Bomber’s Notebook #006 – Characters Who Need Spin-Offs
Posted on July 03 2012 by Majora's Cat
So many rich characters exist in the Zelda universe who can star in their own adventures whether they be silly or serious. Nintendo hasn’t explored spin-offs in Zelda nearly as it has in Mario, and by no means do I want Zelda to be over-saturated with silly spin-off games. In no way should Nintendo actually make spin-offs based off all of these characters, but if they could, these would be the select few who would have their time in the limelight. Several weeks ago I wrote about why I think Princess Zelda should be given another chance as far as spin-offs go. It would be interesting to see a few other characters in non-canon Zelda games though, as these bit players are just begging for their own game because of their likability and charisma.
Groose
Groose is what an interesting character should be. He is the epitome of a selfish-yet-lovable brute who seems to love himself beyond comprehension and has captured the hearts of Zelda fans all over the world. I’m sure many agree when I say that Groose would be sensational in his own spin-off title, whether it be centered around the events of Skyward Sword or completely unrelated to them.
It’s not just because he’s an intriguing individual and experienced a pivotal change of heart during Skyward Sword that could be played on or emphasized. The Groosenator, Groose’s trademark bomb flingin’ machine can probably play a big role in any theoretical spin-offs. Link got his own Link’s Crossbow Training, so why can’t Groose have Groose’s Groosenator Training?
Groose’s obsession with his pompadour and absorption in his own stunning looks could be utilized as a health meter or as a means of keeping Groose from running out of stamina. I would imagine that he gets mopey when he loses self-esteem, so perhaps his vanity can be his life force and it must never run too low. A similar concept has been explored in Duke Nukem Forever and may work more effectively with a more appealing character the likes of Groose.
Colin
Colin may not have been your favorite character from Twilight Princess, but he has great potential to grow as as a character. He admires Link and wants to follow in his footsteps one day, and his passion for sword fighting and willpower to grow from a fledgling swordsman to a hero could easily be the driving force of the story.
Since Colin is more the soft, innocent and less eccentric type, it would be hard imagining him starring in one of Nintendo’s usual wacky spin-off titles like Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland. Nintendo has shown a willingness to work on spin-off titles that operate within the adventure genre and stay truer to the main games in the series.
The future is uncertain for Colin. His moments with Link are heart-warming, but he really isn’t charismatic nor is he as charming as a protagonist should be. However, even the great Groose was quite disagreeable at the beginning of his trials, and he eventually grew on the player. Colin could undergo just as dramatic a transition while still keeping his personality intact just as Groose did. Colin growing up, sharpening his sword skills and gathering the courage to fight evil like his idol would make him an interesting character and make for an even better spin-off game.
Ganon
What occurs in this evil mastermind’s noggin while Link is plowing through the many obstacles in order to save Hyrule? Ganon has always handled his public image well, never letting the players understand the inner workings of his mind other than the usual desire to conquer the kingdom. Unlike his lackey Zant in Twilight Princess, Link’s number one enemy rarely shows his emotions and keeps his cool, even after being stabbed in the head or chest.
Seeing the conflict from the antagonist’s point of view has always been a concept I wanted to see explored in Zelda. Delving more into Ganon’s background and discovering the ulterior motives behind Ganon’s actions would provide terrific insight on the terrifying evil character that is The Legend of Zelda’s ultimate villain. Also seeing how Ganon has demonstrated an impressive array of moves both in the games and in the popular Super Smash Bros. franchise, he would be a fun character to play as.
Beedle
It’s difficult to explain why, but Beedle has always been one of those characters that has hung around in the back of my mind long after playing The Wind Waker and Skyward Sword. Something about the noises he makes is just downright memorable. Love him or hate him, there’s no doubt that Beedle is an eccentric shopkeeper that should probably eat more. He’s so skinny!
Now what kind of game could Beedle possibly star in? There’s nothing really extraordinary about him – he’s not as handsome as Groose and spends all day holed up in his shop like a hermit. All he ever does that is of use is sell vital goods to Link (and occasionally gives him rewards for his continued patronage). But sometimes characters don’t have to be the most talented people in the world to have their own games. Like in the mainstream music industry, all it takes is some razzle-dazzle to turn a nobody into a superstar.
Take our friend Tingle as an example. He really had nothing going for him other than being a map salesman, having three strange, equally dwarfish brothers and wearing a preposterous green outfit not unlike Link’s, yet he has already had four games of his very own. Perhaps Beedle doesn’t have to be the protagonist of an epic adventure or anything that has to do with being courageous. The game could really be about anything, as long as Beedle is the announcer with a winning smile.
Did you like what you read? No? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
~~~Recent Content Updates~~~
