What games outside of the Zelda series best capture the overall spirit of the Zelda series?

The only ones I've played here are Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon and Okami. I don't feel like Okami really captured the Zelda experience at all, while I feel like Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon is essentially a crossover of Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time, so I'd have to go with that.

Okami for me, personally. I'd probably say I prefer it over any Zelda game, let alone other titles in the subgenre.

Anodyne

Okami for 3D

Alundra for 2D

3D Dot Game Hero is good too

I do not acknowledge the Mana Series as "Zelda style" at all, therefore Okami is my answer.

This is my exact answer.

Darksiders is an OOT remake but on the X360 with blood, guts and demons everywhere, also... you collect 4 pieces of heart to get more max hp, but they're actual pieces of a heart... like.... bleeding pumping hearts lol.

If you guys haven't played the game but want some classic N64 Zelda action with a twist I would recommend trying them out, you can get your hands on both X360 versions for around a fiver now (for both) and shell out for their rereleases on the X1/PS4/Swt if you feel like playing them in nicer res/handheld.

3D Dot Game Heroes.

I don’t know. I barely try any because I’m afraid I’d just rather be playing a Zelda game. I have Okami because mZuzek keeps telling me how it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I still haven’t really gotten into it, maybe only two or three hours; there’s sooo much talking at the beginning.