It is the original Legend of Zelda. It gets props simply for existing XD
From a modern gamer viewpoint, this game would not be very well received. The story is pretty generic and almost nonexistent. "Save Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon who has seized the triforce of power by finding all eight pieces of the triforcce of wisdom!" or something like that. Additionally, I have heard from many others that this game was incredibly difficult, yet I was able to clear about half the game in a single sitting and I cleared Ganon without little to no issues. Hmmm... I blame this simplicity on the fact that I have played multiple Zelda games beforehand and am familiar with the fighting style and the puzzles. Of course since the game is the original, the puzzles used in later games would be somewhat enhanced but still reminiscent of the original, so in comparison the puzzles of this game appear rudimentary. Such things are not what I wish to focus on, however. I wish to focus on how this game was able to pull of a challenging (at the time) and original type of game where an adventurer named Link is able to battle his way through an unknown and dangerous world of wonder. Obviously this game was a novelty because it appealed to the players sense of adventure and courage for exploring the unknown all the while armed with your wits and an impressive set of weaponry. I'm sure we all wish we could hold a sword, bow, boomerang, set of bombs, candle, magic rod, and magic book in our tunic at all times! Alright fine MAYBE you don't think in terms of crazy as I do but still... This game was and still is an inspiration for the games of the future, and it pulls everything off quite nicely with a marvelous original score. Playing this game is an accomplishment in itself. Being able to say "I have played and beaten the original Legend of Zelda" is like being able to claim that you have read Tolstoy's War and Peace from cover to cover. Alright now I'm just bragging, but you would too if you've read that 1600 page book (with 10 pt. font too)!
I have to admit that my rating of this game is rather generous. The 9.5 that I am granting this title with has something to do with the enjoyable gameplay, the awesome nostalgic music, the cool looking bosses that appear in the newer games as well, and your impressive array of weaponry. However, the rating I give to this game has much more to do with how this game was able to birth the creation of a set of games and story's that have kept gamers entertained for over 20 years now and hopefully many more to come. I am incredibly pleased with how this series has turned out, and it is this game that I have to thank. So thank you Legend of Zelda. It was a pleasure being able to play such a classic as you. *Quickly runs away before anyone ridicules him for having a conversation with a video game*