Craftsmanship: 8.5 / 10

- Great likeness

- Limited poseability

- More statue than action figure

- Good detail

Playability: 5.0 / 10

- Sculpt and articulation points limit play

- Sword and shield can be lost

- Much imagination required

Related Links:

- Review: Ocarina of Time (N64)

- Review: Legend of Zelda - Wind Waker (GC)

- Action Figure: Link & Epona

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Link (Ocarina of Time)

by Joyride Studios

Gamerankings.com’s number one game of all-time is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time so it’s no real surprise that Link is still getting the star treatment.

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(Although, I guess, the recent release of Wind Waker might also have something to do with it.) This is Joyride’s version of adult Link as he appears in Ocarina of Time and is a great collectible for Zelda fans but as a play toy…

First, Link looks great. The paint job is neatly applied with no oversplash, even with the fine detail on his

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shield (which pegs onto his forearm) and around his eyes. The sculpt grabs his likeness right from the game with a great “about to strike” stance. Articulation isn’t so hot. Link has hinged knees and seams at the shoulders, hips, wrists, neck and waist. The least useful is the neck articulation thanks to Link’s big hat. The other points don’t score much better thanks to the sculpt, which restricts his movement quite a bit, except for his left arm which has a good range. Take a look at his hinged knees – why even have them there if there is no complementing ball-jointed hip? It would have allowed more poses.

The emphasis is clearly on display, especially because of Link’s “Field of Hyrule” base and the fact he’s ultra unstable when not installed on the base. The Ocarina of Time logo is a nice touch and makes him standout even further on the shelf.

Playability ranks pretty low thanks to the previously cited emphasis on display. It also takes a slight hit from the relative ease at which his accessories can be lost. To its credit, the Master Sword can be stored nicely in its scabbard and if Link’s holding the sword he doesn’t give it up easily. The shield manages to stay firm on the peg on his wrist gauntlet but if it’s not there it might go missing. People with strong imaginations or don’t care about compatibility and poseability won’t have problems toying around with Link – but for the rest of us, Link will stay on the shelf. (Especially because he’s not all that durable.)

So there you have it. Link’s a good collectible piece; just don’t expect to play with him.

- Omni
(May 24, 2003)