Poll: Would we all be cool with a female Link?

[Karen Parker]

with how androgynous some of link's designs are overall, i don't see why they couldn't have a game where link is female; or better yet, why not have mulan/metroid type scenario where you play the game as normal, and only near the end it's revealed that this link is female. perhaps the actual, male link was sickly as a child, or was killed by ganon, so his sister took on his sword and tunic, taking his place without anyone finding out?

 

[Lieju]

I'd be fine with it, but why do it, when you could give Zelda her own (proper) game?

She has triforce too, you could make her game very puzzle-focused like similar to Professor Layton games, since she has Wisdom. (Not that she can't hold her own in a fight, but having a different kind of Zelda-game could be nice.)

 

[QuiB25]

I've gone for yes.

Link is already pretty androgynous, so it's hardly much of a leap.

as there isn't anything particularly masculine about Link. He's not really a muscleman and the green tunic is more or less unisex. He was pretty much intended to be merely a blank character for the player to project onto, and really the only personality aspects I can think of to define him are pretty gender neutral: brave, intelligent and competent in situations of crisis.

Yeah. That.


I should, however, also point out, that I don't really care for Zelda as a series, if I was a fan, however, I'd probably be irritated if changes were being made for the sake of it.

Sidenote: Are there other characters to whom this would apply? Where gender/race/sexuality/etc are so insignificant that changing them would leave the overall character unscathed? Off the top of my head: Chell(Portal), Master Chief (Halo) and Kirby (well, Kirby).

Samus Aran.
Plenty of Final Fantasy characters.
In fact, pretty much any Japanese made game tends to have plenty of girly-men who it wouldn't make much difference to swap them over with.

I'd argue that while Samus Aran's character is minimalist, being female is really important to who she is.
You've got the whole "surprise, I'm female" ending that gave her an important legacy in the gaming world, and the whole "motherly instict" thing about saving the baby Metroid.

And Chell came from a game with some arguably "female" themes, so while it might not be important to whatever character she even has, it might be important to the game's story.

 

[QuiB25]

Heck I don't even like Sarkeesian's work and I still know that the point of her work is the call for female characters that actually have depth to them and aren't just gender swaps. Horrifically tired or not of the trope that a male character is rescuing a female character, the solution isn't just gender swapping. The solution is making a character that stands on their own merits, thus Link with a female anatomy is pretty much an insult to the female gender. Considering how devoid of an actual character link is you might as well just slap a bright pink bow on Link's head and say hey look Link is a female now! Aren't you all super happy?

In a perfect world, this conversation would be pointless.

The whole point is that Link's "maleness" has nothing to do with his character. "Link" is a title given to a person who dresses in a tunic and saves shit with a sword and magic. You could cast Link in just about any role, and it wouldn't contradict who "Link" is.

Yeah, making Link female would be arbitrary. So is making Link a farmer, growing up in the woods with perpetual children, or washing up on the shore of an island with amnesia. It's all about putting Link in new worlds and situations to keep it fresh (I'll let you judge if they succeed). In a perfect world, people wouldn't have to justify making Link female for absolutely no reason, as long as it didn't contradict the story they built around him or her.

If they created a "Linkette," who was established as different than male Link, it'd be Ms Male. But since the female Link would still be "Link," it'd be the SAME character - because gender doesn't have to matter. Maybe they could use Link's female gender to touch on what being female in this new world would be about; it'd be good for the story. Maybe being female won't affect the story at all.

And that'd be fine. BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MATTER. Link doesn't stand on "his" own merits, because he's a blank slate. So screw your high expectations about this hypothetical female Link. Because from the sound of it, you wouldn't go out of your way to post on forums about how some male character from another game known for its minimal story would need to justify its existence.

It's more than a little disgusting how you say that a female Link with little personality (you know, like the male Link) would be a an insult to the female gender.

 

[Bonk4licious]

I think it would still sell, either way, so as long as that isn't a concern, I'd be totally cool with it. I'd love to see a much tighter, faster paced Zelda with maybe a more nimble female protagonist in this series. I think her saving a princess Zelda would be pretty cool, too, it could shed light onto a different part of the Hyrule spectrum. If Zelda can go ninja and get shit done, why can't other females?

 

[Dragonbums]

I wouldn't mind, but why would they do that?

They should not force this. Just be free to be artistic.

But if they chose to make the new Link female anyway that would also be freedom of artistic expression.
You can't just assume that when a character is swapped its because of forced political correctness.

 

[NerAnima]

with how androgynous some of link's designs are overall, i don't see why they couldn't have a game where link is female; or better yet, why not have mulan/metroid type scenario where you play the game as normal, and only near the end it's revealed that this link is female. perhaps the actual, male link was sickly as a child, or was killed by ganon, so his sister took on his sword and tunic, taking his place without anyone finding out?

That sounds like a interesting idea, since no one would ever guess, and maybe they could drop a couple hints that will only be pieced together when they drop the bomb. May not work, though, since in the lore of LoZ, the Hero of Time, the wielder of the Triforce of Courage, etc, is supposed to be chosen by the Goddesses, so she would have to have received their blessing in order for it to work.

Still, would be kind of interesting to see how it works out

 

[Rednog]

Heck I don't even like Sarkeesian's work and I still know that the point of her work is the call for female characters that actually have depth to them and aren't just gender swaps. Horrifically tired or not of the trope that a male character is rescuing a female character, the solution isn't just gender swapping. The solution is making a character that stands on their own merits, thus Link with a female anatomy is pretty much an insult to the female gender. Considering how devoid of an actual character link is you might as well just slap a bright pink bow on Link's head and say hey look Link is a female now! Aren't you all super happy?

In a perfect world, this conversation would be pointless.

The whole point is that Link's "maleness" has nothing to do with his character. "Link" is a title given to a person who dresses in a tunic and saves shit with a sword and magic. You could cast Link in just about any role, and it wouldn't contradict who "Link" is.

Yeah, making Link female would be arbitrary. So is making Link a farmer, growing up in the woods with perpetual children, or washing up on the shore of an island with amnesia. It's all about putting Link in new worlds and situations to keep it fresh (I'll let you judge if they succeed). In a perfect world, people wouldn't have to justify making Link female for absolutely no reason, as long as it didn't contradict the story they built around him or her.

If they created a "Linkette," who was established as different than male Link, it'd be Ms Male. But since the female Link would still be "Link," it'd be the SAME character - because gender doesn't have to matter. Maybe they could use Link's female gender to touch on what being female in this new world would be about; it'd be good for the story. Maybe being female won't affect the story at all.

And that'd be fine. BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MATTER. Link doesn't stand on "his" own merits, because he's a blank slate. So screw your high expectations about this hypothetical female Link. Because from the sound of it, you wouldn't go out of your way to post on forums about how some male character from another game known for its minimal story would need to justify its existence.

It's more than a little disgusting how you say that a female Link with little personality (you know, like the male Link) would be a an insult to the female gender.

Talking about high horses maybe you should climb off your steed and reread what I actually wrote because you're putting words into my mouth that I did not say. The absolute joy of reading comprehension that goes down the toilet when people are "passionate".
I said "Considering how devoid of an actual character link is..." this is in no way shape or form is ambiguous that I am not referring to the current Link. So I don't know how you're making the claim that I'm making some sort of disgusting insult to a hypothetical female Link.
I basically said Link is already such a character with little to no defining actual characteristics that making him female would pretty much just be slapping a pink bow onto his head. Which is insulting to females because like I said before it would just be a "Ms. Male" character. Link's only defining visual characteristic is his green tunic and his green hat; turning that female in any really defining way would be adding really superficial and stereotypical elements.

And yes they would need to justify it because you're actually wrong about anyone dressing in a green Tunic being called Link. In windwaker they dress all the boys at a certain age in a green tunic as a custom from the Hero of Time legend. And this legend was created from the male Link in Ocarina of Time. Also, it isn't a new Link every time. Link from Ocarina of time had his timelines split into 3 parts and that character actually went on into other games. So yes him suddenly becoming female would need a bit of justification.

 

[Lightknight]

From several of link's pictures, I'm not sure it would make any difference. One of the most feminine characters I've ever seen.

 

[Kyrinn]

It could work, if we're talking about a Zelda game where the hero is a female descendant and has a somewhat original character design. In that case it's "Female Link" only in the sense that the hero is now female.
If we're just talking about a gender swapped Link then no. All that would happen in that case would creating the exact same character and going "But wait, it's female now! We are so progressive!" It would be like making a female Mario when you could have just made a new character. I don't see the point.

Basically I'd rather see a new female character or an already established female character as the PC in a Zelda game rather than Female Link.

 

[loc978]

To use the popular internet vernacular... FemLink is best Link:


Since there are tons of Links throughout the timeline, I see nothing wrong with one occasionally popping out female. Despite the... feminine divinity... of Zelda. Surely not every female in their world is a potential Hylian Pope. Each canonical Link starts as a simple village boy, who says there can't be a Link who starts as a village girl?

And yes they would need to justify it because you're actually wrong about anyone dressing in a green Tunic being called Link. In windwaker they dress all the boys at a certain age in a green tunic as a custom from the Hero of Time legend. And this legend was created from the male Link in Ocarina of Time. Also, it isn't a new Link every time. Link from Ocarina of time had his timelines split into 3 parts and that character actually went on into other games. So yes him suddenly becoming female would need a bit of justification.

Easy enough, it's a trope as old as medieval fantasy. Girl Link is disinterested in traditional girly things (being the destined Legendary Hero and all), rebels and disguises herself as a boy in the green tunic whenever she can get away with it. There's usually an equality lesson in there somewhere. Boy Link is pretty androgynous as-is. It could fit just fine.

 

[Maximum Bert]

I dont have a major issue with it but I dont think it would be a good change as Link is an established character now regardless of whether you see him as one character or a lot of different characters he is very definitely male and suddenly changing that would be very strange without a very very good reason.

Link is most certainly multiple different characters. There's even a timeline confirmed by Nintendo that confirms it. As well as that, there's very strong hinting that the Link from OoT and MM appears in Twilight Princess as, essentially, a stalfos, guiding the newest bearer of the Triforce of Courage in his role of defeating Ganondorf.

Oh I know he is officially but unless your a fan of the series you are not going to know that and essentially although he is technically different he dosent really act any different he never speaks collects pretty much the same stuff and does overall the same stuff in every iteration. I know some may not like say the wind waker link because of visuals but personality and character wise there is little to differentiate them if Nintendo didnt confirm the timeline there would be no way of accurately saying whether its the same Link or a different one and lets be honest this was obviously decided much later on. They were just making games with a character called Link for a bit, is he the same or different? (yes technically its usually a different Link lorewise) it dosent matter really story has never been a legend of zelda strongpoint imo (and yes I am speculating they came up with the timeline stuff later but I think its a fair assumption seeing as how it took them so long to come out with it)

I still stand by what I said though in that while it wouldnt make any difference to the gameplay and so dosent matter its also a pretty useless change so why do it? why suddenly change a series staple like that for no gain? is the next Zelda game set in world rule 63? (ah if only if rule 64 was 63 then they could have cleverly made the N64 Link female).

I would also still like to see Zelda cast as the main character again instead of just a female Link you said this would change up the game much more than just making Link female (seems you edited your post) which I agree on and thats why I think it would be a good idea it would be a fresh take on the series shine light on a character who is very underutilized and yet still retain strong ties and relevance to the series they could even mark it as a type of spinoff game if they wanted.

I also think a lot more people would be cooler with a Zelda game featuring Zelda in a major capacity than Link suddenly changing sex and I still think most identify with him as Link not a Link as it were even if they know that is the case.

 

[OldNewNewOld]

SO it's basically a change because of "muh female!" and no other reason.

No, just no.
Make a new game with a chose female hero. Link is Link and should stay Link. This shit starting to be really annoying.
If you want more female character in gaming that make more fucking female character in gaming. Don't change existing one.

 

[Grace_Omega]

I'd be down with Link as a girl, but I'd rather just play as Zelda. All throughout Skyward Sword I was wondering what was going on with her more than Link.

 

[Arkhangelsk]

It's not something I would actively fight for, because ultimately I don't think it matters. But I wouldn't be against it. It would have to be set in a different timeline than the Wind Waker game though as the tunic is then a commemoration of the Hero Of Time and is passed on to boys. But who knows, maybe a parent with only a daughter passes it on to her, perhaps she goes against the norm and puts it on anyway.

My only potential gripe would be if they made a big deal out of it. As long as she plays out like a normal character and doesn't exist to promote or perpetuate political correctness or smash our heads in with "Girls can too!" it would work. In fact, it would work even better as a promotion for gender fairness if they put her in and act like it's no biggie.

Also, it would give a nice twist to the Link-Zelda interaction, as there's always a not-so-subtle "damsel in distress" romance going on in every game.

So yeah. If the developers want to, it could be interesting.

 

[Lunar Templar]

considering that all Links are not the same person and most of them have no personality anyway, I have no issue with this, though, the back lash from the more narrow minded fans would be rather epic. So a game where Zelda is the play character would probably be a better idea in the long run

like say, a generation where there is no 'hero' for some reason and Zelda must be the bearer of the Triforces of Wisdom and Courage

 

[Moloch Sacrifice]

Personally, I think that for the sake of consistency, Link should be male in all incarnations. That said, I have no issue with the roles being switched up; who's to say that Zelda can't take the centre stage, and Link get to be the damsel in the tower for once?

 

[Arkhangelsk]

And yes they would need to justify it because you're actually wrong about anyone dressing in a green Tunic being called Link. In windwaker they dress all the boys at a certain age in a green tunic as a custom from the Hero of Time legend. And this legend was created from the male Link in Ocarina of Time. Also, it isn't a new Link every time. Link from Ocarina of time had his timelines split into 3 parts and that character actually went on into other games. So yes him suddenly becoming female would need a bit of justification.

Sorry, but that doesn't hold up. Link isn't an immortal. Several of the games are hundreds of years apart. In one of the later time-line games, it is stated that the bloodline of the Hero is wearing thin, so obviously every Hero is a descendant from that bloodline, either directly or indirectly to the previous Link. What do they do then if the only one in the bloodline during Ganon's next invasion is a girl. Do they throw their arms in the air and go "Nope, can't do this time, we need a hero with a penis for this!"

And given the Wind Waker time-line where any prick can put on a suit, what more justification is needed than a girl saying 'fuck it' and goes against the whole norm. You know, just like how current events in real life are going towards.

It's also not impossible to make Link female appearance-wise, just takes a fair bit of trying. A few innocent appearance changes and the dialog clearly addressing her as a female will do the trick.

(I love that the captcha is 'politically correct'.)

 

[Diddy_Mao]

Hell no. Just make a new character or use Zelda. Why do people keep bringing this up? You cool with Hollywood "white-washing" a cast? No? Then why be cool with "Vag-washing" one? It doesn't make Link more interesting just because now he has something else under his little skirt. The idea brings nothing to table for the series. I seriously cant wrap my head around why this is pushed on so much other than an internet personality once said they thought it would be a good idea. Plus, the whole sexism in gaming thing. I have yet to see 1 good reason why this should even be wanted.

It feels cheap and gimmicky because Link is a well established character every bit as much as Mario and even more than Kratos. The only reason to do it is to try to be "edgy" with the whole female protagonist thing going on. However, it isn't edgy because you are piggybacking on Link's previous success. What would be "edgy" is making a new well written female character and actually trying to buck the trend with something fresh and unique.

Today I learned that female protagonists are "edgy."
Good to know.



On topic. I don't think I'd have a problem with it. Since Link, as a character is essentially a new person in each major incarnation of the game I see no reason why a female link would be a problem. Link specifically doesn't really come ingrained with an established personality so there's nothing about him that wouldn't work with a bit of a gender swap.

Yeah, I'd rather see a new IP rather than just shuffling the cards in the same deck but that's an entirely different argument.

 

[Dragonbums]

The only people who would have problems with it are adult babies.
I don't see why the concept would not work. In all the games descriptors of Link, he is described as a hero in green garb. Sex, race, bodyshape, etc. never played a factor in that.
Hell Link could be a Goron and it could work.

All I care about is that the game is good.

This idea was actually done before at least once. (Female Link, not the Zelda game where you play Zelda)

Though, it wasn't "official".

A dad made a mod for a Zelda game where he just changed a lot of the "he"s to "she"s and what not.
And, BAM! Link's a girl.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-09-man-mods-wind-wakers-pronouns-to-make-link-a-female-role-model

Guy did it all so his daughter could play a game as a girl.

So as for a reason for why Nintendo should do this? It would be nice of them to throw their female fans a bone.
Plus, for a game as big as Zelda, it wouldn't be hard, or that much of a risk.

That said, a game about Zelda does sound cool too.

Not just as Sheik. It would be neat to see how Nintendo would make a game for Zelda, seeing as she uses a lot of magic.

What could be cooler than playing as a elf using magic, who can also kick ass as a ninja?!

Yeah, Nintendo probably would have no problems executing any of those ideas.
Honestly, I'm not worried about Nintendo doing it.
I think I even saw an article on the Destructoid that said Miyamoto wouldn't mind doing this very thing if enough people demanded it.
I'm worried about the fan backlash.

Link's only constant descriptor like I said was a hero in green garb. Nothing else.

Yet you have people insisting that Link being white and male is part of that canon as well therefore Link can't be a girl. Which is total bull.

If anything, Nintendo would be accused of political correctness, instead of praised for their huge freedom of creative wiggle room that the series is known for.