Daily Debate: Would You Play a Spin-off Game Featuring Young Impa?
Posted on October 02 2020 by David Lasby
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has given Zelda fans two new obsessions: the miniature, white guardian (which some have dubbed “baby guardian”) and a young, powerful Impa. While not much is known about the nature and origins of the miniature guardian, Impa is a character well established in the Zelda lore, particularly in Breath of the Wild where she plays a crucial role in the war against Calamity Ganon.
As an archetypal character, Impa has changed dramatically over the course of Zelda history. While the various Impas are not the same person, nor are they reincarnations of the goddess like Zelda, the character has become so central that most Zelda games incorporate some version of the archetype. The progression has inspired many fans of the series and perhaps make Impa worthy of her own spin-off.
In The Legend of Zelda, Impa served as a royal nursemaid, assisting the princess in fleeing and hiding from Ganon. During The Adventure of Link, she helps guide the hero on his journey to win the Triforce of courage, recognizing the sacred mark on his hand. Ocarina of Time sees her role expand dramatically, as she is not only a mother figure to Zelda , but trains her to become the warrior Sheik. During that era, Impa also becomes the important Sage of Shadows. Given her status as Sage, it’s noteworthy that she is possessed by the forces of darkness in Oracle of Ages, specifically Veran the Sorceress of Shadow. She also guides Link in Oracle of Seasons as he defeats Onox, the General of Darkness.
Players get their first view of a youthful Impa in The Legend of Zelda: Skyword Sword. Initially she appears as an old woman, but the Gate of Time allows Link to interact with the younger Impa from the past, and fans witness her powerful abilities as she fights to protect Zelda, the reincarnation of the goddess.
Impa is advanced in age when she appears in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild; however, she plays the crucial role of helping Link recover his lost memories, assists in his mastery of the Skeikah Slate, and delivers to him Princess Zelda’s final words. Her granddaughter Paya also helps Link in his quest.
Unlike previous canonical installments, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity fully reveals the power Impa possesses as a warrior. Scattering waves of bokoblins, Impa uses celestial fighting companions (in the manner of Monk Maz Koshia) to pummel her enemies. She also summons ice blocks with cryonis and smashes through Ganon’s forces. She is truly a force to be reckoned with on the battle field.
Given her rise and development over The Legend of Zelda series, perhaps it is time for Impa to receive her own game, one that adds depth to her already inspiring lore. Her presence also provides Nintendo with another opportunity to feature lead female characters in more titles without altering the traditional format of Zelda games, something that has at times caused some tension among the fan base. With her playing such a crucial role in the Era of Calamity, perhaps her moment has come.
Tell us what you think. Would you play a spin-off game featuring young Impa? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I’m a life-long fan of video games and have been playing since I got my NES in the 1980s. The Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Aliens, and Halo are some of my favorite game franchises. I write for several sites, including Zelda Dungeon, Boss Rush Network, and The Mighty. Find me on Twitter to check out my other content!
