Which Zelda Did Capcom Make?
The Legend of Zelda series has undergone numerous developments and collaborations since its inception in the late 1980s. One notable example of collaborative effort is the involvement of Capcom, a renowned game development studio, in crafting some of the most cherished titles in the Zelda saga. But which Zelda did Capcom actually make?
Let’s take a journey back in time to explore Capcom’s involvement in the realm of Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda Oracle Games
Capcom teamed up with Nintendo to work on The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color. These standalone games, although not an official Zelda game, had a strong connection to Ocarina of Time due to the game’s world design, puzzles, and various references to the iconic triad. The games consisted of various characters, and their main goal was to rescue Princess Zelda and their respective lands.
Co-Developed by Vanpool and Flagship Studios
Before we dive in, let’s acknowledge other notable contributions to the franchise. Although not exclusively focused on the Zelda series, Vanpool and Flagship Studios co-developed installments in the series during the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo DS eras. Flagship Studios participated in the development of four Swords, Four Swords Advance, and A Link Between Worlds. Vanpool added their creative touch to Soul of Darkness and The Secret of Evermore.
Let’s go back to our initial question:
Which Zelda did Capcom make?
According to Nintendo history, Capcom co-developed The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap with Nintendo. Here’s the brief rundown for the development of this memorable title:
Table Overview of The Minish Cap Development
| Developer | Release Year | Platforms | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capcom (with Nintendo) | 2004 | GBA | Action-Adventure, Side-scrolling |
Co-developed with Nintendo, Minish Cap marked Capcom’s involvement in the Zelda saga. Although the studio mostly focused on creating action titles, like Resident Evil (Biohazard) in Japan, they took to the role of co-develepment for their first (and last for now) Zelda title
Impact and Legacy on the Series
The Mini Cap showcased the combined innovation and artistic skills of developers from both Nintendo and Capcom. With a focus on exploration and cleverly designed bosses, it stands as the only co-developed mainline Zelda game to have been developed in collaboration
Future Collaborations Between Nintendo and Capcom
Looking to the future, many fans continue to wonder:
- What could have unfolded if Nintendo and Capcom paired up once more to join forces and create another amazing Zelda adventure?
- May we expect new developments along the line, potentially paving the way for fresh in-game storylines, as well as further collaboration betweenthese gaming innovators?