Top 10 Zelda Games Ranked
From the treacherous dungeons of the NES classic to the vast open landscapes of Breath of the Wild, join me as relive and rank the best The Legend of Zelda franchise has to offer.
Since its inception in 1986, The Legend of Zelda series has captivated millions of players around the world with its timeless tales of courage, exploration, and adventure. Spanning nearly four decades, this iconic series has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and continues to enchant gamers with its rich lore, innovative gameplay, and unforgettable characters. With a staggering number of games under its belt, the Zelda series has become a cornerstone of Nintendo's legacy, consistently delivering immersive experiences that push the boundaries of interactive storytelling.
In this top ten list, I delve into the realm of Hyrule and celebrate the greatest Zelda games that have graced my screens over the years. From the treacherous dungeons of the NES classic to the vast open landscapes of the latest installment, join me as I embark on a journey through the very best that The Legend of Zelda franchise has to offer.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Nintendo Switch)
Originally released for the Wii, Skyward Sword returned with enhanced visuals and controls on the Nintendo Switch. The game's captivating story, unique motion-controlled combat, and imaginative dungeon design make it a worthwhile addition to the Zelda lineup, offering an engaging journey through the origins of the series.
9. The Legend of Zelda
The game that started it all, The Legend of Zelda laid the foundation for the beloved series. With its non-linear exploration, iconic items like the Master Sword, and unforgettable music, this NES classic remains a testament to the timeless appeal of the Zelda franchise.
8. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Serving as a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds introduced a unique mechanic that allowed Link to merge into walls. This innovation opened up new gameplay possibilities, along with a captivating story, ingenious dungeons, and a richly nostalgic world.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019)
A faithful remake of the Game Boy classic, Link's Awakening for the Nintendo Switch captured the charm and magic of the original while introducing modern enhancements. Its delightful visuals, charming characters, and clever puzzles make it a delightful experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess embraced a darker tone and a more realistic art style. With its gripping story, expansive world, and clever dungeon design, this game struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering players a memorable journey through the Twilight Realm.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Known for its dark and melancholic atmosphere, Majora's Mask stands out as one of the most unique entries in the series. The game's time-looping mechanic, intense side quests, and thought-provoking themes of life and death make it a haunting and unforgettable adventure.
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Wind Waker took a bold artistic direction with its cel-shaded graphics and brought a charming and vibrant world to life. Its sailing mechanics, memorable characters, and epic quests across a flooded Hyrule created an enchanting and immersive experience for players.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Regarded as one of the best games in the series, A Link to the Past introduced the concept of parallel worlds and laid the foundation for many future Zelda titles. Its top-down perspective, challenging dungeons, and engaging storyline continue to captivate players even decades after its release.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A true masterpiece, Breath of the Wild redefined what an open-world game could be. Its vast, breathtaking landscapes and boundless freedom of exploration provided players with an unparalleled sense of adventure. The game's physics-based puzzles, intricate combat system, and immersive storytelling make it a must-play for any Zelda fan.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Considered by many as the pinnacle of the Zelda series, Ocarina of Time revolutionized the action-adventure genre. With its immersive world, memorable characters, and innovative time-travel mechanics, this game captured the hearts of players worldwide and set new standards for game design.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on twitter, Instagram and join in on the fun!
Please note: dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a means for this website to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.
Comments