Wanting to get into the Link/Zelda games (Better late than never)

[PackYourBaggins]

Most people look at me sideways when I say I've never played a Zelda game. I wanna fix that. For a while, I've wanted to get into the Zelda games, but I've waited so long, now there's a like, what, 16 games of them? I wanna play them, but I'm not entirely sure I wanna play every single one. I haven't decided yet. If I decide I don't wanna play every last one that's released, what are some of the good ones that are 'must-plays'?

P.S. I've kinda gotten into my own head about not being able to call myself a "real fan" of something just because I haven't completed everything in that series, whether it be games or movies. But I figure at the very least, I should play some games in this series just so I can say that have!

[Slottr]

Windwaker was my first one and has got to be my favorite overall.

[gtx1060=value]

if you really want to play newer nintendo games and other games from other companies (for the first time ever) you could get a nintendo switch

[2Fast2Quik]

Play a link to the past first, it's my favourite, and it's honestly amazing. Great for beginners, amazing for vets. And if you don't have money right now, you could umm, find a website that will let you play the game (You didn't hear this from me lol).

[ARikozuM]

I recommend playing them in order without using a walkthrough. It gives you an appreciation for gameplay back in the day.

[Ithanul]

Hmmm, that kind of hard considering each of Zeldas kind of bring their on style.

 

Think the most prominent ones that come to mind of the 3D Zeldas are Oceania of Time (first 3D Zelda), Majoria's Mask (Unique concept with time and masks), WindWaker (sailing and very nice dungeons).  Of course Twilight Princess is not bad either, but the dungeons kind of felt easy to do.

 

Now of the 2D Zeldas.  I only played like two or three.  I definitely say Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Time.  Down right amazing game to play, and the dungeons and bosses can be very challenging to beat.

[Delicieuxz]

Zelda games come in some pretty different styles. Some of the major ones are A Link to the Past (SNES), Ocarina of Time (N64), Wind Waker (Wii).

[ARikozuM]

Just now, Delicieuxz said:

Zelda games come in some pretty different styles. Some of the major ones are A Link to the Past (SNES), Ocarina of Time (N64), Wind Waker (Wii).

Oracle of Seasons and Ages was a nice concept as well.

[PackYourBaggins]

11 minutes ago, gtx1060=value said:

if you really want to play newer nintendo games and other games from other companies (for the first time ever) you could get a nintendo switch

I don't understand what your point is here. The Switch isn't even out yet.

[gtx1060=value]

Just now, RelentlessN7 said:

I don't understand what your point is here. The Switch isn't even out yet.

i know, im just saying to not invest in a wii u or ds, wait for the switch

[PackYourBaggins]

11 minutes ago, Ithanul said:

Hmmm, that kind of hard considering each of Zeldas kind of bring their on style.

 

Think the most prominent ones that come to mind of the 3D Zeldas are Oceania of Time (first 3D Zelda), Majoria's Mask (Unique concept with time and masks), WindWaker (sailing and very nice dungeons).  Of course Twilight Princess is not bad either, but the dungeons kind of felt easy to do.

 

Now of the 2D Zeldas.  I only played like two or three.  I definitely say Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Time.  Down right amazing game to play, and the dungeons and bosses can be very challenging to beat.

Yeah, Majora's Mask, Ocarina of Time, Twighlight Princess and WindWaker seem to be recurring suggestions when I've asked elsewhere. Also kinda considering the first 2 games as well.

 

EDIT: Everyone has pretty much said that they're all good, but the most suggested have been those I listed above.

[PackYourBaggins]

3 minutes ago, gtx1060=value said:

i know, im just saying to not invest in a wii u or ds, wait for the switch

I already have both a Wii-U and a 3DS. I figured it was kind of implied with the question. And I do plan on buying the Switch as well when it releases.

[Ithanul]

Then I definitely say try out Zelda:Oracle of Seasons/Time.  It is available through their store I believe for the 3DS.  That game is from the Game Boy Color Era, but those two have a lot of challenging bosses and dungeons.

 

Ocarina of Time and Majoria's Mask have been re released on the 3DS.  Only thing is finding them and of course their prices have not gone hardly down at all.

[PackYourBaggins]

1 minute ago, Ithanul said:

Then I definitely say try out Zelda:Oracle of Seasons/Time.  It is available through their store I believe for the 3DS.  That game is from the Game Boy Color Era, but those two have a lot of challenging bosses and dungeons.

 

Ocarina of Time and Majoria's Mask have been re released on the 3DS.  Only thing is finding them and of course their prices have not gone hardly down at all.

What do you mean finding them? If they're on the 3DS, wouldn't they just be on the eShop? 

[Ithanul]

1 minute ago, RelentlessN7 said:

What do you mean finding them? If they're on the 3DS, wouldn't they just be on the eShop? 

I believe so.  I hardly use the eShop so not sure.

 

Was talking more about their physical copies.

[ARikozuM]

2 minutes ago, RelentlessN7 said:

What do you mean finding them? If they're on the 3DS, wouldn't they just be on the eShop? 

Definitely on the eShop. Don't expect them to download quickly though since they're about 500MB.

[PackYourBaggins]

1 minute ago, Ithanul said:

I believe so.  I hardly use the eShop so not sure.

 

Was talking more about their physical copies.

Oh, I see. Yeah, I'd be fine with digital download. I don't have to have physical copies. There's just so many of these games, and they're all varying in length. Some are 10 hours to beat. Others are 40 hours. I have no doubt I'd enjoy these games, but I'm also not sure I wanna invest that much time into all of them. 

[ARikozuM]

3 minutes ago, RelentlessN7 said:

Oh, I see. Yeah, I'd be fine with digital download. I don't have to have physical copies. There's just so many of these games, and they're all varying in length. Some are 10 hours to beat. Others are 40 hours. I have no doubt I'd enjoy these games, but I'm also not sure I wanna invest that much time into all of them. 

It pays back? In character? And rupees? Possibly gives you a heart container for your hard work?

[PackYourBaggins]

Just now, ARikozuM said:

It pays back? In character? And rupees? Possibly gives you a heart container for your hard work?

I'm not denying that, there's just so many other games and games series I'm trying to catch up on that I missed out on growing up, including the Link/Zelda games. Not only that, but there's a lot of other games coming out soon that I'm also gonna be spending a lot of time with. 

[ARikozuM]

11 minutes ago, RelentlessN7 said:

I'm not denying that, there's just so many other games and games series I'm trying to catch up on that I missed out on growing up, including the Link/Zelda games. Not only that, but there's a lot of other games coming out soon that I'm also gonna be spending a lot of time with. 

If you only have time to play through one, I'd suggest Wind Waker or Majora's Mask. These two are, in my opinion, the best experiences in the franchise.

[TheBestUserName]

I'm in the same boat as you, OP.  My son has played and beaten all of the Zelda games, but until very recently, I haven't played any.  I borrowed his Spirit Tracks cart, and got tired of playing on my tiny DSi screen, so about three months ago I bought a nice used DSi XL. But I couldn't get into Spirit Tracks. The layout, traveling, puzzles... it all confused me.  So I abandoned that one and borrowed his Ocarina of Time 3D cart.  The 3D on his first-gen 3DS sucks ass (he has a New one now) so I even bought my own New 3DS.  I've played for several hours with the help of Game Grumps. But for some reason these games are hard for an idiot like me to figure out.  The puzzles are tricky and I repeatedly say to myself, "How would I have known that??" after I get some help from watching Game Grumps. And now, Ocarina is on hiatus, too, because I recently got caught up in Dying Light.  I need to get back to Ocarina. I want to like the series!  I feel like I'm trying hard. I just need to learn to think like a Zelda player. 

[PackYourBaggins]

28 minutes ago, TheBestUserName said:

I'm in the same boat as you, OP.  My son has played and beaten all of the Zelda games, but until very recently, I haven't played any.  I borrowed his Spirit Tracks cart, and got tired of playing on my tiny DSi screen, so about three months ago I bought a nice used DSi XL. But I couldn't get into Spirit Tracks. The layout, traveling, puzzles... it all confused me.  So I abandoned that one and borrowed his Ocarina of Time 3D cart.  The 3D on his first-gen 3DS sucks ass (he has a New one now) so I even bought my own New 3DS.  I've played for several hours with the help of Game Grumps. But for some reason these games are hard for an idiot like me to figure out.  The puzzles are tricky and I repeatedly say to myself, "How would I have known that??" after I get some help from watching Game Grumps. And now, Ocarina is on hiatus, too, because I recently got caught up in Dying Light.  I need to get back to Ocarina. I want to like the series!  I feel like I'm trying hard. I just need to learn to think like a Zelda player. 

So Ocarina of Time has a lot of puzzles? I'm definitely not a fan of puzzle games. Puzzles are what killed Darksiders for me. Can anyone tell me if any other Zelda games are puzzle heavy?

[TheBestUserName]

50 minutes ago, RelentlessN7 said:

So Ocarina of Time has a lot of puzzles? I'm definitely not a fan of puzzle games. Puzzles are what killed Darksiders for me. Can anyone tell me if any other Zelda games are puzzle heavy?

I wouldn't say it's puzzle heavy.  It's not a puzzle game.  But at the same time, figuring things out is surely a theme of all Zelda games. 

 

Watch some Let's Plays.  As I said before, Game Grumps has a series of videos for Ocarina. Watch it to get a sense of the game... and some laughs. 

[PackYourBaggins]

6 minutes ago, TheBestUserName said:

I wouldn't say it's puzzle heavy.  It's not a puzzle game.  But at the same time, figuring things out is surely a theme of all Zelda games. 

 

Watch some Let's Plays.  As I said before, Game Grumps has a series of videos for Ocarina. Watch it to get a sense of the game... and some laughs. 

I see. I may do that. I think tomorrow I may purchase the original Legend of Zelda as it's only $5 on the 3DS eShop. After that, I'll play some more modern ones.

[ARikozuM]

Just now, RelentlessN7 said:

I see. I may do that. I think tomorrow I may purchase the original Legend of Zelda as it's only $5 on the 3DS eShop. After that, I'll play some more modern ones.

I wouldn't start with the original. It doesn't give you hints on where to go or what to do. Go with A Link to the Past if you can.