DS Daily: Why do you (or don't you) play Zelda?
For many of us, the Zelda franchise represents the pinnacle of gaming. Several entries in the series stand out as true classics, games that can be replayed again and again, and little things like graphics don't even enter in to the equation. However, we also know that for every Zelda fan out there, there's a gamer who just isn't into the series, or who has lost interest over the years. If this is you, we want to know why ... and if Phantom Hourglass has happened to tickle your fancy regardless.If, like us, you're still neck deep in the Zelda franchise, what keeps you coming back?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
unreal mccoy @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:24AM
Nostalgia. I've been a Zelda fan since 1987 (I was in second grade), and I've a sucker for the franchise. I completed TTWP on Sunday night, and I got chills from the Overland Theme motif that plays during the credits.
But nostalgia's not the only factor. I have a limited amount of time that I can devote to games, so I look for sure bets. The Zelda franchise consistently provides a quality gaming experience.
Michael @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:41AM
I play Zelda games because they have good story elements combined with puzzles and an action RPG. I also enjoy that they have collecting elements, side quests, and hidden items. generally i keep coming back because no matter how many times i play through i still have to explore and re-figure out the majority of the game.
Hirsbrunner @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:17AM
Quality. I know when I put in a Zelda game, I'm going to get the best gaming experience possible. The developers are at the top of their "game" with the Zelda franchise. It's akin to watching Tiger Woods play golf or Lance Armstrong race.
Plus, it's always fun.
nick @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:24AM
Back in the 80s and 90s when Zelda was in 2D I thought they were the pinnacle of Nintendo made entertainment, but when they switched to 3D I feel like the game lost some of the magic that made them great. I'm not sure if it was the bland landscape in Ocarina of Time or the vomit inducing camera in Wind Waker, but I just couldn't get past hour 10 in those games. Phantom Hourglass is the first Zelda in a long time that I'm really psyched to play and can't wait to get started as soon as I finish Halo 3 and Luminous Arc.
webbie Bud @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:28AM
My first Zelda experience was actually two Zelda experiences nearly back-to-back: late to the game playing Ocarina of Time, I had only a few months to wait for the release of Majora's Mask.
The magic of those games together the worlds, the stories, the characters, the emotion, and most definitely the music locked me into Zelda-ness for life.
I moved backward and forward along the timeline after that, and found I didn't enjoy the lesser-bit titles or handhelds quite as much. Tho' the cuteness of Minish Cap often made me giggle like a schoolgirl.
After the Cel-da shock wore off, I thoroughly enjoyed Wind Waker, and played through that twice, and have been trying to stretch the Twilight Princess experience as long as I can in anticipation of Phantom Hourglass.
FoolsRun @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:30AM
Sense of adventure! Nothing felt better than the sense of discovery (and there really was a sense that you were exploring the hitherto unknown) in Wind Waker.
Coming home from work and setting sail to the unknown was very rewarding.
And that's in all the Zelda games, whether they're on land or at sea, the sense of accomplishment when you find a heart piece or an optional item is palpable.
Pizza Pasta @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:39AM
Making life tough for Cuccos.
Jason @ Oct 2nd 2007 11:00AM
I'm certainly not a fanatic. The only Zelda game that kept me interested enough to finish it was Ocarina of Time. Awesome game. But I will be picking up Phantom Hourglass ASAP. It looks like it will be a fresh approach, just as OoT was.
AbbadonTD @ Oct 2nd 2007 11:29AM
Zelda has been one of those consistant franchises. while some entries disapoint, they disapoint on Zelda-levels, and are still better than most games!
I will always be a sucker for a Zelda game. Hopefully, Nintendo isn't reading this...I have come to expect certain playability, dificulty, and just plain fun out of any entry in the franchise, and it has yet to disappoint. That's why I keep coming back, and will for years to come.
brian rommel @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:06PM
I Play Zelda Games because each one stives for excellence. I own pretty much every zelda game except oracle of ages. I am going to get phantom hourglass.
Joshua @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:36PM
First game I played was LoZ. ALttP/OoT is/are my favorite game(s) of all time. I've found a new love for The Wind Waker, and the cel-shaded Link, and I'm very excited for Phantom Hourglass.
chispito @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:47PM
The original Legend of Zelda was my favorite NES game and, for better or worse, is probably largely responsible for my current gaming habit. As an 8-year old, I couldn't get enough of the open ended exploration and freedom to adventure on my own terms, in my own style.
I'm hoping to grab a little bit of that nostalgia with PH, while looking forward to the new stylus controls.
Greg @ Oct 2nd 2007 4:26PM
Well, I haven't played a Zelda game since the original on the NES until lest week (I never owned a N64), when I picked up Twilight Princess for the Wii, which I am enjoying very much. That has got me excited about PH, and I'm sure I'll get that soon too.
Archibold @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:23PM
I think more than most games, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Hearing that chime when I solve a puzzle, realising that I just figured out how to beat a boss, finding a new weapon. It all makes me feel like I really accomplished something.
Also, I love the fact that it's an adventure. No wait, it's a legend. Just the scale of things is amazing. Zelda games truly feel epic when you are in Hyrule field (or the middle of a vast ocean, as the case may be) looking out at the huge overworld.
Finally, I love the universe they created. I love how each game ties together, even in those subtle ways that you need to think about. It's just an amazing experience while playing the game to remember all the great things the games have offered gamers.
shaoron @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:15PM
it's just addictingly fun...
although... certain puzzles did make me want to destroy the console/handheld i was playing...
padgon @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:27PM
Because oh the original weapons, all the side quests you can have and fun dungeon exploration.
GCarden @ Oct 2nd 2007 11:48PM
The very second video game I ever owned was Link's Awakening. The weapons, the story, the bosses, the entire action-RPG concept has had me hooked ever since.
To me, Zelda is the gaming experience on which all others will be judged.
flameofdoom666 @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:39AM
I just love everything about Zelda! My favorite part would be... the puzzles and nostalgia! I have been playing Zelda since I was 5! (I am 20 now). I own every console Zelda, and have beaten them all! Personally I think aLttP, OoT and TP were the strongest 3 console Zelda's. I own almost every hand held Zelda, I am missing Ages.
033054 @ Oct 3rd 2007 2:08AM
It's the best game in the world, that's why.
The only one that made my eyes red for a week. Damn you, Twilight Princess!
Anthony @ Oct 3rd 2007 3:57AM
*sigh* I'm not sure why I don't like Zelda, but I don't. I won Twilight Princess for the Wii, and it was alright. But I honestly don't care for it.. The music felt uninspired, the levels and creature design unimpressive and it felt as if there was very little characterization. I honestly don't care for the characters.. I understand that many other people enjoy that Link doesn't speak, but the other characters should have more than repetitive squeaks for voices.. *shrugs* My two cents.
bombtrak @ Oct 4th 2007 2:09PM
I've tried to follow the series over the years, but must admit I neither beat, nor even played, all of the major Zelda releases. In fact, the first one I made it through was Link to the Past, and none has ever captivated me like that again. OoT came close though.
So in all I've played nine titles in the franchise (NES original, NES II, LttP, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Seasons and Time, OoT, MM, and some of WW). What made me play them? I just wanted to re-live some of that initial sense of adventure and excitement I felt while playing LttP.
nrad99 @ Oct 4th 2007 11:43PM
I have the utmost respect for the Zelda franchise because the art, level and sound design are all top notch. That said, I often find it difficult to finish the games. I am not a hardcore gamer like I used to be and don't like to spend 30 hours playing a game. I gave up on Wind Waker at the point where I was expected to chart the entire map (seemed like needless padding-out to me) and Ocarina of Time in the Water Dungeon. Also, the novelty of the Zelda story arc has worn off a long time ago. It is hard to care about a story that is essentially a variation on those of the previous games in the series, regardless of the quality of writing. That said, I couldn't resist buying Twilight Princess and am saving it for the summer when I have a lot of time. However,I probably won't buy Phantom Hourglass because solving puzzles with a time limit and having to start over when the clock ticks down is not my idea of fun.
Azrael4h @ Oct 6th 2007 9:51AM
For me, I haven't touched a Zelda game since the SNES one. It's always come off a bit bland to me, more like a severely stripped out Ultima 4 than a unique game. While I'm sure the 3D ones are much different, 3D in general doesn't interest me so much as a fun game. I play ADOM, which is nothing but text-based graphics. Sadly, most 3D games tend towards focusing on graphics, and they end up being mediocre rehashes. Again, not all are like that, but the junk is so common-place that it's nearly impossible to find the good stuff.
rick @ Oct 7th 2007 7:20PM
it was cristmas 1995 i was 3 i had venterd in to the living room and ternd on the nes (my dad left zeld in) and i pushed buttns i love home movies :)