Mirren's Manuscripts- Age of the Foes

Alright, this is merely for fun, and I had a ton of it while writing this. A while back, I applied for a spot as a Behind the Rupees writer, and I started on this project as an example of my writing. I didn't get the job, but I decided to keep this going, and make it a full article. Anyways, it's all explained in there, and hell, you may get more from me one day! Enjoy!






Age of the Foes


Evolution is a mystery…
Slow change and no ones sees…

These two lines from the song “Evolution” by Motorhead I feel fit perfectly with this article. Obviously, it is about some kind of Evolution in the Zelda series. But what might you ask? Well, I thought over it, and it came to me that if there’s one thing that makes the Legend of Zelda video games so unique or interesting, it’s the masses of amazing enemies you have to fight. There’s the famous Moblins, Stalfos, Lizalfos and of course the massive Iron Knuckles, and loads more. Over the course of nearly 17 years, the Zelda series has almost ‘edited’ these species of enemies for our green-garbed Hero, making them more intriguing and slightly different for each game.

The most notable changes in versions, is probably the classes of enemies in Ocarina of Time, and the Windwaker. Both games sport many of the same type of grunt-like foes for Link, but Windwaker brought out drastic changes in a few. This goes in power, look and even attack style sometimes. In the timeline, Windwaker is for sure after Ocarina of Time by many decades, so going from the Zelda-epic of Nintendo 64 to the Zelda-epic of Gamecube so far, the enemies went through evolution. Why might this have been done? Was it a good thing, or a bad thing? And most of all; which version is the superior?


The first genus of monsters I shall judge will be the Moblins. This is how my process will go; I will first go over the strengths and weaknesses of the Ocarina of Time species, and then the same with the Windwaker species. After I have done that, I will reveal my thoughts on who is the stronger, and of course why. Then after that, I will attempt to explain if the evolution was a good or bad thing for that species.


Moblins-

Ocarina of Time- These Moblins are quite deadly beasts, and have great size, towering over the full grown Link. One thing that makes them so deadly are their charges. These things can move at unbelievable speeds, in the process goring enemies with their spears. Even more, their armor is very tough, and during a charge they seem impossible to slow down.

Though, their fortitude is very pathetic. In some places they have no armor at all, revealing unprotected skin that is susceptible to almost any type of damage. All it takes to bring these monsters down are one arrow, one shot of a hookshot, or one bomb. This is their biggest disadvantage


Windwaker- On the other side, the Windwaker Moblins can take loads of punishment. Even while probably half the size of the Ocarina of Time Moblins; these versions can take numerous sword hits, bomb explosions and even arrow shots. They also seem to be better suited for close-combat, being able to devastate enemies with single swipes of their spears, and also have great arm strength. One punch from these guys was able to send Link flying backwards at least fifteen feet, and at that rather smaller size for them. If the Moblins were bigger, they could probably punch one of the Ocarina of Time Moblins that far.

Another thing that makes them so impressive is their agility and stamina. Soon after being downed by a bit, these guys will jump back up; literally. This is where their litheness comes into play, they are the only Moblins in the Zelda world that have been down to be able to do the move known as the ‘kip up’ or ‘nip up’, where you bend back on your arms while laying down, and then propelling yourself up from them. If you are familiar with the Rock, or WWE wrestling, you’ll know what I’m talking about. This also is another great example of their amazing arm strength. The only real weakness for them is that they sometimes are a bit too astounded when their enemy trumps them for a moment, freezing in belief and warping their facial expressions. That, and sometimes they are a bit passive, choosing to be slower in attacking and not very much relentless.


The Stronger- When it comes to Moblins, I think it’s safe to the say the Windwaker Moblins are the stronger breed. Ocarina of Time’s may be fiercer, but their lack of agility and endurance for pain puts them on a weaker level of power. The Windwaker Moblins’ superior hand-to-hand skills, dexterity and fortitude make them the mightier of the two game versions.


The Evolution Breakdown- With the Moblins, the new changes was certainly a great thing for that race of monsters. In the new age of the Windwaker, these beasts were far better-combatants than the old age of Moblins. Over time their fortitude increased at least tenfold, their hand-to-hand skills seemed to improve, and they gained much agility and extreme arm-strength for their smaller size. Time certainly gave a great gift to this race of enemies.


Stalfos-

Ocarina of Time- In the very first age of the Zelda-game timeline, the Stalfos were very dangerous enemies for Link. Coming usually in pairs, they would attack savagely in tandem, unless Link would focus mainly on one, and the other would stand back, an obvious show of honor in these undead warriors.

One thing that made these monsters so fearsome was their great defense. Up front, they were nearly impossible to damage. The large shields they had already covered up a good portion of their body, and then add to that they could move it wherever to stop the attack. They almost refused to have their backsides ever facing Link, making sure to stare him dead in the eye as many times they’d circle around him. The only time they’d have their backs facing him is the instant they landed off a jumping-slash that Link may’ve dodged, but again, that only for at the most two seconds. Though, often times Link could damage them like that, but once more, another great thing of their defense was their fortitude. It would take five hits of the Master Sword to take one of these guys out, and pretty much only the Master Sword could hurt these guys. Arrows were always dodged or blocked, Din’s Fire could not sear their might bones, and even the Megaton Hammer proved too slow for the agile skeletal warriors.

While their defense is easily the better attribute, their strength and skill for battle is nothing to scoff at. Being able to jump amazing distances and at great heights, these enemies can perform terrible attacks, or even take you off-guard and befuddle their opponent for a second. Their jagged blades do great damage too in mere single swipes, a good flurry easily able to take down even the Hero of Time.

The only real weakness they have is that they are, like quite a few Zelda enemies, very passive at times. Sure once in a while they’ll be sending hails of slashes at you, but the majority of the time in battle, they’ll just circle you and try to nail you with one strong blow, and if they miss just repeat the process. If they chose to be persistent in attack, they might just possibly be unstoppable.


Windwaker- These versions are almost completely different from the original versions, in both battle-style and look. The Stalfos here are still deadly enemies, unable to be damaged while fully intact. They wield mighty clubs, weapons that do massive damage upon striking an enemy. The deadliest thing about these skeletons is their special attack; a spin cycle using their club. This attack will send an enemy flying, and does great amounts of damage, but the worst thing about it is that up close, it’s almost impossible to stop.

And that is sadly the only positive things in comparison to the Ocarina of Time species. As I said before, they are invulnerable when fully intact…but unfortunately, it only takes a few sword swipes to break them down, and put them at a huge disadvantage. The only ‘alive’ part is their heads, which cannot do any damage, and cannot even defend itself, giving you the perfect chance to pummel them. Even more, all it takes to blow them apart is one bomb.

Another horrible weakness for them is the lack of defense, unlike the Ocarina of Time Stalfos. They wear no armor at all, and can be damaged easily by a sword even up front. Oddly, they don’t choose to block attacks, and can easily be damaged even more from their sides and back. Sure, when they cannot be actually ‘hurt’ when they’re altogether, but being able easy it is to destroy them, even with just a bomb, it doesn’t make a difference. They are also incredibly slow, moving inch by inch and almost letting an enemy batter them. Really, the only other good thing for them is that they can take a couple more hits than the Ocarina of Time forms.


The Stronger- Again, I believe it’s obvious. The Ocarina of Time Stalfos are surely the superior of the two forms. With better defense beyond belief, a better attack style, and better speed and agility, the first age of Stalfos are the more powerful.


Evolution Breakdown- The evolution of Stalfos was an obviously bad thing. The significant change was in their defensive attributes, and their combat style. The Stalfos went from almost impregnable juggernauts who could slaughter a seasoned warrior with brutal ferocity to wide-open targets for attack who are slow, and have almost no fighting skill whatsoever. Also it seemed the intelligence decreased greatly, if reborn skeletons can ever have intellect. The Ocarina of Time versions were crafty, focused on blocking and attacking in deadly styles, and circling enemies to make sure they stayed with them for battle and not to be taken off-guard. Windwaker Stalfos basically let you destroy them, and don’t even seem to make an effort to try and come at you viciously and slaughter you, the only crafty thing about them was if they lost their club, they’d use an arm to attack you with. All and in all, from Ocarina of Time to Windwaker, the genus of Stalfos had a major decline.


Redeads-

Ocarina of Time- The Redeads made their first appearance in this particular Zelda game, and what a first-impression they had. Moving slowly, hunched over, moaning aloud mindlessly, and unleashing a shrill scream when their eyes locked with Link’s, and froze him right in place. They when they’d come to you, they latch upon your body, and suck your bodily fluids and energy from you…

These creatures were deadly enemies, almost impossible to damage from far away. And then getting close was a dangerous thing, for they could petrify you with one simple glance. But if you managed to get up close without being frozen, you were in the clear. Four sword strikes would take them down, and during your flurry they’d never bother to try and defend themselves. To say the least, they had no actual weaknesses or negatives attributes, other than what I had just stated, though when compared to the Windwaker style, their faults are very much revealed.


Windwaker- These guys are very much the same, except for a few minor details. Unlike their Ocarina of Time ancestors, the Redeads in the Windwaker can actually be hurt and killed by bombs, and while unaffected by any type of fire attack (unlike the Ocarina of Time versions, which could be destroyed by Din’s Fire), they could be killed by one Light Arrow, though, the Windwaker version of that weapon was obviously stronger than the Ocarina of Time one.

As far as resistance to the Master Sword goes, they’re the same; four hits each will take them down. But, the Windwaker versions have a better Death Glare, as I call it. The Ocarina of Time versions may be able to freeze Link without completely looking at him, unlike the Windwaker species, the Windwaker Redeads held him for a much longer time. Almost always, I was frozen for five seconds. In Ocarina of Time, the maximum was four seconds, and often it would only be two or three.


The Stronger- Indeed this one is a bit harder to choose than the others, but I had to go with the Windwaker group being the better. While being more susceptible to a greater amount of attacks, the fact that they can hold Link longer in their paralyzing gaze seems to be the superior tactic. After all, what’s the worth of a slightly better defense when your enemy can get to you and damage you quite easily?


Evolution Breakdown- In this species, the passing of time was only a minor gift. The Redeads ended up losing some of their great fortitude, but attained a longer-lasting Death Glare. All in all, compared to the other races of Zelda enemies, the evolution of Redeads was nothing special or interesting.


Ghoma-

Ocarina of Time- The first boss of the N64 Adventure was a new form of an old Zelda enemy, this time no longer a crab-like beast, but more of a mutated arachnid. Towering over the young Link, it surely had the opportunity to be a powerful beast…

But alas, it was not. While it did have strong attacks, N64 Ghoma poorly implemented them, and were not at the best they could be. She certainly had a strong slamming attack with her many claws, but she took quite a few seconds to prepare for it, and like many Zelda enemies was not very vicious whatsoever. Her most special technique, being able to spawn trios of Ghoma Larva eggs, would be a big threat, had she’d not leave herself completely wide-open to attack during the slightly lengthy birth, and that the eggs took several seconds to hatch, leaving them wide open to be eradicated.

Ghoma’s worst weakness though was her defense. While her eye was the only real spot to attack, she constantly left it open, a one mere Deku Nut or Deku Seed to it would immobilize her, and allow Link to tear her apart.


Windwaker- While the first boss of the game, the Windwaker Ghoma was a beast. This creature had now evolved from the arachnid creature, to the gigantic centipede that was the Magtails. This monster had easily some of the most amazing defense as an enemy in the series. It could within a huge pool of burning lava like it was a hot-tub, when had its exoskeleton on or not. The armor plating on its body was also incredibly strong, needing a massive chunk of stone to crash down onto it full force three times to finally shatter it, and during its armored phase, its eye could not be hurt at all, unlike the Ocarina of Time Ghoma. While still a bit calm in battle as far as ferocity does, it was far more brutal than its ancestor, and now gained a powerful projectile weapon; a magma spray. When using it, Ghoma was quite clever, trapping Link between two huge claws and then nailing him with the lava. Strong was it too, being able to lift up the giant mass of stone over and over even when being crushed by it.

Really, the only other downfall to it was that when it didn’t have its armor on, it was extremely easy to catch its eye and wound it, but, getting to that state in the battle would’ve been impossible if there was a well-placed Dragon Tail on the ceiling.


The Stronger- Again, obvious. The Windwaker Ghoma was far superior to the Ocarina of Time version in all aspects- intelligence, strength, defense, fighting skill, and weaponry.


Evolution Breakdown- There’s no denying it, Evolution to the Ghoma species was an incredible gift. Going from an easily hurt and weak monster to such a mammoth that would be unstoppable under the right circumstances is something was a great thing. The genus of Ghoma attained new powers, more fortitude, and a great increase in tactical-intelligence. But unfortunately, as the ages would go on in the Zelda world, Ghoma would change into a crab-like monster *the one in the Legend of Zelda and Oracle of Seasons*, this one either weaker than the Ocarina of Time version, or just slightly stronger. It is a true shame that time made a pathetic beast turn into a King of Monsters for one age, and then revamp it into another inferior giant.


Iron Knuckles vs. Darknuts

Ocarina of Time Iron Knuckles- This one will be fun. As you know, in the first Zelda game for the N64, we had a whole new look for Iron Knuckles, and could now see them in 3D. Powerful enemies, they often proved to be quite the challenge for Link. These walking suits of metal had incredible strength, being able to shatter entire pillars of rock with one swipe of their battle axes, and taking away four hearts of our hero as they sent him flying away in the attack. These enemies were incredibly hard to hurt though, with a suit of armor tougher than anything ever seen, no attack could faze them or slow them down as bit by bit Link would weaken their defenses. If he wished to keep his life, Link would be forced to perform hit and run attacks, striking them once and retreating to avoid their axe, as no attack he could use would hinder their movement and retaliation.

As one may expect, being so heavy, they were very slow. Moving step by step only, Link could run circles around them with ease. And being so slow, he could simply stand back and hurl bombs or Bombchus as they leisurely made their way at him. Of course though, once they’d lose their armor, they were quite fast on their feet…but sadly, would also now be stopped dead in their tracks by another attack.


Windwaker Darknuts- At times I felt sorry for Link. Twelve or thirteen years old, a bit of a shrimp, having to fight these huge knights with swords bigger than a Moblin. Darknuts were truly formidable foes, wielding these massive blades and swinging them like a play-toy. Their suits of armor impenetrable, Link would have to roll to their backsides, and slice off the straps to strip them of their defenses. When in this state, they were easily hurt, and could never fight back against an assault. Even worse, they did little damage, even with the great swords, only dealing a half a heart or so to Link with each blow.

But, on the plus side, these guys excelled in an area an Iron Knuckle was never quite good at no matter what; dexterity. Darknuts could perform the kip-up alongside the Moblins, and were able to jump great distances, of course this was all without their armor. Even more, they had superior skills to the Ocarina of Time Iron Knuckles. When losing their weapon, they could quickly fetch another, even another enemy’s, and use it quite well. They’d even go so far to fight with their bare-fists if they needed!


The Stronger- Yes, I know, this one’s the toughest, and it’s why I’ve saved it for last. But after actually a couple days of contemplation, I came to the conclusion that the Ocarina of Time Iron Knuckles are the better warriors. The Darknuts may have agility and greater fighting styles on their side, but sadly, their far weaker defense, weaker fortitude, and almost pathetic damage-dealing make them inferior to the Iron Knuckles, who give out huge dishes of pain with each swipe of their axe.


Evolution Breakdown- Time was a good and bad thing for the armored warriors of the Zelda world. With the Iron Knuckles, we started with slow, but almost impregnable enemies with amazing strength. With the Darknuts, we had fighters who did not excel in those areas, but made up for where the Iron Knuckles once failed; speed, and clever tactics. It’s hard to say which is better, you may find my decision to be ‘wrong’ and think the Darknuts are better. I would understand, I at first was going to say a draw between them. Really, while Evolution pretty much brought about a whole new species of metal warriors, the danger of them remained pretty much the same.


This was certainly a blast writing this, I can tell you that. Hopefully I can do one again someday, and I think I will possibly with the coming of the new Zelda 2005 game. Evolution in my eyes never ends, and I feel the same with the enemies of the Legend of Zelda series. So long as time passes, there will be changes, both good and bad ones, and I’ll be sure to write about them all for you.

-Mirren





Any feedback is welcome

VERRRY well done. I paid absolutely no attention to the differences when I played the games now I know. Bravo. Keep em coming.

Nice one mate. Good and in depth what i like to see.

That was good. Though I think that the iron knuckles and darknuts are completely different enemies. AOL had both iron knuckles and dark nuts and the iron knuckles were clearly stronger enemies.

That was very good. And you should do more of this, not just with significant enemies, but all of them. I mean, you don't have to compare only OoT an tWW do you?

EDIT: and yes, Iron Knuckles are different from Darknuts but what else did he have to compare them with? lol

The Deku Baba's and Chu Chu's are still up for deciphering, very nice job mirren, quite the read.

Well that was interesting. Good stuff was interesting all the way through