The Legend of Zelda

The very first Zelda game ever--this one is the foundation for all future games in the series, it started the phenomenon that is one of the greatest (and most profitable) series for Nintendo of all time.  While this game is lackluster in plot, it offers action, puzzle and introduces nearly every element that we've come to call as canon in the Zelda series: the traditional gameplay flow (overworld/dungeon), hidden treasures both within dungeons and within the overworld which empower Link and give him access to new areas and the ability to solve new puzzles (as well as defeat new enemies), and of course, the Triforce.  Though in this game, the story of the Triforce only involves two of its pieces: Wisdom and Power, and Link does not hold his traditional one of Courage.  Perhaps in this time period, the Gods didn't think it was necessary for the Hero of Time to hold the Triforce.  Who knows their mysterious means.  Either way, it is also widely recognized in the timeline that virtually every Zelda that comes after this one (with a few exceptions) are PREQUELS, explaining things that this game that was introducing elements but played out in an arcade style did not (it was an RPG, but it was an arcade-style one.)  Truly, this game was the original from which traditions and canons were born, and then from which a legend was expanded upon.

Either way, one of the best things about this game when you look at it next to titles that come later is that Link is able to make himself much stronger right in the beginning of the game: he is not coerced into one direction or another by plot devices.  What this also means is that for the impatient gamer who isn't interested in getting everything, but rather, in getting through everything quickly; they can simply go into the first dungeon and keep hitting dungeons in this manner.  Myself, I like to play a game to its completion and I also think that when you make Link walk around Hyrule about a hundred times to raise rupees for a blue ring, magic shield, bombs the blue candle and the heart containers these items open up for him; it makes every subsequent dungeon, including the first, just plain easier to deal with.

So one way or another, I love this game...and am already anxious to be playing it again.  Some parts of it are irritating, but that is simply because of the control scheme of the Nintendo Entertainment System leaves a lot to be desired in the conceptualization of the third dimension, making aiming Link towards his foes somewhat of a pain in the arse.  But enough digression.  On with the adventure!

Title Screen for The Legend of Zelda for the Nintendo Entertainment System 1986.