The Legend of Zelda video games

<p>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the 2nd installment designed for the Nintendo Switch. The game was quickly a critical and commercial success, with more than 10 million copies sold in just three days worldwide.

While Nintendo's habit of offering us variations on the kingdom of Hyrule is enjoyable - since it brings new universes and varied themes - this installment breaks with that pattern.

Set a few years after the events of Breath of the Wild, the game depicts a Hyrule in full reconstruction where Princess Zelda, accompanied by her loyal knight Link, comes across a hidden passage beneath Hyrule Castle. At the end of this path leading to mysterious catacombs, they encounter an ancient malevolent mummy, who breaks Link's legendary sword and sends Zelda plunging into a bottomless abyss.

The hero wakes up in the sky kingdom, where he discovers Zonai technology and harnesses its power thanks to his new arm. With Zelda gone, Link sets off on a long and perilous quest to find her.

A true technical feat, Tears of the Kingdom features an open world that players can explore freely, and it seems complex to inspect its every corner. You can spend hours visiting the different regions of the kingdom, meeting interesting characters and taking on exciting challenges. Because that is also the strength of Zelda games: a captivating and moving story, serving well-developed characters that bring the worlds of Hyrule to life.

The gameplay, as impressive as it is particularly well thought out and introduced, could however quickly prove complex to get to grips with. But what a pleasure it is to build machines from A to Z, fail, start over, readjust endlessly until at last everything works as intended!

You will have understood: this installment is beautiful, fun and captivating, and will keep you on the edge of your seat for many hours. Tears of the Kingdom is a must-have game for all fans of The Legend of Zelda series. </p>

<p>This title invites you to relive one of the cult episodes of the Zelda saga in a reworked and beautifully reinvented version. This remake was praised by critics for its faithfulness to the original game, while bringing visual improvements and a modern gaming experience.

Following in Link's footsteps as he explores the mysterious Koholint Island after a shipwreck, you will have to face formidable bosses to lift the veil on ancient mysteries.

The loyal hero dressed in green has the mission of collecting eight musical instruments scattered across the island, and awakening the Wind Fish, guardian of the island. Along his quest, Link crosses paths with various characters, some friendly and others hostile, who help him or stand in his way.

The game stands out for its enchanting artistic style, with colorful 3D graphics - shown from a partial top-down view - and a dreamlike atmosphere. Players explore dungeons and varied landscapes, from sunny beaches to mysterious forests and steep mountains.

In terms of gameplay, the game's dungeons are filled with ingenious puzzles and tense battles. Link obtains new items and equipment as he progresses, which allows him to solve new puzzles and overcome obstacles that were previously impassable.

Besides the main story, the game also offers side quests and fun mini-games that add depth to the gaming experience. Players can fish, take part in rapids races or create dungeons using the chambers collected during the adventure.

Unsurprisingly, this version of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the original version while welcoming new players thanks to its modernized graphics and smooth playability. With its timeless charm and captivating gameplay, this remake is a celebration of one of the most beloved episodes of the Zelda saga.</p>

<p>A true masterpiece praised by critics and acclaimed by players, Breath of the Wild pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers an immersive, revolutionary gaming experience. What's on the program? Breathtaking landscapes, complex puzzles and unmatched freedom of exploration within a vast, open kingdom.

As - almost - always, players take on the role of Link, who wakes up after a long sleep in a world high above and must come back down using the Paraglider. But to do so, he must first recover four mysterious treasures - hidden at the heart of shrines - that grant a fairly wide range of movements once mastered.

As you may have guessed, one of the features behind the success of Breath of the Wild is its innovative gameplay. Players can climb, swim, fly and explore every corner with unprecedented freedom. However, to do so, they have to manage a few parameters such as stamina, but also the weather, equipment and food.

Once this mental gymnastics is mastered, players are invited to travel across green plains, majestic mountains, lush forests and arid deserts - in short: magnificent landscapes with varied environments, served by breathtaking graphics. And to top it all off, the story unfolds gradually through the hero's memories and encounters with various characters, including Princess Zelda herself.

But we are not talking about a simple contemplative game here. Remember, Link has a mission. And to accomplish it, the game invites players to make their way through complex dungeons and solve stimulating puzzles. You will also have to face fearsome enemies, discover mysterious shrines and collect items and weapons to improve the knight's skills and power.

All in all, thanks to its innovative gameplay, its freedom of exploration and its immersive atmosphere, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is considered one of the best Zelda games of all time and marked a turning point in the video game industry.</p>

<p>Two versions for one story, but what a story! The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is acclaimed as the darkest installment in the Zelda saga. While this epic began in 2000 on Nintendo 64, its 3D version appeared more than a decade later, in 2015 on 3DS. What's more, the game has also recently been available on Switch for holders of the online subscription and its expansion pack.

The story of Majora's Mask takes place a few months after the end of Ocarina of Time, in a strange and fascinating world, filled with memorable characters and enigmatic quests. Players explore the different regions of Termina, discover its secrets and interact with its inhabitants to solve the problems they face, such as... a heavenly body with a disturbing face that threatens to crash head-on into their world.

The blame lies with the terrible Skull Kid, possessed by the legendary Majora's Mask he stole, who threatens to make the Moon crash down on Termina. In this dark and enigmatic tale, time plays a crucial role, since Link must relive three days over and over again in order to prevent the impending disaster.

The main feature of Majora's Mask is therefore its in-game time system. Players must manage the three days that pass by using the ocarina to go back in time and start their quest over. This unique mechanic creates constant tension and adds a strategic dimension to the adventure, in order to complete all the planned objectives on time.

The title also offers a wide range of magic masks, each granting Link special powers and allowing him to transform into different forms. These transformations give access to new areas, new abilities and unique side quests.

While it is noticeably different from other Zelda games in terms of atmosphere, this installment is loved by players for its dark mood and its complex narrative, which tackles themes such as death, grief and acceptance. The game offers an immersive experience with its polished graphics, its smooth gameplay and its fascinating world to explore. The result is a captivating and enigmatic adventure, rich in emotion and memorable encounters.</p>

<p>In this spiritual sequel to the famous game The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, released on Super Nintendo in 1991 (the 3rd game in the Zelda saga), nostalgic players and newcomers alike can dive into a two-dimensional world where magic and adventure meet. This installment was praised for its faithfulness to the spirit of its predecessor, while bringing innovative gameplay mechanics.

In A Link Between Worlds, players take on the role of a Link who ends up traveling - through cracks in walls - between the kingdom of Hyrule and its dark version, Lorule. Why? Because the sorcerer Yuga threatens to imprison the seven sages and destroy both connected kingdoms. Link must therefore set out on a quest to save both Hyrule and Lorule, while uncovering the mysteries of these two parallel worlds.

It is up to players to explore vast dungeons, face enemies and solve puzzles in order to progress through the adventure. Link's new ability to turn into a wall painting and merge into walls will be the key to completing this mission and saving both kingdoms.

The title also offers an item rental system with Ravio, an eccentric but oh so appealing character. This lets players customize their gaming experience by choosing which items to use and in what order, ensuring greater freedom in exploration and puzzle solving.

Finally, the game stands out with its 2D graphic style across both screens, similar to that of A Link to the Past, while adding new depth with stereoscopic 3D effects.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds thus offers a captivating experience for fans of the series as well as for newcomers. With its mix of nostalgia and innovation, the game delights players with its rich world, its challenging dungeons and its innovative gameplay.</p>

<p>Skyward Sword was originally released in 2011 on Wii before getting an HD port on Switch in 2021, which of course came with graphical optimization.

Players find Link asleep in his room in Skyloft, caught in a nightmare from which he is fortunately pulled by a Loftwing - a strange big-beaked bird - which he must quickly ride to win the 25th edition of the Wing Ceremony. Of course, nothing goes as planned, and Zelda disappears as she so often does, leading Link to embark on an epic quest to save the princess, who we learn has been abducted by evil forces and imprisoned in the depths of Hyrule.

Skyward Sword places the emphasis on the story and on the relationship between Link and Zelda. Players discover the origins of the Triforce and the deep bond between the two main characters. The story is supported by rich cutscenes, substantial dialogue and an epic soundtrack.

This installment - right from its first release - stands out for its use of motion gaming, which lets players control Link's sword through the movements of their controller. Players must master different sword techniques and fight formidable enemies using a variety of real movements. However, fans of more traditional games need not worry: it is possible to opt for button controls, even if that takes away from what makes the title special.

The game offers new environments, such as floating islands and complex dungeons, which players must explore using a combination of movements and special abilities. Players can also use a cloth called a sailcloth to cushion their falls from the sky.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was particularly well received by critics for its contribution to the overall story of the series, its captivating story, its innovative controls and its stylized graphics. It delivers an epic adventure and total immersion in the Zelda universe.</p>

<p>Praised as one of the best games of all time for its immersive storytelling, its revolutionary gameplay, its unforgettable music and its graphics that were impressive for the period, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time revolutionized the genre by offering a breathtaking 3D experience on the Nintendo 64. The game laid the foundations for many of the Zelda series' signature elements and influenced the entire video game industry.

But that is not all, since its long-awaited port on 3DS offers not only further improved graphics, but also brand new features that will easily convince early fans to sign up again.

In this iconic title, Link must save the kingdom of Hyrule from the threat of Ganondorf - the saga's legendary antagonist - who, as usual, is seeking to obtain the Triforce and conquer the world. So it is a very young Hylian who sets out on an epic quest through time, to gather the Sages and stop the king of thieves from carrying out his dark designs.

The adventure takes place in a vast and detailed 3D world, offering an immersive gameplay experience. Players explore various environments, from vast plains to mysterious dungeons and lively villages. To carry out his mission, Link's skills will come in handy to fight enemies, solve puzzles and interact with non-player characters.

But one of the key mechanics of Ocarina of Time is of course the use of the famous ocarina, a magical musical instrument. Players learn different melodies that allow them to travel through time, control the day and night cycle, and summon special powers. This mechanic adds a time dimension to the adventure and lets players solve certain puzzles and reach new areas that were previously inaccessible.

Therefore, as a timeless masterpiece, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains a must-have for fans of the series and is often considered one of the best games ever created, across all eras and all consoles.</p>

<p>The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the direct sequel to The Wind Waker, and offers a captivating adventure in a world filled with mysteries and dangers.

Link's adventure begins alongside Tetra as he boards a pirate ship, ready to set off for uncharted seas that rumor says are haunted by a ghost ship filled with an incredible treasure. Of course, Tetra becomes, quite against her will, the proof that the rumor is true, forcing Link to team up with Captain Linebeck to save - as is often the case - everything that needs saving.

Phantom Hourglass impresses with its innovative use of the Nintendo DS touch screen. Players must use the stylus to control Link's movements, solve puzzles and fight enemies. The touch screen also lets you trace paths for the boat and draw magical symbols to activate special powers.

The title also offers a duel mode where two players can face off in a hunt for force gems. This adds a social dimension to the game and lets players share the Zelda experience with their friends.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass has been praised for its cel-shaded cartoon style, its catchy music and its gameplay tailored to the Nintendo DS. It offers an immersive adventure that does honor to the Zelda franchise while making the most of the console's unique features.</p>

<p>The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess offers a dark, immersive experience in a mysterious universe filled with supernatural creatures, where Link appears in two distinct forms in order to save the world.

Once again, players control Link, who finds himself plunged into a parallel realm called the Twilight. Hyrule is threatened by the dark forces of the Twilight and Link must transform into a wolf to travel between these two worlds and - of course - save Hyrule from destruction.

The story of Twilight Princess explores themes such as duality, corruption and sacrifice. To do so, it is supported by complex and memorable characters, rich dialogue and a striking soundtrack that deepens the immersion in the game's universe.

The title introduces new gameplay mechanics, notably the use of the bow and arrows, combat on horseback and, of course, the ability to transform into a wolf. These elements provide new ways to explore the world and interact with characters and enemies.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was applauded by critics and players for its depth, its captivating gameplay and its emotional story. This installment is often considered one of the best games in the Zelda series and marked a turning point in the franchise by offering a more mature and darker experience.</p>

<p>The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a must-have title for fans of the saga - as well as for many other players - and helped broaden the universe and the diversity of Zelda games.

This time, Link must save his kidnapped sister and protect the kingdom of Hyrule from the darkness threatening it. The story takes place on a vast ocean where the Hylian sails aboard his boat - the King of Red Lions - in search of the fragments of the Triforce.

The story is infused with themes such as courage, family bonds and self-discovery. It is supported by memorable characters, rich dialogue and captivating music, as well as a unique visual style that uses cel-shaded graphics to create a colorful, lively world.

The game also brings new gameplay mechanics, notably the ability to control the wind using the Wind Waker baton. In addition, the fights are dynamic and allow Link to perform acrobatic moves, special attacks and to parry enemy attacks.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was praised for its bold artistic direction, its refreshing gameplay and its captivating story. This title managed to captivate players with its seafaring exploration, its epic quests and its unique visual charm.</p>

<p>Considered one of the most iconic and influential installments in the Zelda saga, A Link to the Past was released in 1991 on the SNES, then made available on other platforms later on. This installment captivated players with its addictive gameplay, its vast world and its dungeons, as complex as ever.

Sticking with a winning formula, players take on the role of Link. And the young hero stays busy, setting off on a quest to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from the madness of the wizard Agahnim. Indeed, the latter has decided to break the seal of the seven sages, which originally separated the worlds of light and darkness. Link must therefore travel across Hyrule, explore dangerous dungeons, solve puzzles and fight fearsome enemies to gather the fragments of the Triforce and restore peace.

The gameplay of A Link to the Past relies on a special mechanic that works through teleporters, which players can use to reach a parallel kingdom and thus discover new areas to explore. This duality between the world of light and the world of darkness adds a more strategic approach to the adventure and allows players to solve complex puzzles.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past has been praised for its smooth gameplay, its detailed graphics and its memorable music. This installment can even claim to have had a significant influence on the action-adventure genre and remains to this day a benchmark for many later games in the franchise and other similar titles.</p>

<p>The Legend of Zelda is the very first game in the saga, the one that laid the foundations of a legendary franchise. Released in 1987 on the NES, this installment left a lasting mark on video game history and is still considered today one of the best games of all time.

In this game, revolutionary at the time - and in players' memories - players take on the role of Link for the first time, a brave young hero who sets off on an epic quest to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule. Link must recover the 8 fragments of the Triforce, a divine artifact broken by its guardian - the princess - at the risk of her life, in order to defeat the vile Ganon and restore peace to the kingdom.

The game takes place in an open world - something more than rare at the time - and offers a surprising freedom of exploration. Players can navigate through various dungeons (they will have to explore 9 in all), fight monsters, solve puzzles and collect items as well as weapons and special abilities to progress through the adventure.

The game also introduced key elements that later became the signatures of the Zelda series. Indeed, the iconic music, the complex dungeons, the fearsome bosses and the stimulating puzzles are all components already present in the founding game of the Zelda saga.

The title appeals with its breathtaking visuals and vibrant hues. The 8-bit graphics are truly magnificent - especially for the time - and the inclusion of a top-down view adds to the immersion in the adventure, as well as a well-rendered impression of 3D. The varied bestiary and the meticulously designed environments help make Zelda one of the most visually impressive NES games, if not the most impressive.</p>