IGN Presents the History of The Legend of Zelda (IGN Presents the History of Video Games)

The times may change, but the legend remains: A dark wizard, a princess in peril, and an emerald-clad boy as the kingdom's only hope. Like all great fables of times long past, the story of Link has changed much over the years, retold in a new way for each coming generation, but timeless nonetheless. It's a legacy few other franchises can equal, and as we scream toward the latest adventure – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword – it's important to know and celebrate why Link was elevated to the upper echelon of video game royalty.

That kind of legacy means walking a delicate line; constantly evolving with the times, yet carefully clinging to the foundations on which the series is built; keeping the series active and current, without tiring fans out. It takes a light touch, but that's precisely how Shigeru Miyamoto has maintained his good name. From the NES to the Wii, and every step in between, The Legend of Zelda has been there, never falling from view.