Incredible Zelda Moments (spoilers, obviously)

[Aussie Ben]

This thread got me thinking: there's been some really awesome moments in the Zelda games - whether through storytelling or puzzle revelation. It's probably best if you've played through the Zelda games (as undoubtedly, this thread will be spoilerriffic) but I'll hide my thoughts in spoiler tags to keep you virgins safe and enjoy the moments I'm gushing about for yourself:

Link's Awakening:

Entering the South Face Shrine, defeating the boss, and lighting the torches to read the hidden plaque, which reveals that the island of Koholint is nothing but a dream, and that if you wake the Wind Fish, everything will simply disappear. In the words of the game, "much like a bubble on a needle". Oh man, I'm still getting goosebumps from that.

Oracle of Ages:

After just defeating Veran, and saving Nayru at the top of the tower, it goes quiet for a second. And then, without warning, Veran darts in and tries to possess Link, who jumps out of the way JUST in time. What a fucking cool moment. Especially considering that it's done so well even with chunky looking four colour sprites. Incredible.

Ocarina of Time:

Travelling forward in time for the first time, along with the big reveal of what has happened to Hyrule under Ganon's command. Hyrule Castle Town is in ruins, and ReDeads roam the street.

Majora's Mask:

So many moments, too many to list - but my absolute favourite is the reuniting of Anju and Kafei. Minutes before the end of the world, they reunite, and you get to see it all. Wow. It doesn't get much better than that.

Twilight Princess:

The whole sequence after restoring the Water Sprit back to its rightful self. It was great to see a completely surreal, bizarre hallucination detailing what was done with the Fused Shadows, ending in a billion laughing Ilias falling from the sky while Link has a maniacal look on his face.

Those are the moments that truly stick out in my mind, even today. How about you?

[miffy495]

Well, ok. Here's a couple for games you haven't included.

Link to the Past

The big reveal that the animal inside link is a little bunny rabbit. The big, unstoppable hero is somehow pure enough to be a pink bunny on the inside. Perfect.

Wind Waker

The two obvious ones, really. Seeing cel-shaded Hyrule in all it's glory (and it looks right now like we'll never see it cel-shaded again... ) right as it's being drowned is spectacular, as is watching the castle come to life. Then of course there's the final blow to Ganon. Say what you want about the rest of the game, but when you drive the master sword into the baddie's skull at the end, you feel great.

[n0wak]

Wind Waker

The two obvious ones, really. Seeing cel-shaded Hyrule in all it's glory (and it looks right now like we'll never see it cel-shaded again... ) right as it's being drowned is spectacular, as is watching the castle come to life. Then of course there's the final blow to Ganon. Say what you want about the rest of the game, but when you drive the master sword into the baddie's skull at the end, you feel great.

Totally that last one. I mean, holy shit, this is a game that (idiotically, by some idiots) was dismissed as being too kiddie because of the artistic style (a style that won't get dated anywhere near as soon as TP) and yet

you fucking stab Ganon IN THE FACE with the Master Sword

.

It also helped that they kind of redeemed the Tetra/Zelda character there. Tetra was a great little character until they pincessified her and took all the spunk out of her.

Also:

Link to the Past:

Finding the "Chris Houlihan" room by sheer random luck.

The general intro to the game. Nightime. Quiet, except for the rain. Everything seems dead. You find the hidden way into the castle. Get your sword. And all of a sudden you find yourself in the Castle and the music kicks in. Holy shit. Screw Gears of War or whatever else, THAT was next-gen at the time. It was one of the first SNES games that I played and it was so totally awesome for its day.

[Aussie Ben]

Wow, I'd totally forgotten about that moment at the end of Wind Waker. Yeah, that was some really special stuff.

Tetra was a great little character until they pincessified her and took all the spunk out of her.

Yes, yes, YES! Absolutely. Tetra is awesome, man, what a fantastic character! So glad that SHE is returning in Phantom Hourglass. Although I'm sure that could all change, especially with this extra year dev time.