Link, the main protagonist of the Legend of Zelda, is skilled, to say the least. His courage to leave his home and any relatives to pursue his destiny and fight the evil forces threatening the land is what makes him able to wield the Triforce of Courage. During his journey, he learns to make use of many different weapons and items to adapt to, and overcome, the enemies and obstacles in his path. Along with the regular stock of weapons and items, Link usually receives some sort of special ability that assists him, each ability being different depending on the game. Lets look at the abilities that I personally think are the best of them.
Number 5...
Ability of Dowsing- Skyward Sword
Sure, Fi isn't the greatest companion that ever walked the free planet, but that doesn't mean she can't be useful. She introduces a nifty tool that allows you to find things with almost complete ease, know as Dowsing. Whether it be your girlfriend, parts to a key, or even hearts, bring out your sword, and you will find it. When Fi told me I could now Dowse for Goddess Cubes, I actually thanked her for the first time. The pure usefulness of Dowsing is what gets it on this list.
Number 4...
Ability of Wolf Form- Twilight Princess
As a plot device, the fact that Link turns into a Wolf is just so odd and not what I expected. As a gameplay element, it's a stroke of genius. Since Wolf Link has different attack patterns than the human Link, there are much more option of how to defeat an enemy. Each form comes with it's perks and it's downfalls, but there are some bosses that are truly easier as Wolf Link, making for some evened out gameplay.
Number 3...
Ability of Masks- Majora's Mask
When worn, the masks give Link a variety of abilities. Some of these abilities are required to complete the game, others are used for optional sidequests, and others are available just as fun items to collect. In total, there are 29 masks in the game. Each mask has it's own unique properties which can help you achieve certain tasks during the game. Four masks allow Link to change his form entirely. While in another form, Link has access to abilities that are unavailable to him otherwise.This makes for some truly unique gameplay and it feels pretty satisfying to collect them.
Number 2...
Ability of the Minish- Minish Cap
The ability to shrink to the size of a peanut... Cause why wouldn't that be cool? Why this ability is higher on the list because of how well designed this gameplay element is. Much of the time spent in mouse-sized form happens in the normal camera perspective since players will need to find the special Minish routes laid out in the normal-sized world. There's a ton of challenge finding all the paths available to tiny Link into hidden and not-so-hidden locations throughout Hyrule in order to complete tasks and progress through the game's story. On occasion the game breaks out of the standard world to zoom into Link's scaled size to make interacting a bit easier, and it's in these close-ups where the game really pushes the artwork. Players will have to traverse over gigantic leaves, books, and hidden nooks up in housing lofts, and designed some great overhead views for these huge "worlds" for shrunken Link to explore. The shrink element comes into play a lot during boss battles also, where standard forest creatures will become huge bosses, and other enemies require Link to literally crawl inside to do some damage as well. It's an idea so well conceived that I'd love to see it worked in the series' 3D design somewhere down the line.
And Number 1...
Ability to Master any Instrument- Every Game
It just amazes me that a teenager can practically pick up any instrument and be a absolute boss at it in a couple minutes. From playing a Recorder to open secret entrances to plucking a Harp in perfect harmony with Fi's voice, there isn't one game that Link doesn't play some kind of instrument. Each one has some kind of usefulness to aid Link on his journey, whether it be guiding the wind or rewinding time. In my opinion, his sheer musical talent makes up for his lack of dialog and his mute personality.
What is you favorite ability of Link in the Zelda series? Comment below and thanks for reading!
