Nintendo legend Takashi Tezuka is the man who made Zelda weird

Takashi Tezuka is highlighted as Shigeru Miyamoto’s longtime creative partner and a major force behind Nintendo’s biggest franchises.

The article credits Tezuka with shaping key Mario and Zelda games, including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, and Link’s Awakening.

Link’s Awakening is presented as the best example of his playful, self-aware style, turning Zelda into something stranger and more satirical.

The piece argues Tezuka’s influence is still visible in modern Nintendo design, from Pikmin 4 to Super Mario Bros. Wonder.