Link needs a pet, not a sidekick.

Perhaps I have been playing a little too much Fable II, which is something I can admit to. However, I've been contemplating this for a while, and I believe that instead of a sidekick like Navi or Midna, Link should have a dog.

Now, what can this dog be used for? The first thing that comes to mind is combat support. Instead of having to take on every enemy on your own, you can command your dog to fight alongside you. This would help with those monotonous fights while still keeping things fun.

But why stop there? A dog could even be useful in puzzle solving. By ordering your dog to to to certain places or to stay, you can do a ton of things, such as keeping weight on those oh-so-annoying pressure switches. You know it would be helpful.

There's also the companionship offered by a dog. I'm not sure about you, but if I were Link, running through these dark, dank dungeons all by my lonesome would take a toll on my state of mind. A dog offers companionship in these situations, a lone ray of familiarity and love in a black void of uncertainty. I don't know about you, but I would love that if I were in that position.

In short, dogs rule. Now, what are your thoughts on this? Does Link need a dog at his side? Would it be interesting? How would you like puzzles that rely on interaction between you and the dog?

Yes! That'd be fun.
He can carry Link's lantern, or you can play fetch with the boomerang.

Actually, I never considered that. Good idea, Link the Mini.

What about a wolf?

I never liked Link having a side-kick anyway. I would rather he speak then he wouldn't need one.

Dog: "Whooffftch houfft!"
Dog: "Woof! Hwhey, hwhiffen!"

Originally Posted by BowieZ

What about a wolf?

Wolves aren't exactly, you know, domesticated. Dogs are much more docile and obedient. That and wolves are the most overdone pet in gaming history.

If you're going to blatantly rip off Fable II, you could at least try a different kind of animal.
Maybe a monkey.

Originally Posted by Mandrag

If you're going to blatantly rip off Fable II, you could at least try a different kind of animal.
Maybe a monkey.

Or a hawk.

Originally Posted by The Great Panda

Link needs a slave, not a pet.

Fixed. Seriously though, the pet idea sounds pretty cool. It's just that he shouldn't be very social. It should just be some kind of help in dungeons, and not Links best friend. If you want a best friend than go watch "Marley and Me".

If Link gets a pet, it should probably be an animal from the game. Maybe a domesticated version of an enemy you encounter later?

Originally Posted by Red

If Link gets a pet, it should probably be an animal from the game. Maybe a domesticated version of an enemy you encounter later?

A dodongo!

So Kevin, you took the last slice of pizza for lunch on Friday, and I went the entire weekend without the delicious taste of cheese and pepperoni...

YOU MUST PERISH! (Fire breath)

Oh man, a dodongo would rule. You can't help but look cool when you're being followed around by a fire breathing dinosaur. The combat would be a lot easier, too.

Best pet ever? I think so. So do you.

EDIT:

Boss fights would be as easy as sitting back grabbing an ice cold lemonade and watching your bear destroy.

I did like the aid the Good Bee gave in ALttP, so I really wouldn't reject the idea of Link having a pet that could fight along side him. What made the bee different to Dimitry is the fact that it was sorta co-op fighting. For a dog to join in the fray, I can imagine how scenery and setting of mood could change. Link always has courage, but animals sometimes doesn't. Imagine a situation where Link & Dog are in a dungeon and they see two red glowing eyes in the distance. The dog hunkers down, his hair starts standing on end and he begins to growl. The red eyes start to approach and with each step, the roof starts to shake. Now Link & Dog are starting to realize just how big this mysterious creature is. Dog begins to whine, but quickly shakes off all of it's nervousness and charges into the darkness without any second thought. We hear a hit and the dog yelp. Dog is sent flying back to the main corridor, the moster is finally shown in the light, while a huge metal gate slams behind him.

This would be an example of showing how terrifying a mini-boss can be during a cutscene. Ok, sure my idea doesn't show how the dog could be used during a mini-boss, but it would show how terrifying the boss could be, and a little bit of vengance on Link's side.

-BGS

I wouldn't want to see a dog follow me around the whole game. If you could call him when you need him that might work out.

But unlike Midna and the fairies, a dog couldn't just be put away after use.

To tell you the truth I rather not have any helper at all, that idea has gotten somewhat old.

yeah... it might be cool to have a dog some of the time.. like in one dungeon. but not all the time.

Originally Posted by Red

If Link gets a pet, it should probably be an animal from the game. Maybe a domesticated version of an enemy you encounter later?

Or they could finally bring back the Keaton. That'd be cool as a side kick, right?

If they have a dog I hope it's not like the one in Fable 2. That badass mother****er was too awesome.

Originally Posted by Mafoofoo

If they have a dog I hope it's not like the one in Fable 2. That badass mother****er was too awesome.

The dog from Fable II for example ended up throwing himself in-front of a freaking bullet. Sure your character ended up getting shot anyway, but that dog tried to save you. That is NOT how the dog in Zelda should be. It should be a cold-ass mother****er who doesn't give a damn about Link, and is only there to help him in obstacles. He should end up glitched and become a pest to the player.