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Episode 750: The Legacy of Zelda (Patreon)

Published:
2026-02-16 11:00:16
Imported:
2026-08
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Jeremy: I know, we've talked about The Legend of Zelda before on this podcast. But with this week seeing both the 40th anniversary of the original game AND the landmark 750th episode this very podcast, I thought, "Why not get a fresh perspective on the enduring impact of that little yellow diskette?" (Or big gold cartridge, if you prefer.) And so I invited both Diamond and John Ricciardi of 8-4 fame, both avowed Zelda nuts, to join me and take a bigger-picture look at the game: what made it so notable at the time, and what lasting impact it's had in the years since.

Art by Greg Melo. Edits by Greg Leahy.

07:06 - Mario & Zelda Big Band Live: Zelda Medley

19:24 - Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Title Remix | Symphony of the Goddesses: Main Theme Medley

30:07 - The Legend of Zelda (NES): Game Over

43:39 - Smashing... Live!: Great Bay Shrine | Nintendo Sound History: Overworld Remix

58:07 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Death Mountain

1:11:19 - Smashing... Live!: Temple | 25th Anniversary Symphony: 25th Anniversary Medley

1:22:23 - Tears of the Kingdom: Colgera Battle

1:37:35 - Skyward Sword: Gate of Time

Closing - Ryan Z "Piano Guy": "The Legend of Zelda Ultimate Piano Medley"

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Comments

Dave Dalrymple

I first played Legend of Zelda in 1989 or 1990, but it would take a while before I really came to appreciate how its "Nintendo magic" differentiated it from other labyrinth-and-puzzle-heavy action games.

littleterr0r

Zelda is still my favorite game of all-time, even if I didn't name my daughter Gannon.

Jason Lew

Turns out nothing was announced for Zelda's 40th when this episode dropped. Other than that disappointment, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Can't wait to hear you all talk about Breath of the Wild when it becomes "retro" next year!

Gayest Episode Ever

You all correctly point out how the idea of Link being a connection between to parallel time periods was part of the original conception for the first game, but so far it's never been fully realized. It made me think how the western title for A Link to the Past kind of gets at this kind of idea... even if it's not actually a good title for this game. Because he's not traveling between time periods. He's traveling between worlds, which I guess is why the follow-up is called A Link Between Worlds. Huh.

Patrick McClafferty

Thank you Diamond for mentioning going to the Swamp Palace first to get the rod in order to beat the Ice Palace. At 10 (in 1995 and pre internet) i somehow figured out that was an option and it has been a habit of mine everytime I have played ALttP in the subsequent decades.

Wood Duck [Legacy Edition]

I initially thought "ho hum this game has been covered to death" but as usual on Retronauts there was new and interesting things learned! Parish I can recommend for your specific listening "Zelda II (Legendary Vibrations Version)" by Xoc, an artist who has done many wonderful and absurd game covers for 20 years. Big recs for their Kirby's Adventure, SMB3 and SMW albums too. That specific track I mentioned however has cemented itself in my brain and I hear it any time Zelda II is mentioned.

Wood Duck [Legacy Edition]

I'd like to ask the elder millennials - Playing OoT at 11 years old then BotW at 28, those two games had a sense of discovery, awe and wonder that have eclipsed any other video game experiences in my life. It was really wonderful with BotW to feel it again. Did any of you silver haired legends feel the same sensation with ALttP or even the OG LoZ?