The Roll Attack: what IS that?

When it comes to the roll attack, I'm just confused. I understand that Link needs an unarmed attack, and also it often makes getting around a lot faster. But to be honest with you, it looks like he's constantly tripping over his own feet, plus the little "yip!" noises can be a little awkward-sounding.

Is the roll attack founded in any martial art style?
Can't we think of a better way to envision unarmed combat for our young hero?
How could you possibly roll up stairs? (Thank you to tWW for correcting that)

Um, it's a game, and last time I checked in order for a game fighting move to be made all you need is creativity, no martial arts style or studying. It's just Link's thing, he rolls, and they haven't changed that, helps with the nostalgia and such. I see nothing wrong with it, it's fine.

The roll technique is not an attack really, it is a dodging manouvre...it is purely for defence. If it was an attack you would be able to defeat your enemies in Zelda.

And to answer the martial arts question it is an actual manouvre...it is part of break falling, the art of falling. I think it is in taikwondo but I am not certain about that so dont quote me on that, but I have been learning the technique so I know that much.

Don't forget you can roll into some stuff and break it. But yeah aside from that I agree it's a pretty useless move.

Oh and sometimes it can be used to roll under tight spots.

well the roll attack has been proven to be useless apart from when it comes to smashing boxes, but on death mountain on OOT it has saved my ass many times from being crushed by falling boulders!!! but i hope it becomes a proper attack and does SOME damge to enemies!lets hope it does.

It is essetial in WW, to knock the chu-chus off deku tree's face, and in Dragon roost, there are enemies on shelves that fall when you roll under them. It HAS to be used in WW.

Yeah, I agree with it not meaning to be and actual attack as it is an evasion technique. I never used it as an attack, and I am happy to have to to get around a little faster and to break my falls. Although, they could add a few little extras like... okay, you can use your imagination, I can't think of anything creative to do with a roll other than rolling down a hill...

Originally Posted by TopolinoBoy

How could you possibly roll up stairs? (Thank you to tWW for correcting that)

Honestly, I was rather unhappy about that. I have a habit of rolling, and it's time-consuming to have to stop to recover each time you hit a stair...

It's nothing important, it's just a way to dodge attacks. Also, if you run into an enemy, they get caught off-guard. It's also a very good way to get to places faster, as Baritona said.

i think its an important move...i use it all the time, it speeds you up, helps to dodge, and solves puzzles. plus its fun to do. and besides, it wouldnt be zelda without it

Hello?

HAS ANYONE PLAYED WW? IT'S IMPOSIBLE TO BEAT IT WITHOUT ROLLING!!

GAAA!

actually, in judo they teach speciall ways to roll to dodge and that stuff, and you can attack a wall with it, if that counts

Originally Posted by TopolinoBoy

But to be honest with you, it looks like he's constantly tripping over his own feet, plus the little "yip!" noises can be a little awkward-sounding.

LOL! thats what my Father said when he saw me playing Ocarina of Time

I Use it to Dodge and knock things of of walls in some games. I dont think I've ever used it as an attack

It is a generally Important move, the Roll attack. You can use it to break things and make shelves fall. And in some cases it's the opening to a stronger attack. Remember in the Minish Cap when after you did the Roll attack you could thrust with your Sword. If anyone has ever played Soul Calibur II, you'd see that the Roll attack was an opening to a kicking move, a thrusting move, and a slashing move. The Roll attack is also great for avoiding some enemy attacks.

It is more important in WW but it is still cool , I think. You don't have to use it if you don't want to. It is just there.

i found the roll attack useful against gannon! all i did was roll between his leg's and slash the tail! so withouth the roll attack, i woulda had one helluva tuff time beatin' gannon! just cuz somethin' doesnt do damage, doesnt mean it aint useful!remember that!!!

I never thought there was anything wrong with the rolling thing. It makes dodging easier when running just isn't quite good enough and you don't have the time to use your shield. It made travel a little easier in games like OoT and MM as well.And...it was fun rolling into walls, knocking things off shelves and stuff in tWW. xD Besides, it's almost like a way of showing Link's flexibility in combat, or anywhere, really. He...can't exactly jump on your command without the use of an item or if there's an obstacle in the way, but...rolling the next best thing, I suppose. ^_^

Also...it's a good thing it's not an attack. There's be no point in using a sword if you could bump into enemies until they die. That's too easy. And humiliating for whatever you're fighting. It's sort of like Link turned into some sort of rip-off Sonic the Hedgehog thingy when you think about it. O_o; Well...maybe not... >_>;

I believe they had a good idea in MC, the roll attack can be called an attack now...