Wholesome Message in a Video Game's Story

By Rose Benjamin

DISCLAIMER: As the title suggests, this post is not about a book. However, it is about a story similar to one you might find in a book, only it is told in a different way. I am analyzing an aspect of this video game's story the same way I would for a book.

(Spoiler warning)

The story in the Nintendo game Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has several different plot lines going on at the same time. One of these is the story of Master Kohga of the Yiga Clan, his bodyguard and servant Sooga, and Astor, introduced as the "Prophet of Doom" (who is not directly associated with the Yiga clan but is working with them), working to resurrect Calamity Ganon, the main enemy in the story. Master Kohga is known from the 2017 game Breath of the Wild as one of the weaker main enemies, but had little to no character development. In Age of Calamity, however, we learn much more about Kohga, the Yiga clan, and this new character, Sooga. Sooga is introduced right after Link (the main character) and Urbosa (one of Link's allies) defeat Master Kohga, in a scene where Urbosa is about to finish him off, but Sooga literally falls from the sky to defend Kohga. Link and Urbosa have a hard time fending him off, already showing Sooga as a strong character who will defend his master at all costs, the running theme throughout his story.

There are several other places in the story where you see Sooga and Kohga, usually with Astor. Astor is a mysterious character who seems to know more than either of the other two about their mission. It is clear that Astor only associates with the Yiga clan for the purpose of reviving Calamity Ganon, as he seems disappointed and frustrated with Kohga most of the time, acting superior and treating the Yiga clan like his servants, for him to do what he wants with.

Sooga is quite the opposite. He is always loyal to Master Kohga and grows wary if there is even a sign of some sort of threat to Kohga. An example of this reaction is when Astor is expressing his disappointment in Kohga after Sooga and Kohga flee. Astor freely tells Kohga that "it seems that, as low as my expectations of you were, I was overly optimistic" and stands up in a sudden manner. Sooga is immediately on edge and prepares to draw his weapon. He remains consistent with his protective behavior throughout the story.

It is sometimes implied in the story that Kohga and Sooga are not just allies, but may share an emotional bond as well. Kohga is Sooga's master, but as strong as Sooga is and as much of an idiot as Kohga is, Sooga could easily do whatever he wants without any severe consequences from Kohga or the Yiga clan (the blademasters might give him some trouble, if they were as loyal to Kohga as Sooga is). However, Sooga is fully loyal to Kohga and will protect him with his life. All his skills are devoted to helping and protecting Kohga. It seems rather illogical when you think about it: An incredibly skilled warrior has devoted his life to a person who has few skills, is not very smart, and overall does not seem at all worth it from the outside. There must be some bond there, right? I think Sooga even has a dialogue after Kohga helps him in battle where he describes Kohga as "the one to whom I've devoted my very life." Logically, it does not make sense why he would devote his life to someone like Kohga. I think Nintendo is trying to convey a message here, one that I think about a lot. I first read it in a book, in which it was portrayed with the dialogue, "Deserve. That's what I don't get about humans, this deserving idea. If it's love, you don't have to deserve it." Sooga shows that you don't need to deserve love, because everyone needs it. Except... maybe not Astor.*

It becomes clear that Astor is only using the Yiga clan for his own purposes later in the story. When they are wary of Link and his companions gaining information about their location, Astor tells Kohga and Sooga that "measures are being taken" and "soon you will each have your own parts to play," implying that he plans to use the Yiga clan for something he is trying to do.

A later scene depicts several Yiga clan soldiers laying on the ground dead, with Astor extracting from them what seems to be their souls. Kohga and Sooga do not realize that Astor has turned against them until he releases a dark version of Link to kill them, telling them that "the two of you can actually be of use - for once in your lives!"

Sooga has some difficulty fighting the copy of Link that Astor has unleashed. He tells Kohga to escape while he can, and Kohga starts to leave, but then he turns around, refusing to leave Sooga alone with Astor actively trying to kill him. Without hesitating, Sooga then tells Kohga, "In that case... I will protect you, even if it costs me my life." This line is another example of how you don't have to be worth it to be loved. Astor then explains, laughing maniacally, that he is using Kohga and Sooga as "a blood sacrifice for the Calamity... fate gives you this role, and you will play it." Above all, Astor is obsessed with the idea of fate and a set future. The cutscene then fades, and Sooga is not seen again.

Here comes the most touching part of the story (and the biggest spoiler). Later, after the soldiers have been united and Zelda, the princess, has awakened her power that she must use to defeat Calamity Ganon, Kohga appears by surprise, and, just like that, joins Zelda in trying to defeat Calamity Ganon and Astor. This is something unimaginable for anyone of the Yiga clan to do. Master Kohga's greatest fear throughout the story seemed to be to "make an enemy of Calamity Ganon," which is the main reason he has not already turned against Astor for allowing Kohga and Sooga's defeat before. But now, he has done the unimaginable. For him, there is no option other than to avenge Sooga. Being of his skill, with his relatively weak clan, trying to do so alone is out of the question. He has to do what he has sworn never to do: he joins his enemies.

Let's keep in mind that Kohga is an extremely proud person, and such an act is extremely unexpected by others under any circumstance, even this one. But here, he knew what he had to do. He had to put aside his pride and his doubts about his clan's reaction and avenge his companion. I think Nintendo is telling us here that love wins, above all else. What could be a better message?

(On an unrelated note, Astor's theme song is amazing. Not the battle theme but the cutscene theme. Look it up.)

*This was a joke, and I did not mean that. Maybe Astor somehow escaped this need for human connection, but I doubt it.