A Dedicated Zelda Fan Recreated Hyrule from A Link Between Worlds in a Completely Unexpected Game

A passionate fan of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds has recreated the version of Hyrule featured in the game within Rollercoaster Tycoon 2. The beloved Nintendo franchise has been a staple of the developer since its first appearance in the mid-1980s, with more than twenty different entries following the adventures of Link and Zelda. While most Legend of Zelda games tend to focus on new versions of Link, the franchise has occasionally experimented with sequels like A Link Between Worlds and Majora’s Mask

Alongside the many different iterations of the game’s main cast, new Zelda games have often seen Nintendo reimagining the layout of Hyrule. The iconic kingdom has appeared in nearly every game in the Zelda franchise, going through multiple iterations as part of a massive timeline stretching over thousands of years. Each version of Hyrule has typically featured the return of some of the franchise’s most recognizable locations, with beloved settings like Hyrule Castle, Death Mountain, and the Temple of Time being mainstays of the Zelda franchise. Now, a passionate Zelda fan has recreated one of the most iconic versions of Hyrule within Rollercoaster Tycoon 2.

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Zelda Fan Recreates A Link Between Worlds’ Hyrule in Rollercoaster Tycoon 2

Reddit user lilac-opal shared their recreation of one of the most recognizable versions of Hyrule to the Rollercoaster Tycoon subreddit. The user shows off a scale recreation of the Hyrule Kingdom featured in both A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds using the simulation game’s creative tools. The images included within the post highlight several major locations within the Zelda setting, including Hyrule Castle positioned directly in the center of the kingdom. The user shows off reimaginings of multiple buildings within Kakariko Village as part of the project, as well as each of the major temples featured within the games. The post even shares a Dropbox link to the files for the map, allowing other fans to use their Hyrule map.

The Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 version of Hyrule reimagines one of the most beloved versions of the iconic kingdom. A Link to the Past has stood the test of time as one of the most cherished games within the Zelda franchise, with multiple re-releases bringing the classic SNES adventure to newer platforms. The version of Hyrule featured in A Link to the Past was brought back nearly twenty years later on the 3DS, with A Link Between Worlds taking place centuries after the beloved Zelda game. The Link featured in A Link to the Past was even brought back for another adventure in Link’s Awakening, whisking Link to the mysterious Koholint Island.

Promo art featuring characters in The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds

A Link Between Worlds Paved the Way for Future Zelda Games

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds brought a plethora of unique mechanics to the reimagining of the classic version of Hyrule. The game took advantage of the 3D capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS, including several unique new mechanics like Link merging into walls to traverse gaps and obstacles. A Link Between Worlds also introduced an “item rental” system, allowing players to take a more non-linear approach to completing the Zelda game’s different dungeons by temporarily accessing important items. The non-linear style would carry over to future titles, with the Switch-era games embracing the open approach.

Link gets turned into a painting - The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds

The future of the Legend of Zelda franchise looks as bright as ever, with the franchise experimenting with bold new ideas. 2024’s The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom served as the first main-series game with Zelda as the main playable character, utilizing a unique crafting system for combat and puzzles. The recently-released Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment also brought its own spin on the story of Tears of the Kingdom, focusing on Zelda being whisked back in time to the Imprisoning War. Nintendo continues to push The Legend of Zelda in new directions with each game, providing plenty to excite the franchise’s many fans.