The legend of Zelda series is full of classic games. From his humble roots on the NES to the cattle Breath of nature on the Nintendo Switch, The legend of Zelda capture magical adventure like no other. Screen Rant arranged each 3D Zelda game from worst to best, and now it’s time for the 2D entries to get the same treatment. The 2D Zelda games feel different from their broader 3D cousins, but many still manage to generate the same sense of wonder in players eager to explore new worlds, fight big monsters, and be the hero Hyrule needs.
With the most recent series releases on the Nintendo Switch – Breath of nature and Link’s Awakening‘s remake – which includes different formulas of 3D game, reveals the era of true 2D Zelda games may be over. The style of the game can survive in top-down, ‘2.5D’ remakes and spiritual sequels in the style of Link’s Awakening, but the best may now be in the past. Instead of lamenting the fact, the death of 2D Zelda games mean it’s time to celebrate the main line Zelda games that made players look down on Link from above.
Click the button below to start this article in a quick view.
The list of Legend of Zelda games below have the special distinction that it does not contain any terrible entries. If fans have not yet had the pleasure of watching one of these games, there is no time like the present to locate a console and get adventurous. However, for those who are more discerning, this list is already 2D Zelda games from the worst to the best. It’s time to grab the Ocarina of Time and dive back into the 80’s.
8. Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link (1987)
Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link did what many NES sequels have done, and try something completely different from its predecessor. As Super Mario Bros. 2 and the fascinating bad Castlevania 2: Simon’s Quest, Zelda 2 has the winning style of The legend of Zelda and moved to the game split between the upper global movement and sideways scrolling sections for dungeon combat and reconnaissance. It was a frightening transition in 1987 and did not age well. The core principles of Zelda game is still there, such as exploring, completing temples and earning special items. Yet the strange ministries of a sideways link, the blunt world and the repetitive scenery mean Zelda 2 is really just worth playing for the hardcore fans.
7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords (2002)
On the surface, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on the Game Boy Advance looked like a straight gate, but there were subtle adjustments for astute players. The biggest addition, however, was the launch of Four swords, a semi-cooperative adventure for two to four players. In Four swords, players had to work together to maneuver through dungeons and defeat bosses, while also competing to collect the most rupees. Four swords also introduced fun game add-ons, such as Zelda’s first shrink mechanic. While it’s decently entertaining, Four swords‘short missions could not really bring the idea to life. It will take a standalone title to really make Four swords‘game shine.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons (2001)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and his sister game, Oracle of Seasons, try to take Link’s Awakeningsay engine to its extreme. The dungeons are interesting, and the narrative, which centers on two of Hyrule’s creator goddesses, is worth exploring. But these few games do not have the same hard, hard game as its predecessor. Add that players basically had to buy both Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons to get the full experience, and these two can rest comfortably at the bottom of 2D Zelda games.
5. The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Bursts on the scene during 1986, probably the biggest year of play, The legend of Zelda introduced the world to Link, Zelda and Ganon, as well as the core features that make it The legend of Zelda games excellent. With an open world to explore, dungeons to dig, secrets to uncover, and a variety of weapons and items to equip, The legend of Zelda had it all. It may feel a bit dated in 2021, but The legend of Zelda is still worth a play through. It’s captivating, entertaining and a beautiful piece of game history.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (2004)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures is a masterpiece of semi-cooperative play. Although it was frustrating to require each player to connect a Game Boy Advance to the GameCube with their own cable, when the stars were in line and four players could participate with the necessary equipment, Four Swords Adventures was an absolute riot. To fight through dangerous levels, defeat difficult bosses and use the screen of the Game Boy Advance to sneak through underground caves, Four swords had it all. If it is not locked behind such a large access limit, it is perhaps one of the best collaboration experiences out there. Unfortunately, the limitations force it to be lower on the list.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was the first Nintendo Game Boy title in the Zelda series. Like tradition with direct Zelda continued, this one got a little weird. Link, sail on the open ocean to A link to the past, lost in a storm. He was on a small island and had the task of waking the Windfish. What follows is an excellent adventure with unforgettable places, quests and puzzles. Link’s AwakeningKoholint Island is memorable and unique; who could forget to save a Chain Chomp from Moblins, chat with the animals, or hear Marin’s song from the weathervane? While he often goes into the surreal pocket, Link’s Awakening was a worthy first hand hero Zelda game and definitely worth playing today.
2. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)
The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap is an excellent addition to the Zelda series. Introducing some key background figures for the franchise, such as the origins of Link’s iconic hat and why heroes can find money in the grass, Minish Cap take what was good about A link to the past and carry it out as well as its inspiration. The extra fun of puzzles that span the vast world of Hyrule and the small world of the Minish people, and little quality of life like Link’s ability to roll, make Minish Cap worthy of repeated plays.
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is many fans’ favorite. Introducing a recurring trend in Zelda games with his Light and Dark World, A link to the past the best parts of the original taken The legend of Zelda and changed things to 11. With more narrative, amazing graphics, the best songs in the Zelda series, and memorable items such as the Pegasus Boots, Power Gloves and the Hookshot, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past the classic fans know it too. Anyone who has not been exposed should jump into this amazing adventure as soon as possible.
It’s hard to arrange such an amazing collection of games, but in the end there can only be one top spot. Suffice it to say that the time you spend on this classic will not be wasted – and the 2D formula still has some kicking, judging by Breath of naturesee prototyping phase. The legend of Zelda games always manage to carry that spark of adventurous magic within them, regardless of the specific ups and downs of each game. No matter which of these games beckons, make sure you bring some fairies in bottles.
About the author