Legend of Zelda I wonder what LoZ game(s) I should play first (READ OP BEFORE POSTING!)

[Sol9000]

A Few Words Before We Begin:

• I would like you to know that I am not even decent at gaming for my age from a gamer's perspective. Easier Zelda Games Have an advantage in this. On second thought, difficulty is fine, so long as it does not frustrate me.
• Has to at least be a better love story then Twilight, and a better ending then Mass Effect 3.
  

Now that we've dealt with the important stuff, I'm interested in the Legend Of Zelda Series and wondering which game will hopefully bring reasonable expectations, more gaming experience, and perhaps fond memories.

UPDATE: I got some money for a Zelda game (or more). Vote Updates Until my final decision:

5 4 3 2 1
(Two)

How's the pack doing so far?
Legend of Zelda (0-1) 5th Last Place As Of Day 2
Adventure of Link (0-2) 7th Last Place As Of Day 3
Link To The Past (6-0) 2nd
Ocarina of Time (7-0) 1st
Majora's Mask (0-2) 7th Last Place As Of Day 3
Wind Waker (1-0) 4th
Twilight Princess (3-0) 3rd
Skyword Sword (3-2) 4th

From Here on out, every update in the last place will be removed.
​

 

[Luigitoilet]

You definitely are going to want to stay away from the NES games if you don't want a little frustration.

OoT's water temple isn't that hard. OoT in general isn't all that difficult, really.

I recommend A Link to the Past on the SNES Virtual Console. It'll probably be the best Zelda game for all time and even if it isn't it's a great introduction to the series.

 

[Sol9000]

You definitely are going to want to stay away from the NES games if you don't want a little frustration.

OoT's water temple isn't that hard. OoT in general isn't all that difficult, really.

I recommend A Link to the Past on the SNES Virtual Console. It'll probably be the best Zelda game for all time and even if it isn't it's a great introduction to the series.

Hmm... Interesting. What are some arguments for LTTP being a great introduction to the series?

 

[Wizzrobe]

If you like 3D zelda games (3D games are easier then the 2D ones) then I would recommend The Wind Waker on Gamecube. Easiest game in the series imo. (not 100% wise)

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

The water temple isn't hard. It's just annoying because it has a lot of going back and forth

 

[SSBMLahti]

The Water Temple isn't even difficult...

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

I'd say the Ice temple in MM is more annoying, because you can actually mess up and have to reset back to day one and try again

 

[Sol9000]

So far we have:
*= Recommended by Username *= Does Not Recomend (DNR)

Legend of Zelda (Wizzrobe)
The Adventure of Link (LuigiToilet, Wizzrobe)
Link's Awakening (PsychoIncarnate, Wizzrobe)
Link To The Past (LuigiToilet)
Ocarina of Time
Majora's Mask
The Wind Waker Not On Virtual Console (Wizzrobe)
Twilight Princess
Skyword Sword (It's Now or Never)

And everyone says the Water Temple is/isn't difficult, even though I no longer have anxiety over it. Can we please end this discussion before this becomes another flame war over the place already?

 

[Luigitoilet]

I definitely did not recommend Adventure of Link to you hahaha

AoL is by far the most difficult Zelda game. it's also nothing like any other Zelda game.

I recommened Link to the Past.

later I'll write up some reasons why I think it's a good starter game but just had to clarify that you probably do NOT want to try Adventure of Link

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Link's Awakening.

That game is great. Especially the DX version, which is available through 3DS virtual console (I have the cartridge version, I haven't bought the VC version yet)

 

[finalark]

Honestly? I'd just suggest you go on wikipedia and take a look at all of the LoZ games then play the one that appeals to you the most. You could get all of the recommendations in the world but if the recommended games just don't appeal to you its moot.

And I do think the Water Temple is pretty challenging due to how confusing it can be if its your first time through it. Its just that OoT has been out forever and it doesn't seem hard now because everyone knows how to do it.

 

[Luigitoilet]

how is looking at a wikipedia better than discussing with people what specific things you are looking for in a game? the idea of recommendations is that a person outlines some specifics on what they want and then people suggest things based on that criteria. reading a wikipedia summary is nothing like that. It's a lot simpler to find what is going to appeal to you when you have people to talk about the games with.

anyways, about LTTP

LttP is the perfect gap between old classic Zelda and the more mainstream Zelda there is today. It introduced many of the mainstays of the series. It is the perfect mix between exploring a big open world, intuitive and stimulating puzzles, and the emphasis on items and weapons. It hasn't aged badly like some say Zelda 1 and 2 have, and it's not quite as linearized as the N64 and beyond era are. It has what is basically my favorite overworld in any game. It has a good amount of extra content and secrets to find. It has amazing music, much of which was carried over into Ocarina of Time.

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Link's awakening combines mario platforming and elements with a Alttp style adventure, allowing an easy transition into the series, if you more use to playing Mario games at least.

It's supposedly a sequel to Alttp, but there is no story elements from that game you'll need to know

 

[Sol9000]

Please Re-read the second post I made (after I edit it). It has important information.

Link's awakening combines mario platforming and elements with a Alttp style adventure, allowing an easy transition into the series, if you more use to playing Mario games at least.

It's supposedly a sequel to Alttp, but there is no story elements from that game you'll need to know

I don't play Mario much. I have Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Land on my Wii, but I haven't gotten all that far. I prefer Sonic.

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Something I remembered about Link's Awakening DX (and the original game) you can't die once or it's impossible to get the good ending.

Also, there are things in the DX version you can miss and never get again

 

[finalark]

how is looking at a wikipedia better than discussing with people what specific things you are looking for in a game? the idea of recommendations is that a person outlines some specifics on what they want and then people suggest things based on that criteria. reading a wikipedia summary is nothing like that. It's a lot simpler to find what is going to appeal to you when you have people to talk about the games with.

Because when you ask for recommendations people tend to pick their favorites and then blow them out of proportion. IMO Asking around to get a general sense of what the games are like is good, but its best if you just find a list and do the research yourself and find a game that appeals to you.

 

[Sol9000]

Because when you ask for recommendations people tend to pick their favorites and then blow them out of proportion. IMO Asking around to get a general sense of what the games are like is good, but its best if you just find a list and do the research yourself and find a game that appeals to you.

Or better yet: DO BOTH.

 

[finalark]

Or better yet: DO BOTH.

You've got it down.

Honestly, the real question you should be asking isn't "what Zelda game should I start on" but "what are the Zelda games like?"

Semi-dungeon crawlers with no leveling system, real time combat and a number of fairly simple puzzles, if you were wondering.

 

[Sol9000]

You've got it down.

Honestly, the real question you should be asking isn't "what Zelda game should I start on" but "what are the Zelda games like?"

Semi-dungeon crawlers with no leveling system, real time combat and a number of fairly simple puzzles, if you were wondering.

What's a Dungeon Crawler again? I forgot

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

So I downloaded Link's Awakening DX so I could play the game again. I don't think I have a gameboy anymore so my cartridge isn't very useful.

It reminds me of when I actually used to really enjoy video games. Maybe it's because the developers were so limited in technology that they had to put in more effort to get what they were trying to do across. I've been getting really bored of most games lately, though.

 

[finalark]

What's a Dungeon Crawler again? I forgot

A game where you spend most of your time roaming around in dungeons.

It reminds me of when I actually used to really enjoy video games. Maybe it's because the developers were so limited in technology that they had to put in more effort to get what they were trying to do across. I've been getting really bored of most games lately, though.

I've come to realize that lot of the old games I love are pretty garbage. IE Sonic Adventure 2 is glitchy, has a million camera issues and frankly has some really questionable design choices but at the same time its my favorite game. Ever.

I've come to the conclusion that no matter how poorly certain games age I'll always enjoy games from days long past much more than modern innovations because they remind me of a time when I was young and optimistic. Before I grew up and came to realize how much the real world sucks. I wouldn't be surprised if in twenty or so years there will be a whole generation who grew up with PS360 that claim that Arkham Asylum was the greatest thing since sliced bread and that Halo 3 was the most revolutionary game of their time, period.

 

[Holder of the Heel]

Ocarina might be the best bet because it is rather simple. If you have a 3DS, go for that version, because switching to the iron boots isn't as annoying in that version. Strangely enough, that was the only thing I could complain about it, it's perhaps a bit nitpicky. In this way, you can just progress through the console Zeldas in order as they came out, which is cool.

A Link to the Past is also a good suggestion though, you could make that your starting point.

 

[Sol9000]

Next we have:
*= Recommended by Username *= Does Not Recommend (DNR)
Bold= Username Italic= Side-Note

Legend of Zelda (Wizzrobe)
The Adventure of Link (LuigiToilet, Wizzrobe)
Link's Awakening (PsychoIncarnate, Wizzrobe)
Link To The Past (LuigiToilet, Holder of the Heel)
Ocarina of Time (Holder of the Heel)
Majora's Mask
The Wind Waker Not On Virtual Console (Wizzrobe)
Twilight Princess
Skyword Sword (It's Now or Never)

Oh, great. Now we're having a discussion over nostalgia! Can we just say the Night Stages in Sonic Unleashed are too long and that folks need to say whether I should get Skyword Sword or not before GameStop and Target stop selling them? Come on, let's get back on topic before the mods show up!

 

[finalark]

Why don't you just go pick up SWS? I haven't played it but it seems to interest you.

 

[Sol9000]

Why don't you just go pick up SWS? I haven't played it but it seems to interest you.

I just want to get it without the hassle of looking for a used copy. It's a mistake with Sonic Heroes I refuse to make again.

 

[Tacel]

Oh my god, the mods are coming!

2D Zelda games differ greatly from 3D Zelda games. If you want a taste of 2D, play a Link to the Past. If you want a taste of 3D, play Ocarina of Time. Both games are great classics and not too difficult that are accessable on Wii Virtual Console. I recommend OoT first because it's easier for somebody starting off in my opinion. But it's all up to you. No matter what, you're gonna have a good time. All of the Zelda games are beautifully crafted. So have fun!

 

[Wizzrobe]

I just want to get it without the hassle of looking for a used copy. It's a mistake with Sonic Heroes I refuse to make again.

If you have the opportunity to get SS, you should just get it. It shoudln't be to hard to play through especially considering there is a hint system for when you get stuck

 

[finalark]

I just want to get it without the hassle of looking for a used copy. It's a mistake with Sonic Heroes I refuse to make again.

Just get a new copy. Nintendo is not Sonic Team, and the LoZ games have been of pretty consistent quality.

 

[Elyssa Xey Hexen]

1) Skyword Sword
-This game might be the best introduction to the series. All the zelda games actually fit into a whacky chronology and this is literally the prequel too the entire series. However, each game is not a continuation of another story. Rather most of the zelda games replay certain themes while changing others and each becomes an independent title compared to the rest. Literally, you would not expect Ocarina of Time to happen first in the series before Link's Awakening. The develops had to tell us this.

Anyway, Skyword Sword I would say is very newbie friendly. You'll rarely get stuck in the game at all and it introduces many of the zelda themes rather nicely.

2)Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask
I recommend either of these two as a 2nd simply because they are classic installments. And they created what we expect out of our 3D zelda games. MM is more story driven than you will find in Ocarina of Time, but the gameplay is still good nonetheless for OoT.

3) Link to the Past
I would suggest Link to the Past as a 3rd pick since after having played these other Zelda games, you'll probably find it a fun title. It tends to be a bit difficult in the mid to end game since enemies later on will do a ton of damage until you pick up defense upgrades.

4) GBC Titles Or Wind Waker/Twilight Princess
Now, I'm being completely bias to the GBC titles. I loved Link's awakening/ Oracle of Seasons or Oracle of Ages. To me it felt like a combination of Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time. WW or TP are fine title on their own and unique. I mean, WW is the only one where you get to sail an ocean or TP you get to be a wolf for a portion of the game. But, the other games are more interesting in opinion. In the end, it probably doesn't matter which of these titles you do if you played the other ones.

Last) Legend of Zelda or The Adventure of Link
If you want a throwback to the olden days, then these are the games to play. These are recommended last since most people have played the other Zelda games before these two. These games introduce us to the world of Zelda, but many things were refined in the later installments. You will find that these two are still unique titles especially The Adventure of Link since it has RPG elements that the other zelda games really never had.

Edit: I see no reason why gamestop or target would stop selling Skyward Sword anytime soon. Its one of nintendo's better sellers and those tend to stay on the market for a long time. I was seeing melee being sold in 5-6 years in gamestop/target after it came out. Although, I believe gamestop might stop selling gamecube games soon. I was super pissed that PS2 is so old now its was taken off their list of stuff they sell. I never got around to enjoying a lot of the fun titles for the PS2.

 

[Sol9000]

*= Recommended by Username *= Does Not Recommend (DNR)
Bold= Username Italic= Side-Note

Legend of Zelda (Wizzrobe)
The Adventure of Link (LuigiToilet, Wizzrobe)
Link's Awakening (PsychoIncarnate, Wizzrobe)
Link To The Past (Tacel,LuigiToilet, Holder of the Heel)
Ocarina of Time (Tacel,Holder of the Heel)
Majora's Mask (Anyone? Anyone at All?)
The Wind Waker Not On Virtual Console, and Gamestop no longer supports GameCube titles, Used or New. (Wizzrobe)
Twilight Princess (Anyone? Anyone At All?)
Skyword Sword (Xeylode, Finalark)

I am not bothering with Portable Titles. This is thanks to the lack of a decent used collection of DS Titles at GameStop, and the lack of a used game store in my state that has GB, GBC, or GBA Zelda titles.

Oh my god, the mods are coming!

That was to encourage people to talk about Skyword Sword. I figured a mod would be posting shortly (And one did).

Just get a new copy. Nintendo is not Sonic Team, and the LoZ games have been of pretty consistent quality.

Oh, so Gamestop are fans of Nintendo enough to keep the slightly old games comin' in at new? Cool.

 

[finalark]

Oh, so Gamestop are fans of Nintendo enough to keep the slightly old games comin' in at new? Cool.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Well, that's not exactly how it works but SWS has only been out for about seven months. You should be able to find a copy pretty much anywhere that sells new games.

 

[N.A.G.A.C.E]

I would suggest alttp, really fun good game, holds up really well, nice old school swag to it, besides having to pay attention to where u r suppose to go next its honestly pretty easy as well. (What i mean is if u dont pay attention u might not be sure where to go next, not that paying attention is hard).

My 2nd choice would be oot, fun and good introduction to 3d zelda games.

I would not pick ss fetch quests and strange controls and hub town make it feel somewhat less zelda like imo

 

[Sol9000]

Legend of Zelda (Wizzrobe)
The Adventure of Link (LuigiToilet, Wizzrobe)
Link's Awakening (PsychoIncarnate, Wizzrobe)
Link To The Past (Tacel, LuigiToilet, Holder of the Heel, N.A.G.A.C.E.)
Ocarina of Time (Tacel, Holder of the Heel, N.A.G.A.C.E.)
Majora's Mask (Anyone? Anyone at All?)
The Wind Waker Not On Virtual Console, and Gamestop no longer supports GameCube titles, Used or New. (Wizzrobe)
Twilight Princess (Anyone? Anyone At All?)
Skyword Sword (Xeylode, Finalark, N.A.G.A.C.E.)

Today's Spotlight: Majora's Mask And Twilight Princess. DISCUSS

 

[MuraRengan]

If you want ease, Twilight Princess. If you want the full Zelda experience and a great game, OoT. I would suggest AlttP, but it is a little difficult around the end.

All in all, my suggestion is OoT. It's a lot more relevant to the Zelda experience that everyone loves, and a good reference point for the rest of the games.

As for MM, you really shouldn't play it before OoT. It's so much more meaningful if you play OoT beforehand.

 

[Sol9000]

Legend of Zelda (Wizzrobe)
Adventure of Link (LuigiToilet, Wizzrobe)
Link's Awakening (PsychoIncarnate, Wizzrobe)
Link To The Past (Tacel, LuigiToilet, Holder of the Heel, N.A.G.A.C.E.)
Ocarina of Time (Tacel, Holder of the Heel, N.A.G.A.C.E., MuraRenguan)
Majora's Mask (MuraRengan)
Wind Waker Not On Virtual Console, and Gamestop no longer supports GameCube titles, Used or New. (Wizzrobe)
Twilight Princess A friend of mine has it. (MuraRenguan)
Skyword Sword (Xeylode, Finalark, N.A.G.A.C.E.)

It getting closer to the end. With LTTP and OOT leading the pack, followed by Skyward Sword, Wind Waker and Twilight Princess! Majora's Mask and LOZ1 duke it out, leaving Link's Adventure and Link's Awakening to eat they're dust!

 

[finalark]

I haven't actually played Skyward Sword, you just seem interested by it so I think if it appeals to you then you should play it.

 

[Sol9000]

I haven't actually played Skyward Sword, you just seem interested by it so I think if it appeals to you then you should play it.

Only one vote towards the same game. Please stop beating a dead horse with a dead horse

 

[finalark]

Only one vote towards the same game. Please stop beating a dead horse with a dead horse

That's not my point. My point is that if a game appeals to you don't beat around the bush just go find a used copy and give it a shot. In most places you can return used games if you don't like them (or lie and say its broken, they put it out on the shelf again anyway).

Here's the flowchart I use to decide if I want to play a game.

Does this game appeal to me? - > Yes -> Play it
-> No -> Don't play it

 

[Sol9000]

That's not my point. My point is that if a game appeals to you don't beat around the bush just go find a used copy and give it a shot. In most places you can return used games if you don't like them (or lie and say its broken, they put it out on the shelf again anyway).

Here's the flowchart I use to decide if I want to play a game.

Does this game appeal to me? - > Yes -> Play it
-> No -> Don't play it

I'm waiting to see what the fanbase has to say for itself before I get SS. If I'm not getting it, I won't have as much trouble because everything else that appeals me can just be bought off virtual console (and I won't have to buy a Motion+).

 

[Luigitoilet]

This thread is honestly kind of dumb. Just pick the game that seems most interesting to you and play it. then you should come back and give us your first impressions of the games as you play them then maybe this thread will be worth something