1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass:
The innovation with this game is astounding. They removed many tedious and annoying things that had previously plagued the Zelda formula, like well designed controls and good pacing. The repetitive nature of the Ocean Palace is fantastic and feels fun every time. However, I do not like Link's face, it is too cartoony and kiddy and isn't hardcore enough for an E P I C G A M E R like myself, which unfortunately leaves me with no choice but to put it this low.
2. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe:
This game was an experimental handheld title, and it shows: None of the classic Zelda formula is present at all. Instead, Link is now on a horse bike and is racing against Ganondorf (who is now reincarnated into a turtle thing instead of a pig, for some reason) to gather up all the pieces of the Triforce before he can. While the game controls very well, it is unfortunately held back by the most annoying Zelda character to ever exist: Luigi. Luigi keeps hitting me with turtle shells and then looks at me with disgust. It's like the game is mocking me. I do not like it.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons:
Din is hot.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword:
This was a very unique Zelda. It was a crossover with Wii Fit and was designed to help you work out while you play by including very intuitive and unintrusive motion controls. It featured very engaging forms of play, such as waggling the remote, waggling the remote, waggling the remote, and my personal favorite, trying to not throw your remote at the TV as the game makes you fight the Imprisoned for the 50th time.
5. Blossom Tales DX:
Finally, a game where you play as Zelda herself! It is also very notable as being the first Zelda game made by an indie developer and the first Zelda to be released on a non-Nintendo platform. It also introduced a completely new formula to the franchise with a top-down view and linear progression system that takes you from dungeon to dungeon. It was a very important game for the franchise back when it released on the Ouya in 1935.
6. The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess:
Twilight Princess is honestly just an amazing game. Good characters, fantastic dungeons, great controls, great combat, amazing pacing and a soundtrack that I listen to frequently when I just want to relax. It's honestly the OoT formula perfected, and if it weren't for games like Majora's Mask, I'd dare say it's pretty much the perfect Zelda. The game's biggest new mechanic with Wolf Link was also extremely cool, and offered a nice mix-up to the typical Zelda progression. While I know the opening of the game is often criticized, I personally really like it: It sets the tone of the game very well and helps you get invested in the world. It helps make Link look like a real person with goals and motives as well. The only real negatives I can think to list about this game is the underwhelming characterization of Zelda herself and the unfortunately empty overworlds.
7. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link:
Gosh, man, where do I even begin with this one? Zelda II is a classic: 2D platforming was what Zelda was always known for, and it was great to see Nintendo finally listen and go back to what made Zelda Zelda after the abomination that was Breath of the Wild back in 2006 on the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, for a Switch game released in 2017, it does look a bit dated, which is probably the only reason I'm not putting this one at number one. It does make up for it a bit with killer writing and incredibly engaging characters like Bagu, though.
8. The Legend of Zelda: The Faces of Evil:
The game that started it all on the legendary Philips CDI. This game helped set the standard for what every game should be, and single handedly saved the video game market after it crashed back in the day. Artwork that will make your jaw drop, amazing and extremely moving fully voiced dialogue, and lovable characters that stand the test of time. I still get choked up whenever I think about King Harkinian asking what's for dinner. The gameplay is also extremely satisfying, with Link being able to do very cool things such as walk, duck, and my personal favorite, duck walk. This game is worth every single ruby.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Crossbow Training:
Everyone was surprised when Nintendo took the world by storm with this popular battle royale shooter. The decision to give Link a gun that also doubled as a crossbow was daring, but in the end paid off, as this game is delightfully competitive with it's online community fighting for the victory royale day in and day out. You know what they say: Eat, sleep, Link's Crossbow Training, repeat! I also can't get enough of this loot box system: It makes me feel very rewarded and filled with a sense of accomplishment. For only $500, I got my Link a tutu and a dab emote! If that isn't an E P I C G A M E R moment unlike any other, I don't know what is.
10. Tingle's Rosy Rupee Land:
Ohhhhh man. OOOOOOOH MY GOSH. THIS. GAME. This game! I can't comprehend how Nintendo was able to make something so impactful and meaningful! THIS GAME IS ART ON THE HIGHEST LEVEL. I weep into my pillow every night as I realize I will never be able to experience it for the first time ever again. You play as the franchise's best and undeniably sexiest character, Tingle, on his mission to gather enough rupees (they changed the name from "ruby" to "rupee", for some reason) to enter the legendary "Rupee Land". The gameplay is like nothing I've ever played before, with mechanics so deep that a huge competitive community has formed around it. People around the world gather to watch the top Rupee Land players race to the end of the game and to see high level tech like Tingledashing and MultiTingle. This game changed my life, and I view it as an irreplaceable work of art that will forever stand as a beacon of culture and love.