This page is a history of Link, the main character of the game series The Legend of Zelda. Over the years, Link has changed during the course of many games, and the advancement of technology.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so let's take a trip from Link's beginnings to present-day Link, showing what he's looked like in each Zelda game Nintendo has given us. For each game, there is a picture of Link from the game manual, and a picture of Link from the game itself. Most of them are thumbnails, so click for a larger picture.
The Legend of Zelda
In his first game, he's already the Link we know--young, tough, and handy with a sword or his item of choice.
Zelda 2: Link's Adventure
In his second game, we see Link in his taller, older look for the first time.
A Link to the Past
In the third game, Link is still tall and tough in the art, but he's stocky and pixelly in the game once again.
Link's Awakening
In his first portable game, Link looks pretty close to his last game in the art and game. This is the first game with cutscene art in it (right picture).
Ocarina of Time
In 3D for the first time, Link shows up as both his selves in one game, looking closer than ever to the artwork in his game manuals.
Majora's Mask
Link shows up looking the same as last time in this one...until he puts on a mask!
Oracle of Seasons/Ages
On the Game Boy again--this time in color--Link's game manual art this time is sort of an "in-between ages" look...he's young but tall and agile-looking. In-game he's still square little Game Boy Link, except in cutscenes once again.
Zelda Gamecube Spaceworld 2000 footage
Here's the bad-ass Link we were shown at Spaceworld 2000. He ended up getting replaced before the next Zelda game (below), but he showed up in Super Smash Bros. Melee (right picture) and later on in Soul Calibur 2.
Wind Waker
This drastic re-design of Link caused a lot of fuss when it was revealed at Spaceworld 2001. A lot of people didn't like this art style (myself included), although the cell-shading itself is not a bad choice for the Zelda series, because of the excellent cartoon-style art that has always been in the game manuals.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
This is the next Zelda game, due out in 2005. As you can see, Link's look has returned to the adult look of part of Ocarina of Time, and the game world, monsters, etc are very detailed and realistic-looking.
Here are a couple of wallpapers, because I couldn't resist. For people who don't like the Wind Waker look for Link, they say it all.
And lastly, my favorite, Young Link from Super Smash Bros. Melee. I love this look for Link. In my opinion, it's the perfect balance between every style he's been represented in during the course of his many games.
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