Daily Debate: What is Your Ideal Villain For Zelda U?

Through a translation from Nintendo’s Japanese website, we learned just yesterday that Link could very well be facing a brand new antagonist in next year’s adventure on Wii U. This has caused a massive amount of discussion and speculation among the fan base, and it’s not surprising considering this is the most we’ve heard about the story for Zelda U since its reveal. That being said, some have more specific ideas in mind a new villain, especially when going on the idea that Ganon is not the main antagonist.

This would hardly be the first time that Ganon hasn’t made an appearance as the big baddie in a Zelda title. Majora’s Mask is probably the prime example, as it stands alone as a main series console entry (since the days of the N64, at least) that has a villain other than the wielder of the Triforce of Power standing between the player and the completion of the game. Not only that, but the very concept of this powerful new antagonist had nothing to do with one from a previous entry. And while not the most well received nor the most commercial successful, it stands as a unique title and a clear contender for ultimate fan favorite for both its titular antagonist and its atmospheric and unusual take on the Zelda formula.

It is, however, possible that we could face a variation of Ganon, much like Demise in Skyward Sword (if you have not played the game and wish to avoid spoilers, skip the next sentence). While it’s pretty clear that Demise is merely the first incarnation of Ganon in the process of his reincarnation cycle, there’s nothing to say that the King of the Gerudo can’t be born into a new situation. While he must certainly grow into his role as the Evil King, Triforce Wielder, etc., what if we happened upon a Ganondorf who was simply blessed with immense power and faced with a choice of what to do with it? If we were given another, less powerful evildoer such as Zant or Ghirahim, it’s easy to see how they could be put into larger roles as they manipulate a young man with the power of the goddesses imbued within him, pushing him towards the path he’s destined to walk; he cannot avoid it any more than Link or Zelda can.

In the discussions thus far, we’ve seen variations of the above the idea, among many other hopes and suggestions for the supposedly new enemy for Zelda U, but exactly how would you describe your ideal villain? Personally, I’m a fan of the idea of the villain being someone closer to Link, as there have been crushingly few instances of traitors to the hero in the Zelda franchise. Perhaps it’s too much of a cliché for a heroic story, but it would create a more personal touch for Link’s journey, adding to his reasons and motivations for vanquishing evil. After all, although I buy the idea that Link is simply “good” and will abide by people’s requests to save the land, sometimes it seems like he just has nothing better to do.

That’s certainly enough on my end on the discussion, but let’s hear what you have to say? What kind of character should the villain for Zelda U be? Should they have powers or characteristics similar to any villains in the series’ past? Hyrule Warriors shouldn’t be the only Wii U Zelda game to add original characters. We know there are those who hope that Ganon still will be our enemy, but is there anything you’d like to see change about his character? Have at it in the comments below!

Source: Artwork (1,2)