One of my favorite staples of The Legend of Zelda series of games that has long faded in years gone by, and which cannot come back quickly enough for my liking, was Link's ability to fire beams of energy from his sword. It was almost coveted in the original game, as you had to retain a full life meter in order for it to work, but in later games, the effectiveness was greatly diminished.

But in the original game, the shots looked less like energy, and more like... well, swords being shot from his sword. But where does one come up with an idea such as that? Did it come from the same part of Miyamoto's imagination which beget floating blocks and flowers which grant their bearers the ability to throw balls of fire?

Or might it have come from this, a movie called "The Sword & the Sorcerer?"



Call me uncultured, but this is the first time I've been made aware of the existence of this film, which was made in 1982, well before the original Zelda's 1986 release date. So, ponder that as you will.

And, those who do know of the movie should perhaps also know this: a sequel is being made, called "Tales of an Ancient Empire" and starring Kevin "Hercules" Sorbo.

Perhaps if that passes Miyamoto's eyes, he might consider bringing back the long-lost art of sword-shooting.