The fact magic at first would seem like something Link can use for good- but slowly feel less and less like its good- as in more like its a curse then a blessing. Links acceptance would dwindle and the characters development to avoid the magic rather then use it all the time is something which would enhance the gameplay. Think of it as a dark passenger, should Link use the magic- or should he use his weapons to advance in this area. Questions like that are something I believe are the only way this concept would survive.
I feel that the people in the game should shun the magic- know Links secret and be lest likely to talk to him- something dark and evil.