In anticipation of the new Zelda on the Wii, i've been thinking about what Zelda games i like the most, and why. I've got a list put together ( in NO particular order) with some condensed reasons.
Link's Awakening: I still play this game at least once a year (Around New Years
usually) to remind myself that you don't need next generation
graphics or uncompressed audio to have an amazing game.
Rich story, unforgettable characters, and a charming mysterious
world, all wrapped up in a tiny package that sings its heart out with
midi audio make this one of the best.
Majora's Mask: How deep does the rabbit hole go? In Majora's Mask i still
haven't found the bottom. I've played this game since its release,
and to this day I continue to find new things.
The sheer depth of this game is staggering. This game also has the
most "alive" world of any Zelda, a world that moves on whether Link
does anything to stop the moon or not. They all just keep on living
their lives, trying to sow the seeds of happiness in bitter bitter
soil.
A Link to the Past: This game is quintessential top down Zelda at it's finest.
This game is so loaded with surprises, awesome dungeons, crazy items,
and secrets that it's playtime often extends as far or farther then
the current 3D generation of console Zeldas. This one also features
an outstanding soundtrack, and introduced many modern Zelda staples
into the franchise.
Wind Waker: This game is a gorgeous feast for the eyes, and a cornucopia of
interesting Zelda story. It serves as an important piece of Zelda
canon, and an example of Zelda game-play at its finest.
In this game it's all about the characters and the writing, two very
high points in a game as expertly polished and put together as any
Nintendo has ever made.
Ocarina of Time: The fairytale epic that is still used as a measuring stick for
action adventure games today. In a series which had already
established itself and its characters well, Oot was the first game to
take this familiar story and drench it in 3D visuals. Characters and
places came to life in ways that were both beautiful and exciting.
Beneath a sky with real constellations, and a sun which set and rose
with time, OoT played out an adventure with so much scale and majesty
that it is even today remembered as one of the best. Hyrule Field was
an endless stretch of freedom and mystery. Beneath every footstep
could be a passageway, behind every wall could await danger and
treasure, around every corner a new world of discovery awaited. These
are the things which make Zelda great. These are the things which OoT
perfected.
Honorable Mention
Oracle of Ages/Seasons: These games are fantastic, and when played
one after the other they become even greater then the sum of their
parts. Lots of content for game boy games, lots of memorable
characters, places, and events. If you haven't played them, they are
a strong recommendation.
Minish Cap: This game is nothing but Zelda love. A real gem on the
GBA, with some great dungeons, and great writing. This title features
some very fun items, and some very interesting Zelda story.
Legend of Zelda: The game that started it all. A massive free roaming adventure
on an open world map riddled with secrets and characters. This game
remains a fantastic adventure to this day, and simply one of the best
of its own.
Where is Twilight Princess?
Twilight Princess was a good game, but I think it was a mediocre
Zelda when you get right down to it. I also think it is unique situation
that deserves a reason.
The controls
- moving Link feels like moving a vertical stick through mud
The world
- the forest felt like a hallway, they turned Zora River into a mini
game, and Hyrule Field was covered in pointless canyons, aka
invisible walls
The items
- The spinner was cool, but ultimately useless after it's short
inception and a couple secrets on the world map, just like the
Dominion Rod. (Dominion Rod turns into ball in a cup)
TP just feels very unpolished and rushed. A lot of the little things
that make a Zelda game feel complete are simply missing from it.
- If it's a game with Night and Day, let Link have a little control,
especially when certain things only happen at certain hours.
- If your gonna give link a wearable item, like a mask, at least show
him wearing it. Don't take the shortcut around it.
- The back of the Wii version box shows Link with a magic meter. Not
only does this make the game feel slapped together, it proves they
rushed it through the last legs of production for holiday / Wii
launch.
- I know the value of a blue rupee. Stop telling me. A very annoying
glitch, and more fuel for the fire when it comes to arguing this games
cut and paste nature.
etc. etc.
The games pacing and story tend to skip around, the world and it's
inhabitants feel like props and extras instead of living and
breathing the way they do in the other 3D Zeldas, and it is much more
linear then its modern counterparts. It does do some things right,
however. The Ball and Chain, for one. Bomb Arrows for another. And
not to mention a wicked awesome ice temple and decent story. But it's
not enough to save the sinking ship. I think it's sad how many people gave
this game stellar reviews, and are afraid to say anything negative
about it. I'll say this, it is worth a play.
Those are my two cents, 5 favorites, 3 runner ups, and 1 meh zeldas. What are yours, and why? Or maybe you just wanna complain about my list. Cool. *watches*
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