Hardest Zelda Games To Replay

Key Takeaways

The Legend of Zelda‘s original game retains its classic charm but lacks modern quality of life features.
Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link is criticized for challenging side-scrolling segments, viewed as tedious rather than enjoyable.
Breath of the Wild is hailed as groundbreaking but feels less special due to numerous games taking inspiration from its concepts.

As someone who grew up playing the original Legend of Zelda games and has recently revisited them, I must say that the experience is bittersweet. The charm and nostalgia of these classic titles are undeniable, but as a seasoned gamer, I can’t help but notice the lack of modern conveniences that make gaming more enjoyable nowadays.

“The Legend of Zelda series is a highly acclaimed and cherished franchise throughout history. It consistently pushes boundaries by creating innovative games, many of which have been so successful that they influenced numerous other developers to build upon and enhance the unique qualities that made these games stand out.

In this piece, we’ll discuss how certain Zelda games that weren’t as popular with fans when they first came out have gained a different reception over time, especially when replayed in the present day. We won’t delve into the initial reactions to these games at launch, but rather explore how their standing among players has evolved since then.

5 The Legend Of Zelda

The Game That Started It All

Back in the day, I dived headfirst into the world of the original Zelda, a timeless gem that’s still a blast to revisit. To be honest, it doesn’t feel nearly as old-school as some might think. However, there’s a catch – some modern conveniences we gamers have grown accustomed to are missing in action here. For instance, if you dust off the Game Boy cartridge for some Link adventures, you’ll notice diagonal movement is not an option – it’s all about going horizontally or vertically, but never both at once.

This can make movement feel very stiff and cumbersome, resulting in some modern gamers not continuing their playthrough. Fans who played the game as part of their childhood will have nostalgia to help drive them onward, but even some of these die-hard fans will feel the frustration.

4 Zelda 2: The Adventure Of Link

Side Scrolling Did Not Appear In Any Future Titles

Titles for sequels on the NES and SNES were often tougher than their predecessors, offering additional challenges to players who completed the initial game. This is true for Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. However, the side-scrolling sections are still considered excessively difficult, not in a satisfying “soulslike” manner. Instead of being an enjoyable aspect, interacting with enemies feels more like a tedious task.

This title is often considered the most outdated when it comes to user-friendly aspects, and many series enthusiasts opting for a replay may bypass this installment. Fortunately, it’s the final chapter in the Fallen Hero series timeline. The Nintendo Switch adaptation of the game does offer some enhanced player experiences, significantly altering the original release’s feel. These improvements can be attributed to the inclusion of save states, sparing players from having to replay the same part of the game multiple times.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

The Most Groundbreaking Title In The Franchise

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but acknowledge that playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was an unforgettable journey. It left a lasting impression on the gaming world, being hailed by many as one of the most revolutionary titles ever created. Whenever I come across a new game trailer, fellow gamers often label it a “wannabe Breath of the Wild“, even if the resemblance is minimal. Yet, there have been numerous games that have been significantly influenced by Breath of the Wild.

Playing numerous games similar to what “Breath of the Wild” originally introduced can make revisiting the game seem less captivating or extraordinary compared to the initial experience. New players might even think it should be compared to free-to-play games due to its widespread influence. When it was first released, it truly offered an otherworldly adventure; however, as the unique qualities that made it stand out have been shared and imitated so much, it doesn’t seem as enchanting and special as when it was originally launched.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Dual Screens & A Stylus Make For A Unique Experience

It’s tough to come across a poorly made Zelda game on the Game Boy Advance. In truth, all the Legend of Zelda games from that era continue to impress in every aspect. They boast appealing graphics, reliable controls, engaging stories, and enjoyable gameplay. However, the Nintendo DS games don’t quite reach the same level. The visuals have a less polished, pixelated appearance compared to the GameCube-era Zelda games, and the stylus doesn’t offer the same satisfying feel as a controller. Nevertheless, these games are far from bad and remain enjoyable to play.

Players seeking a fresh gaming adventure can certainly find it here. The games run smoothly on the hardware and are worth adding to your playlist – but those aiming to re-live an older “Legend of Zelda” title may find it less user-friendly compared to other alternatives. This game could greatly benefit from a complete overhaul, providing today’s gamers with a modernized experience on contemporary systems.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

The Original Version Shows Its Age Too Much

During the GameCube era, the Zelda series introduced three exceptional games: The Wind Waker, Ocarina of Time, and Twilight Princess. Although these games have been around for quite some time, they do show their age in certain areas. Among them, Twilight Princess has the oldest visuals because it was less colorful and artistic in its design. This choice was made to create a darker atmosphere using the technology available at that time, whereas The Wind Waker remains visually appealing even today, despite its age.

Despite its timeless charm, playing The Ocarina of Time might feel a bit awkward due to its outdated controls. For a smoother experience when revisiting or first-timing this classic game, consider opting for the 3DS version instead. This edition comes equipped with gyroscopic aiming, significantly enhancing the targeting system compared to the original. The same gyroscopic control is applicable in other Zelda games designed for the 3DS device as well.

2024-09-15 09:04