Best 2D Zelda Adventures: A Journey Through Classic Hyrule

The best Zelda games ranked

The Legend of Zelda series has captivated gamers for a long time. It is beloved with its lore, puzzles, and memorable characters. While this video game has successfully transitioned into the world of 3D gaming, the classic 2D titles hold a special place in the hearts of many long-time fans. These games laid the foundation for everything. In this article, we’ll journey through the top four 2D Zelda games that define the magical attraction to this legendary franchise. Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer or new to the series, these titles are essential stops on your quest through the land of Hyrule!

#4 Zelda Video Game: Oracle of Seasons and Ages

Zelda Classic Video Game
Image by Billy A from Pixabay

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are twin video games developed by Capcom for the Game Boy Color and released in 2001. While both games are interconnected and can be played in any order, each has its unique storyline, mechanics, and features. When played in conjunction with one another, additional content, changes to the story, and final boss battles open up! Oracle of Seasons is set in the land of Holodrum. In the game, Link must use the Rod of Seasons to restore order in a world of chaos after a villain, General Onox, kidnaps a character called Din. He aims to rescue Din, restore the seasons, and defeat Din. This game introduces collectibles, seasonal changes, and puzzles.

#3 Zelda Video Game: The Minish Cap

The Minish Cap is an action-adventure video game that Capcom developed. Nintendo released it in 2004 in Japan and Europe and in 2005 in North America and Australia. The game introduced innovative gameplay, sword techniques, and shrink mechanics. It is full of mini-dungeons and side quests. In this game from the Zelda series, Link finds himself in the land of Hyrule. The villain Vaati shatters a vital blade, the Picori Blade, at the beginning of the adventure. This destruction releases monsters across Hyrule! Vaati also turns Princess Zelda into stone. Link aims to reforge the blade, restore peace, save Princess Zelda, and defeat Vaati. It is a monumental task, to be sure! With the Kinstone function, a fusion of materials that unlocks new areas with valuable rewards, he will be well-equipped by endgame to complete the quest.

#2 Zelda Video Game: Link’s Awakening

Link’s Awakening is an adventure video game released by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1993 and later re-released for the Game Boy Color as Link’s Awakening DX. The game incorporates a unique storyline and some innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other releases in the Zelda series. Unique equipment, character interaction, open-world exploration, and new puzzles are just a few of the changes this addition brought into the Zelda franchise. The music is memorable, and the game is full of side quests and mini-games. In this version of Zelda, Link finds himself on Koholint Island.

After defeating Ganon in the previous release, the hero sets off on a mission to improve his skills. During his travels, he happens upon a mysterious island. Stuck on the island, Link must complete quests and objectives to leave. This gamer will ruin no revelations here, but there are many in this twist-and-turn adventure! The objective is simple: complete the mission or fail to leave the island! With no one to save but himself, no world to bring peace to, and no villain to slay, Link must focus on the tasks at hand to get back home.

#1 Zelda Video Game: A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past is the third game in the Legend of Zelda series. This game was released by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1991. It is well known for its expansive world, engaging storyline, and introduction of key gameplay mechanics that became the framework of the series moving forward. Because it introduces so many elements that Zelda is known for, it is often hailed as the greatest video game of all time! This version brought about non-linear dungeon progression.

Gamers could now move through in any order, minimizing the dreaded dungeon crawl feel. Between that, dual worlds, numerous puzzles, and collecting heart pieces. This game’s adventure only stops once the quest is complete. Link finds himself in Hyrule as well as the Dark World in this version of the video game. The villain Ganon is holding Princess Zelda in the Dark World. The balance between the Dark and Light Worlds has been turned upside down. Link must rescue the princess, defeat Ganon, and restore the balance between the two worlds.

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