Review

The Legend of Zelda
This is Where the Legend Begins!
by Shawn Wilson (Gleeok)
December 13, 2005

Shigeru Miyamoto created a masterpiece when he made The Legend of Zelda. Released in the USA in July 1987, Zelda was the very first adventure game for NES. It was also the very first game to ever incorporate an added save feature. This game set the Gold standard for gaming as we know it. Zelda is the original of what would become one of the greatest game series in the history of gaming. Light years ahead of it's time, Zelda went on to sell more than millions of copies.

I can distinctively remember opening up Zelda for the first time as a kid and seeing that beautiful gold cartridge. I knew then, that this game was going to be different. I carefully inserted the shiny new game into the NES deck and began to play. The opening sequence appeared and the famous Zelda theme started to fill my ears, as I simultaneously begin to read the story line. My soul was hit so hard I literally had cold chills. I pressed the start button on the controller and jumped into Hyrule head first.

I was blown away by the graphics, music and gameplay. Using a very unique overhead view, I found myself surrounded by beautiful lush forests, mountains, deserts, lakes and streams, as the soul touching music played in the background. Danger lurked around every corner, as I found myself in heated and intense battles, with an abundance of skillful opponents. After collecting Rupees and trading with merchants for goods, it was time to explore the hidden Labyrinths of the Underworld. The music began to darken and the environment quickly changed. On the edge of my seat, my heart started racing with anticipation. I spent countless hours solving puzzles, opening secret doors, obtaining hidden treasures and fighting intimidating and challenging bosses. This game pulled me in like no other and I couldn't get enough!

The Legend of Zelda is a true classic and a very special game. It goes above and beyond the industry standard. Zelda is in my opinion, simply the best game available for NES and one of the best games ever made for any platform. I truly cherish this game with every ounce in my body!

Strong points: The gameplay is simply incredible. It incorporates intense action, adventure and role-playing all into one. You will have so much fun as you explore the beautiful landscapes of Hyrule and the Labyrinths that await you in the Underworld. There's an abundance of wonderful treasures to be found and puzzles to be solved, as well as numerous enemies to fight and powerful bosses to battle. The Music will touch your soul in the Overworld and have your heart pounding in suspense in the Underworld. A special save feature will keep track of your progress to prevent you from losing your well earned advancement in the game. Zelda also has a more challenging second quest as well. Everything is different so it�s like having two games in one!

Weak Points: After thoroughly playing this game inside and out for many years, I've only found one minor weak point. In certain Labyrinth rooms in the Underworld, the screens can get a little busy and you may experience some delay, particularly in situations where you are fighting Wizzrobes or Blue Darknuts.

Gameplay: 10.0 The Legend of Zelda combines the action, adventure, and RPG genres all into one epic quest, and it works perfectly.

Presentation: 10.0 Fabulous story and a long, difficult adventure. The first battery-powered cartridge to save game files.

Graphics: 10.0 An incredible level of detail was put into the characters and environments.

Audio: 10.0 Captivating music that fits incredibly well with each situation and really adds to the overall experience.

Replay Value: 10.0 With the incredible length, difficulty, and fabulous gameplay, you'll never get tired of this game. I've been playing this game for nearly 20 years and I still can't get enough!

Overall: 10 The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's greatest franchises, and in turn, one of the best game franchises of all time. This is the game that started it all, and choosing not to play it would be doing a great disservice to all of mankind. The Legend of Zelda is a must-have for any gamer.

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