“When The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was announced, the reveal of Link’s blue tunic instantly caught the attention of fans, as it marked a dramatic departure from the iconic green attire typically associated with the hero. The popularity of BOTW’s new Link design among fans notwithstanding, the process behind its creation offers a fascinating insight into game design.
In BOTW, the blue tunic worn by Link signifies his position as a Champion, one of a select few representing the very best of Hyrule’s diverse races. As a result, all the Champions wear some form of blue clothing, such as Urbosa’s skirt or Daruk’s sash. This uniform serves as a replacement for the Hero’s Clothes seen in previous games, but it is not the first time that Link’s appearance has been altered. Notable examples include his pink hair in A Link to the Past and his blue tunic at the start of Wind Waker.”
Translations of official art book comments featured in Nintendo Life reveal that during the development of Breath of the Wild, Link went through almost 100 different designs. By changing his outfit, the developers aimed to create a more “neutral” character that would allow players to easily identify with Link. The blue tunic in BOTW emerged organically during this process, with the color standing out against the landscape backgrounds being used, leading to its inclusion in the final design. This has resulted in the most distinctive design for Link in The Legend of Zelda series, leaving no doubt among fans about which incarnation of Hyrule’s hero he represents.
According to Nintendo Life, Link’s initial design concept for BOTW was as a “frontier traveler,” which inspired many iterations featuring bags and cloaks. Although this concept was eventually scrapped, BOTW’s exploration of a vast open world still embodies this adventurous spirit. Link’s final design includes a personalized indicator of his weapon of choice, the Master Sword, while the other Champions have emblems of their associated Divine Beasts. These outfits exemplify the fact that BOTW’s Link is part of a team and lacks a matching hat, a break from tradition. Despite the lack of deliberation, the blue tunic emerged as a natural progression and contrasts well against the backdrop of Hyrule, making BOTW’s Link easily distinguishable. The new tunic also subtly references the forgotten past and the bonds with lost friends.
What is your opinion?
Link’s blue tunic in BOTW may not be as iconic as the green tunic, but it’s still a memorable and striking design that showcases the game’s attention to detail.
Link’s blue tunic in BOTW is a perfect fit for the game’s aesthetic, and it’s great to see the character evolve in subtle yet meaningful ways.
The blue tunic in BOTW is proof that sometimes it’s okay to break with tradition. Link looks great in his new outfit, and it’s a testament to the game’s willingness to take risks and try new things.
While some fans may lament the absence of the classic green tunic, Link’s blue tunic in BOTW is a stylish and practical choice that fits the game’s open-world setting perfectly.
This rain is making me so sleepy.
This new restaurant is so good, I have to come back.
The blue tunic in BOTW is not only a stylish choice for Link, but it also offers practical benefits in certain environments. It’s a smart design decision that enhances the gameplay experience.
Oh no, I have a cold.
Link’s blue tunic in BOTW is a refreshing change of pace from the typical green outfit. It’s a subtle yet effective way of updating the character for a new generation of gamers.
Link’s blue tunic in BOTW may not have the same cultural significance as the green tunic, but it’s still a visually striking and functional piece of clothing that adds to the game’s immersive world.
Link’s blue tunic in BOTW adds a fresh twist to the iconic character, and stands out more than the traditional green tunic. It’s a welcome change that still feels true to the spirit of the franchise.
The blue tunic in BOTW is a great example of how a small change can make a big impact. It’s a testament to the game’s attention to detail and commitment to innovation.
While the green tunic may hold a special place in fans’ hearts, there’s no denying that Link’s blue tunic in BOTW is a stunning and well-designed alternative that deserves recognition.