10 Best Legend Of Zelda Games, According To Metacritic
Even players with the highest of standards would be very hard-pressed to find a single bad game in the Legend of Zelda catalog. First debuting back in 1986, the creators of the Zelda series have done nothing but release engaging and fun games for players of all ages to find enjoyment in.
Many Zelda games have done well in the eyes of video game critics, with some titles even achieving perfect scores. When it comes to which Zelda games are the best, critics think highly of these titles.
10 The Minish Cap - 89
A handheld classic developed by Capcom, The Minish Cap is essentially a continuation of the Four Sword story. In this game, Link can shrink down to size thanks to some magic from his talking hat companion, Ezlo.
The Minish Cap introduces some new Zelda items to the fray, such as kinstones - magical artifacts that unlock new secrets when fused together. It has also received remarks for its art style, which is very reminiscent of The Wind Waker. Many critics have praised The Minish Cap's gameplay and soundtrack, although some weren't fans of how short the game was - no matter how hard this Zelda game is to complete.
9 Phantom Hourglass - 90
Taking place after The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass sees Link going on an adventure to save his friend, Tetra. With Tetra held captive by Bellum, it's up to Link and his trusty companion Captain Lenbeck to save the day, as they journey on Lenbeck's ship.
One aspect that Phantom Hourglass has been commended for is its control scheme, while its use of the Nintendo DS touch screen has also been considered a highlight. However, some have been less than enamored by the lack of difficulty within Phantom Hourglass.
8 A Link Between Worlds - 91
A Link Between Worlds introduces a new villain in Yuga - a sorcerer that kidnaps Princess Zelda, with the intention of also kidnapping the Seven Sages. Link gains the ability to merge into walls as a painting in this adventure, as he tries to stop Yuga from resurrecting Ganon.
Taking place after A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds takes many aspects from its predecessor and expands upon them. The ability to merge into walls is a highlight of some, and the dungeons and puzzles have also received plenty of fanfare.
7 Skyward Sword - 93
Skyward Sword is the first game to take place in the Zelda timeline. Featuring the first incarnations of Link, Zelda, and even Ganon, it shows the origin story of the legendary Master Sword. Much of the adventure takes place below Skyloft, a floating island that Link and Zelda happen to inhabit.
Skyword Sword has a reputation for utilizing motion controls, which some have found pretty hard to maneuver. The game has also earned praise for its gameplay and overworld setting, the latter of which is littered with environmental puzzles and some of The Legend of Zelda's most frightening enemies.
6 A Link To The Past - 95
A Link To The Past is a landmark Zelda title, being the first to include the Master Sword and parallel worlds. It's a game that's so good, it's been ported to multiple Nintendo consoles over the years - with its Game Boy Advance port being highly regarded.
Taking place in the Zelda timeline years before the original Zelda game, A Link to the Past takes many of its cues from the Zelda game that started it all. It introduces many elements that show up in future Zelda games down the road.
5 Majora's Mask - 95
Majora's Mask is more or less similar to the game that came before it, Ocarina of Time. The only difference is that the gameplay is more expansive, with the player having to use the masks that Link obtains to traverse through the game.
Arguably one of the darker Zelda titles, Majora Mask has received high marks for its impactful story and the three-day system that the game operates under. Some problems critics have with the game, however, are the difficulty and the side quests that many find to be uninteresting.
4 Twilight Princess - 95
Easily one of the grittiest Nintendo games around, Twilight Princess is considered one of the best Zelda titles in the series. A dark atmosphere haunts this game, as Link must prevent the kingdom of Hyrule from being overtaken by Zant and the Twilight Realm - with some help from Midna the imp.
Twilight Princess does things that are a whole lot different, such as giving Link a backstory and discussing mature themes. In terms of graphics, it's awfully realistic and dark compared to the Zelda titles that came before it.
3 The Wind Waker - 96
It's safe to say that The Wind Waker came with some controversy upon release. Many fans had issues with the cel-shading design, believing that it made the game look too cartoony. Regardless, The Wind Waker has gone on to become an iconic, classic title that some consider the best Zelda game.
While The Wind Waker has received high marks for its story, gameplay, and dungeon design, the game's sailing aspect hasn't been favored as much. Some find it tedious or boring even, especially as the game wears on. Others don't mind as much, especially when it comes to things such as exploring and side quests.
2 Breath Of The Wild - 97
Breath of the Wild was released in early 2017 with endless hype - and it has certainly lived up to it. It's a game that is unlike other Zelda games, having a massive open-world setting that influenced future video games of a similar caliber.
In Breath of the Wild, players are heavily encouraged to explore the wide world of Hyrule and its beautiful environments Experimentation is heavily encouraged, as the game lets anyone experiment with any tools at their disposal. Even to this day, Zelda fans are still discovering new tricks and secrets.
1 Ocarina Of Time - 99
More than two decades after its release, Ocarina of Time still holds up as a big favorite among Zelda fans. This game has it all - a remarkable story, memorable characters, and as the title clearly implies, time-traveling.
The game is notable for introducing elements that would become commonplace in future video games, such as the target-lock system. Ocarina of Time arguably changed the gaming industry forever as many game developers use this Zelda title as a blueprint for developing their own 3D adventure. When discussing the most influential video games of all time, Ocarina of Time always enters the conversation.