The Perilous and Misleading Return to Zelda’s Roots: A Link to the Past | Doc/Analysis Zelda 3

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is the most foundational entry in the entire Zelda series. It introduced a structure so coherent, intelligent, and complete that it went on to define the franchise’s identity, a blueprint that would be reused, refined, and celebrated even decades later, including in the leap to 3D. This achievement was the result of a long and demanding development process that ran parallel to the creation of the Super Nintendo itself. During that time, Nintendo tested dozens of ideas, keeping only the best and most cohesive ones in pursuit of perfection. From its difficult beginnings, shaped by the drastic differences between Zelda I and Zelda II, to the many concepts left on the cutting-room floor, and finally to its triumphant debut that left the press stunned, this is the story of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, the most defining chapter in the Zelda saga.

Created by Sakharu,
Voiced over by Brad Ziffer.

00:00:00 • Introduction
00:00:55 • Development - Reinventing Zelda
00:26:03 • Release - A fantastic critical reception
00:31:47 • Analysis: A different kind of immersion
00:39:28 • Analysis: Exploration takes a step back
00:48:01 • Analysis: Dark World is basically Zelda 1
00:52:05 • Analysis: Reinventing the Dungeons
00:58:46 • Analysis: Variety as a Design Pillar
01:02:27 • Analysis: Brought to Life Through Subtlety
01:07:11 • Conclusion : The Cornerstone of the Series

The music used in order :
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   • Pokémon X and Y - Laverre City (Remix)  
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   • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon - Sky Peak Final P...  
   • Pokémon X and Y - Santalune Forest (Remix)  
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