When you think of Nintendo, one particular game series tends to come to mind, The Legend of Zelda. It is one of the console’s most successful and iconic franchises.
The game that initially started out as a prototype game for the Famicom Disk System, that only sold in Japan, would, later on, become a defining game for Nintendo.
The prototype allowed two players to create their own dungeons after which the two players would explore each other’s creations.
However, it later dawned on the game’s creator, leading designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, that the exploration part was what really captivated players to the game.
This led to the decision to do away with the creation tools and instead have a pre-built world full of forests, mountains, lakes and other features where the players could explore.
This world was called Hyrule and it led to the birth of The Legend of Zelda over 3 decades ago. The game was released for the Famicom later for the NES.
Ever since its first release in 1986, The Legend of Zelda has achieved enormous critical and commercial success with each entry into the franchise.
As a matter of fact, a majority of its entries have been considered some of the greatest games ever released.
It is also showing no signs of slowing down with its latest entry having being released in 2017 and a sequel currently in the works.
As we wait to find out what the next entry has in store for us, now is the opportune time to take a trip down memory lane and just appreciate the history of this masterpiece.
Here is a list of all the Zelda Games in order of chronological release up to now:
1) The Legend of Zelda (1986) – Original
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Originally released in Japan in 1986 and later in North America and Europe in 1987, this is the first game of the series.
It introduces us to the three main characters of the series: Link, Princess Zelda, and Gannon. It also introduces us to the Triforce and the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Though a 2D overhead perspective game, it laid the foundation for what we’ve come to love and expect from the Zelda series.
It is largely considered as being way ahead of its due to its technical innovation and gameplay design. In the game, you played as Link, a young hero who is destined to save Princess Zelda and the Kingdom of Hyrule from Ganon, the Prince of Darkness.
2) Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1988/NES)
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In the second entry of the series, Nintendo decided to do things a little more differently. The first major change that players noticed is the switch from an overhead perspective to a side-scrolling perspective.
The game also introduced various RPG elements such as experience points that helped to upgrade Link’s abilities.
Also, Link had the ability to cast spells. It is worth mentioning that these features were never implemented in any other Zelda entries, hence, this game is unique in its own way.
However, you still control Link as he tries to save Princess Zelda once again.
3) TLZ: A Link to the Past (1992/SNES)
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A Link to the Past was released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was later released for the Gameboy Advance in 2002.
For this third installment, Nintendo goes back to its roots in terms of formula. A Link to the Past returns to the overhead view with a 3/4 perspective.
It is a more refined version of the first game as it sees most of the mechanics and concepts improved. The game takes advantage of the superior capabilities of the SNES.
What’s most notable about the game is the introduction of an alternate dimension to explore. Link traverses two parallel worlds; one dark and one light in a quest to defeat Ganon.
4) TLZ: Link’s Awakening (1993/GB)
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This fourth installment was released on June 6, 1993, and it was the first entry to be released on a handheld.
It was initially released for the Nintendo’s Gameboy and later re-released for the Game Boy Color in 1998 as Link’s Awakening DX.
A remake of the game for the Nintendo Switch was released in September 2019. It is the first game in the series to take place outside the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Also, Princess Zelda and the Triforce don’t feature in the game. You play as Link as he tries to escape an island called Koholint.
5) TLZ: Ocarina of Time (1998/N64)
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After a long hiatus, Ocarina of Time was finally released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64. This fifth entry marked the beginning of the 3D era for the series which was a very important moment for gaming in general.
The long wait between the fourth and fifth installments was attributed to the shift between 2D and 3D across platforms as the concept of 3D gaming was still fresh to the game designers.
A majority of 3D games at that time were underwhelming, to say the least, while Ocarina of Time offered a unique and more satisfactory 3D gaming experience with its vast and open version of Hyrule.
In 2002, the game was released for the GameCube and a remade version was released in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS.
6) TLZ: Majora’s Mask (2000/N64)
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Same as with The Adventures of Link, Majora’s Mask is a departure from its predecessor in terms of formula and concept.
Even though it had the same visual style as Ocarina of Time, it’s gameplay had greatly changed and the game abandoned the vast open world of Hyrule for a much smaller scope.
The game is much more mature and has a darker theme. In this game, Link is stuck in a three-day loop as he attempts to prevent a giant falling from the moon from destroying the land.
It was initially released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000 but a remade version was released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS.
7) TLZ: Oracle of Ages (2001/GBC)
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Oracle of Ages is the 7th main installment of the series and it is one of the two simultaneously released Legend of Zelda titles for the Gameboy color.
Oracle of Seasons is the other game (see below). Rather than being two parallel games the plots of Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Season are interconnected and are linkable to form one linear plot.
After completing one of the games, you are provided with a password that enables you to unlock the other game.
8) TLZ: Oracle of Seasons (2001/GBC)
Oracle of Seasons is the 8th main installment of the franchise and it is the second game released for the Game Boy Color together with Oracle of Ages. Players have to play both games in order to fully comprehend the story.
9) TLZ: A Link to the Past/Four Swords (2002/GBA)
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In 2002, Nintendo ported A Link to the Past to the Game Boy Advance. It also included an original multi-player game called Four Swords. Four Swords was the first-ever multi-player Zelda Game.
10) TLZ: The Wind Waker (2002/GCN)
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Released in December 2002, The Wind Waker debuted on the Nintendo GameCube. It features a cel-shaded art style and its cartoonish appearance drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
The visuals greatly complement the game’s world which is mainly water. Link uses a magical tool known as The Wind Waker to manipulate the direction of the wind as most of the game is spent sailing between islands.
Despite its decisive nature, it is still considered one of the best entries. A modified port for the Wii U was released in September 2013.
11) TLZ: The Minish Cap (2004/GBA)
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The Minish Cap was released in November 2004 in Europe and Japan and in January 2005, it was released in America.
This entry takes an opposite approach from the vast open-world setting that players are often accustomed to. Here, Link is able to shrink down in size with the help of a sentient hat called Ezlo. Thus Link is able to discover a traverse a whole new tiny unseen world in Hyrule.
12) TLZ: Four Swords Adventures (2004/GCN)
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After the initial release of Four Swords in the GBA’s ported version of A Link to the Past in 2002, Nintendo released an expanded version Four Swords in 2004 for the GameCube.
While it maintains most of the concepts and mechanics of the debut version, it boasts enhanced atmospheric visual effects due to the superior capabilities of the GameCube.
In this game, Link has to restore order in Hyrule after an evil version of himself called Shadow Link is created.
13) TLZ: Twilight Princess (2006/GCN/Wii)
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The Twilight Princess was released in November 2006 as the first entry on the Wii. However, it was initially meant to be released exclusively on the Nintendo GameCube. But it was later released for the GameCube itself in December 2006.
This installment heavily contrasted the cartoonish, bright and colorful appearance of The Wind Waker, as it went for a more realistic and darker look and feel. It gave Link the ability to turn into a wolf and it also featured a parallel world known as the Twilight Realm.
In addition to being the first entry on the Wii, it was also the first entry to make use of motion controls. But the GameCube version was still available with the traditional gamepad controls.
14) TLZ: Phantom Hourglass (2007/NDS)
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The cel-shaded art style made a comeback to the series with the release of Phantom Hourglass in June 23rd, 2007 for the Nintendo DS.
Apart from using the same art style as The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass was announced as a direct sequel to The Wind Waker.
It retains the same cartoonish look and aquatic theme, however, players are introduced to new control schemes taking advantage of the DS’ hardware capabilities.
With the support of stylus and handheld touch screen technology, players are able to draw the paths for Link’s boat.
Considering that the Nintendo DS also had Wi-Fi capability, one on one multiplayer mode was supported both locally and online.
15) TLZ: Spirit Tracks (2009/NDS)
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Two years later after the release of Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks was released in December 2009. It featured the same cel-shaded art style and was similar to its predecessor but instead of a boat, this time Link rides a train.
He is seen wearing conductor outfits and working together with Zelda for the first time as they try to defeat the Demon King and restore the disappearing Spirit Tracks, which are railroads used to imprison ancient evil.
16) TLZ: Skyward Sword (2011/Wii)
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The 16th entry of the series was released in November 2011. This new installment was designed to fully utilize the Wii U’s motion control.
Despite Nintendo introducing the Wii MotionPlus meant to offer players greater and more accurate control of Link, Skyward Sword still received wide criticism for its implementation of the motion controls and other flaws in its design. However, it still achieved great critical and commercial success.
17) TLZ: A Link Between Worlds (2013/3DS)
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A Link Between Worlds was released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS. The events of A Link Between Worlds take place in the same world as A Link to the Past but hundreds of years into the future.
It introduces a new mechanism where Link is able to turn into a picture and slide through walls and navigate other obstacles. With this mechanic, players are introduced to new opportunities and creative puzzle design.
18) TLZ: Tri Force Heroes (2015/3DS)
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In the 18th installment of The Legend of Zelda series, the cooperative-oriented gameplay of Four Swords Adventure sees a comeback.
Using an internet connection, three players can unite and fight their way through dungeons riddled with puzzles.
What makes this game unique is that it is fashion-oriented in that players have additional options when it comes to crafting their outfits. This game was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015.
19) TLZ: Breath of the Wild (2017/Nintendo Switch/Wii U)
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This is the latest entry into the series and it was released on March 3, 2017, the same day as the Nintendo Switch.
The game was so popular that it outsold the console itself. It is regarded by many as not only the best game in the series but also one of the best video games ever created.
The world of the Breath of the Wild is the biggest and most detailed in the entire series and it offers a lot more for the player to explore. It also introduces some amazing new mechanics such as weapon durability and cooking.
20) TLZ: Link’s Awakening (2019)
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The original Link’s awakening edition was the fourth title in the series and was the first one to ever be released on a handheld system.
It was for Gameboy color and received critical acclaim for the story elements and accessibility for the time.
Nowadays, we see it revamped better than ever in the Nintendo Switch remake which brings it to the modern world.
There are exciting dungeons to traverse here and an engaging story that incorporates new elements like the loss of Link’s Sword and sharpened gameplay mechanics.
This game introduced some new tasks that can be found in the more recent Zelda games like fishing, well-hidden items, and the implementation of playable songs. Link’s Awakening might not be as iconic, but it is worth playing.
21) TLZ: Skyward Sword HD (2021)
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The Legend of Zelda is a highly popular game and the fact that this is still another title in the series is great evidence.
This game is a special treat because it was the first one created for the Wii motion plus with a specific intuitive design in mind.
In 2021, there was a definitive remastered version that did the game full justice and brought it to the modern stage.
The Wii remote is used as a sword and this gives you a sense of realism that the other games lack.
Link can travel through flight and there are new locations on the map to explore more comprehensively. Navigation has always been a difficulty for some in Zelda, but this game makes it easier.
They don’t cut corners here and feature a fully orchestrated soundtrack that is epic. The interesting part about this game is it explores the lore before anything happened. You go way back in time to see the development of conflict between good and evil.
22) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel (2022)
Fans are anticipating the release of the second Breath of the Wild game which will be for the Nintendo Switch.
The trailers show link skydiving so we are in for some amazing adventures with a thrilling story that picks up where it left off.
One of the trailers concludes with the entire kingdom of Hyrule being lifted up by a gigantic mass of malice into oblivion.
There is clearly some more evil to fight and mysteries to uncover in this anticipated sequel. They were originally going to release a DLC, but the ideas kept stacking up and the producer wanted to expand on the world with new elements and themes.
There are rumors on the scene that Princess Zelda might be a playable character this time around, but it’s wise to stay grounded and don’t get your hopes up.
Based on the success of its predecessor, you can expect this to be a thrilling ride with new characters and enemies.
23) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
The “Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” has many of the same mechanics found in the earlier “Breath of the Wild” title.
But it also gives players the chance to venture off the ground of its open world and into the atmosphere. Players will find all of the elements they loved in Breath of the Wild.
This includes a wide selection of equipment, Sheikah abilities, and open-world design. But in addition to those favorites, people will also have the chance to explore floating islands and dungeons.
This is especially exciting given that many players point to the feelings evoked by standing on higher points of view in Breath of the Wild as some of their favorite gaming memories.
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