Figma The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Link

The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most popular and long running franchises.  For thirty years gamers have been guiding the series protagonist, Link, through dungeons, solving puzzles and fighting monsters to save the day. At the time of writing, there have been eighteen games in the series. The nineteenth game, Breath of the Wild, is due for release in 2017.

While the appearance and general traits of Link are pretty much consistent across the series not all games feature the same Link. If you're curious about the timeline you can read about it here. The Link featured in this review is the star of the sixteenth game and the first Link chronologically.

Link was the first Figma I bought. My first exposure to these kinds of figures. And I know I was not the only one. This figure has been rereleased twice since it first came out in 2013.

More expensive than a 6" Star Wars or Marvel toy by Hasbro but you do get your moneys worth. The sculpted detail - even on a relatively simple design like Link - is spot on. The paintwork is clean and used mostly for small details. As far as I can tell parts were cast in the appropriate colors as much as possible which reduces the chances of paint rubbing off with play.

There are a few little 'breaks' in the sculpt to allow for articulation. Even then these are blended as well as can be. Link is very well articulated for a figure of his size. From top to bottom - these a swivel in his hat, double jointed neck, universal shoulders, hinge and limited swivel elbows, hinge and swivel wrists, ball jointed torso, ball jointed hips, hinge and swivel knees, hinge and swivel ankles and a toe hinge.

To take advantage of all that articulation Link comes with a decent number of parts and accessories. There are 5 sets of hands - fists, relaxed, splayed, and gripping hands in two different positions - as well as a yelling face and an alternate hair piece. For accessories he has the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, as well as an effect part for the sword. There is also an included display stand if you want to display Link in more dynamic poses.

Like link the Master Sword is beautifully sculpted and painted. The hilt is painted a nice dark blue with some lighter blue and gold detailing. The Triforce symbol is present on the ricasso. The majority of the blade has a slight metallic blue tinge to the paint with the edges picked out in a brighter silver.

The pommel is removable to allow you to slide the grip into Link's hand. The grip is very thin and I have heard of people breaking it so be careful with it. Once in hand it is very secure and there is no risk of it falling out.

The Master Sword can be stored in the included scabbard. It is nicely sculpted and painted in gold and blue.The scabbard pegs into Link's back and the sword slides easily into it. Depending on the angle it can clash with Link's hat or the display stand.

Link's articulation means you can get him into a wide variety of dynamic poses. He can reach over his shoulder to draw his sword from its scabbard or grip it in two hands. Making use of the different gripping hands you can have him posed mid-swing, thrusting or parrying very convincingly.

Link's other accessory is the Hylian Shield. As with everything else on this figure the detail and paintwork are superb.

The shield breaks down into four pieces. The shield itself, the grip and the strap. The grip can be connected in three different ways depending on how you want to display Link with the shield.

Like the sword the grip on the shield comes apart so you can slide it into Link's hand. It can then be connected to a pair of vertical holes on either side of the shield depending on whether you want Link to wear the shield on his left or right arm. I've got it on his left as Skyward Sword Link is right handed (as far as I know he's the only right handed Link). The strap then plugs in to the central holes to hold the shield securely on Link's arm.

Alternately you can attach the grip horizontally around the scabbard. This allows Link to carry all his gear on his back. The strap has no where to store in this configuration.

The way that the shield connects to Link's arm means he looks natural holding it. It moves with his arm as a shield would in real life. Paired with his sword it makes Link an impressive looking figure.

By throwing the yelling face and the effect part into the mix you can get Link into some great attacking poses. In particular the effect part really helps sell the spin attack that is featured in many of The Legend of Zelda games.

One of the aspects of The Legend of Zelda games is the wide variety of tools Link acquires to complete his quest. While the Master Sword and Hylian Shield are his most famous pieces of equipment it is a shame that he didn't come with some of the other items from the game. The Link from A Link Between Worlds which was released within the last week was made available both as a regular and deluxe release, the deluxe coming with extra accessories. It cost a little more but was available for those who wanted them. It's a shame something similar wasn't offered with this Link.

If you're a fan of The Legend of Zelda you're probably already well aware of this figure. If not and you're looking for a Link toy I don't think you can go wrong with this one. Despite the lack of extra accessories this is still a fantastic toy. It was last rereleased in 2015 so, at the time of writing, it shouldn't be too hard to come by.