The Legend of Zelda is a classic, iconic, timeless release. It has transcended into that status for many gamers. Even non-Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) owners knew the basics of the game. It is also the butt of many a misnomer joke concerning your character. Nintendo’s adventure title was also a stark difference to their pack-in title for the NES. While Super Mario Bros was an arcade platforming game, this gold cart was the opposite. You were not rewarded for running into battle and just hitting buttons here. No, treasures and fame came to those that took a more relaxed approach.

An adventure worthy of taking on

Nintendo went with a fantasy theme for Legend of Zelda and it paid off quite well. Set in the fictional world of Hyrule, your quest is to stop Ganon from taking over the world. He has kidnapped Princess Zelda and already possesses one-third of the Triforce. Your quest looks dim, dangerous, and deadly already.

There is a “Second Quest” mode available that will offer new challenges to those that reach it. New level layouts, new placements for dungeons and items, and more await. To gain access you must prove yourself worthy.

The Legend of Zelda was truly legendary

The first offering in this venerable franchise may seem limited when compared to more recent entries. Not taking this adventure on would be a mistake though.

The action is screen to screen, each being self-contained. Getting overwhelmed on one screen can easily be avoided by leaving and returning. Or simply going another route. There are some points in the overworld that allow multiple routes to your goal.

This sense of exploring, figuring out the best route, and reaching goals was important. Super Mario Bros offered one route unless you discovered the warp pipes. Zelda offered completely new challenges to take on with each new screen.

Exploring was not limited to reaching the next screen either. On many screens there are hidden secrets. Pushing and bombing objects can reveal secret entrances to the underworld. Sometimes these entrances lead to new dungeons or to helpful characters.

The start of a franchise

Nintendo went all out with the release of Legend of Zelda on their NES console. First, the cartridge is a different color, later releases would change to normal gray cartridges though. It was something special opening the box and seeing a golden cartridge inside. Like you had just discovered treasure.

The original game would reportedly go onto become the fourth highest sold NES game of all time. The franchise would go onto approach 100 million copies sold across many platforms. This is impressive for a title that started life as simply as The Legend of Zelda.

Over the years we have seen entries in the Zelda franchise that pushed into new territory. Some releases went 3D, others kept the iconic overhead view. Link himself has appeared in a few non-Legend of Zelda games. Most notably, his appearance in Soul Calibur II as an exclusive character on the Nintendo GameCube release.

Nintendo has kept this franchise alive and well with new gaming entries regularly. Other than the CD-I releases you will be hard pressed to find a bad Zelda game. Choose your favorite view point (3D or overhead) and jump into a life changing adventure.

Carl Williams

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