Alongside the start of the Tokyo Olypmics yesterday, Google launched its latest and most ambitious Google Doodle of all time. It is a game reminiscent of an old-school RPG with seven different sports for players to participate in, multiple side quests to complete, a large island to explore, and gorgeous animations sprinkled in throughout fun yet simple gameplay. Many fans are stunned by the quality and scope of the doodle, as it is easily the largest and most impressive one to date. At the same time, some fans think they've found what might be a reference to The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening tucked away in the doodle's opening cutscene.
It should be said that this has not been confirmed by any of the involved parties as a reference, and to be fair the link (pun intended) is somewhat weak. Still, Nintendo is a Japanese company, so it isn't too outlandish to think that this might have been intentional. The scene at the beginning of Google Doodle Champion Island Games and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening do share something in common.
When players first launch Google Doodle Champion Island Games, they are treated to a gorgeous 2D animation that sets the tone for the rest of the series. Lucky the "calico (c)athlete" is on a boat heading towards a large island with a distinctive mountain crowning it. When players start the game, they are at the base of this island and can begin their quest. This parallels the beginning of Link's Awakening as well, in which the titular Hero of Time finds himself sailing towards a similar island with an equally distinctive mountain on it.
There are some notable differences, though. For starters, the story of Link's Awakening starts with Link sailing through a raging storm, and he ends up reaching the island only after lightning strikes his sail and knocks him off the boat. By contrast, Lucky sails through smooth waters, and seems to arrive peacefully to the island. The composition of both scenes is different as well, with the island showing up during the first scene in Google Doodle Champion Island and being showed at the end of the cutscene in Link's Awakening.
Whether this is an intended reference is anyone's guess, but players can watch both cutscenes above and make that decision for themselves. There isn't much in the way of The Legend of Zelda references throughout the rest of the game other than its general aesthetic, so this is likely a one off thing if it was intended. There was also quite a bit of video game music at the opening ceremony of the Olympics, so anything is possible.
Google Doodle Champion Island Games is available now on PC and Mobile.