GameCube
Mar 18, 2004
Jun 7, 2004
Jan 7, 2005
Apr 7, 2005

United States: E (ESRB)

Japan: A (CERO)

Europe: 3+ (PEGI)

Australia: G8+ (ACB)

Plot

(Spoiler Warning)
The story begins with the land of Hyrule being in a state of fear due to strange happenings that have been taking place in recent days. On a stormy night, Princess Zelda and the shrine maidens fear that the reason for these events is that Vaati’s seal is weakening. She calls on Link and brings him to the castle so he can protect her and the other maidens while they open the portal to the Four Sword Sanctuary. When they do, a dark figure appears from the portal. This figure was Shadow Link, who then kidnapped the shrine maidens and sealed them in crystals. Link follows Shadow Link to the sanctuary where he retrieves the Four Sword to destroy Shadow Link. When he does, Vaati is once again released and wreaks havoc on the once peaceful kingdom.

As the game continues, Link learns that the creation of his evil counterpart (Shadow Link) and the release of Vaati is only a small part in an insidious plot to take control of Hyrule. Things get complicated as the dimension of the Dark World appears and people in Hyrule are being abducted. Link learns that not only have the Knights of Hyrule mysteriously disappeared, but evil versions of them have been creating havoc, the castle has been taken over and monsters have been appearing everywhere.

It’s revealed later on in the game that the actual villain is Ganon, King of Darkness. He stole a powerful Trident and used it to take control of parts of Hyrule. He stole the Dark Mirror and used it to create Shadow Link and sent him to kidnap the shrine maidens and trick Link into releasing Vaati. Ganon wanted to gain control of as much power as he possible can and build up an army. He wants to take control of the shrine maidens’ power as well as abducting people and sending them into the Dark World so they would become part of his army. Vaati, unknowingly, furthered his plans by creating monsters to add to his army. It was also revealed Ganon murdered the knights of Hyrule and their souls were trapped in the Dark World where they became creatures of Darkness. Link eventually saves the shrine maidens, retrieves the Dark Mirror, destroys Shadow Link and Vaati, and faces Ganon in the ultimate showdown. Link defeats Ganon and seals him securely in the Four Sword and returning peace to Hyrule.

Trailer

Commercial (US)

Descendant
The Minish Cap

Ancestor
The Wind Waker