The Making of Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past - Super Nes

I've covered a lot of Sega games on my channel but now it's finally time for a Nintendo game to get the spotlight: Zelda III. One of the reasons why I eventually bought a SNES :)
The Making of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past the 16-bit smash-hit for the Super Nintendo. In this episode we briefly explore the start of the franchise and R&D4 the famed division let by Miyamoto. It was during this period that industry legends like Takashi Tezuka (director and game design) and Koji Kondo (music) Kensuke Tanabe (Scenario Writer) joined Nintendo. We further dive into the 3 year long development cycle of this legendary Zelda game.
///Support the channel:
All your views, likes comments and shares are really appreciated! My making of videos are part of bigger project. I set up a patreon for those who would like to financially support it:
/ strafefox
Big thanks to shmuplations.com/ for translating many great interviews with game-developers from the past.
Dragon Warrior gameplay footage by NintendoCaprisun
/ nintendocaprisun
Music used in this episode:
0:00 Cyndi Lauper - Eventually
0:40 Super Mario Bros. 3 Akihabara Electric Circus - Maze
1:38 Super Smash Bros. Melee - Hyrule Temple
2:13 Super Mario 64 - Starman
3:03 Zelda Sound and Drama - Hyrule Castle
4:20 Super Smash Bros. Wii U - Hidden Mountain Forest
4:47 Madonna - Ain’t No Big Deal
5:11 F-Zero - White Land I
5:27 A Link to the Past - Kakariko Village
6:24 A Link to the Past - Intro
7:32 Zelda Sound and Drama - Forest Theme
8:42 Zelda Sound and Drama - Dark Overworld
10:00 Zelda Sound and Drama - The Goddess Appears
11:11 Zelda Sound and Drama - Sanctuary Dungeon
12:30 Orchestre de Jeux - A Link to the Past
Sources are listed at the end the video.

[@DrummerDucky]

This could easily be televised, the quality is through the proverbial roof. Hell, I've seen a fair amount of high-budget documentaries going through a famous movie's production, but nothing quite reached the quality of your very own style and fluidity. Here's hoping you can make a name for yourself soon enough, as many educational video could learn immensely from your craft.

[@JacobRavenglass]

Lol, "proverbial roof". Unnecessary embellishment-- I talk like that, too. :D Yeah, I like this channel and GVMERS, if only because of the quality of their narrations, and how it makes me feel like I'm watching something on a documentary channel made specifically for video games.

[@El_Chompo]

Yes it was making me wonder how big the production team is. One for art, one for writing, one for speaking etc. This couldn't be a single person right? Also keep in mind that the best things in life and the most popular things in life don't always overlap. Just because it's popular does not mean it's good. In fact I've found many of the best things to be not super popular, it's almost a compliment.

[@OSW]

My God, TV shows aren't this well-produced! Incredible job all round, had to sub you on Patreon. A winner is you!

[@ss4kaioken295]

Pate

[@christopherbennett1173]

For real

[@mrbluesteen]

My Boys staple!

[@LukasPukenis]

P R O D U C T I O N V A L U E 1 0 / 1 0

[@nitroturbo7869]

Too low! 11/10!! 13/10!!! A MILLION OUTTA TEN!!!

[@peite7878]

Yeah, but why the artist music? Won’t it be need to be deleted?

[@peite7878]

Is he doing this fulltime?

[@reeeech9245]

Wait, this isn't an official video? Damn, it's a great video... !!!!

[@NYCJoeBlack]

Lukas Pukenis - ABSOLUTELY!! I love this channel!

[@Indigo_Gaming]

I gotta say, you probably have the best-looking game retrospectives on KZbin, right alongside Ahoy. Hands-down. Amazing work you put into every single shot, keep it up!

[@MrDeedsly]

I agree. His speaking style is great too.

[@MarkDell]

Yeah, It’s not even close. I feel like I’m being spoilt by getting this quality on KZbin

[@5izzy557]

Ahoy is a huge compliment, and I would agree.

[@XxXSkylezXxX]

The fact that you put the music in the description WITH timestamps is all the proof I need of your ingenuity.

[@strafefox]

Ha thanks! I always get a lot of "what's the music played at..." so it saves me some time :)

[@dertyp6833]

@Scuhvex This and his sources at 14:50 :)

[@maldivirdragonwitch]

That's sheer professionalism. Every KZbinr who earns a good living should be as professional... But alas.

[@fouadthehedgehog7982]

The legendary underrated KZbin channel making a documentary about one of the greatest games series of all time. Man, what a legend.

[@michaelmurray9730]

The concept art for this game is so good

[@SpunkMcKullins]

Worth the wait, every time. The production quality on these always blows me away.

[@skins4thewin]

ALTTP was THE reason I wanted the SNES as a kid. It blew my mind like no other game before it the first time I played it.

[@MaxOakland]

skins4thewin What about it excited you so much?

[@SurvivalHorror100]

Is this a joke? Seriously, is this a frickin joke? I know KZbinrs who stick a camera in front of their faces and simply talk about the games they love and some of them have nearly a million subscribers. And yet one of the most creative, hard working, informative channels on KZbin only has 32K subs? Ridiculous. For what it's worth, I've been subbed to you for nearly five years now and if you ever decide to set up a patreon, I'll be supporting you day one. Keep up the good work

[@willmistretta]

KZbin rewards upload quantity over quality. Heavily-produced content like this can't feasibly be cranked out weekly, bi-weekly, or daily.

[@topazzz1546]

And thats how I like it. quality over quantity. even if it takes long. makes it all that special.

[@strafefox]

Really cool to hear! and thanks for sticking with me for 5 years! Maybe I'll open up a patreon in the future, but I don't make these videos for money, or fame. I just enjoy making them and hope people will find them entertaining and informative and perhaps even inspiring :)

[@willmistretta]

Yes, it's very good for discerning viewers like you and me. It's very bad if you're an ambitious creator trying to make a living on here.

[@cam9144]

He needs to yell at the camera more and have extra shitty clickbait titles with a "OMG" face in the thumbnail. ((goddamn I cant stand youtubers that do this))

[@bruno280678]

Video is stunning and make me cry, please strafefox go x Super Metroid

[@AndrewWires]

This looks like a big budget documentary. Serious production value and great content. You make most other retro channels look amateurish. Great job man, subscribed

[@emeraldweapon1010]

I'm a simple man, I see strafefox upload a video, I like.

[@SensemakingMartin]

I can't believe how high quality these renders and animations, transitions and edits are! Some of the best I've seen on KZbin!

[@Vasioth]

Your content is simply fantastic. Your flow, editing, use of visual and music aids are great, and the script and delivery are concise, to the point and elucidating. I've been subscribed to your channel for a year now and I always become extremely excited when I see you've uploaded a video. Keep up the amazing work and if ever you decide to make a Patreon or some funding related source, you bet I'm going to donate money.

[@WorldGameImpossibleChallenges]

Hardly you can find on youtube a content quality like this. Have you ever thought to broadcast your product elsewhere? I'll put you in my buddy list!

[@strafefox]

Thanks! My ultimate goal is to package my videos in a nice blu ray set.

[@Clue164]

You're blowing my mind with the quality of these videos strafe!

[@kaneda010]

The production quality of these videos (not just from the visual and audio side but also research and writing) should put others in the community to shame. This is next-level stuff - well done and keep it up.

[@BigDippas]

I agree completely, these videos are in a league of their own.

[@docdiggler6581]

I can't get over the quality and effort in these videos. So glad I subbed.

[@Master0119]

This was incredibly impressive. Competent, clear, entertaining, and respectful. Well done.

[@schizogony]

I love the in-depth graphics-creation breakdowns.

[@eternia15]

This video really has some high production value and I finally learned some new stuff about the game.

[@ChongLiFromHell]

It's really impressive the CONSTANT level of quality you have here on your channel. I can only thank you and say congratulations! Cheers from Brasil!!

[@ChromeTecNina]

I've always loved this game, but after watching this video it just made me appreciate it on a whole other level. One of, if not the best game of all time. Amazing video dude.

[@tonk82]

I'm always amazed by the high quility of this channel's videos. One of the best youtube channels, without a doubt. Great documentary.

[@strafefox]

Thanks so much! and is that Basil from The great mouse detective in your avatar? Love that movie! So many great memories :)

[@rmr5184]

I am a simple man, I see a strafefox video and I hit the thumbs up! Seriously continue this amazing work!!

[@Cuzjudd]

Can people stop with the overdone im a simple man meme

[@fred6907]

The impression these games made on me as a young kid is truly amazing. Brings a tear to a now much older man. Those memories will last until I die of old age. These game designers are geniuses! The amount of creativity is on another level. Amazing channel, insane production value.

[@fred6907]

@Char Aznable The very first one, Legend of Zelda back in 1987. Fond memories.

[@RVGM]

Thank you for taking the time and effort in creating this masterpiece :)

[@sadsys]

Seriously , and i repeat it again. This channel is one of the most sophisticated ones in terms of production value. High degree of analysis and illustrations, visual support and historical accounts, the voice over is extremely professional, I cannot describe how I adore listening to reviewer and how much I'm impressed by his linguistic competencies. I know that this channel is meant to be a gift for retro gaming nerds , those who have an extreme passion that surpasses the limits of all times and places. I hope if there is further content to be produced. I highly respect and appreciate the efforts of the names behind this channel because I believe that this is not just only a review of content , this is actually ART.

[@Necdilzor]

I came here instantly, and I still can't understand the lack of subscribers. This is top notch content!!!

[@stevensonchambers5577]

I consider The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past one of the greatest video games of all time. I can't see anyone making a retrospective about it that can top this one.

[@dougfoster445]

Same

[@afriend9428]

*Secret of Mana* 💡

[@BigDippas]

The video production here is amazing as per usual, not to mention a great script.

[@supbilly07]

The 3D backgrounds in this video were astonishing.

[@GreenEnvy.]

"Adding diagonal movement was a step in the right direction." I see what you did there.

[@FunkyFranky80]

Another one, another hit! Outstanding work, this is video game history preservation at it's very best, love it

[@ScottWozniak]

The work you put into these videos is just astonishing. I look forward to each and every one.

[@TryppiDnB]

My first memories were playing this game. I was born in 1993, my mom played and beat this while she was pregnant with me. It will always and forever be my favorite game of all time. Hands down. It's timeless.

[@DaveControlLive]

Your expertise in how your showcase the visuals is truly inspirational. I love how creative you are with it, and the various methods you utilize.

[@PhantomArcade]

Great vid dude. Love documentaries like this that collect insight into the creative process and era.

[@voodooblowtorch7265]

The amount of work and love that goes into these videos are really amazing, excellent work.

[@GlauberLimaBR]

The amount of dedication you put in your videos is simply amazing! Thanks for another top-notch video!

[@n_worder]

This game makes me nostalgic everytime I see it, even though I played it for the first time this year

[@DJChrome67]

I wish I discovered your channel earlier, this is the best retrospective I've ever seen! Amazingly well animated and made, and for one of my favorite games! Loved every single bit of this video, thank you so much, it brought back so many good memories from when I first played this gem

[@jeremywebb9284]

Thank you so much for all you’re hard work on these. They are always a treat and so well executed.

[@danieljansson964]

First time viewer here. Wow. I was really cought off guard by the production value and was totally sucked into it. Well done and you got yourself another subscriber 👍

[@rockman369]

You out did yourself again!! Fantastic production totally worth the wait!!! Keep it going!!!!

[@NikolasWasHere]

Not normally a fan of these types of videos, but this got me hooked for sure! Very well done sir, thank you for your hard work.

[@dylanpearson9480]

Very well made video, really captures the love I and many others have for this game. You put a lot of effort in to researching and creating this. You deserve more praise. Thanks so much for this!

[@Fojabass]

Agh, they missed the opportunity to name "Entertainment Analysis Development" (EAD) the ingenious name of "Nintendo Entertainment Analysis Tree" (NEAT)

[@BingBangPoe]

The editing of your videos is mesmerizing.

[@null_state]

Your work is so incredible, and nostalgic. This is probably my favorite game of all time, and getting to see so many behind the scenes footage and artwork really made my day! Keep up the great work.

[@boywonder1390]

Outstanding job! One of the best videos I've had the pleasure to watch! Great quality, informational and design wise!

[@Bangcat]

This was basically educational, and I've been gaming since 84, did multiple videogames retail shops, scouted by one of them for my knowledge, and an arcade manager for 16 years. I was unusually impressed by this and further educated. Well done.

[@strafefox]

Really cool to hear! Thanks! and we started with gaming around the same time :) The Colecovision was my fist experience with video games. Good times :)

[@Edno07]

Amazing work dude

[@AllBogs]

Thank you so much for taking the time to list the music you use in your videos. That credits arrangement from Orchestre de Jeux Video is absolutely gorgeous!

[@grackleking6413]

13:33 I love this ending dialogue. The words are so well-crafted, so inspirational, and the music really makes it soar. Thank you for this experience.

[@PLANTBAT]

Thank you for your content. You're a huge inspiration to me.

[@creativeed6788]

Oh my god finally! Thank you so much! Love your videos :)

[@ThePROMINENCE]

The visual quality of this video is amazing! I love the artwork from the game being shown in such high quality and the effects used to really bring them to life! Well done!

[@meziens15]

I've never seen such a detailed video about this subject, yet my favourite subject of all time! Very, very well done this deserves a lot of attention!

[@TainoMoya]

wOAH!? a new video from strafox?? THANK YOU!!

[@gamehorizon7883]

Always worth the wait -- just phenomenal. HOWEVER... If Miyamoto pulls inspiration from his previous experiences for his game design, I'd like him to explain the time he attacked a chicken and then got CLUCKED UP by said chicken's gang. We need these stories answered. Keep up the one-of-a-kind work, dude.

[@strafefox]

I will explain that in the uncensored version haha :)

[@bluesnare3266]

This is another good video to add to the collection. Thanks for making it. Also, Chase's narration is on point as usual.

[@winniZX81]

Another masterpiece of production excellence!!! You guys are knocking it out of the park with these videos; keep up the fine work :)

[@GameSack]

Great video! The transparency effect in this game always kind of bothered me because it travels with you and as a result it looks really weird. But I guess they HAD to do that otherwise the player might not have noticed that there was a transparency and they had to get players to go "Wow, this system is SUPER!"

[@ryonagana]

i got this zelda in my 9 years old birthday and last year i bought the super nintendo classic only to play zelda a link to the past and finished again my beloved game!

[@Soullessgingerftw1]

Holy production value, instant sub, can’t wait to watch more of your videos!

[@compy2273]

This video is super underrated! Not only is it very informative but it’s so well put together with all of the artwork used! Keep up the good work

[@FLM142]

Extremely informative video and lovely presentation.

[@maverick_loneshark]

Must be a lot of homework in making these videos!

[@whathappenswhen4767]

such a great video and well edited. only 10,000 views? wtf is wrong with youtube!?!?

[@TOOLAPC68]

i know this video is old, but man your channel has been my favorite to watch as of lately so thank you much for that! These episodes are so well done you deserve all the love man!

[@jakepillow7809]

......Im speechless....How are you so underappreciated! Im gonna bingewatch all your videos now. Keep up the GoodAss work!

[@booski1865]

Great video, as always. Here's hoping to Super Metroid in the future 😏

[@Maoshung]

As much as I liked “Ocarina of Time” I still thing “A Link to the Past” is the best Zelda ever made. Yes even better than “Breath of the Wild”.

[@max2dgam1ng]

Wow - my favorite game of all time now has one of the best videos of all time. I cannot believe how high quality this is. Amazing! Subscribed! Please give more videos!!!

[@duckman5290]

I feel like I'm watching an in depth training video. I learned things I never knew about a game that I play to this day on my Gameboy SP. Well done and I'm subscribed for life.

[@theatomicclown]

Thank God you're back. KZbin still hath hope.

[@patricioc6883]

Yes and thank you!!!! Please do Chrono Trigger and FF3 SNES.

[@kristinaneuner7058]

Wonderfully done. I loved seeing the concept artwork and behind the scenes footage of the developers.

[@m.powers6657]

top quality production 10/10 wow ! Did not expect this level of quality when I clicked! Can't wait for more!

[@lindejordan]

The best is back.

[@strafefox]

Ha! Thanks so much :)

[@colonelsandwich641]

How do you do those smooth parallax animations? They look so awesome!

[@strafefox]

Thanks! I use Cinema 4D and After Effects to create all the animations.

[@venomtang]

Dude, these feel like watching a movie , love it. So glad I found this channel

[@GamersReckoning]

Smiled the whole time watching this! Link to the Past is my favorite Zelda game hearing and seeing how it was created and thought out was just so fun to watch! That and with your special touches on video editing ohhhhh man LOVE IT! :D

[@slyle3642]

NEW STRAFE FOX OMG

[@redcrimson1028]

Miyomoto is indeed great, bit the question i ask myself for years is why hasnt he created new ip's? Where are there darker games? Sports titles, shooters, Rpg's etc?

[@tlonmaster]

Those aren't really his things. I don't know what we can say his last new IP was, but Pikmin was fantastic. I think that may have been it.

[@spunch1315]

The effort that goes into these videos is insane, mad props.

[@Tama23]

I gotta say -- I love the amount of detail that went not only into the subject matter, but the production of this video is miles ahead of what I normally see on KZbin channels. Incredible work!

[@badicusvibesimus182]

EZ 100k+ views- change title to: "WAS THIS HOW ZELDA WAS MADE?"

[@strafefox]

Or how about "Mindblowing new facts about Zelda that will shake your sanity!" or "How Miyamoto stimulated chicken abuse". ha ;) But without joking.. I'm not a big fan of using clickbait for various reasons. Most important of all it sets up false expectations and so demises the quality of the video/viewing experience.

[@badicusvibesimus182]

Glad you're retaining your integrity. You make great content, just wish more eyes could see it.

[@strafefox]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@catgirl_eva]

A Link to the Past was better than Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. Yeah, I said it.

[@jacobw327]

It's seriously my favorite game of all time

[@IaconDawnshire]

Damn right!

[@simonhilling]

I have to agree dude. Maybe it was timing but this game has such a special place in my heart!

[@simonhilling]

Plus they nailed it with A Link Between Worlds. The only other Legend Of Zelda game I've completed aside from Link To The Past. ... There, I said it 😄

[@VixXstazosJOB]

Totally Agree with the First... Nah for the Second...... - even if OOT was fresh for me when it came out -

[@justinm2232]

I just found your channel and I am just in awe of how they were made. Unbelievably smooth and beautiful graphics. Wow, I just have never seen something like this, you made Nintendo look better, and that's not easy. Not to mention all the research you had to do and putting it all together. You really make something special with each video and should have millions of subs.

[@pomponi0]

Man, I just found you last night and it's already my favorite channel. All your videos are incredibly well researched, written and narrated, and the visuals are a masterpiece.

[@zawarudoz]

Link to the Past > Ocarina of Time

[@supdudd5436]

zawarudo Fuck yeah

[@topazzz1546]

Yeeeaahhh boooiiiiii

[@random_gamer_guy82]

I don't know how I found this channel but you sir just got another sub .what a quality of video that's never seen ,I hope you get the game you deserve.excellent stuff sir

[@yandman26]

Just beautiful.your editing is unrivalled.

[@dannymolano8056]

Just felt like a kid finding something awesome to watch on TV, thank you and congratulations on such beautiful work!

[@JamesDziezynski]

These are really well done - great work. I really enjoy the depth and care you took in creating this!

[@evulopah]

Again a top notch video and this time about my all time favorite game :) thx Strafefox for all your professional and outstanding videos.

[@Pan_Z]

7:51 it's inconceivable how much work you put into these brief segments. So much work for a scene that lasts a couple seconds. On top of the crazy production values, the editing, narration, script, and research done are all top notch.