10 Secret Video Game Characters Hiding In Plain Sight

2. Mario - The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

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Nintendo

Since Super Mario and Link are among Nintendo's most celebrated mascots, it's no surprise the two crossed paths long before Super Smash Bros. Despite already featuring in a bazillion games, Mario still finds time to show up in The Legend of Zelda franchise.

Interestingly, Mario's cameos in LoZ often go unnoticed, even though he's rarely well-hidden. In A Link to the Past, many houses in Kakariko Village contain a portrait of the Italian handyman. In Majora's Mask, Link can spot Mario's moustachioed mug on The Happy Mask Saleman's backpack. Link's Awakening is the most brazen with these Easter eggs, since it's crammed with many Mario characters, including Thwomps, Goombas, Piranha Plants, and Bloopers.

Even though Ocarina of Time was one of Nintendo's most daunting projects, the developers still found time to insert the Mario cast. every chance they got. Not only is Talon clearly modelled on pipe-travelling plumber, he and his daughter wear matching Bowser brooches. 

When Link encounters Zelda for the first time, Nintendo couldn't help throwing in yet another cameo. If Link looks through the window to Zelda's right, he'll see paintings of Bowser, Yoshi, Princess Peach, and of course, Super Mario.

Man, that guy is in everything.

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows