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 2)
10-02-2007 @ 9:24AM
unreal mccoy said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 9:41AM
Michael said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 10:17AM
Hirsbrunner said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 10:24AM
nick said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 10:28AM
webbie Bud said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 10:30AM
FoolsRun said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 10:39AM
Pizza Pasta said...
Making life tough for Cuccos.
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10-02-2007 @ 11:00AM
Jason said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 11:29AM
AbbadonTD said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 12:06PM
brian rommel said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 12:36PM
Joshua said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 1:47PM
chispito said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 4:26PM
Greg said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 7:23PM
Archibold said...
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.
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10-02-2007 @ 10:15PM
shaoron said...
it's just addictingly fun...
although... certain puzzles did make me want to destroy the console/handheld i was playing...
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10-02-2007 @ 10:27PM
padgon said...
Because oh the original weapons, all the side quests you can have and fun dungeon exploration.
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10-02-2007 @ 11:48PM
GCarden said...
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.
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10-03-2007 @ 1:39AM
flameofdoom666 said...
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.
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10-03-2007 @ 2:08AM
033054 said...
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!
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10-03-2007 @ 3:57AM
Anthony said...
*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.
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