I think it's important to take the popularity of OoT into consideration.
Yeah, someone like Shadow Mario could be a side character. But people don't care about Mario Sunshine as much as they do OoT. Not including Shiek is like not including Peach - who is by the way way less god **** plot-driving than Shiek/Zelda.
Can we cut the **** about Shiek not being important to the plot? How can you justify this by saying "I'ts just Zelda in a disguise"?
Ummm ok, AND?
She helps Link through the plot, teaches songs, spies on Ganon, provides mystery, plot twist, AND historic inclusion. The REASON Ganon can't get the Triforce of Wisdom is because Zelda hides away as Shiek. The REASON there is a final showdown is because in Zelda's capture by Ganon at the end, Ganon decides she will make a good bait for Link. If Zelda never became Shiek, Ganon would have captured her initially, and killed her right away for the Triforce's power since Link wasn't around (frozen in time). If Shiek wasn't around, who could teach Link the important songs? The fact that Zelda was able to hide, and aid Link with dungeons, makes the final dual with Ganon possible, and allows her to ultimately stay alive to help Link to escape the tower before it collapses. This and te fact that she is taught in the ways of the Shiekah to pass her knowledge to Link plays an important part in the story.
I am quite astounded at how many of you are saying she plays no role. Seriously? Pay attention.
Who teaches Link the magical songs needed to advance?
Shiek.
Who directs Link to the next dungeon?
Shiek.
Who saves Ruto?
Shiek.
Who Guides Link to travel back and forth between time?
Shiek.
Who looks EXTREMELY bad@$$?
Shiek. (It's valid, kiss my ***)
Yes we do not always SEE Shiek, but she's there the ENTIRE time practically. Watching Link.
So can we shut up about it? It's sort of like saying the Eye of Sauron in Lord of the Rings is an unimportant character because it's never doing anything. Hell, Shiek does MORE than the eye!
Zelda OoT is nearly one of the best (selling) games of ALL TIME. Why get rid of a character that is not only known by many but also important to the game's plot? I'm not saying you people are wrong for saying she won't appear, or that you need to change your opinion, just please, enough with these BS rationale!