Analysis of Link's sword technique

For a while I've been thinking how good of a swordsman is Link really so I gave it some thought.First let's start with the 2-d games.

What link has done in the 2d games is stab,slash,whirling blade technique(for all those who have an ALttp manual),defend,move.These have been Link's standard moves for the past 18 years,and it's all he's done except in Zelda II where he had the downthrust and upthrust techniques(I liked Zelda II incase your wondering).Link's gone along way with barely any real technique(Till TMC but I don't own that yet so I can't comment.Yes I do know Link actually has real technique on there.)Fortunatly when 3-d happened and his technique got alot better.

Link's first 3-d fortray Ocarina of Time.Here Link got his 3nd dimension(thats depth for those who don't know).Link was able to slash in three different directions,stab,defend and dodge.Also on his third slash he does a special cut which magicly repeatedly strikes in one slash.Also he now has his spin attack which is a magical sword technique that produces a powerful flaming wave.These moves are quite formitabe when dealing with monsters and have been all he really but it's still not much of a technique.Next Link for once got some training in The Wind Waker.Here Link showed much talent and skill with the different special cuts that could be mixed in a variant of combos.Link also got his Hurricane blade attack which unfortunately isn't much use against the stronger monsters.Link also gain his ability to counterattack.This his current biggest advantage and very cool(hope it's in LoZ05).Does WW validate Link technique and ability?Not completely but it shows potential and how far he's gotten.Alas if this was that last game Link would need some serious training but there is one last light the game which shows his true skill:Soul Calibur II

Though some people may say otherwise I don't.This showed us what Link is: A very unorthodox swordsman(not sure if thats the right word).His technique on here was amazing.It really showed his prowless as a swordsman showing his technique on which he'd use all of his arrows,boomerang,and bombs in unison with his sword and shield.It incorperated everyone of Link's moves from all the games,His illusion stab(SSB),sword plant and rocket stab(Zelda II),mix of the whirling blade and spin attack(just called spin attack on there),his wall jump(SSBM),and his various dodges and rolls.Link's technique is amazing from running up an opponent,summersalted,and slashed to jumping on there shoulders,smacking their butts with his sword then throwing them.Link's technique is self-taught(mostly) and it shows.

Why type all this? Why bother?Because I'm bored and had a thought.I've typed it before and I'll type it again Link is a phenominal unorthodox swordsman who has one really cool technique

P.S.Don't bother mention Link being left-handed because thats just a matter of choice.Not really on Technique.

I'd say it's quite obvious he's good. I mean you kind of have to be to defeat ganon.

well, 18 years of training, i think anyone would be a master.

Originally Posted by ZM88

P.S.Don't bother mention Link being left-handed because thats just a matter of choice.Not really on Technique.

Lefties are the most feared among swordsmen. It has to do with lefties making up a mere 7% of the pop. and an even smaller percentage of that 7% actually knowing how to use a blade. Thus, you have an opponent that a righty would have an automatic disadvantage against because he had never trained against a lefty.

Why not mention his left-handedness when that's what gives him the edge?

YES! It all has to do with the left hand. Attacks will be slightly varied, and if fighting a righty, just think about. It'd be hard to block, because it's the same side!! (You know, like when you're facing somebody their left is your right?)

I think. Or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about??

But he's a great swordsman. DUH! Why would they have a series of games starring him (And Zellie) if he was a bad one??

In zelda 05' Link become even more unorthodox, He attacks a stalfoes with his sheild.

well, 18 years of training, i think anyone would be a master.

That's true, but none of the Links gets ANY training at all before they set out on their quests. Besides, if any of the Link got 18 years of training he'd be, maybe, 28 years when he starts his quest.

Lefties are the most feared among swordsmen. It has to do with lefties making up a mere 7% of the pop. and an even smaller percentage of that 7% actually knowing how to use a blade. Thus, you have an opponent that a righty would have an automatic disadvantage against because he had never trained against a lefty.

That's one of the reasons I LOVE to be a lefty! Just a pity Ganon is ambidextrous. Might not be that much of an advantage on him.

Originally Posted by Thunderbird

That's true, but none of the Links gets ANY training at all before they set out on their quests. Besides, if any of the Link got 18 years of training he'd be, maybe, 28 years when he starts his quest.

He's born to live by the sword and destroy evil. Literally. That's all he's good for (at least it's a great role).

Originally Posted by Thunderbird

That's one of the reasons I LOVE to be a lefty! Just a pity Ganon is ambidextrous. Might not be that much of an advantage on him.

Is he really? Where did you get that from?

And I always thought that "elves" were best with bows. then again,hylians only look like elves.......

Maybe it doesn't particularly pertain to the actual fighting in the Zelda games, but Link has some pretty wicked moves in Super Smash Bros., and especially in Soul Calibur. I heard (and this could definately be wrong) that everything he can do in SSB he will be able to do in the new game.

I'd have to say that would be totally awesome.

As for how he's so good and such as it is. I'd definately say being a lefty gives him an edge. I'm left handed and have done some sword stuff. Usually I fight right handed because for some reason I'm right dominant, but still I can use my left, and when you do that it seriously screws people up because its not what they're used to. They had to block on the same side that they're attacking, and that can be quite difficult.

They had to block on the same side that they're attacking, and that can be quite difficult.

Yes, yes. This is what I thought. Yay! I wasn't wrong!!

Originally Posted by I Love Link

Yes, yes. This is what I thought. Yay! I wasn't wrong!!

Yup, things just dont' work the same. My friend choreagraphed an entire fight scene for a play on the assumption that they were both right handed. When he found out one of them was a left they entire thing had to be altered because its just not the same. I'd say that was Link's secret sneaky skill for sure. hah.

Is he really? Where did you get that from?

In ALttP he wields the Trident with his left hand. In OoT he blasts the energy balls at Link with his left hand. In the Spaceworld 2000 trailer he holds the sword with his right hand. In TWW the Triforce appears on BOTH hands. First, when he discovers Tetra's true identity, it appears on his right hand. Later, when he reunites the Triforce, it comes out of his left hand. And then there's the fact that he fights with two swords, which is easier if you're ambidextrous.

And it all seems to be more than just a coincidence. If you look from the perspective of the Triforce, than the ToC is to the left and the ToW to the right. Link's a lefty, Zelda's a righty and Ganon's ambidextrous, as his Triforce kinda is in the middle. :cool:

Originally Posted by Thunderbird

In ALttP he wields the Trident with his left hand. In OoT he blasts the energy balls at Link with his left hand. In the Spaceworld 2000 trailer he holds the sword with his right hand. In TWW the Triforce appears on BOTH hands. First, when he discovers Tetra's true identity, it appears on his right hand. Later, when he reunites the Triforce, it comes out of his left hand. And then there's the fact that he fights with two swords, which is easier if you're ambidextrous.

And it all seems to be more than just a coincidence. If you look from the perspective of the Triforce, than the ToC is to the left and the ToW to the right. Link's a lefty, Zelda's a righty and Ganon's ambidextrous, as his Triforce kinda is in the middle. :cool:

Actually, the ToC is on the right and the ToW is on the left. I do believe Ganon is ambidexterous now, though. Many thanks for the insight.