The Legend of Zelda series is home to some of gaming's most iconic characters. However, players rarely get to take control of them. Every core Zelda title features Link as its playable protagonist, but the most interesting characters are largely NPCs. There are some exceptions, like both Hyrule Warriors games or Cadence of Hyrule. However, these games are few and far between. Plus, they're crossovers with relatively limited narrative elements. Nintendo would be wise to double down on Zelda's wacky icons by creating solo, story-filled games for some of them.

There is precedent for this idea. Nintendo actually released two adventures starring Tingle, but both were exclusive to Japan and Europe. Tingle's Balloon Fight and Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland both launched on Nintendo DS and are decidedly bizarre games that fit their protagonist well. But considering the games are stuck in Nintendo's vault of treasures that need to be localized, they didn't get the proper recognition. The following four characters deserve games that every Nintendo fan can play.

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Beedle

Beedle is one of Zelda's most iconic shopkeepers with a surprising amount of lore behind him. Beedle has appeared in many Zelda titles following his debut in Wind Waker. He trawled around The Great Sea selling wares to Link, always greeting him with a hearty hello. Beedle may not be as iconic as Resident Evil 4's shopkeeper, but he comes close.

A Beedle solo game should focus on maintaining his store. It could be similar to the indie favorite Moonlighter, where the gameplay is split into two phases. One phase involves maintaining the store, and the other involves exploring the world and fighting enemies. Going on adventures as Beedle to stock his wares before selling them during the day to travelers sounds incredibly compelling. Nintendo could set the game on The Great Sea or in Breath of the Wild's Hyrule. Beedle appeared in that game too, and this could provide a fresh was to explore that world.

Tetra

Wind Waker Tetra Zelda Link

Tetra, the spunky pirate captain from Wind Waker, is actually Princess Zelda in disguise. She explores The Great Sea with her pirate crew, full of memorably distinct seafarers. Before long, Link's path crosses with Tetra and her gang. They initially set off for the Forsaken Fortress to save Link's sister, Aryll. From there, the adventure unfolds, and Tetra's true identity is revealed.

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However, much of Zelda's life as Tetra is unknown. Nintendo consider this an opportunity to create a multiplayer adventure on The Great Sea, where players take control of Tetra and her band of pirates. This game could feature co-op elements similar to Rare's Sea of Thieves, while retaining a strong narrative focus. Learning more about Tetra's adventures while swashbuckling with friends sounds particularly compelling.

Urbosa

Urbosa in The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild's Champions are some of Zelda's best characters, and Urbosa is the standout of the four. Urbosa is the Gerudo champion, and a formidable sword fighter who wields lightning powers. She has a bold personality with a touching relationship with Princess Zelda. While Urbosa is partially fleshed out in Age of Calamity, more can be done with her character. This is particularly true since the Gerudo are such an interesting tribe in the Zelda universe.

An Urbosa-centric game could further explore Gerudo culture, as well as Urbosa's role as both a warrior and a leader. Mechanically, Urbosa's flashy skills would translate well to a Devil May Cry-like action game. Her combos could be visually awe-inspiring. Plus, taking cues from Devil May Cry V, stylish gameplay could be paired with an equally stylish narrative.

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Skull Kid

Skull Kid is best known for his appearance in the endlessly fascinating Majora's Mask. However, that Skull Kid is only one of the Skull Kid race. While the entire race has a dark history, the Skull Kid from Majora's Mask had a particularly dour life. His character arc is as moody and thoughtful as the game he hails from. That said, other Skull Kids also appeared in Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess.

There are several directions that a Skull Kid game could be taken in. Majora's Skull Kid is one of Zelda's most striking characters, both visually and narratively. Exploring the world though his own eyes could make for a thoughtful adventure. However, it could also be interesting to play as Skull Kids in general, focusing on their mischievous, youthful persona. It could be whimsically strange to take elements of Untitled Goose Game and apply them to a Skull Kid adventure all about harassing travelers of Hyrule or Termina.

These four only scratch the surface of the many Zelda characters who could be mined for solo games. Part of Zelda's charm is meeting its memorable characters that stick in the imaginations of fans. The upcoming Skyward Sword HD, for example, has excellent cast members from Groose to Ghirahim who could star in their own adventures. While Nintendo's character design is always great, The Legend of Zelda has some of its best.

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