We all know that Link has never been a man of many words. In fact, he has never talked in any Zelda game. But did you know that Nintendo originally intended to end that circle with the latest Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom? Here is how that turned out and why they decided against it in the end.
In Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Link was finally supposed to get a voice and have real dialogue. But anyone who has played the game knows that Nintendo didn't commit to their plan. Now, they have revealed why they didn't give Link a voice in Echoes of Wisdom as intended and here is why – and you know what? We kind of get it.
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Why Link doesn't speak after all
In an interview with Famitsu, Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma and Echoes of Wisdom director Satoshi Terada explained that while they toyed with the idea of letting Link talk to guide Zelda, it just didn’t feel right. Aonuma mentioned that since Link’s always been silent, adding dialogue didn’t mesh with the connection players have with him.
After trying out a few lines, the team realized giving Link a voice messed with his mysterious vibe. Terada said everything they came up with felt “off,” mostly because nobody really knows what Link would even say. So, Nintendo decided to keep him quiet, working it into the storyline to preserve that classic Link feeling.
As for the upcoming live-action Zelda movie, there’s a chance Link might finally speak. Director Wes Ball wants the film to feel “grounded” and is taking cues from Miyazaki to create a world that’s serious and real. Fans are curious to see if Nintendo will stay true to the silent hero or finally let him talk on the big screen.
To be honest: I am glad that they didn't change up this tradition and unwritten rule in the Zelda franchise. Although many people, who aren't as familiar with the game, find it weird to play a character that doesn't speak, I don't see it as an issue at all.
Especially in a world like Hyrule, with endless storytelling within the game world, it is not necessary to have a talking protagonist, because the surrounding environment already speaks for itself.
Do you agree with the choice Nintendo made or do you want Link to finally get a voice after all these years? Let us know in the comments!