What do you Love about The Legend of Zelda?

Welcome to the seventh entry in this article series. Please be aware that the title of this article refers to the original NES game, not the Zelda series as a whole. If that were the case, I would need weeks to write this. Rather, it will only take an hour or two. Now that does not mean that I dislike the game, it’s just not one of my favorites. Most Zelda games since the original have improved on it in almost every way possible. However, I thoroughly respect this game for all that it accomplished at the time of its release, and its overall success which led to the fantastic Zelda games we know and love today.

I’ve read an overwhelming number of comments on various ZD articles that confirm that many fans have not even played this wonderful gem. I understand that many Zelda fans are younger than the NES itself, but with the rereleases of the classic adventure on the Gameboy Advance, GameCube, and 3DS eShop, there are several ways to get your hands on it. It may seem primitive compared to the rest of the series’ entries, but there’s so much to enjoy here. Many times, subsequent games in a series have the advantage of rectifying mistakes made by their original predecessor, but that really doesn’t apply here. This game was a masterpiece of its time, and still holds up today as one of the best video games of all time. Some of the more recent, in-depth Zelda games could take a lesson from the original, which did many things right that the series seems to have forgotten over the decades. In fact, Nintendo has realized this and has admitted going back to “the essence of Zelda” for the upcoming Wii U title. But enough hype, let’s get into every detail there is to love about the game that started it all!

Freedom, Freedom, Freedom

If there’s one thing The Legend of Zelda does better than any other Zelda game, it’s true exploration. There are almost no limits. From the start screen, about 95% of the world map is accessible and ready for you to explore. I personally prefer to receive some kind of direction, as it not only helps you become accustomed to a game you’ve never played before, but it also makes the story more coherent and easy to follow. Nevertheless, The Legend of Zelda is in many ways a true video game in the sense that it’s not a movie in the least. No cutscenes, barely any dialogue… it’s just you and your sense of adventure. Go wherever you want, and do whatever you want.

This makes the game’s replay value one of the best in the series. You can clear each dungeon in almost any order you want. You can recall the locations of hidden items and collect them sooner or later than before. The order in which you can clear dungeons and collect items results in various possible combinations, making the game feel almost like a completely different journey every time you play it. And if that’s still not enough, there’s a…

Second Quest

If you thought the adventure was impressive enough with its wide open world, nine dungeons, and in-cartridge save system, you have underestimated the value of this game. The world map appears the same, however items appear in different locations and the dungeons are completely revamped with new layouts. The difficulty has also increased, so even a pro will spend hours upon hours completing this game 100%, which is impressive considering the absence of cutscenes and limited technology of the time. I must admit that I have not actually completed the second quest. The first quest is brutal enough, and it seems more to me like a “bonus” game rather than an extension of the main story. Though I don’t particularly care for it I still think it increases the game’s credit significantly, due to its maxing out of the NES’s capabilities.

Difficulty

This is one of the most difficult Zelda games, period. Everyone likes a good challenge, and there will be moments when you will want to throw the controller against the wall and curse the day you decided to be a Zelda fan. But if you love the other 2D classics in the series, such as A Link to the Past and The Minish Cap, then it won’t take you long to get hooked. The game is unforgiving, for sure, but in an addicting way. I’ve said before that I believe A Link to the Past is most perfect Zelda game in terms of finding a balanced difficulty, and this game knocks it up a notch. Or, seventeen notches, whatever. My point is that this is a game where, as you progress further and further, you realize that while it is indeed brutal, you’re becoming a lot better. Regardless of upgrades, enemies aren’t as difficult as you remember, you’re slowly learning the map like the back of your hand… you’re addicted. And sticking it through to the end was one of the most accomplished feelings I’ve ever had with a video game, and that’s not something I can say about every Zelda game, especially the more recent titles.

Gleeok

Anyone who has read my controversial article “Top Ten Easiest Zelda Bosses” knows that I while I found this game to be difficult, the bosses as a whole were ridiculously easy. Bosses are supposed to be intimidating, final challenges to overcome before you are rewarded with the dungeon prize. Even Ganon wasn’t all that difficult. However, one boss that stands out among the rest is Gleeok, the multiple-headed dragon. What strikes me about Gleeok is that not only is he (in my opinion) the hardest boss in the game, but his difficulty is balanced. He can be a nearly impossible boss if you haven’t upgraded your rings or swords, or mediocrely challenging if you have. He’s a great test to players, and you should feel accomplished when you defeat him, whether you’ve upgraded your inventory or not.

Its Legacy

The final point I wish to make about The Legend of Zelda doesn’t really have much to do with the game itself. While it’s certainly not my favorite Zelda game (it probably wouldn’t even crack the top ten, to be honest), I cannot ignore the legacy it has left. Without the success of this game, we wouldn’t have the other Zelda games we know and love today. Can you imagine what gaming might be like today without the revolutionary Ocarina of Time? What if we never took the leap to the reality-based motion controls found in Skyward Sword? Zelda is a forerunner in video game development today, and is always pushing the boundaries of not only what video games can do, but what they will collectively become in the future of gaming. And the world of gaming as we know it would be dramatically different if it weren’t for this seemingly insignificant, yet groundbreaking 27 year-old title. Thank you, The Legend of Zelda. Regardless of your rank among other Zelda games, we must remember that none of them would even exist without you.

What do you all think? What are your favorite moments from this classic game? Which game would you like me to discuss next? Comment below, and let’s talk about it!