Which Zelda is the best?

[Yantelope]

So which is the best Zelda game? Explain why.

Edited January 7, 2011 by Yantelope

[HotChops]

I think Link to the Past is the best. Originally, and arguably at its best, Zelda is a top-down action/adventure game. A Link to the Past is the best presentation of that kind of gameplay; much as Super Metroid is the best true Metroid title.

 

I think Link to the Past has the best opening -- the music, the stormy night, the telepathic call for help -- it's very dramatic compared to say.... crawling around for rupees like you do in the beginning of OoT.

 

 

I think Link to the Past set the standards and the formula for later Zelda games. The Master Sword, the collection of Triforce maidens, the Light/Dark world motif -- it all started with LttP.

 

 

I also feel like Link to the Past was one of the last really epic Zelda games. At the time it was the pinnacle of console graphics. It remains on of the largest, most beautiful and details 16-bit games today. Future Zelda games would be handicapped by Nintendo's weaker hardware. It's one of the reasons I love Oblivion, it's what Hyrule should look like with real next-gen hardware.

 

I also think LttP has great length and great dungeons. It'll always be my fav Zelda game and one of my fav games in general. Oh, and I love the ending credits too!

 

[Sindo]

What HotChops said

[Battra92]

I am torn between two Zeldas and feelin' like a fool. Loving both of them is breaking all the rules:

 

For 2D Zelda there is none better than Link to the Past. Seriously it took the original game formula and made it into something magical.

 

For my favorite 3D Zelda that would be, hands down, Wind Waker. Wind Waker pissed a lot of fans off with its kid friendly style and slapstick humor and yet there was more charm and heart in Wind Waker than in any of the Zelda games before or after it. I really cared about Link, Tetra etc.

 

And the sailing was fun so shush!

[FMW]

It's Majora's Mask. On a technical level, all Zelda games are fantastic. All the games have clever puzzles, the stories are usually pretty similar to one another, the graphics are always impressive for the hardware, and the music is always good (sometimes great).

 

Exception made for Zelda II. I haven't played it.

 

But when every game in the franchise gets all of these things right, it really takes something special to make the game stand out from the crowd. WindWaker had awesome graphics, and stands out based on those. That's my second favorite Zelda game.

 

Majora's Mask had that something. It was terrifying. Very rarely in an explicit way, but throughout. The entire game is built on the foundation of OoT (one of the most technically impressive games in the franchise) and subverting it. The music is more ominous. The graphics focus on deep red and purple colors, colors that aren't found often in nature. MM is a better horror game than most horror games because it's atmosphere is so unrelenting, and it's terror so subtle. One never finds a really "comfortable" place in Termina. There is no fishing hole equivalent.

 

Then there's the whole "moon going to destroy the world in 3 days" thing. The story is unique to the franchise, and inextricably ties the atmosphere, narrative, and gameplay together. The Ocarina of time is instantly established as a symbol for the better times of the past, and this works really well because so many people feel real nostalgia for OoT. This instrument becomes your only lifeline, in more ways than one.

 

Also, you're playing as child Link. The designers went out of their way to build the world so that it's just a bit too large for you. Where the vast expanses of Hyrule were inviting, the scale of Termina leaves the player feeling isolated and out of place. For players of OoT, it's even worse. These players are familiar with Link as much more powerful, and it's kinda shocking when little things like Deku Scrubs are dangerous again.

 

Oh yes. And the transformations. I don't think I need to say more about them. The opening sequence is amazing in how vulnerable it leaves you feeling.

 

MM is the best Zelda game because it's different from all the others. It breaks new narrative ground, and also new atmosphere and new gameplay mechanics. It keeps all the strengths of the other Zelda games, and piles all of these on top.

 

WW is the second best, because it added new graphics and atmosphere. The additions weren't as seamlessly integrated into the game structure though, so it falls just a bit short.

[Strangelove]

Im not trolling, but i actually really love Link's Awakening. It's my favorite Zelda.

[Yantelope]

Okay, looks like I'm gonna have to make the push for OOT.

 

A Link to the Past was really the first Zelda game that was really widely accepted. It was pretty accessible and tons of fun. It had a lot of dungeons and set forth a great majority of the staples of the series.

 

Link's Awakening is probably the one I've played the most just because it's so much better than all other gameboy games.

 

The Ocarina of Time was a game that had been delayed for years and it was a game that had an impossible standard to live up to. It was one of the only games I've known that lived up to the expectation. It was just about as novel an experience as could be had in gaming. It tried so many new things and it did them all flawlessly. It took Zelda from fun to epic. I created a flowing story, a cast of characters and it was by far largest Zelda world ever. In a day when games were usually just games it was an experience and it was one that was completely unparalleled.

 

Think back with me, the deku tree, the goron cave, the desert fortress, Ganon's dark world, restoring the world to light. The game went on far longer than anyone expected it to and it dwarfed every sequel in scale until Twilight Princess some years later. Ocarina of Time was the most complete, epic, fun and novel Zelda game and possibly the best game ever.

[RadiantViper]

Majora's Mask for me. Frosted said it pretty well up top, but mainly I just thought the '3 days' mechanic was really, really cool. It just makes it stand out so well.

 

Verrrry close second is Wind Waker. That game is damn fun, and it looks great. Loved playing that one.

 

Also, I found Zelda 2 to be pretty terrible. Definitely deserves it's 'black sheep' status for more than just the different gameplay.

 

Im not trolling, but i actually really love Link's Awakening. It's my favorite Zelda.

 

Why would that be trolling? LA is excellent. Top notch design and a great final boss.

[Akuam4n]

Winjd Waker, hands down. It was gorgeous, light hearted, fun, and had some awesome bosses. I loved every second of it.

[jimmuhpage]

Majora's Mask.

 

Frosted already said so much and yet there's even more that I can't even put into words.

 

I've played a handful of Zeldas:

LttP

LA

OoT

OoS

WW

TP

MC

 

And Majora is by far my favorite.

 

The 2D Zeldas are fantastic, but even LttP loses the immersion factor because of the 2D factor. I never feel like I'm Link even though I'm controlling him. 3D Zeldas have a magic all their own. OoT was magical because it made you believe Hyrule was real. WW had a great sense of exploration, if dull at times. TP tried to reach a medium between mature themes and carefree innocence, but I feel like it fell a bit short on both and you ended up with a really fun, almost forgettable (Midna saved the ending) adventure. I, like Yant, couldn't even remember the part with the Yeti. Although that could be due to Zelda saturation...

 

Majora's Mask hit all the notes right. It had everything that OoT had (sans princess), but was technically better in every aspect. The colors, the story, the soundtrack, the challenge. It all came together to make me feel emotions that I rarely get from videogames. I only wish I could go back in time and feel the game at its most intense, when you have 3 days to finish a temple, but you don't know what to do.

[deanb]

So which would you recommend to start out on for someone with say access to a PSP with a bunch of emulators on it (so GB's, NES, SNES) and to a degree a Wii.

(Yeah never touched a zelda game, would like to at some point but not something that too archaic)

[jimmuhpage]

I'd recommend LttP, it's the last 2D console Zelda, but it doesn't feel archaic at all. Gameplay wise, it's almost perfect and it set the standard Zelda formula for most console games afterwards.

 

Between having a Wii and a powerful computer (I assume yours is powerful), I'd emulate/buy the GCN version of TP if you want a modern 3D Zelda although you can't go wrong with WW.

 

OoT, MM, and LA can feel archaic if you're not familiar with the series. Hopefully LttP and TP/WW can spark a fire to make you want to play those later

 

Also, Minish Cap is a fantastic 2D Zelda, and is possibly the "first" Zelda in the timeline, but I feel it's less a traditional Zelda due to many story elements, so I'd hold off on playing that one for a bit.

[Strangelove]

Tp isnt really as bad as people make it seem. If you never cared for oot, then tp is actually a great game. The first few hours blow though.

 

And i never finished it.

maybe its not that great.......

[Yantelope]

The biggest problem with Twilight Princess was that it got very confusing on where to go. I had trouble finishing it but it was a fun game. It lacked the focus of some of the other Zelda games. Also it was a game that was 3 years too late. If it had been released instead of Wind Waker everyone would have absolutely loved it.

[Strangelove]

Yeah. I lost focus quickly. I got the first cave after trying to play the game about three or four timed over the years. If i cant find where im going or i dont know what to do i wont stick with it. Ill look it up online, but chances are ill go play something else instead.

[FMW]

Dear Dean:

 

Which Zelda to play first? That's actually a really good question.

 

Even though MM is my favorite, it definitely shouldn't be your first. It isn't representative of the franchise, and it's greatest strengths lie in subverting Zelda cliches. It wouldn't be nearly as powerful to someone who doesn't have the proper preconceptions of how Zelda works.

 

You shouldn't start with either of the NES games. They are interesting for genealogical purposes, but both are frustrating and ugly. Don't touch the CDI crap either.

 

Don't start with Twilight Princess. It's well crafted, but it can't compete with it's contemporaries. It is, perhaps, the best N64 game ever made. Nothing in the design really seems to require more than could have been done a decade ago.

 

You shouldn't start with Wind Waker because it's polarizing. I don't rightly understand why, but many people don't care for that one. Just in case you are one such person, steer clear.

 

I think perhaps the best place to start would be with The Minish Cap. The game looks really good, has great music, and sports what is perhaps the most tightly designed over world in the series. It's a game you can get lost in if you want to. Every screen holds a host of secrets, each one just barely buried beneath the last. It definitely emphasizes puzzles over combat, but I think that too is representative of the best of the series.

 

The other bonus to The Minish Cap is that it's short if you want it to be. For the first game in the franchise, I wouldn't recommend a lengthier entry just in case you don't like it. If you do like it though, you can invest at least an extra dozen hours uncovering things. I know I certainly did.

 

Most of all, The Minish Cap exudes charm. If you don't fall in love with this game, then there's no point in trying other Zelda iterations. No other Hyrule is as vibrant, expressive, or layered as this one.

[King Jimmeh]

I've just put some bids on eBay to get a Game Boy Player, Minish Cap and LttP. I remember one of the major points of the Collector's Edition disc was that between that and a Game Boy Player, it was possible to play most Zelda games on the Gamecube (and except Crossbow Training, it still is).

[deanb]

So Link to the PAst n Minish Cap to check out. Minish Cap is a Gameboy one isn't it?

[King Jimmeh]

Minish Cap is GBA. LttP is SNES, but was also re-released on the GBA, so as to be playable on the GC via the Game Boy Player.

[Gyaruson]

Holy crap, I did not expect all this Majora's Mask love. So good to know I'm among family...

 

Anywho, not only did it take the most risks of any Zelda game (with the possible exception of Wind Waker), but it reaped the most rewards for taking them. The three day loop was ingenious. You must plan out your days, because any wasted time can ruin your chances at success. You want to beat the Water Temple, and help Kafei find true love? Sorry, not in one playthrough, you're not. Plus, it required extensive research and pattern-forming in order to accomplish some of the more difficult side missions.

 

The characters were all great, and had wonderful depth (wish we would see more about the Skull Kid in other games), the time mechanic worked brilliantly, but most of all - it was just fun to play.

 

Playing as a Deku Scrub, Goron and Zora are some of the most memorable moments in gaming for me. The first time Link transforms was incredible, and it gives your three entirely different ways to play the game, and interact with people. Plus, the dungeons were so well-designed and challenging that it gave the game real depth and forced players to calculate their moves. Seriously, that Water Temple can suck my balls, with it's five different water streams that force you all over the level unless you control their flow. That one gave me fits.

 

Oh, and Fierce Deity kicks so much ass...

[CorgiShinobi]

Ocarina of Time.

 

I love all the Zelda games, reason perhaps as to why the Zelda series is my favorite. That said, I don't care if Majora's Mask was dark and had a non-conventional story in the Zelda mythos. Twilight Princess wasn't as good as expected, but it was still great (sans Hyrule Castle). The only thing that brings Wind Waker down is the accursed Triforce treasure hunt.

 

I could go on, but I'll get to the point: I find absolutely nothing wrong with Ocarina of Time. Sure you could say the Water Temple was a pain, but once you finish it, it's like riding a bicycle. Anyway, everything from the music, the characters, the story, even the environment is superb! If you have to have a princess story, this is the one. Link's background itself sets up for a heroic tale. I mean, you go from the social outcast to the triumphant Hero of Time!

 

What else has Link been? Normally he's a typical farm/village kid while at other times he's already a proven hero. In a sense, it's almost a coming-to-age story as well. He left a young boy, but took on the challenges any average adult would falter under. While you may not see it on his face every time, you experience them. How about when he must say good-bye to his only childhood friend Saria? Of the gripping fear when entering the unknown of Shadow Temple. Facing off against all manner of beast, from the furious Volvagia, the troublesome Twinrova, and finally facing Ganon in the rubble of his fortress.

 

If there was one thing that truly made an impact on me when playing Ocarina of Time, it was without a doubt the music. By far it is the only Zelda game where I can recall each individual piece of music and associate it to a fond memory of my time in Hyrule. Each tune on the ocarina, the stories tied to each note. Truthfully this applies to Majora's Mask as well, which is why it's not to far off from Ocarina of Time in my Top 5. Think back to when Sheik teaches you the temple songs, the description of the past, childhood friends, young love, and that which gives us strength to press forward.

 

Such a fantastic game. :'(

[Mr. GOH!]

Toss up between Majora's Mask and LttP. I went with the SNES game because I spent so much time playing it growing up. MM was released at a bad time for Ninty in my life; I had just gotten into PC gaming, was set to graduate High School in a month and was much more interested in girls than games. It was also the last N64 and Ninty game I got. Indeed, I was about to embark on a year long hiatus from consoles in general. I don't think I ever even completed it.

[Rocket Lawnchair]

A Link to the Past, hands down.

I still wish they would release more games like this one. minish cap was a very good one.

I hate wind waker, love the art style didn't like the game. i ended up selling my game cube just as i was going to kill ganon in that game. i couldn't handle it any more :V

haven't liked the WW ds tittles ether

[CorgiShinobi]

For all the smack Wind Waker received for looking "kiddy," to my recollection it had the goriest boss death of the whole series.

 

Not to spoil it, but...

 

I'm talking about the Master Sword into the head of Ganondorf, you know, the human form of Ganon! Sure Twilight Princess had a Ganondorf with the Master Sword through his gut, but he kinda just stood there and... died. Stabbing someone's brain is much more gruesome.

 

[Faiblesse Des Sens]

I liked Link's Awakening the most for being simple and straightforward with all of the positives of the series whereas I thought ALTTP had a bit too much going on for that type of game. I would apply that same criticism to twilight princess.