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by Jeffrey Miller
One of my favorite parts of exploring a new Zelda game over the years has been experiencing the most recent iteration of Kakariko village. Though not every game features this nostalgic home base for Link, since 1991 it's been featured in 7 mainline games. Let's take a look at where it began, and where it is now!
A Link to the Past (1991) SNES: The first appearance of Kakariko Village (referred to as Kakariko Town), which served as the blueprint for all subsequent versions.
Like in many other Zelda titles, this town holds a lot of the key plot points for progressing the story, as well as holding many secrets of its own.
I even remember my first experiences here. I couldn't have been more than 4 or 5. My family would take a trip to Sam's Club, gather a bunch of snacks (they had these chocolate cups filled with a mint cream instead of peanut butter, and I will always associate Zelda with these), and we'd huddle around the tube TV and watch my mom absolutely CRUSH the game. The original Kakariko Village theme music will always unlock the feelings I had during this time.
Ocarina of Time (1998) N64: The generation of Kakariko that introduced Impa as it's leader.
OOT was officially the first Zelda game that was MINE. As in, when it released I could read, I could navigate, I understood the gravity of the adventure, and it was probably one of the first adventure games I had ever completed on my own.
The complicated story of Impa is best saved for another time. But they serve as a very important recurring character in the overall timeline, and the history of Kakariko especially. This game being the first that their character was given proper in universe back story, and paved the way for future adventures.
Kakariko in Ocarina of Time was SO full of life, secrets, chickens... and one of the most culturally significant characters and scores in all of Zelda. The mysterious Phonogram Man and the Song of Storms.
Four Swords Adventures (2004) GC: Kakariko Village appears in the second stage of The Dark World level
FSA was a very interesting entry for the Zelda universe. Essentially a fleshed out sequel to Four Swords; a GBA exclusive that required 2-4 players playing cooperatively.
This is the simplest and most basic version of Kakariko. Arriving here with the clones of yourself, you were tasked with dousing fires set by the Shadow Links. If you ask me, this was just way too many Links.
Twilight Princess (2006) Gamecube & Wii: Kakariko Village in this game is located in the Eldin Province, below Death Mountain, and is presented as more of a shanty town smooshed between rock faces.
By the time of the events of this game, a lot of the residents had already been turned into Shadow Beasts. Those left behind still used Kakariko as a place of refuge in Renado's sanctuary.
In TP, Kakariko plays an even larger role in developing story and progressing your abilities. From reuniting with Epona to being gifted the Zora armor.
A Link Between Worlds (2013) 3DS: Kakariko Village appears in this game, similarly to the map from A Link to the Past
This is one of the only Zelda games I've regrettably never played in my short time of owning a 3DS. But I'm sure I'm not alone here. (Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks on the DS though? So good.)
Though it did feature a really cool homage to Kakariko Town from ALTTP, nearly copying it to a T, while also adding some new fun elements.
Maybe I need to hit ebay and find a cheap 3DS now...
Breath of the Wild (2017) Switch & Wii U: The beginning of a new era
BOTW changed EVERYTHING. They somehow figured out how to take that curated and perfected, while somewhat linear, recipe they created and turn it into a non-linear and sprawling open world with additional RPG elements.
And this is the birth of my current favorite version of Kakariko Village.
It has all of the elements you'd expect. Specialized shops, a great cast of characters, and so much personality.
Stylistically this is the most different than any before it. It's always been a Sheikah run settlement, and now it's presented as one.
This also reintroduces Impa as the elder of Kakariko Village and sets up the story for...
Tears of the Kingdom (2023) Switch: Kakariko as we know it now
Not many Zelda games in the past actually have sequels, where the same incarnation of Link continues on the same quest, but I do think it was a smart choice to give us more time in the world that Breath of the Wild created.
Here they brought further detail and life into one of the most iconic recurring locations in video game history. There are definitely spoilers that I'd prefer to avoid, since this game is still the most current, but I encourage you to load up the game if you haven't in awhile to appreciate how far these worlds have come, especially in regards to environmental story telling.
Please, comment below! Did I miss anything? Is there anything you'd like to add about your favorite memories surrounding The Legend of Zelda, or specifically Kakariko Village?
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