Top-Tier Zelda Titles, in Order from Excellent to Mediocre
In 1986, the legendary adventure of Link began on the NES with the release of the first Zelda game. Since then, the series has grown to become one of Nintendo's most cherished franchises, gracing numerous consoles with its captivating stories and immersive gameplay.
The Wind Waker, the GameCube's Gem
One of the best stories in the franchise belongs to The Wind Waker, where Link embarks on a journey to rescue his sister. This game, one of the best on the GameCube, introduced players to a unique art style and an open world that was a departure from the series' traditional top-down perspective.
A Link to the Past: The Birth of Parallel Worlds
A Link to the Past, the second top-down entry in the series, introduced the concept of parallel worlds, a theme that has since become a staple in the franchise.
The Minish Cap: A Tiny Adventure
The Minish Cap, developed by Capcom and Flagship, and published by Nintendo, stands out for its innovative gameplay mechanic. With Ezlo's powers, Link can shrink down to the size of the Minish, allowing for a unique exploration of the game's world.
Ocarina of Time: A Timeless Classic
Ocarina of Time, widely regarded as one of the best games of all time and the best N64 game, is similar to Twilight Princess in terms of its "serious" look. Both games offer immersive stories and intricate dungeons that challenge players.
Twilight Princess: A Dark Odyssey
Twilight Princess, a launch game on both Nintendo Wii and GameCube, features a parallel dimension where Link can turn into a wolf and the darkest set piece in Zelda history, the Twilight Realm. The game also offers proper motion controls as a primary means for controlling Link, making it a unique experience.
Breath of the Wild: Embracing the Modern Era
Breath of the Wild ushered Zelda into the modern era, turning Hyrule into a truly open world. This game, arguably the greatest ever made and the best on the Switch, took a ton of risks, changing a big part of the core identity of Zelda.
The Future of Zelda on the Switch
Nintendo is currently working on a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, promising more innovative gameplay and an engaging story. The Switch 2 Zelda game has yet to be seen, but fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
A Link Between Worlds: A Modern Top-Down Classic
A Link Between Worlds, the best Nintendo 3DS game, brings the top-down perspective back to the forefront. This game allows for different approaches to each area, based on the items chosen, making it a fresh take on the classic Zelda formula.
The Weird and Wonderful: Link's Awakening and The Minish Cap Remakes
Link's Awakening, the first handheld entry in the franchise, and The Minish Cap have been remade with visually stunning graphics that stay faithful to the original games' unique art styles. These remakes morphed from ports of A Link to the Past into the weirdest entries in the iconic series.
Cooperative Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Four Swords Adventures, a cooperative game that lets you and three friends control Link, offers a unique multiplayer experience. This game, while not as innovative as some other Zelda games, is a fun way to explore Hyrule with friends.
Cadence of Hyrule: A Rhythmic Twist
Cadence of Hyrule is a unique game that mashes the rhythm mechanics of Crypt of the NecroDancer with Zelda's iconic setting. This game offers a fresh take on the Zelda formula, appealing to fans of both rhythm games and the Zelda series.
Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks: A Mixed Bag
Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, while retaining the cel-shaded cartoon visuals and isometric, 3D perspective, have received mixed reviews. Phantom Hourglass's dungeons weren't as exciting as some other games in the series, but Spirit Tracks offers a unique gameplay mechanic with its ghostly companion.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link: An Oddity
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is an oddity and is probably the most trying game in the series. This game, while not as popular as some other entries, offers a challenging experience that rewards patience and perseverance.
Tears of the Kingdom: A New Challenge
Tears of the Kingdom rises to the challenge of following Breath of the Wild with one subtle change. The emphasis in Tears of the Kingdom isn't so much on exploration as it is experimentation, promising a fresh take on the open-world gameplay that made Breath of the Wild a hit.
The Grittiest Zelda: Majora's Mask
Majora's Mask plays with time in an interesting way, as the game has a perpetually moving clock. This game, the grittiest Zelda, offers a dark and unsettling atmosphere that sets it apart from other games in the series.
Skyward Sword: The First in the Timeline
Skyward Sword, the first game in the Zelda timeline and a Wii game initially, offers a unique take on the Zelda formula. This game, while not as popular as some other entries, offers a compelling story and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The Worst of the Best: Tri Force Heroes
Tri Force Heroes, while not as well-received as some other games in the series, offers a unique multiplayer experience. This game, the worst on our list, is a fun way to explore Hyrule with friends, even if it doesn't quite live up to the series' high standards.
Zelda: One of Nintendo's Best Franchises
In conclusion, Zelda is just one of the best Nintendo franchises across all of its consoles. Whether it's the captivating stories, the immersive gameplay, or the unique art styles, Zelda games offer something for everyone. With a rich history and a bright future, the Legend of Zelda continues to captivate players and remain one of the best franchises in gaming.
