Who hasn't heard of Zelda? Well, maybe not everyone. However, anyone who is an avid gamer has almost certainly heard about the game.

Throughout the years there have been many different incarnations of Zelda. The first Zelda game I ever played was the Super Nintendo version that was called Zelda: A Link to the Past. It was definitely one of my favorite games, and I believe it's part of the reason why I still play video games to this day.

The individual who first started the Zelda franchise was named Shigeru Miyamoto, and the game was developed during the nineteen eighties in Japan. Shigeru and his team were also the original designers of the Super Mario Brothers franchise.

The basic goal of the Zelda games varies from game to game. Usually, Link has to save someone and defeat some new type of evil that has emerged to destroy the land. Link always carries his trusty sword and shield with him. With time, Link will trade in his sword or upgrade it for a better weapon. The same goes for the shield. Link will also come across other magical trinkets to use on his quest, and they are always an integral part of the game.

Link also meets up with various characters throughout the game. These individuals either try to help Link or destroy him. Link always overcomes the characters who try to bring him down, though. One character that often shows up in the game is princess Zelda. Thus, the name of the game. Zelda always tries to help Link defeat whatever evil plagues the lands of Hyrule. You can always count on Zelda.

The Triforce is also something that is present in all of the games. For those of you who do not know what the Triforce is, it is a god like power that the villains in the game often try to gain control of. Think of it as a key that unlocks the powers of the gods for any mortal who can obtain it. The Triforce is also part of the logo for the game. Three golden triangles represent the Triforce, and they are often found on Link's shield as well as the game art.

There is also the Master Sword. The Master Sword is an ancient blade that was created long ago. Its main goal is to smite evil whenever it emerges, and only a true champion of the land of Hyrule can pull it from its resting place(usually a stone tablet). Often times, Link has to complete a few tasks to prove that he is worthy of the Master Sword. Once these tasks have been completed, Link is able to use the Master Sword to vanquish his enemies.

The land where Link is from is named Hyrule. Usually, it encompasses a few villages, some ancient citadels, and the famous Hyrule Castle. This is where princess Zelda and her family reside. The Hyrule Castle is often part of the game.
I think the Zelda franchise is something that will be around for decades. The Zelda games have a huge following that only seems to increase with time. Who knows how large the following will grow in the future.