Discover the Best The Legend of Zelda Games ranked by Gameplay, Plot, Graphics, and Sound

The Legend of Zelda is an iconic video game franchise that has been captivating gamers for over three decades. From the very first game that was released in 1986 to the most recent one in 2019, each installment in the series has been immensely popular among fans of all ages. However, not all The Legend of Zelda games are created equal. Some are considered to be better than the others and have achieved cult status among fans.

In this article, we attempt to rank every The Legend of Zelda game based on several factors such as gameplay, plot, graphics, sound, and overall experience.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Released in 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely regarded as the best game in the series. The game introduces a massive open world, which players can explore at their own pace. It also introduces new mechanics such as a stamina meter and a weapon degradation system, which add a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. The storyline is gripping, and the graphics and sound are top-notch.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998 and is considered a timeless classic. It was the first game in the series to introduce 3D graphics and was a monumental step forward for the franchise. The story follows Link as he travels through time to stop the evil Ganondorf from taking over the kingdom of Hyrule. The game’s music and sound effects are legendary, and the gameplay is some of the best in the series.

3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Released in 1991, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a classic 2D game that still holds up to this day. The game introduced the concept of a parallel world, which added a new layer of depth to the gameplay. The player can explore both the Light World and the Dark World, each with their own unique challenges. The graphics and sound are excellent, and the gameplay is both challenging and rewarding.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a 2000 follow-up to Ocarina of Time released for the Nintendo 64. The game’s storyline follows Link as he tries to stop the moon from crashing into the world in three days. The game’s time-based system adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. The side quests are also a highlight of the game, providing players with a deeper look into the world of Termina. The graphics and sound of Majora’s Mask are also notable.

5. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. The game is set in a vast, oceanic world and introduces an art style that was criticized at the time of release but has since been embraced by fans. The game’s story involves Link rescuing his sister and battling the evil Ganon. The gameplay is enjoyable, the graphics and sound are charming, and the world is memorable.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was released for the Nintendo Wii and GameCube in 2006. The game features a darker tone than previous games in the series and introduces a new, wolf form for Link. The game’s story is engaging, and the graphics and sound are top-notch. However, the gameplay can feel a bit stale compared to some of the other games in the series.

There you have it, our ranking of every The Legend of Zelda game. Of course, this is just our opinion, and every fan of the series will have their own ranking. However, one thing is for sure; The Legend of Zelda is a timeless franchise that has given gamers some of the best gaming experiences of all time.