First Appearance: The Legend of Zelda (1986) We have already highlighted the achievements of a character kept in the dark by the overly-celebrated Mario and now here is another. Though by no means as underappreciated as Luigi, Link will ever be regarded as the other creation of Shigeru Miyamoto after the Italian plumber. The Legend of Zeldas hero, Link, has for over 25-years undergone the arduous personal and physical journey of transforming from a child of humble, rural origins to becoming the hero who will eventually vanquish evil in the world. As he travels into distant foreboding lands, ventures deep into perilous dungeons and embarks on epic quests, it is clear that Link is the embodiment of what it is to be a hero. He may not have the bulging neck of Marcus Fenix, the killer-instinct of Kratos or the awesome hair of Sephiroth but Link is still one of the toughest characters in any video game he is but a child who is willing to risk everything by adventuring out into an unforgiving land to promote good in the world. Inspired by the childhood memories of creator Miyamoto as he explored the countryside surrounding Kyoto, Link is not only incredibly tough but is without doubt one of the best loved heroes in gaming.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
