The Legend of Zelda

The Good
It's amazing how many mainstays of the Zelda franchise originated with this game. From the enemies to the overall structure, it seems that the creators of The Legend of Zelda created a long-lasting formula from the outset.

Boss battles were interesting and not too difficult or unfair unlike so many other games of the time. While not a requirement, the game rewarded exploration and adventure.

In-game music was good if not varied. Similar tracks played at similar times throughout the game, but what was there was good.

The Bad
Playing the game today, the game's graphics are not the best but if you're into retro gaming, it's always interesting to see the choices made graphics-wise. There's a little frame rate lag when too much stuff is going on on-screen.

The game re-uses some dungeon bosses more than once. I don't know why, it seems like they should have come up with unique bosses per dungeon. But maybe it was a memory limitation or something like that.

The dungeons themselves are a little bit too similar. There's not enough variety in the layout of the dungeons, so things kind of blur together.

The Bottom Line
The Legend of Zelda is a classic retro game. It started one of the best video game franchises of all time. It had exploration, adventure and a new and interesting perspective on video games. I wouldn't say the graphics are timeless but if you are a retro gaming fan, you will enjoy your time with this one.

The Good
This was one of the first games I got for the NES. Though the graphics were not particularly good, even for the time, it was designed quite well and was / is highly addictive.

It plays like a cross between an overhead scrolling platform game and an RPG. Its not truly either but borrows from both genres. Its a unique formula that has been copied by many successful games.

The Bad
The graphics on the Legend of Zelda show its 20 year old age. They are primitive, with repetitive sprites. Even compared to later NES games the graphics aren't very good.

The depth of the gameplay and the music more than make up for this.

The Bottom Line
Wondeful game. And there is a 16 bit version of it which is a hacked version of BSZelda that you can find on the internet. It lets you enjoy the game play of Zelda with well drawn graphics. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the SNES is also something you would probably like.

There are also some other games I'd recommend that are good knock-offs of Zelda: Crusader of Zenty for the Genesis, Golden Axe: Warrior for the Master System, Neutopia 1 and Neutopia 2.

Neutopia 1 and 2 are probably the best Zelda style games around next to A Link to the Past. In fact, I like them better.

The Good
The Legend of Zelda is most noted for its incredible setting in a world known as Hyrule. There are so many secrets and paths to find, including numerous items and dungeons to complete. The difficulty is a double edged sword, what I like about it is the fact that it's tough enough to give you a true challenge. The controls are very simple, The sound effects and music are pretty much classic.

The Bad
Going back to the difficulty, what I hated about it (when I first played it especially), is that the game didn't give you a direct hint about where any of the hidden heart containers, doors and rupees were...stuff like this would slay beginners to the Zelda series. I highly suggest watching a playthrough of it online before even attempting to beat it yourself.

The Bottom Line
The Legend of Zelda is an overhead view, action/adventure super-saga, pitting you, Link (Or whatever you decide to name your hero!), against Ganon, Lord of Darkness. The objective, go to all eight dungeons and gather the eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom, then battle Ganon himself for the Triforce of Power and Princess Zelda. Gathering secret rupees and heart containers, along with sword and shield upgrades will aid you in your battle. This may be a difficult game, but the road to the Triforce is worth it...but when you win...are you going to go for the Second Quest?....