Indie Animator Reimagines The Legend of Zelda's First Dungeon With Stunning Hand-Drawn Art

The Legend of Zelda remains one of Nintendo’s most beloved and enduring franchises, with the original game laying the foundation for decades of adventure titles on both classic and modern hardware like the Nintendo Switch.

While official remakes and re-imaginings have graced the eShop and other Nintendo platforms, the community’s passion for Zelda often inspires unique fan projects that bring fresh artistic vision to iconic classics. Recently, 2D animator Hugo Vasgestian dos Santos — known as Vasge on YouTube — has captured the attention of Zelda enthusiasts and industry insiders alike by remaking the first dungeon from the original The Legend of Zelda using an intricate, hand-drawn animation style.

Unlike previous fan efforts that echo either the whimsical Ghibli-inspired visuals or the charming toy-like look of Link’s Awakening, Vasge’s project stands out by playing to his strengths as an animator.

His distinctive fine-line, hand-drawn aesthetic breathes new life into the iconic opening moments of the NES classic. In a recent video shared with his YouTube audience, Vasge provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his creative process.

He outlines the scope of his work, clarifying that his focus is currently limited to the initial dungeon only.

The video features detailed demonstrations of environmental and sprite design, including the process behind animating Link’s movements as well as the meticulous illustration of the dungeon’s first three rooms.

"This is the first in what will likely become a series of progress videos," Vasge explains, highlighting the early stages of development and signaling ongoing updates as the project evolves.

He notes that the next phase will involve developing enemy designs and introducing more combat animation, adding further depth to the reimagined gameplay experience. Though still in its early days, the project showcases both technical skill and deep respect for Nintendo’s original vision, striking a chord with long-time fans and industry observers.

Fan-led initiatives like Vasge’s hand-drawn Zelda remake not only pay homage to the classic but also demonstrate the enduring influence of Nintendo’s creative legacy in the broader gaming community. With official remakes and updates always a topic of interest for Nintendo Direct showcases and Switch owners, innovative efforts like this showcase the power of creative passion within the Zelda fandom.

While there is no indication that Nintendo plans to revisit The Legend of Zelda’s original dungeon in a similar fashion, Vasge’s project underscores the endless possibilities for reinterpretation that keep classic games relevant in today’s digital landscape. For more updates on Zelda fan projects, Nintendo game developments, and creative tributes, stay tuned to leading industry sites and Vasge’s YouTube channel as this remarkable reimagining unfolds.

Zelda Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Legend of Zelda Hugo Vasgestian dos Santos Vasge Nintendo Switch Nintendo Life YouTube