As you should already know by now, created by legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, The Legend of Zelda is an action-adventure video game franchise comprising many of the world’s greatest games. That being said, this right here is definitely the most legitimate list of the top 5 2D Zelda games ever developed, whether you want to admit it or not. (If you think that was random, wait until you read the rest!)
Actually developed by Capcom (third time, succeeding Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons), this is another rare instance of Nintendo handing over the franchise to another developer (and it paid off).
One of the lesser known Zelda games, The Minish Cap was released on the GameBoy Advance and is a story about series protagonist Link and his magical talking cap, Ezio. Said talking cap (no spoilers here bud) can shrink Link to the size of the Minish (bug-sized, elf lookin’ dudes living in Hyrule). As is usually the case with Zelda games, The Minish Cap was generally well received among critics, especially in regards to the radiant graphics and memorable cast of characters.
Considered to be a direct continuation of Oracle of Seasons (we’ll get to that), Link is transported to the distant land of Labrynna where he meets an Oracle by the name of Nayru. Before the game even has a chance to take off, Nayru becomes possessed by the Sorceress of Shadows (Veran), leaving behind her Harp of Ages. With this magical harp at his disposal, Link travels through time, saving the land from evil one villain at a time.
If nothing else, “Nayru’s song” alone will remain in your head for years to come (do yourself a favor and Google it, it’s one of my all-time favorites).
In all likelihood one of the most unique Zelda games, Oracle of Seasons lets you, you’ve guessed it, manipulate the seasons! Who says winter is no fun when you’re busy slaying baddies in order to save a kingdom that doesn’t even know you exist. With an average score of 9.2, it can be said that Oracle of Seasons (alongside Oracle of Ages) was both a critical and commercial success.
With this in mind, significant credit for the success can be attributed to the vibrant and colorful graphics ( as enabled by the GameBoy Colour) as well as an appropriately designed overworld layout and memorable music.
Initially a side project that was meant to be a port of A Link to the Past and developed after-hours by Nintendo staff, Link’s Awakening (Nintendo’s very first portable Zelda game) saw the light of day in June and August of 1993 in Japan and North America, respectively. Contrary to home console alternatives at the time, Link’s Awakening was actually the first Zelda game to be set outside the Kingdom of Hyrule with no mention of Princess Zelda. Instead, Link’s adventure transpires throughout the island of Koholint.
As is the usual standard for Zelda games, Link’s Awakening was a critical and commercial success, with an average rating of 90%. One critic even went as far as to say it is the “greatest GameBoy game ever made”. To be fair, they are not wrong; Link’s Awakening paved the way for all future handheld adventure games to come.
Let’s be real for a moment, we all knew this phenomenal game would be number one, not only in terms of 2-dimensional Zelda games but among all games within the series. No need to lie to yourself more so than you already have been (looking at you Ocarina of Time fans). Meant to be a prequel to the original Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo Entertainment System, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was and is considered a true landmark title not only for Nintendo, but the gaming industry as a whole.
That is, it is widely considered to be one of the greatest video games in the history of anything that actually matters (still looking at you Ocarina of Time fans). The immersive gameplay of an action-adventure RPG, mesmerizing music, lovely characters, and enchanting storyline will forever remain in the hearts of gamers across the globe.
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