Check Out This Analysis Video About Deserts in Zelda Games
Posted on November 15 2019 by Alexandria Weber
Zelda games house many iconic and memorable areas. It’s difficult not to associate the franchise with the mazes of the Lost Woods, the fires of Death Mountain, or the regality of Hyrule Castle. Yet, the perilous desert regions seem to stand out in their own special way as a fan favorite.
In a recent video, YouTuber Croton explored the reasons why desert areas in Zelda games are so iconic, specifically Lanayru Desert in Skyward Sword and Gerudo Desert in Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild. Croton, alongside Hyrule Gamer, attributed the popularity to a distinct look and feel in comparison to other regions. The unique designs lean themselves toward Egyptian architecture and provide gamers a new look from what they’ve seen before. The deserts also famously carry through a heavy thematic value, often integrated with the narrative in an engaging and memorable way.
Additionally, the bosses and dungeons found in the desert of all four games are arguably the best in the series as a whole, masterfully integrating the mechanics of the Time-Shift Stones, the Mirror Shield, the Spinner, and Sheikah technology, respectively. Not to mention, the stellar original soundtracks such as Gerudo Valley, Gerudo Desert, and Molduga Battle, where driving beats and diverse instrumentation have produced songs not only iconic in Zelda but in gaming as a whole.
What do you think? What Zelda desert is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Alexandria Weber is a Senior Editor and an aspiring creative writer. Her favorite food is apple pie and she loves her cat Galadriel. Ask her for pictures!
