It really depends on what you want from a shooter. Xevious is just straight up shooting and dodging. There's nothing more to it, but its very, very tough. Twinbee doesn't seem to be as hard, but has this unique power up system that dictates most of the gameplay. I'd have to say I find Twinbee a little more enjoyable, but both are pretty good games.

By the way, these kind of recommendation threads usually get locked. I think there's a sticky thread around, but i've never bothered to have a look.

No you didn't. Link's Awakening is the only Virtual Conzole Zelda on the 3DS. It's just people have just started to talk about A Link to the Past for some reason.

Anyway, it all depends on how well you get on with older games in general. Link's Awakening is definitely one of my favourite games in the series. It probably has the heaviest implementation of a story for any Zelda game at the time, although it still takes a back seat throughout the majority of the game. It does have a good 15+ hour campaign though, with some clever dungeon puzzles and a massive area to explore. The graphics have an almost NES charm about them, which I find quite appealing, and the controls are simple and easy to work with.

I would strongly recommend it. If you do enjoy it, it would open the door to other older Zelda games, such as A Link to the Past, The Oracle of Ages and The Oracle of Seasons. Not that you'll find those on the eShop.