Legend of Zelda
by
User:cmelgarejo @timeAndDate(1276186738)
The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's flagship franchises, and aside from Mario, is the only other franchise to have a game on every single Nintendo system. It's widely known among gamers and civilians alike for its great story, fun battles, and expansive mythology. It also has one of the most recognizable theme songs in video game history.
Back Story
Each game in the series is essentially a retelling of the tale of Link, whose fate is to become a great hero. He helps Princess Zelda to stop Ganon from taking over the land of Hyrule, and all three characters are connected through the Triforce, a sacred artifact that will grant the holder their wishes. This treasure is split into three pieces: the Triforce of Power, held by Ganon; the Triforce of Wisdom, held by Zelda; and the Triforce of Courage, held by Link. Ganon will do everything in his power to obtain all three. This is the basic tale, though details change throughout the games as each tells the story in a different way, and some abandon the plot completely but still have traces of the legend within it.
Console Games
The first Legend of Zelda game was released on the NES in 1986. Ever since then, there's been a game for every system and they are all worth checking out.
* NES:
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
* NES:
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
* SNES:
A Link to the Past (1991)
* N64:
Ocarina of Time (1998)
* N64:
Majora's Mask (2000)
* GameCube:
The Wind Waker (2003)
* GameCube:
Four Sword Adventures (2004)
* GameCube/Wii:
Twilight Princess (2006)
An upcoming new game for the Wii is set to release at the end of 2010.
Portable Games
* Game Boy:
Link's Awakening (1993)
* Game Boy Color:
Oracle of Ages (2001)
* Game Boy Color:
Oracle of Seasons (2001)
* Game Boy Advance:
Four Swords (2002)
* Game Boy Advance:
The Minish Cap (2004)
* DS:
Phantom Hourglass (2007)
* DS:
Spirit Tracks (2009)
Other Merchandise
* In the 1980s, The Legend of Zelda has its own cartoon that aired during The Super Mario Bros. Show. Though it only lasted one season (probably because there's only so many times you can hear Link say, "Well, excuuuuuse me, Princess!"), it's a cult hit that has since been released on DVD.
* Replica items are perfect for the hardcore fan. You want the Master Sword? You got it. Link's shield? You betcha. Even replica ocarina's from Ocarina of Time are available so you can try to master teleporting from place to place.
* Collectible statues of characters aren't cheap, but beautifully done. You can display them proudly.
* From officially licensed Nintendo clothing to shirts that make game references only true geeks will get, there are tons of options for showing off your devotion. Belt buckles with the Triforce and wallets are popular as well.
Hot Picks
Related Guides
*
Handheld Gaming Guide
*
Final Fantasy
*
Nintendo Wii
*
Wii Accessories
*
Classic Consoles
