Here’s a story just begging to be covered. A recently-formed group on Facebook has emerged with a very singular goal: Encourage Nintendo to give Zelda a more respectable role in that series titled, you know, The Legend of Zelda (emphasis on the Zelda.) Spurred on by the remarks of one of the series’ co-creators, Eiji Aonuma, who asked fans wishing for more out of the oft-damseled princess to be vocal about it, the group has decided to do just that.
Taking his words to heart, the team has put together a tidy, fitting description for the page to go along with their mission. “The character the Legend of Zelda series is named after is the ruler of a country with the Power of Wisdom and the Gods at her disposal, yet she’s often represented as a damsel in distress. While she’s had great moments as characters like Sheik and Tetra, she more often than not feels like a background character, overshadowed by the two other Triforce bearers, Link and Ganon,” the group states. “Nintendo, the fans, male and female, have wanted this for so long: please give Princess Zelda future roles more befitting of her actual attributes. And, if you see fit, make her a playable protagonist.”
That’s a group after my own heart, it is. As most of you folks know, I’m an avid supporter of putting more female protagonists at the forefront of games. While the industry has made significant strides since the early arcade days of shamelessly appealing to young boys, we still have an incredibly long way to go before we’re in a position worthy of praise. We’ve all heard the stories about how publishers are currently afraid to green-light titles starring leading ladies. Hell, it’s an insurmountable task just convincing them to let the ladies appear on the box art (in anything other than chainmail bikinis, that is.)
Still, if any company has the presence of mind to allow game girls the spotlight they deserve, it’s Nintendo. They made the right call at E3 when they announced that Princess Peach will be a playable character in Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U, and are no stranger to including their strong female characters to the hardened roster of Super Smash Bros., so hopefully they’ll heed the request of their audience. Even if Zelda doesn’t end up starring in her own game, at least giving the character a more respectable role in the series and letting her have the chance to show how capable she is on her own would be a welcomed first step. The people have spoken, Nintendo, now the ball’s in your court.
How do you folks feel about giving Zelda a bigger, better role in her own series? Do you plan on joining/supporting the group in their efforts to draw Nintendo’s attention? How could The Big N better represent the princess in future Zelda titles? Let your voice be heard in the comments below, and don’t forget to like IGXPro on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or give us the ‘ol +1 on Google+. And if you can’t get enough of my shenanigans, (who could blame you?) you can check me out @GamingsNirvana, or add +VinnyParisi to your circles.
