Discover 8 Amazing Games That Capture the Magic of 3D Zelda!

Summary

3D Zelda games inspired many titles, like Kingsley’s Adventure and Dual Hearts.
These titles replicate Zelda’s formula with similar gameplay elements and mechanics.
Franchises like Star Fox, Darksiders, Beyond Good & Evil, and Okami follow suit.

The Zelda series, a beloved franchise in video gaming, has significantly impacted the industry in various ways. For instance, it paved the way for the development of the 2D adventure genre in the 80s, breathed new life into the contemporary open-world genre with the launch of Breath of the Wild, and, above all, transformed and revolutionized the 3D action-adventure genre for good upon the release of Ocarina of Time.

3D Zelda-style games excel due to a consistent structure, encompassing a third-person view, semi-open environments, numerous 3D dungeons for exploration, and enjoyable items to discover and employ. However, Nintendo has only produced six outstanding games in this vein, leaving devoted series enthusiasts yearning for more. Fortunately, these titles have ignited creativity among other developers, resulting in their own interpretations of the 3D Zelda formula. Here are some standout examples of this trend.

8. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

A Fun Licensed Game From The Early 2000s

In the early 2000s, if there was an IP (Intellectual Property) that could match the popularity of The Legend of Zelda, it would undoubtedly be Harry Potter. The phenomenal success of the first two movies was mirrored by equally successful video game adaptations, such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for PS2, Xbox, and GameCube. This game was so impressive that it remains fondly remembered by fans up until now.

The reason this game has become so popular is due to its creators skillfully recreating the 3D formula seen in games like “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “Majora’s Mask”, giving it a distinct “Harry Potter” feel. Hogwarts serves as the central world, with different areas acting as dungeons, Harry’s spells functioning similarly to Link’s items, and numerous enjoyable mini-games scattered throughout the map. Additionally, it features a camera and locking system that operates much like the revolutionary Z-targeting in “Ocarina of Time”.

7. Kingsley’s Adventure

The PlayStation 1 Needed Its Own Zelda Equivalent

Platform: PlayStation
Released: September 28, 1999
Developer: Psygnosis Camden
Genre: Action-Adventure

Even as gamers continue to argue over which fifth-generation console, between the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64, was superior, there’s no arguing that the exclusivity of “Ocarina of Time” significantly boosted Nintendo’s system. To counterbalance this edge for the PlayStation, a comparable 3D adventure game was necessary, and in 1999, it arrived with the release of “Kingsley’s Adventure.

Absolutely, the game in question might not match up to the excitement and finesse of “Ocarina of Time,” but it’s still a commendable 3D adventure title that seems tailored for a younger audience. The game features charming animal characters, vibrant landscapes, an enchanting soundtrack, engaging dungeons, and familiar Zelda items such as a sword, shield, and bow and arrows. While “Kingsley’s Adventure” may not be flawless, it certainly delivered a satisfying adventure experience that PlayStation 1 users craved, offering them a taste of the quality adventure games N64 fans were accustomed to.

6. Dual Hearts

An Excellent Hidden Gem On The PlayStation 2

Platform: PlayStation 2
Released: September 23, 2002
Developer: Matrix Software
Genre: Action-Adventure

Back in the day, I remember spending countless hours on my trusty PlayStation 2, a console that was home to some truly remarkable games. It’s no wonder then that some hidden gems got lost in the shuffle. One such game that deserves more attention is Dual Hearts, a title that, in my opinion, could easily be compared to classics like Ocarina of Time or Majora’s Mask… yet it’s not as widely recognized.

In “Dual Hearts”, longtime fans will find familiar elements reminiscent of a classic 3D “Zelda” game. Key items, assignable to three context-aware buttons, alter both combat and exploration. You’ll also encounter numerous dream-based dungeons and a day-night cycle that influences NPC behavior. A pesky sidekick named Tumble might test your patience, but it’s one of the finest games in the PS2 library that emulates the gameplay style of 3D “Zelda”. Some may find its anime aesthetic and enigmatic narrative off-putting, but overall, it’s a highly recommended title.

5. Star Fox Adventures

Another Beloved Nintendo IP That Replicated The 3D Zelda Formula

It’s undeniable that the video game Star Fox Adventures, which was initially developed as a 3D adventure game called Dinosaur Planet by Rare during the late 90s, but later transformed into a new installment of the Star Fox series at Shigeru Miyamoto’s suggestion, has become somewhat of an unusual title. Although many Nintendo enthusiasts already know its background, initially longtime fans of the franchise were critical because it wasn’t a shoot ’em up game. However, in recent years, this title has garnered a significant fanbase who appreciate its unique qualities.

Essentially, Star Fox Adventures can be seen as a 3D analogue to the beloved Zelda series, but set in a captivating dinosaur-inhabited world and starring Fox McCloud instead of Link. It shares many features common to this genre, such as dungeons, collectible items, a semi-open environment, distinctive non-player characters, engaging combat with Z-targeting, and colossal bosses. Although it wasn’t the sequel to Star Fox 64 that many fans anticipated back then, it has since become known as a delightful and exhilarating adventure game that most modern gamers now appreciate for its outstanding qualities.

4. Sphinx And The Cursed Mummy

A Wonderful Adventure Game With An Egyptian Twist

Egyptian mythology is captivatingly interesting and has served as an inspiration for numerous excellent video games, with “The Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy” being one of the finest illustrations. This gem hidden by Eurocom seamlessly blends enjoyable 3D platforming with intriguing 3D exploration within a stunning Egyptian landscape, and the overall experience is flawless.

Just as anticipated, “Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy” delivers on combat with Z-targeting, boasts stunning Egyptian-themed dungeons, offers a vast open world populated by peculiar NPCs, and features special items that can be allocated to context-sensitive face buttons. What truly sets this game apart from its peers is the inclusion of two playable characters: The main character, Sphinx, who fights with a sword much like Link does, and Tutankhamun, a mummy who employs his immortality in solving some genuinely inventive puzzles that maintain an engaging and novel gameplay experience. Interestingly enough, the creators of “Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy” have acknowledged their inspiration from the “The Legend of Zelda” series.

3. Darksiders 1 & 2

God Of War Meets The Legend Of Zelda In This Exciting Action-Adventure Franchise

The unique appeal of the 3D Zelda format lies in its adaptability to blend with various game genres, such as platforming or role-playing, resulting in innovative and thrilling gaming encounters. This is precisely what Vigil Games accomplished with their Darksiders series, merging the adventure of a 3D Zelda game with the intense, action-packed combat reminiscent of God of War games.

To put it simply, the first two games in the Darksiders series, Darksiders and Darksiders 2, are rich with intricate puzzle-solving, vast dungeons, tough boss battles, a sprawling open world filled with treasures, and hidden goodies – much like classic Zelda games. Longtime fans of Zelda who appreciate a more engaging combat system would find these games appealing. However, the third installment, Darksiders 3, deviates from this pattern and leans more towards the challenging gameplay style of “Soulsborne” games rather than the typical 3D Zelda adventure.

2. Beyond Good & Evil

One Of The Best 3D Adventure Games Ever Made

Players worldwide are excitedly anticipating Ubisoft’s release of Beyond Good & Evil 2, as the initial game was exceptionally good, earning it a place among the best action-adventure games in video gaming history. Essentially, Beyond Good & Evil is a sci-fi version of the 3D Zelda series, which came out before these genre characteristics were commonly found in later versions of The Legend of Zelda.

In the realm of gaming, I stumbled upon an astonishing open world teeming with unforgettable characters, distinct locales, immersive side missions, and mini-games galore – not to mention a plethora of vital trinkets to amass. The combat system here mirrors the dynamic action in a 3D Zelda game, boasting treacherous adversaries, mighty bosses, and a robust aiming mechanism. What Beyond Good & Evil lacks in varying items that influence gameplay and advancement is more than compensated by Jade’s ability to wield her camera as a metaphorical weapon against a corrupt regime’s ruling elite.

1. Okami

A Beautiful Experience With An Adorable Protagonist And A Unique Gameplay Mechanic

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that playing Clover Studio’s Okami feels like nothing short of an extraordinary journey. It’s not just that it can give any 3D Legend of Zelda title a run for its money, but many gamers believe it surpasses most of them. What truly sets this game apart is its breathtaking cel-shaded art style, reminiscent of classic Japanese paintings – a unique touch that makes it stand out from the crowd. But that’s only scratching the surface of what makes Okami a true gaming legend.

The game clearly adheres to the 3D Zelda template perfectly, boasting a vast open world teeming with oddball characters, vital objects, entertaining side missions, and numerous dungeons brimming with clever puzzles and thrilling boss battles – some of the best in action-adventure gaming. On the other hand, what makes Okami truly stand out is its Celestial Brush mechanic, which empowers Amaterasu (and the player) to cast various spells by drawing specific symbols on the screen. In essence, Okami is an exceptional adventure game that every dedicated Zelda series enthusiast ought to immerse themselves in.

2025-01-24 23:39