Character Model Evolution

I <3 technology.

 

Zelda 64 BETA, 1995

No no, too sexy.

The very first 3D model of Link on the N64, created three years before the final version of Ocarina of Time. This character model went through a complete overhaul for the final release, as is quite obvious. Link greatly resembles the "Adventure of Link" design, with his dark brown hair and facial features. The original BETA version was extremely cartoonish, Link's head being twice as big than it need be. Another interesting observation is the fact that Link is right-handed in these screenshots. The jump into realism was a slow process for Nintendo, but at least they waited till they got it right.

 

Ocarina of Time BETA, 1996

Ocarina of Time was begining to become refined; the graphics a huge leap from the original demo shown. Noteable design changes include Link's reddish-brown hair, brown undershirt, lack of gloves and lack of leggings. His sword and shield are very basic; the shield sporting only the Triforce symbol without the emblem of the Royal Family. Later screenshots show the addition of beige leggings, a collar on his undershirt, and gloves. The hilt of Link's sword in the earlier pictures is brown, so it's possible Link didn't acquire the Master Sword until much later.

 

Ocarina of Time, 1998

This is the finalized model of Link, as seen in Ocarina of Time. The design was still hampered by the N64's limited capabilities and so small details (and even quite large details like the strap holding the sword's hilt) were not realized. Even so, Ocarina of Time was hands-down the N64's most gorgeous game, so they did what they could and this is as good as it gets.

 

Super Smash Bros., 1999

A throw-back from the more fleshed out OoT model. The first Smash Bros. game relied mostly on gameplay and less on graphics. Link's model is edgier and more pixelated than his original N64 debut, and I must say he looks a bit anorexic.

 

Majora's Mask, 2000

With the help of the Expansion Pak, young Link's model got a slight graphic enhancement. Though nothing extremely noticeable to my eyes, he does now sport a strap to hold that sword to his back.

 

Super Smash Bros. Melee, 2001

What a difference a year makes. Looks like a 3D version of the Ocarina of Time artwork (for lack of a better description, which would constitute as anything aside from what I said). A big improvement over OoT and especially the first Super Smash Bros. This is Link's first appearance on the GameCube in 128bits. The model is much smoother and shadows and highlights are better blended. For the first time ever, Link has individual fingers and leg muscles...I guess... Hooray!

 

Soul Calibur II, 2003

The epitome of Link's 3D character modeling and perhaps the last update we will see. Much more detailed and textured than SSBM and also more realistic, with the exception of his large, anime-ish eyes. The most noticeable changes include his more natural looking hair and the stitching and texture added to his leggings which makes them appear to be a thicker cloth and not spandex. :x