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The_Liquid_Laser said:
archbrix said:

As much as I’d love to vote for Ocarina or Breath of the Wild regarding the games that stand a chance at winning, the original Legend of Zelda is, all things considered, probably my single favorite game of all time. And there’s no way I’m not voting for it here.

There was just nothing like this game when it released. When I first played it I ran around lost like a lot of people before figuring out what to do, but I was still having fun because the game felt so great. Even Link’s attack still felt unique when compared to games that followed; he stabs straight out as opposed to the swipe motion in ALttP. And since there was no grass to cut, the moves and abilities that he’s limited to work flawlessly in this game. The way you used items intelligently to advance was just on such another level and it set so many standards in gaming as well. The maps it came with, the full color booklet with all of the characters, being able to save without a long password, the gold cartridge, even the box... Zelda was truly that moment for me when home console gaming became something I knew was here to stay. It showed a level of creativity and imagination mixed with the tight arcade gameplay that got me playing games in the first place.

Later, A Link to the Past took the formula and basically created 16-bit perfection and for all intents and purposes the two games tie for first place. But the original giving you a full second quest with awesome remixed elements and the fact that it set the bar at the level that it did give it a modicum of an edge if I absolutely had to pick. Maybe. Either way, The Legend of Zelda handily wins for me here and I’m so happy it made it to the final round.

Great job on the threads too, @Liquid_Laser. Very much enjoyed them.

Thanks.   And that goes for everyone else who has shown appreciation.  I appreciate the kind words.


I also think Zelda 1 is the best game on the list, although the list is full of great games.  Others have stated their rankings, so this is my personal ranking for them:

1. The Legend of Zelda
2. Final Fantasy VII
3. Super Mario Bros 3
4. Breath of the Wild
5. Space Invaders
6. Super Mario Galaxy
7. The Last of Us
8. Pong
9. Ocarina of Time (haven't played)
9. Resident Evil 4 (haven't played)

Kind of shocking you haven't played OoT tbh, it's the grandfather of Souls combat and modern 3D action-adventures/RPGs in general, on top of setting the blueprint for an era of excellent Zelda games to follow. I don't think it's nearly perfect, "only" #34 on my list of favorites this year, but definitely one of the most important games ever made (imo the 3DS remake is the best way to experience it these days just for the record).

Last edited by UnderwaterFunktown - on 02 January 2024

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2024 OpenCritic Prediction Leagues:

Nintendo | PlayStation | Multiplat