I only have Legend of zelda the wind waker for gamecube. There's not enough money for me to buy a console or a tv to play on now. I want to try the legend of zelda for the wii. The game looks really fresh with colors.
The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary - A Look Back
GameSpot editors celebrate The Legend of Zelda's 25th anniversary by taking a look back at some of their favorite games in the series.
The Legend of Zelda
Nintendo got it right the first time.
Alone in the wilderness, a young boy sets off on what promises to be an epic adventure. There's no narrative that tells you as much--but you can feel it. The music worms its way into your head, urging you on; there is a sense that something magical awaits around the bend. Without any tips destroying your sense of immersion or sign posts beckoning you in the right direction, The Legend of Zelda communicated what it demanded with confidence: explore. There's no telling what's waiting around the corner--it could be a gang of moblins hungry for elf flesh or a precious key to unlock a mysterious door--and there's only one way to find out.
Exploration and discovery are the tenets upon which Nintendo built this legendary series. Once you push past the title screen and select the name of your hero, you're placed in a world without any immediate goal spelled out for you. Three paths lay before you, but there's something about the cave directly in front of your sights that's too enticing to ignore. You take a few tentative steps, realize there's no forthcoming danger, and then sprint the rest of the way to see what awaits you. An old man sits by himself. "It's dangerous to go alone; take this." You grab the sword and begin the journey proper.
The Legend is born.
It's this simple idea that ultimately set the tone for the incredible adventure in store for you. By forcing you to enter that cave to get your first weapon--instead of just starting the game with it already in your inventory--Nintendo concisely explained the rules of this world. Nothing will be handed to you in The Legend of Zelda. To survive this dangerous land, you have to experiment. You have to travel down dark paths and hunt in unlikely places. If you aren't up to the task, just give up now because it's only going to get harder from here.
There's a level of respect a company must have for its players if it's going to issue such a serious request. The Legend of Zelda is not an easy quest by any stretch. If you veer to a dangerous part of the map, you could see your entire life drained away with just one hit. But there's no way to know which places are dangerous until you experience firsthand what challenges lay there. It's a sink-or-swim approach to game design that is infinitely rewarding but only if you can overcome the setbacks that could strike you down when you make a mistake.
There's a sense of wonder that's present in the original Zelda that is largely absent from modern game design. Failure was not only possible; it was likely. Not only were precious heart containers and valuable treasures hidden behind walls that needed to be bombed, but entire dungeons were also just as difficult to uncover. There's no flying fairy to tell you which bush to burn if you want to enter the seventh dungeon. In fact, because that is the only dungeon in the main quest that's hidden in such an obtuse manner, you may never realize that you would need to summon your inner pyromaniac to continue your journey.
It's easy to understand why Nintendo took a more user-friendly approach in subsequent releases. If you grew up in the '80s and played The Legend of Zelda before the Internet made secrets a thing of the past, you no doubt got stuck in more than a few places. It was a large deterrent for the easily annoyed. More than a few people most likely threw down the controller with disgust and ran back to the safe, linear comforts of Mario. But a huge part of the appeal of Zelda is that it taps into one's innate need to explore his or her surroundings. It may take days or even weeks to happen up the fifth labyrinth in the lost hills, but when that magical chime cues up and you see the gaping maw of the entrance, you feel as if you accomplished something real because, in fact, you did.
Current-day entries in this series compensate for their direct approach to progression by sprinkling puzzles throughout the many dungeons. This is an element that is largely absent from the original, though it doesn't hinder the experience one bit. Survival in The Legend of Zelda is a constant fight between good and evil. To make it through the later labyrinths is to survive a dance with some of the most punishing enemies. There was no time to solve logic puzzles when merely making it from one room to the next was a trial in and of itself. Once you finally crossed the river and made your way to the sixth labyrinth, you happened upon an underground world that was focused entirely on your demise. Vanishing wizards, shield-eating like-likes, and those crazy balls that leave you swordless surrounded you from all sides. There was no easy way out in these later levels, and reaching the end intact was a triumph.
Link's mother never warned him about throwing swords.
It's easy to look back at the Legend of Zelda and assume it's archaic by modern standards. With barely any narrative to speak of, decidedly old-school visuals, and only the flimsiest of structures, it can't hold a candle to what current games offer. When you throw in the devious level design that some might label "unfair," you may appreciate what this game accomplished but also smile that things have moved past this directionless endeavor.
But change is not always for the better.
The Legend of Zelda games have become more complex, but in doing so, they've also become simpler. No longer do you set forth across unexplored lands without any idea of where you have to go. No longer do you find reward simply from uncovering a lone secret path. The tangible benefits in the newer games and the constant need to cross another item off of your to-do list destroy the inherent pleasure of existing in a strange land and slowly making it your own. As brilliant as newer games in the series are, they've become a shadow of what they were at one time.
Twenty-five years after The Legend of Zelda was first released, it still stands as a template for how to build an adventure around exploration and discovery. Without a lengthy story or drawn-out cutscenes, Nintendo created a fantastic world that urged players along because the act of finding something new was reason enough to keep playing. The Legend of Zelda is not only the pinnacle of this beloved franchise, but it also still stands as one of the most ambitious, empowering, and extraordinary games ever released.
221 comments
1 Like I know I will get owned for saying this but I don't care my favorite Zelda games were the first 5 released games, going from Legend of Zelda, Zelda II Link's Adventure (the black sheep) Link to the Past, Link's awakening and Ocarina of Time. I still enjoyed the later titles Including Skyward Sword but the later games just do not feel the same. And yes once again Zelda 2 is still awsome!!
I loved every Zelda game I played, but I think I prefer Twilight Princess the most, with Link To The Past a *very* close second. I think the Zelda series has the possibility of being Nintendo's more "grown up" series.
I can't even read this article with a straight face after seeing the review they gave SkyWard Sword. It's just more blasphemous as time goes by.
I must be the only person who enjoyed Link's Awakening for the original Gameboy. It was one of the first Gameboy games I actually played through entirely as a child. Crazy adventures and ridiculously memorable music. Definitely an overlooked relic of a simpler time in gaming history.
The original is still one of my favorites. In fact, I've played it again within the last year or so. I still have my original Overworld Map and the hand-drawn Dungeon Maps I created -- probably 20 years ago. I still have notes, too, about where to bomb and what bush to burn! Truly a great game because it was challenging yet managable. As the series evolved, I found myself feeling *less* engaged -- there was just too much to keep track of. As the author praising the original observed, I too just didn't feel like I "owned" these more expansive and complex spaces like I could with this one.
When Zelda was born I was 4 years old and I grow up with this saga, for that I really see the progress of it.
Wind Waker is easily the best for artisrty and stylization. One of the best, of that there is absolutely no doubt. It's a shame that so many weak minded, purile, immature, underdeveloped lumps of flesh there are that took aim at one of the greatest artistic achievements in gaming history. Everyone is always ready to jump on a bandwagon, and if it isn't photo realistic then they cannot understand it. Weakest in the series? Twilight Princess was a big letdown, Skyward Swords very por controls let it down, overall average. Three best in the series? Wind Waker, A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time. Ocarina of Time is overrated though, not saying it's bad, just pointing out that it is not the game some of the nutjobs make-out. I would say the game has aged quite well though, unlike Mario 64, who was also lauded heavily at the time and since. Other notable entries in the series? I genuinely enjoyed Phantom Hour Glass, Minish Cap, Majora's Mask.
Wind Waker is definitely, not one of the best. Wasn't there a 3rd Zelda for the NES that they released in short supply, or scrapped? I'd say: 1:Link to the Past 2. Link's Awakening 3. Majora's Mask 4.Ocarina of Time
The Zelda games have always been my favourites, starting from the first time I popped that gold cartridge into my NES. I still have the hand-drawn map that my mom and I made for LoZ. We spent ages making that thing. I think my favourite is still A Link to the Past, although it's a hard decision because I love them all for different reasons.
My favorite Zelda game by far is Ocarina of Time. It may simply be because it was the first Zelda game I played, or the fact it was the first video game I ever beat, but I absolutely love it. I have played Wind Waker, and I also find it fantastic. I was one of the one's who hated it at first because of the graphics, but after playing it I could no longer hate it. I also never liked how much hatred Majora's Mask got. That game was also fantastic.
Seeing tom mcshea's name made me lose interest in reading anything besides the comments below.
My personal favourite Zelda game is Link to the Past, the first one I played and christ did I play it a lot! I could probably complete it in my sleep nowadays. The open world with the classic main theme playing constantly, dungeons with puzzles and tricky to beat bosses, brilliant. I have to admit to missing out on Ocarina of Time when it was first released (I never owned an N64) so the next game in the series I played on consoles was Wind Waker and I absolutely loved it. I honestly don't know what the so called fans who complain about are on about with this game. It has everything you want from a Zelda game! Intricate and challenging dungeons, simple yet fun sword fighting, a good sense of humour and it looks and sounds stunning. That first time getting on the boat and sailing away across the massive ocean is unforgettable. So what if it's cell shaded, go back and play this game now and it still looks fantastic. Thanks to the cell shading the game will never age, it's truly a timeless classic that will be pleasing to the eye for the rest of time. Twilight Princess I didn't like as much, it was too dark and gritty whereas to me Zelda is meant to be light hearted and about the exploration as much as anything else. Was still a good game but it's nowhere near as memorable to me as the other games in the series. Skyward Sword looks like it's going back down the light hearted route and I'm happy about that.
Wind Waker is one of the greatest games of all time. To hell with the so called "Fans" who probably did not even play this game.
Well...... I don't know many of the above games but i like zelda series a lot.... so happy 25 years of gaming:)
I think I am one of those that just does not do well with the original LoZ. I prefer Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess because, instead of having to explore and experiment, I get to be part of an epic and cinematic story!
GS gave Zelda SS a 7.5 and other sites gave it much higher. it is a GREAT Game. I do not know what is GS problem.
i admit ! Zelda similar become my (search engine) really ! in google , youtube , etc ... i know zelda is zelda and nothing can compare with ... but at least play something remind me of zelda :) i love zelda series soo much .... and i had played : 1- ocarina of time (firs zelda game i had played) .. 2- Megoras Mask 3- Wind Waker 4- Minish Cap 5- Twilight Princes 6- Skyward Sword (currently playing)
There is no Zelda game that has ever disappointed me. But despite the haters, I've gotta say Wind Waker warms up my heart everytime I hear a melody, or see the waves. It was also one of the biggest gaming worlds I know and every island on the map had some kind of mission, riddle, hidden treasure whatever you like to call it.
Loved Zelda since the 80's. still loving the format now. Nintendo are good at nostalgia.
I came into the game series LATE, the first game I played all the way threw what Wind Waker, I loved it, now I'm trying Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time. I'm sorry i got into the series late, but I'm glad i am in now.
I really loved every Zelda game I've played, but I have to say, Ocarina of Time in my opinion is THE best Zelda video game made so far. :D
I love all the Zelda games (even though I have only beaten about half of them), but I think I have to say Wind Waker is my favorite. There's just something about that game that always brings me back. The art style is still probably my favorite ever in a video game, the musical score is beyond brilliant, and the story is compelling and heartbreaking. It's awesome.
I like all zelda games, even the first ever zelda game for the nes and I enjoyed it as much as the recent game, skyward sword
@ACMC85 Hasent anyone taught you never judge a book by its cover wind waker was a awesome game and it shared the same formula from past Zelda games
@Troublesome Most of the games are very loosely connected. Chronologically "Skyward Sword" is the oldest. "The Minish Cap" is next, followed by "Four Swords". The tale of "Ocarina of Time" and "Majora's Mask" are set some time after that. It gets hairy hear because the timeline takes not two paths, but three. "Twilight Princess" is set a century after "Ocarina of Time" and follows the timeline of the child Link after the defeat of Ganon. "Four Swords Adventure" comes last in that time branch. "The Wind Waker" is set centuries ahead of "Ocarina of Time" but follows the alternative timeline of the adult Link after the defeat of Ganon here with "Phantom Hourglass" being a continuation of TWW. "Spirit Tracks" comes about 100 years after "Phantom Hourglass". The third timeline comes from the Hero of Time not being successful with "Ocarina of Time" being the story of the Imprisoning War that is told in the beginning of "A Link to the Past". "Link's Awakening" is a continuation of that story as well. The original "Legend of Zelda" and "Zelda II: The Adventure of Link" are direct sequels to each other and come sometime after "A Link to the Past". Except for the games that are direct sequels/continuations of previous Zelda games ("Wind Waker" + "Spirit Tracks", "Ocarina of Time" + "Majora's Mask", "A Link to the Past" + "Link's Awakening", and "The Legend of Zelda" + "The Adventure of Link") they all feature different Link's and Zelda's and tell their own stories in fictional points in time in the kingdom of Hyrule.
Hated Wind Waker for the visuals when it came out. I saw Space world forst and that's what I wanted from the next game. If it came afterwards I probably would have liked it, as I enjoyed spirit tracks and phantom hour glass. The endgame was pretty terrible from what I remember. Repeat the same steps 8 times as filler.
Wonderful article GS, brings back good memories. My first experience with Zelda was Link to the Past, to this day i still play through it once every single year.
@twztid13 So, as long we keep reffering to YOU, you'll come back like a lonley orphan with tears welling up in its eyes, just begging for attention. We satiate your need by referring to you, and you'll only stop once we stop feeding you. Huh. Well, Im intrigued how far you'll ACTUALLY go to keep responding to someone who refferences your name. Even though your adding absolutly nothing to the conversation and making yourself further look like a child starving for attention and someone who has ALOT of time on their hands. I do respond to things in my inbox. But only messages I deem worthy of my time. I get ALOT of inbox messages. I dont have time to respond to everyone. Count yourself lucky. I can only assume you dont get very many since you keep crawling back here, desperate for someone to put @twztid13 before their comment....
When I played Zelda 1, 2 & Lttp, there were no FAQS, etc. I've played every game I've ever beaten (especially Zelda) without "cheating" (Dark Souls & Skyrim, I looked up stuff to learn how to play, but haven't finished either). Back then, all there was is Nintendo Power & I was poor, so it was hard enough getting the games. I do remember having one with a map of Hyrule for Zelda 1, but it was after I had finished it. Not a better franchise exists, imho.
@grim0187 I reply to everything in my INBOX (which means people had to mention me before I ever came here. I will continue TO DEFEND MY RIGHT TO MY VIEWS no matter where, IF someone mentions me by name). If you don't want me to comment, don't mention me. Surely that can't be hard. EDIT:To put that into perspective for you, there would be ONE post by me if I had not been mention BY NAME 10 times. EDIT2: caps for emphasis, as reading is fundamental ;).
ITts specials, and segments like these that keep GameSpot unique, and me coming back everyday :P.
Spirit Tracks is my first Zelda; and i regret that i didn't play this series before! It's sooo unique.
it took me days to complete this game( the first Legend of Zelda) . i still remember i REFUSED to look at any FAQ cuz i wanted to experience this game the way it was meant to be. and it was absolutely BRILLIANT.
I remember my brother coming over one day while I was playing Wind Waker. This was probably 4 or 5 years after it was released. He was and still is into the first person shooters with cutting-edge graphics. I remember clearly I was in a dungeon latter in the game and he walked in and said wow that game looks f*ing cool! I find it curious now looking back when everyone was skeptical and critical about the graphics change... nowadays it seems Nintendo is criticized mostly about not enough change. I think they should challenge their creativity more often and quit playing on the safe side.
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Link's Awakening DX
Not Following
-
GBC
- Publisher:
- Nintendo
- Category:
- Action
- Release:
- December 1998
- ESRB:
- E
