The Legend of Zelda franchise has been around for over 30 years, with each game introducing new gameplay elements and characters. However, the series hasn’t been immune to experimentation and taking risks, resulting in both critical acclaim and controversy.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link was a departure from the original game’s gameplay, and it was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics. Its side-scrolling gameplay and RPG elements were a significant shift from the top-down view and puzzle-solving found in the first game.
Despite the reception, some of Zelda II’s features have gone on to influence other games outside of the series. Link’s downward sword thrust, for example, has become a standard move in many action games.
Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released in 1998 and is still regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time. Its shift to a 3D world and revolutionary gameplay mechanics set the standard for the series and other action-adventure games.
Its follow-up, Majora’s Mask, added a three-day time limit mechanic that added a sense of urgency and panic to the game. Despite the changes, the game was still critically acclaimed and beloved by fans.
Cartoony vs. Realistic
The Zelda series took drastically different appearances in the early 2000s. The cell-shaded graphics of Wind Waker were criticized by some fans, while Twilight Princess’s darker and more realistic aesthetic was praised. The series has continued to experiment with visuals, including Breath of the Wild’s unique art style.
Control Experimentation
Nintendo has experimented with controls throughout the series, from the touch controls on DS to the full-motion controls on Wii. However, the series returned to a more traditional control scheme with Breath of the Wild, allowing players the freedom to explore its open world with ease.
The Legacy of The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is a franchise that has stood the test of time, with each game offering something new to fans. Its experimentation and willingness to take risks have paid off, resulting in some of the most beloved games of all time. It’s impressive that after over 30 years, the series can still innovate and surprise fans with each new installment.
