The Legend of Zelda has been one of Nintendo’s most popular video game series, since the launch of their first video game system, the Nintendo Entertainment System. In the Zelda games, we follow the journey of the hero of time himself, Link. In every game, he is usually on a mission to either save Zelda and defeat Ganondorf, or simply save his world. The simple hero saves princess concept was evolved when these games came out, by adding strategic puzzle-solving, and use of tactical items in combat. Not only did this game become a massive success, but it also was an inspiration for many video games after it. Although The Legend of Zelda series has over 15 games, including side story games like the Minish Cap, Four Swords, and Link’s Awakening, we will be focusing on the main console releases. The big 6, from Ocarina of Time, to Breath of the Wild. These games will be ranked on story-line only and how satisfying the end left you.
6. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This might come as a shocker for most people since this 2017 Game of the Year winner is in the last place on this list. Yes, Breath of the Wild was a fantastic game on the Switch, mainly because of its revolutionary gameplay, and dynamics. However, if we were to take into account the story only, it wasn’t too hot. Now we’re not saying the story was bad by any means possible, it just wasn’t on the same level as the other 5 on this list, due to its bland story and lack of that special Zelda feeling that the others have.
5. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Another amazing game released originally in 2003, for the Gamecube, The Wind Waker was a sensational game that gave a little twist of the Link character, with his design. The kid-friendly aesthetics and story-line gives it that irreplaceable childhood feeling that everyone wants to embrace again. The Wind Waker story was phenomenal, about Link travelling through the sea in order to take down Ganondorf.
4. Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Released in 2000, for the Nintendo 64, Majora’s Mask continues the story-line from Ocarina of Time, where Link is trying to stop Skull Kid, as well as a moon inevitably going to crash and destroy the world. This game consists of Link travelling through time from day 1 to 3 of the moon’s journey and stopping Skull Kid before it’s too late.
3. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time is a must-play classic, of the modern gaming world. This was the first 3D Zelda game created for a main console, which follows the story of Link as he uses the Master Sword and Ocarina, to travel through time in the present of future, to defeat Ganondorf, and save Zelda.
2. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was released in 2011 for the Wii, which follows Link as we find out how the Master Sword was created. Link travels through the sky and surfaces including the desert, forest, and volcano. The combination of emotional and meaningful aspects of the story creates a beautiful game that represents one of Nintendo’s best works.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
It should come as no surprise that this game comes in first place, with over 5.82 million copies sold, Twilight Princess offers the perfect combination of light and darkness in the story. Released in 2007 for the Gamecube, we follow Link as he becomes cursed and morphs into a beast, all the while trying to defeat Zant the King of Twilight, as he turns Hyrule into a dead town filled with evil and darkness.
