You know what’s great about being in your mid 20s? A precise balance between access to disposable income, and yet the mental immaturity to buy the things you always wanted when you were a kid. How else could you explain the fact that I, a man of 26, was able to complete the Panini World Cup 2012 AND Euro 2016 sticker albums?
Pursuits in football player adhesive pictures aside, I intend to use this wondrous time in my life to stockpile things, before responsibilities and family mean I must settle down and only buy two pieces of Star Wars memorabilia a month. Stockpile collectibles, stockpile Blu Rays, stockpile memories of happier times before my own children were more technologically adept than me by age 2. To that end, I had an idea a few months ago to attempt to play every single entry in the Zelda series, for the sense of inner satisfaction it would give me to know that I had not missed out on a single minute of one of the most stellar series of games of all time.
Sure, it sits behind Pokemon as my favourite collection of games, but A) The thought of playing every Pokemon spin-off game that I don’t give a care about gave me heart palpitations.
And B) I refuse to play Pokemon Lets Play with Fire and Pokemon Leaf the Memories Alone.
And I can now report that I have been successful in my mission. With the following exceptions:
I have now played to completion every Zelda game to date. So, to celebrate the release of the newest installment, Breath of the Wild, here is every Zelda title ranked. Starting with the worst:
- Link’s Crossbow Training
- CD-i games
- Hyrule Warriors (which I ran out of time to play)
- Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures which Nintendo have made nigh-on impossible to play
I have now played to completion every Zelda game to date. So, to celebrate the release of the newest installment, Breath of the Wild, here is every Zelda title ranked. Starting with the worst:
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
 | Released: 1987 Platform: NES (I played the 3DS port) Timeline: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique features: Side scrolling instead of the traditional top-down perspective Ranking: #15 |
This is rightfully the black sheep of the Zelda series. While I have seen enough video evidence to tell me that the CD-i games The Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon are in fact the worst Zelda games of all time, they at least had the courtesy to be labelled “spin-offs”. Zelda II on the other hand is a main series game, like it or not, and one so bad I’m genuinely surprised it didn’t tank the franchise.
Not once during the game did I feel like I was having fun. The Adventure of Link is an unrelenting chore that is often unfair in the way that only 80s games can be. Not to sound like a snowflake, but a challenge is only a challenge when you have all the tools you need to succeed, just not the skill. Zelda II’s challenge lies in you having neither the skills or the tools, just a hope that maybe you can make it past the rock solid enemies without losing too much life. The switch to 2D side scrolling was quickly dumped and never mentioned again, and I can’t be more thankful for that fact.
Defining Moment: Finding a glitch that allowed me to skip a floor.
Not once during the game did I feel like I was having fun. The Adventure of Link is an unrelenting chore that is often unfair in the way that only 80s games can be. Not to sound like a snowflake, but a challenge is only a challenge when you have all the tools you need to succeed, just not the skill. Zelda II’s challenge lies in you having neither the skills or the tools, just a hope that maybe you can make it past the rock solid enemies without losing too much life. The switch to 2D side scrolling was quickly dumped and never mentioned again, and I can’t be more thankful for that fact.
Defining Moment: Finding a glitch that allowed me to skip a floor.
Skyward Sword
 | Released: 2011 Platform: Wii Timeline placement: Pre-Ocarina Timeline Unique features: Full 1:1 motion tracking of the Wii Remote Ranking: #14 |
It perhaps speaks of Zelda’s quality that the worst 3D game the series ever produced wasn’t rotten because of the game itself. Skyward Sword has a nice look, a cool story, and a good amount of variety in its dungeons. However, the Wii controller was crippling to the enjoyment of any of it.
We all marvelled at the potential of the Wii remote as a sword controller. Little did we know that even in the game that saw it implemented the best, it was still awful. The frustrating tedium of being beaten up by weaker opponents just because you can’t execute a pristine horizontal swipe to slice through their ill designed shields makes Skyward Sword a chore. As if that wasn’t enough, the interesting story of the birth of the Master Sword and Hyrule is further ruined by your companion Fi, who is so bad she retroactively makes Navi bearable.
Defining Moment: Falling backwards accidentally IRL after trying desperately to make your bird fly upwards in a graceful arc instead of YET ANOTHER 34 point spiral turn.
We all marvelled at the potential of the Wii remote as a sword controller. Little did we know that even in the game that saw it implemented the best, it was still awful. The frustrating tedium of being beaten up by weaker opponents just because you can’t execute a pristine horizontal swipe to slice through their ill designed shields makes Skyward Sword a chore. As if that wasn’t enough, the interesting story of the birth of the Master Sword and Hyrule is further ruined by your companion Fi, who is so bad she retroactively makes Navi bearable.
Defining Moment: Falling backwards accidentally IRL after trying desperately to make your bird fly upwards in a graceful arc instead of YET ANOTHER 34 point spiral turn.
The Legend of Zelda
 | Released: 1986 Platform: NES (I played the 3DS port) Timeline: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique Features: First game in the series Ranking: #13 |
Objectively speaking, Skyward Sword is a better game than the original Legend of Zelda. 25 years of game development will do that. But SS has tangible failings that were present from day one, whereas the only true weaknesses of LoZ are rooted in its age.
But there is something freeing about LoZ. There is no context given in-game at all. There isn’t even a stated “goal” outside of the implied “stop Ganon, save Zelda”. That means you have to explore, in the truest sense of the word.
Dungeons are difficult, enemies are sometimes repetitive, and a little bit of a pathway would have been helpful for this snowflake gamer raised on handholding, but everything that makes Zelda great is present. The roots of greatness are here for all to see, and have aged surprisingly well.
Defining Moment: Finally seeing “It’s Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This!” after years of memes got a giggle out of me.
But there is something freeing about LoZ. There is no context given in-game at all. There isn’t even a stated “goal” outside of the implied “stop Ganon, save Zelda”. That means you have to explore, in the truest sense of the word.
Dungeons are difficult, enemies are sometimes repetitive, and a little bit of a pathway would have been helpful for this snowflake gamer raised on handholding, but everything that makes Zelda great is present. The roots of greatness are here for all to see, and have aged surprisingly well.
Defining Moment: Finally seeing “It’s Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This!” after years of memes got a giggle out of me.
Phantom Hourglass
 | Released: 2007 Platform: DS Timeline placement: Adult Timeline Unique features: Plottable boat routes, central recurring dungeon Ranking: #12 |
The early days of a new console are often spent trying to make every new game utilise all of the unique features of the console. Remember how many PS3 games were forced to use the Sixaxis before it eventually became as used as HD-DVDs? The DS was subject to this too, so when Phantom Hourglass became Zelda’s first title on the system, the dual screens were crow-barred in everywhere.
There wasn’t a boss battle or voyage across the sea that didn’t involve the touchscreen in some awkward way. It was never as bad as Skyward Sword when it came to hardware integration, but it did hamper an otherwise fine Zelda title only let down by one poor game mechanic - a centralised dungeon that had to be revisited several times. Thankfully, both of these issues were somewhat ironed out for the sequel.
Defining Moment: The “Ohhhhh” moment when you realise you had to close the lid of the DS to make the ink on the bottom screen rub off onto the map on the top screen. You were saying “Ohhhh” to the walkthrough you found on Google, but still...
There wasn’t a boss battle or voyage across the sea that didn’t involve the touchscreen in some awkward way. It was never as bad as Skyward Sword when it came to hardware integration, but it did hamper an otherwise fine Zelda title only let down by one poor game mechanic - a centralised dungeon that had to be revisited several times. Thankfully, both of these issues were somewhat ironed out for the sequel.
Defining Moment: The “Ohhhhh” moment when you realise you had to close the lid of the DS to make the ink on the bottom screen rub off onto the map on the top screen. You were saying “Ohhhh” to the walkthrough you found on Google, but still...
Link's Awakening
 | Released: 1993 Platform: Game Boy (I played the 3DS port) Timeline Placement: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique Features: First portable Zelda game Ranking: #11 |
Honestly, Link’s Awakening is kind of a blur. I played it immediately after playing Oracle of Seasons and Ages, and while all three are very similar (making them hard to separate in my head), LA is certainly the lesser of the three.
That said, it’s probably the most focused of the three Game Boy Zelda games, telling a compact story about saving the Wind Fish, with tight dungeon design and a good assortment of weapons. So while I can’t recall many of the games USPs, I can still give it a recommendation.
Defining Moment: The Wind Fish is... a hell of a thing. Like Elmer the Elephant with fins.
That said, it’s probably the most focused of the three Game Boy Zelda games, telling a compact story about saving the Wind Fish, with tight dungeon design and a good assortment of weapons. So while I can’t recall many of the games USPs, I can still give it a recommendation.
Defining Moment: The Wind Fish is... a hell of a thing. Like Elmer the Elephant with fins.
Tri Force Heroes
 | Released: 2015 Platform: 3DS Timeline placement: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique features: 3 player mode, “levels” design Ranking: #10 |
I think the worst criticism I can have of Tri Force Heroes is that it didn’t feel important. Overall, TFH is a well made, functional and fun entry into the series, with several unique design options. For one, the areas are set out into levels - for example, the desert area will have four levels, with each contain four stages. There is also the multiplayer aspect, as the game is designed to be played with three people working in tandem to “solve” the levels, similar to the Portal 2 multiplayer game.
It also has a unique story, set in the fashion obsessed kingdom of Hytopia. But instead of saving Zelda or defeating Ganondorf, you are taking down a witch who stole Princess Styla’s fashion sense. This lack of real story weight, alongside the relatively short game length, leads me to giving TFH a thumbs up, but not necessarily a recommendation unless you have two buddies to play it with.
Defining Moment: Though I played the single player, getting your three Link’s to the finish line through teamwork was always a good feeling.
It also has a unique story, set in the fashion obsessed kingdom of Hytopia. But instead of saving Zelda or defeating Ganondorf, you are taking down a witch who stole Princess Styla’s fashion sense. This lack of real story weight, alongside the relatively short game length, leads me to giving TFH a thumbs up, but not necessarily a recommendation unless you have two buddies to play it with.
Defining Moment: Though I played the single player, getting your three Link’s to the finish line through teamwork was always a good feeling.
Spirit Tracks
 | Released: 2009 Platform: DS Timeline placement: Adult Timeline Unique features: Trains, controllable Zelda-possessed Phantom Guardians Ranking: #9 |
Spirit Tracks is such an odd Zelda game. Having covered all the ground (or sea) they thought they could with boats in Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, Nintendo decided against “just going back to Epona”, and introduced trains. In a game stuck with the classic fantasy timeframe of “ye olde times”, engineering was a strange addition.
That said, I look back on my time with Spirit Tracks more fondly than its prequel. I don’t remember all that much about it, hence its low spot here, but they sorted out some of the issues that really made Phantom Hourglass a slog. Plus any game that gets us closer to The Legend of Zelda: Dirtbikes of Destiny is fine by me.
Defining Moment: Finally putting all of that time playing with Thomas the Tank Engine to good use as you fight a boss battle on train-back, screaming in a proud and happy voice “THIS! IT WAS ALL LEADING TO THIS!”.
That said, I look back on my time with Spirit Tracks more fondly than its prequel. I don’t remember all that much about it, hence its low spot here, but they sorted out some of the issues that really made Phantom Hourglass a slog. Plus any game that gets us closer to The Legend of Zelda: Dirtbikes of Destiny is fine by me.
Defining Moment: Finally putting all of that time playing with Thomas the Tank Engine to good use as you fight a boss battle on train-back, screaming in a proud and happy voice “THIS! IT WAS ALL LEADING TO THIS!”.
A Link To The Past
 | Released: 1991 Platform: SNES (I played the Wii port) Timeline placement: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique features: First to utilise light and dark worlds Ranking: #8 |
This may be a contender for most controversial pick on this list. A Link to the Past is considered to be the game that concreted Zelda as a flagship Nintendo series, before Ocarina of Time launched it to superstardom. It is therefore the game we may have to thank for all of the Zelda goodness we’ve received over the past 25 years.
And yet, when I eventually got round to playing the game, I found it really quite frustrating. Game design has come a long way in the last quarter of a century, and I’m glad. I genuinely don’t think I’d be as big a fan as I am now had this obscure, “no obvious signposting” style stuck around. Link to the Past is almost sadistic in how little it tells you about how to progress.
I accept that this is largely a flaw on my part - I’ve been brought up with games designed to point you the way (if not drag you from point A to point B). This game was from a more optimistic time of communal exploration, where friends would tell each other things they had discovered. I found myself quite frequently asking my friend Mr. G Oogle for advice, for example.
But when the shortcomings of it’s time don’t let it down, it’s easy to see why this game was so loved back in 1991, and continues on as a classic now. Go in with a mindset of exploration, and you’ll have more fun than me.
Defining Moment: Heralding your magical duck to transport you around the map. A feature tragically lost in all subsequent Zelda games. #GiveADuckNintendo
And yet, when I eventually got round to playing the game, I found it really quite frustrating. Game design has come a long way in the last quarter of a century, and I’m glad. I genuinely don’t think I’d be as big a fan as I am now had this obscure, “no obvious signposting” style stuck around. Link to the Past is almost sadistic in how little it tells you about how to progress.
I accept that this is largely a flaw on my part - I’ve been brought up with games designed to point you the way (if not drag you from point A to point B). This game was from a more optimistic time of communal exploration, where friends would tell each other things they had discovered. I found myself quite frequently asking my friend Mr. G Oogle for advice, for example.
But when the shortcomings of it’s time don’t let it down, it’s easy to see why this game was so loved back in 1991, and continues on as a classic now. Go in with a mindset of exploration, and you’ll have more fun than me.
Defining Moment: Heralding your magical duck to transport you around the map. A feature tragically lost in all subsequent Zelda games. #GiveADuckNintendo
A Link Between Worlds
 | Released: 2013 Platform: 3DS Timeline placement: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique features: Ability to fuse onto walls, rentable items Ranking: #7 |
Releasing a sequel to a beloved classic 22 years after it first came out?
But, as it turns out, A Link Between Worlds was a worthy, if not entirely inspired sequel to Link to the Past. It took almost the exact same map, updated the graphics, and then offered enough unique features to make it feel familiar but different. The central mechanic that allows you to fuse onto walls is a fun addition, forcing you to think differently about every room your in.
It is for these additions and improvements that I place Link Between Worlds above its predecessor. The route through the game is infinitely clearer, and I had literally no problem figuring out where to go or what to do next. It wasn’t a brilliant or groundbreaking game, but not every Zelda game has to change the world.
Defining Moment: The reveal of Ravio. No spoilers, but it is unexpected and very cool.
It is for these additions and improvements that I place Link Between Worlds above its predecessor. The route through the game is infinitely clearer, and I had literally no problem figuring out where to go or what to do next. It wasn’t a brilliant or groundbreaking game, but not every Zelda game has to change the world.
Defining Moment: The reveal of Ravio. No spoilers, but it is unexpected and very cool.
Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Ages
 | Released: 2001 Platform: Game Boy Colour (I played the 3DS port) Timeline Placement: Fallen Hero Timeline Unique Features: Both versions are completely different / Control over seasons or time / Connectivity between the two games Ranking: #6 |
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the three Game Boy games look and play almost identically. But the two mirror image Oracle games are a step above Link’s Awakening, and all other handheld Zelda games bar one for that matter.
Both feature great use of the tried and tested dual world gimmick seen in a lot of Zelda games, with one giving the power over time, and the other over the four seasons. OoA is more puzzle based, whereas OoS favours combat. Perhaps it speaks to my caveman mindset, but I give the slight edge to the fighty Seasons (plus we’ve seen time travel before in Zelda, whereas changing the seasons is unique). That said, both are fantastic Zelda experiences.
Defining Moment: Making Autumn leave at will. Because who really likes Autumn? You are a poor man’s Winter.
Both feature great use of the tried and tested dual world gimmick seen in a lot of Zelda games, with one giving the power over time, and the other over the four seasons. OoA is more puzzle based, whereas OoS favours combat. Perhaps it speaks to my caveman mindset, but I give the slight edge to the fighty Seasons (plus we’ve seen time travel before in Zelda, whereas changing the seasons is unique). That said, both are fantastic Zelda experiences.
Defining Moment: Making Autumn leave at will. Because who really likes Autumn? You are a poor man’s Winter.
The Minish Cap
 | Released: 2004 Platform: Game Boy Advance (I played the Wii U port) Timeline placement: Pre-Ocarina Timeline Unique features: Ability to shrink Ranking: #5 |
Zelda is a series oozing with charm at the best of times, but Minish Cap perhaps has more than any other game outside Wind Waker. Chronologically kicking off the Four Sword sub set of games, Minish Cap explores the origins of Vaati, perhaps the only villain outside of Ganon with any staying power. Turns out he was a Picori, otherwise known as the Minish, and you’ll need to shrink down to the size of his diminutive tribesman in order to take the evil wind mage down.
What follows is a take on the common “dual world” theme that feels different from all other versions. The world of the Minish is really fun to explore, and lends itself well to both world design and puzzles. This game also introduces the only companion who will ever give Midna a run for her money in the form of Ezlo the talking hat. If you dislike the Wind Waker style, Minish Cap will likely make you wretch on its cutesy art style and story. But for me, this is the best handheld Zelda I have ever played.
Defining Moment: Walking along a little underpass when you’re Picori size, fighting slugs and avoiding giant twigs. I’m not usually one to bang on about visual style, but I can’t overstate how much I liked it in The Minish Cap.
What follows is a take on the common “dual world” theme that feels different from all other versions. The world of the Minish is really fun to explore, and lends itself well to both world design and puzzles. This game also introduces the only companion who will ever give Midna a run for her money in the form of Ezlo the talking hat. If you dislike the Wind Waker style, Minish Cap will likely make you wretch on its cutesy art style and story. But for me, this is the best handheld Zelda I have ever played.
Defining Moment: Walking along a little underpass when you’re Picori size, fighting slugs and avoiding giant twigs. I’m not usually one to bang on about visual style, but I can’t overstate how much I liked it in The Minish Cap.
Twilight Princess
 | Released: 2006 Platform: Gamecube/Wii (Remastered on Wii U) Timeline placement: Child Timeline Unique features: Ability to turn into a wolf Ranking: #4 |
Twilight Princess is almost the forgotten main series Zelda game. Not as groundbreaking as Ocarina of Time, not as well loved as Wind Waker or Majora’s Mask, and not as divisive as Skyward Sword. But it always seemed set up to be the black sheep of the canon - released right in the middle of a console transition from GameCube to Wii, this game seems to have channelled that awkwardness into its gameplay.
It’s the tone I have a problem with. It’s VERY bleak, seemingly in response to the backlash over Wind Waker’s very optimistic take on the formula. Everything is black, and everything is doomed. Zelda herself is very gothy, having almost accepted that Hyrule is fated to fall, overrun by those BASTARD shield faced things, who rank high in all-time most hated Zelda enemy list.
That said, Twilight Princess still has a tonne of big plus points. For one, it is perhaps the most badass depiction of Link, who for once feels like a battle hardened warrior (complete with noble steed Epona!) instead of a fairy kid in pajamas. The story is morbid, but it is strong, thanks in part to the loveable imp Midna, who is by far and away the best companion in any Zelda game. And as we all suspected, being a wolf is COOL.
Defining Moment: To repeat - COOL WOLF STUFF.
It’s the tone I have a problem with. It’s VERY bleak, seemingly in response to the backlash over Wind Waker’s very optimistic take on the formula. Everything is black, and everything is doomed. Zelda herself is very gothy, having almost accepted that Hyrule is fated to fall, overrun by those BASTARD shield faced things, who rank high in all-time most hated Zelda enemy list.
That said, Twilight Princess still has a tonne of big plus points. For one, it is perhaps the most badass depiction of Link, who for once feels like a battle hardened warrior (complete with noble steed Epona!) instead of a fairy kid in pajamas. The story is morbid, but it is strong, thanks in part to the loveable imp Midna, who is by far and away the best companion in any Zelda game. And as we all suspected, being a wolf is COOL.
Defining Moment: To repeat - COOL WOLF STUFF.
Majora's Mask
 | Released: 2000 Platform: N64 (Remastered for 3DS) Timeline placement: Child Timeline Unique features: Variety of masks that transform the player / 3 day time loop Ranking: #3 |
Twilight Princess may be the black sheep, but Majora’s Mask is undeniably the oddest Zelda game ever put forward. Put out just two years after Ocarina of Time, achieved by recycling a lot of assets from the N64 classic, it’s perhaps the smallest of the main console Zelda games, but also the most intense.
The 3 day time loop divides a lot of people - for some, it is Majora’s Mask's best feature, adding a lot of tension to every play-through. For others, it goes against the Zelda fundamentals of exploration - no time to explore every corner of the map when you can only get things done by charging at dungeons directly at full speed shouting “Ahhhhh!”. I’m in favour of it. Once you find your groove with time management, it’s a good way of keeping your focus for what is perhaps the hardest Zelda game on consoles to date.
Plus, who doesn’t want to be a Goron? Or a Zora for that matter?
The 3 day time loop divides a lot of people - for some, it is Majora’s Mask's best feature, adding a lot of tension to every play-through. For others, it goes against the Zelda fundamentals of exploration - no time to explore every corner of the map when you can only get things done by charging at dungeons directly at full speed shouting “Ahhhhh!”. I’m in favour of it. Once you find your groove with time management, it’s a good way of keeping your focus for what is perhaps the hardest Zelda game on consoles to date.
Plus, who doesn’t want to be a Goron? Or a Zora for that matter?
Defining Moment: In a game full of excellent boss battles, up to and including fighting Majora himself, it’s the rampaging mechanical bull of death that takes the cake. He’s so big and awesome, he isn’t even really fighting you - you have just decided to fight him whilst he’s running around his house oblivious to your presence.
Ocarina Of Time
 | Released: 1998 Platform: N64 (Remastered for Gamecube and 3DS) Timeline placement: Splits timeline into three (Fallen Hero, Child and Adult) Unique features: First 3D Zelda game Ranking: #2 |
Controversial opinion number 2 - Ocarina of Time not taking home the gold medal. Ocarina of Time is like 'Imagine' by John Lennon, in that it is just expected to win whatever countdown it is eligible for. Ocarina is often touted as not only the best Zelda game ever, but also the greatest video game ever made. And while I am not blind to its majesty, for me there is one Zelda game that is slightly better than it.
More on that in a moment. Let me first shout loudly and proudly that Ocarina of Time is the defining Zelda game in terms of look, tone, story and layout. Though a lot of the story beats have been present from the get go - Link, Zelda, Ganon, the Tri-Force and the Master Sword - they weren’t really definitively nailed until Ocarina. This game sets forward the basic Legend of the whole series - the Tri-Force grants wishes, and is usually split between the three main characters, fated to be reincarnated over and over again to fight the same battle of good vs evil for all eternity.
So what makes it so endearing? It is partly based in nostalgia - even Super Mario 64 wasn’t the leap forward in gaming like Ocarina was. Link’s time travelling adventure also opened up so many doors; 3D free roaming, deep level design, moving musical scores, and much more besides were all ushered in and remain industry staples to this day.
I can only imagine what it was like back in ‘98 to play Ocarina for the first time. It must have felt like a whole new world of possibilities had been opened. Very, very little has had the lasting impact on ALL aspects of gaming like Ocarina. But, ultimately, it has to play second fiddle on this list. As a little over 4 years later, Nintendo released what is, in my opinion, the greatest console game ever made.
Defining Moment: The reveal of Shiek? Picking up the Master Sword and being taken to the future? Riding Epona across Hyrule Field? It is almost impossible to pick one moment, but ultimately, it has to be the climactic fight with Ganon in his true form. The tension is unbearable, the challenge is incredibly high, and the payoff is legendary.
More on that in a moment. Let me first shout loudly and proudly that Ocarina of Time is the defining Zelda game in terms of look, tone, story and layout. Though a lot of the story beats have been present from the get go - Link, Zelda, Ganon, the Tri-Force and the Master Sword - they weren’t really definitively nailed until Ocarina. This game sets forward the basic Legend of the whole series - the Tri-Force grants wishes, and is usually split between the three main characters, fated to be reincarnated over and over again to fight the same battle of good vs evil for all eternity.
So what makes it so endearing? It is partly based in nostalgia - even Super Mario 64 wasn’t the leap forward in gaming like Ocarina was. Link’s time travelling adventure also opened up so many doors; 3D free roaming, deep level design, moving musical scores, and much more besides were all ushered in and remain industry staples to this day.
I can only imagine what it was like back in ‘98 to play Ocarina for the first time. It must have felt like a whole new world of possibilities had been opened. Very, very little has had the lasting impact on ALL aspects of gaming like Ocarina. But, ultimately, it has to play second fiddle on this list. As a little over 4 years later, Nintendo released what is, in my opinion, the greatest console game ever made.
Defining Moment: The reveal of Shiek? Picking up the Master Sword and being taken to the future? Riding Epona across Hyrule Field? It is almost impossible to pick one moment, but ultimately, it has to be the climactic fight with Ganon in his true form. The tension is unbearable, the challenge is incredibly high, and the payoff is legendary.
The Wind Waker
 | Released: 2002 Platform: Gamecube (Remastered for Wii U) Timeline placement: Adult Timeline Unique features: Cell shaded / Sailing Ranking: #1 |
You never forget your first. I have vivid recollections of almost my entire experience of The Wind Waker. I can remember walking past it at a Sunday market a few weeks after release for about £10 less than it cost in the shops and PLEADING to get it. I remember loading it up for the first time, not really knowing what a “Zelda” game was really, and initially being a little disappointed that it wasn’t essentially Mario but with a sword.
Then I remember stabbing Ganondorf through the head with the Master Sword in a crumbling Hyrule, and for the first time in my burgeoning gaming life completing a console game. It’s odd to be super nostalgic for severe head trauma and flooded cities, but I loved every single second of The Wind Waker.
Obviously, that nostalgia plays heavily into this ranking (I never said this was an objective list), but I think even with an unbiased eye I can point out the reasons I feel this game is superior to the all conquering Ocarina of Time. The sword combat engine is slicker, with a better integration of items and perhaps the best replication of one on one sword fighting in all of video games. The story, while not as iconic and powerful as OoT, is bursting with charm and character. Exploration also feels more natural thanks to the expansive world.
And to think that all of this was nearly swept under the rug by the stampeding of butt hurt fanboys that disliked the art style change. Historically speaking, the overtly cartoony Zelda games far outweigh the “gritty” style (a category I would only include OoT, TP and MM in), so I never really understood the outrage. The positives far outweigh the negatives. For example, how many games do you know where a HD remake some 10 years later wasn’t actually necessary? The cel shaded graphics have stood the test of time, as the GameCube game still looks amazing.
Above all else, Wind Waker was fun. Say what you will about OoT, but it’s not something I would call “fun”. It’s enjoyable to play, but the tone doesn’t lend itself to smiling a lot. WW is the total opposite, daring you to not giggle with reckless abandon as little anime Link stumbles his way through saving the world.
Yes, there were problems. The original Tingle quest was a pain in the balls. The little Miniblins are just the worst. Sailing prior to getting the Ballad of Gales could become tedious. And you do miss Epona because every man needs his noble stead. But absolutely everything you love about Zelda can be found in WW, and that for me makes it an easy choice for my number one pick.
Defining Moment: As with Ocarina of Time, I could go on for a while. Pulling the Master Sword out of a frozen Hyrule castle. The King of Red Lions reveal. The fight with Gohma beneath Valoo on Dragon Roost Island. The Tower of the Gods in general. But for me, the best moment was finally getting the Wind’s Requiem, climbing into your ship, and seeing nothing but boundless opportunity in front of you on the open ocean. If that sentiment doesn’t capture the very core of Zelda, I don’t know what does.
And that is my list! Agree? Disagree? And where do you think Breath of the Wild could potentially end up on the overall spectrum? Let me know on Twitter - @TheGutteridge
Then I remember stabbing Ganondorf through the head with the Master Sword in a crumbling Hyrule, and for the first time in my burgeoning gaming life completing a console game. It’s odd to be super nostalgic for severe head trauma and flooded cities, but I loved every single second of The Wind Waker.
Obviously, that nostalgia plays heavily into this ranking (I never said this was an objective list), but I think even with an unbiased eye I can point out the reasons I feel this game is superior to the all conquering Ocarina of Time. The sword combat engine is slicker, with a better integration of items and perhaps the best replication of one on one sword fighting in all of video games. The story, while not as iconic and powerful as OoT, is bursting with charm and character. Exploration also feels more natural thanks to the expansive world.
And to think that all of this was nearly swept under the rug by the stampeding of butt hurt fanboys that disliked the art style change. Historically speaking, the overtly cartoony Zelda games far outweigh the “gritty” style (a category I would only include OoT, TP and MM in), so I never really understood the outrage. The positives far outweigh the negatives. For example, how many games do you know where a HD remake some 10 years later wasn’t actually necessary? The cel shaded graphics have stood the test of time, as the GameCube game still looks amazing.
Above all else, Wind Waker was fun. Say what you will about OoT, but it’s not something I would call “fun”. It’s enjoyable to play, but the tone doesn’t lend itself to smiling a lot. WW is the total opposite, daring you to not giggle with reckless abandon as little anime Link stumbles his way through saving the world.
Yes, there were problems. The original Tingle quest was a pain in the balls. The little Miniblins are just the worst. Sailing prior to getting the Ballad of Gales could become tedious. And you do miss Epona because every man needs his noble stead. But absolutely everything you love about Zelda can be found in WW, and that for me makes it an easy choice for my number one pick.
Defining Moment: As with Ocarina of Time, I could go on for a while. Pulling the Master Sword out of a frozen Hyrule castle. The King of Red Lions reveal. The fight with Gohma beneath Valoo on Dragon Roost Island. The Tower of the Gods in general. But for me, the best moment was finally getting the Wind’s Requiem, climbing into your ship, and seeing nothing but boundless opportunity in front of you on the open ocean. If that sentiment doesn’t capture the very core of Zelda, I don’t know what does.
And that is my list! Agree? Disagree? And where do you think Breath of the Wild could potentially end up on the overall spectrum? Let me know on Twitter - @TheGutteridge
By Darren Gutteridge
@TheGutteridge
Darren is a columnist and a co-host on almost all our podcasts, including PopScorn and Gotta Cast 'Em All. He is a long time blogger, known for his previous website The Gutteridge Log, and his in-depth analysis and explanation of pop culture media.
@TheGutteridge
Darren is a columnist and a co-host on almost all our podcasts, including PopScorn and Gotta Cast 'Em All. He is a long time blogger, known for his previous website The Gutteridge Log, and his in-depth analysis and explanation of pop culture media.