Most Polarizing Zelda Games

As a child of the 2000s, I vividly remember the thrill of embracing my werewolf fantasies through the dark and edgy world of gaming, with the Twilight Princess game from Nintendo being one of the highlights of that era. The character of Midna was truly captivating and her moving storyline left a lasting impression on me.

The Legend of Zelda franchise is renowned as one of the most acclaimed and distinctive video game series ever created. Its initial release dates back to 1986 on the NES console, and since then, over forty unique titles bearing the Zelda name have been produced. Over the years, these games have evolved in various ways, frequently garnering recognition for their innovative use of diverse art styles and gaming mechanics.

Due to the unique and sometimes controversial decisions made in certain Zelda games, not every player has embraced them. Some titles within this popular video game series have sparked divided opinions among gamers. Nintendo intentionally took bold steps with specific releases. While the mainline Zeldas generally receive excellent critical acclaim, these decisions have led fans to either ardently admire or fiercely criticize these games.

7 The Windwaker

An Art Style That Divided A Generation

Initially upon its launch, “The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker” was met with a lot of mixed opinions among fans, as opposed to the warm reception it now enjoys. This was largely because some players found the game’s new cell-shaded graphics and the more youthful, cartoonish portrayal of Link to be off-putting.

Many enthusiasts of the Zelda series felt let down when the Nintendo GameCube was initially unveiled in 2000, as a demo video showcasing the system’s graphical prowess featured a mature Link battling Ganondorf in an art style reminiscent of Ocarina of Time. Fans were hoping for a darker, grittier Zelda game, but instead received a colorful, cartoonish universe filled with adorable characters. Despite this initial disappointment, the game was highly praised and enjoyed by many. Interestingly, the game’s art style has allowed it to hold up better than some more recent titles over time.

6 Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

A Side Scrolling Zelda Game?

The game Zelda II: The Adventure of Link was divisive due to its significant departure from its predecessor’s style, and it continues to stand out distinctly within the Zelda series. Numerous players have voiced their disapproval for this installment, arguing that a side-scrolling game doesn’t align with the franchise’s authentic feel.

Generally, initial reviews of “Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” were favorable. Over time, it’s been regarded as a significant addition to the series, influencing numerous subsequent games. For instance, it introduced Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements, like allowing Link to earn experience points and enhance his magical powers, health, and attack strength. Today, many see “Zelda II” as the forerunner of RPG-focused Zelda games such as “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom”.

5 Link’s Awakening

A Bizarre Story With Chain Chomps And Goombas

As a devoted fan, I can’t forget the captivating experience that was “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.” It marked my first foray into handheld Zelda games, and it left an indelible impression on the gaming community. What set it apart from other Zelda games, though, was its unique setting—it wasn’t Hyrule, and it didn’t involve the Triforce or even Zelda herself, which felt unusual to many fans like me. The narrative of this game has a special place in the hearts of some players, while others found themselves at odds with it.

In addition, the game took characters like Chain Chomps, Goombas, and Cheep Cheeps from the Super Mario series. It also included brief side-scrolling stages that closely resembled levels from Mario games. This led some fans to believe that incorporating elements from Mario games diluted the uniqueness of the Zelda franchise, while others appreciated the fusion of two beloved worlds. The game had a remake on the GameBoy Color and later appeared on the Nintendo Switch as well.

4 Twilight Princess

A Dark And Mature Zelda Game

Following the uproar over the lack of a somber and intense Zelda game when Windwaker was launched, Nintendo produced another GameCube game that delved into a more mature take on the Zelda universe. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess could be seen as Link experiencing his angsty teen years in the 2000s. It was characterized by its dark, edgy atmosphere and catered to many adolescents’ desires for a werewolf experience.

Many found the game appeared more mature but surprisingly simple, with parts that moved sluggishly. Yet, Midna’s character and her captivating storyline garnered much praise. Additionally, the wolf-transformation feature introduced an invigorating twist to gameplay mechanics. Following its release on GameCube, it was launched as a title for the Wii console at its debut.

3 Skyward Sword

A Wii Game With Motion Controls

Just a short while after the divisive experience of Twilight Princess, Nintendo dropped another Zelda gem that had fans split opinions once more. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was a visual and auditory masterpiece, boasting an unforgettable soundtrack that set the stage for an immersive gaming experience. This game served as an origin tale for our beloved franchise, with its narrative being mostly appreciated by fans like me.

Many individuals expressed displeasure towards the use of motion controls, particularly in games launched for the Nintendo Wii. These motion controls were often criticized as being unrefined and awkward to use. Subsequently, a version of the game became available on the Nintendo Switch, offering players the option to disable the motion controls. However, this updated edition stirred controversy due to its full price tag despite it being an older release.

2 Breath of the Wild

Skyrim Meets Zelda

Without a shadow of a doubt, Breath of the Wild stands as a remarkable milestone, especially considering it was initially designed for the Wii U. The game is meticulously crafted with a vast map and an exceptional physics system. Eiji Aonuma reimagined the essence of a Zelda game, moving away from the traditional adventure format towards a role-playing game (RPG) style more akin to titles like Skyrim or The Witcher.

Generally speaking, this latest version of the Zelda game was generally praised by both reviewers and enthusiasts. However, there was a significant segment of fans who felt that it deviated somewhat from traditional Zelda gameplay. The absence of dungeons and its non-linear structure left some players feeling unsatisfied, as they didn’t feel their Zelda gaming craving had been fully addressed.

1 Majora’s Mask

The Groundhog Day Of Zelda Games

In a span of under two years, the game titled “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” followed its predecessor, “Ocarina of Time“. It offered a chilling take on a well-known universe, with elements bordering on horror and a distinctly eerie atmosphere. Upon release, the game was met with critical acclaim for its innovative level design and artistic direction. Despite this, it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as “Ocarina of Time“, and is often considered a lesser-known but beloved title within the “Zelda” series, boasting a devoted fanbase.

The main mechanic that divided people was the three-day cycle. The idea was that Link had three days to stop the moon from crashing into the earth. The player uses time travel to keep repeating the same three days over and over, but changing things each time that will affect the next playthrough. Despite how intricate and clever this mechanic was, many people actually found it frustrating. The ticking clock gave several players a level of anxiety kept them from enjoying the game.

2024-08-18 16:34