Celebrating Zelda's Anniversary /// Music Monday #96

It's time for yet another Music Monday post, and we've got a real special one today! You're about to find out why . . . unless you read the title, in which case you already know.

Our song happens to be none other than the lovely . . .

"Zelda's Lullaby" from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Composed by Koji Kondo

In case you somehow missed it, yesterday (February 21st) was the 35th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. I knew I just had to pick a song to celebrate the occasion, as the franchise is one that I hold very dear to my heart. Seeing as how I've already shared a song from Spirit Tracks, A Link Between Worlds, The Wind Waker HD, and the fan album Zelda Cinematica, I figured it was high time to pick something from Skyward Sword.

Choosing a specific song, however, wasn't nearly as easy. Do I pick "Ballad of the Goddess?" Or maybe the one from the opening story, of which most--if not all--Zelda games have. Perhaps I should just pick one of my favorite world, dungeon, or boss themes as a way to represent what the series is. In the end, I went with the old classic and instantly recognizable "Zelda's Lullaby." Not only is it one of the most iconic video game themes in the world, but it also happens to show up in many titles in the series-- or again, perhaps all of them. It felt like a good track to celebrate the anniversary, and Skyward Sword's rendition is probably the best one.

Usually this is where I talk about the music, but I wanna rather focus a bit more on the games rather than the specific song. (Which is absolutely gorgeous, by the way. Never fails to stir some deep emotion within me.) Nintendo had a direct a few days ago, and in it they announced that Skyward Sword HD is coming to the Switch. My reaction to when they showed the first frame of the trailer, a simple shot of the sky, was basically, "Let's go! Let's FREAKING GO!" I couldn't be happier with the announcement, because that game was made to be brought to the Switch.

As it just so happens, this particular Zelda title is one of my top five favorites (in no particular order, it falls in with Breath of the Wild, A Link Between Worlds, Spirit Tracks, and The Wind Waker HD). I have never and will never understand why people hate it or just can't get behind it. I never had issues with the motion controls, and now that the HD version is coming with an option to use "regular" controls, that really can't be anyone's complaint anymore. The story is solid, and the character development is some of the best in the series. The art style is a unique one and very pleasing to me. And the score! My goodness, the orchestral music alone makes this game a masterpiece. Meanwhile, people praise games like Twilight Princess to high degrees, and I'm just like:

I understand that not every game is made for everyone, because if that were the case, no game would ever receive bad reviews or ratings. Just like Twilight Princess HD was in no way my cup of tea, I understand that that might be the case for some with Skyward Sword. I think the important thing is that you actually give said game a fair shot. I played Twilight Princess all the way through, and because of that, I think my opinion and criticism of the game has merit and are justified. You can critique a game fairly and not just hate on it without giving reasons why--but this is a whole other topic, so let me get back on track.

At the end of the day, if you're a Zelda fan, that's awesome. Whether you prefer Skyward Sword or Twilight Princess, or if you still think that Ocarina of Time or A Link to the Past are still the best games ever, or if you only enjoy the 3D or the 2D titles, or if you think Breath of the Wild is overrated, or if you like getting deep into the Zelda lore or the Linked Universe, or if you just enjoy casually playing the games from time to time or simply enjoy the soundtracks--it doesn't matter. We're all part of the Zelda community, and we have a connection because the franchise means something special to each and every one of us. We should start celebrating our differences and appreciating the fact that we don't all have the same tastes, that there's something for everyone. (Preaching to myself here too, because I can get pretty opinionated.)

As of my writing this, Nintendo has yet to announce any specific way they're celebrating the anniversary. Considering how big the series is, I doubt that they'll just let it pass by. But even if SSHD is the only thing they're doing in honor of the past 35 years, I hope that you'll find some way to celebrate in your own way and show your love for the boy in green who never fails to rouse from his slumber in time of need, companions at his side, to face overwhelming darkness and restore peace to the world.

That's that! Do you enjoy the Zelda franchise in some way? What're some of your favorite games or soundtracks? How did you, or will you, celebrate the 35th anniversary? And also, what'd you think of the song?