Order to play Zelda games in? [Archive]

HappehLemons

11-10-2009, 02:09 AM

So I've decided to run thru all the Zelda games since I've never beatin one (until recently).. so far I've gotten thru The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and Link's Awakening. Originally I planned to play them in order or release date but ended up playing Links Awakening before LTTP somehow...

I have a good feeling about the SNES since I liked LOZ for NES the best so far, but since I almost know I'll enjoy it I think I might get the GBC ones out of the way first because because they look very similar to links awaking, and I only thought that it was was okay (My least favorite so far :/).

Although.. I'm not sure if I want to do this mainly because if the game draws from Link to the Past a lot I'd rather hit that one first.. only because I'd like my experience with LTTP to be as fresh as possible.

So I'm wondering, should I play Ages and Seasons before LTTP?

Leo_A

11-10-2009, 02:31 AM

Nintendo claims to have an overall timeline that they place each game into after creating them, but the public isn't aware of what it is.

What we do know is the following:

-Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time take place before the events of many of the other major games, with Ocarina of Time being the earlier of the two.

-Link's Awakening takes place after Link to the Past using the same Link.

-Zelda II takes place a few years after the original LoZ, using the same Link.

-Majora's Mask takes place immediately after Ocarina of Time, with the same Link.

-Wind Waker takes place several hundred years after Majora's Mask.

-Phantom Hourglass takes up where Wind Waker left off, with the same Link.

-Spirit Tracks takes place 100 years after Phantom Hourglass (Though Link and Tetra still look the same, guess you stay a kid for centuries in Hyrule).

-Twilight Princess takes place a century after OoT/MM using a new Link, while Link's Crossbow Training is set in the Twilight Princess world.

-Skyward Sword is the first game in the timeline.

Wikipedia claims the earliest titles after Skyward Sword are the two Four Swords releases and Minish Cap. It references a missing Game Informer interview that no longer exists. No clue where people think the Oracle games fit.

The sensible way is to play them in the order of release. You'll be able to watch how the series evolved over time, and the games that utilize the same character will be played chronologically, and you'll be able to enjoy references to past titles like Wind Waker's inclusion of the sages from Ocarina of Time. Anything else is taking a wild guess since we don't know exactly where each title rest in the overall timeline. They're largely independent stories, often with a different Link, and any references are usually to an earlier title that you will have played going by release date. So I'd get back on track if I were you and play Link to the Past before moving onwards.

Push Upstairs

11-10-2009, 02:47 AM

I could never play LTTP after playing "Link's Awakening", the improvements in gameplay make going back to LTTP feel like a step backwards.

Poofta!

11-10-2009, 03:07 AM

my favorite has always been LttP, with Link's awakening a very close second.

HappehLemons

11-10-2009, 03:11 AM

Nintendo claims to have an overall timeline that they place each game into after creating them, but the public isn't aware of what it is.

What we do know is the following:

-Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time take place before the events of many of the other major games, with Ocarina of Time being the earlier of the two.

-Link's Awakening takes place after Link to the Past using the same Link.

-Zelda II takes place a few years after the original LoZ using the same Link.

-Majora's Mask takes place immediately after Ocarina of Time with the same Link.

-Wind Waker takes place several hundred years after Majora's Mask.

-Phantom Hourglass takes up where Wind Waker left off with the same Link.

-Spirit Tracks takes place 100 years after Phantom Hourglass (Though Link and Tetra still look the same, guess you stay a kid centuries in Hyrule).

-Twilight Princess takes place a century after OoT/MM using a new Link, with Link's Crossbow Training is set in the Twilight Princess world.

Wikipedia claims the earliest titles in the series are the two Four Swords releases and Minish Cap, referancing a missing Game Informer interview that no longer exists. No clue where people think the Oracle games fit.

The sensible way is to play them in the order of release. You'll be able to watch how the series evolved over time, and the games that utilize the same character will be played chronologically, and you'll be able to enjoy referances to past titles like Wind Waker's inclusion of the sages from Ocarina of Time. Anything else is taking a wild guess since we don't know exactly where each title rest in the overall timeline. They're largely independent stories, often with a different Link, and any referances are usually to an earlier title that you will have played going by release date.

Although I never played Zelda much I was always intrested in the whole timeline thing but this video has pretty much ended it all for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5FozOuwQjI&feature=player_embedded
(If you don't feel like watching the video)
Nintendo has stated the there's no Timeline unless a game is a direct sequel.

Anyway, what I'm really wondering is if I play thru ages and seasons will I spoil myself for LTTP? Since I've already played Link's Awakening have I already done the damage to myself (If any) :p

Game Freak

11-10-2009, 06:32 AM

Anyway, what I'm really wondering is if I play thru ages and seasons will I spoil myself for LTTP? Since I've already played Link's Awakening have I already done the damage to myself (If any) :p

I always believed in the GameTrailers zelda timeline. It's pretty accurate to me. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF8Ve2Dk6-0)

Although Ages and Seasons are related to LTTP (they both have similar sprites) I don't think it would be spoiling it for yourself. I haven't beaten Zelda II yet, and the order I completed them in is as follows:

- Ocarina of Time (2005)
- The Wind Waker (2006)
- Twilight Princess (Dec. '06)
- Link's Awakening (7/24/07)
- Oracle of Ages (8/09/07)
- Oracle of Seasons with Final Ending (8/22/07)
- The Minish Cap (4/05/08)
- A Link to the Past (4/09/08)
- Phantom Hourglass (4/12/08)
- Four Swords Adventures (4/21/08)
- The Legend of Zelda (4/23/08)
- Majora's Mask (2/20/09)

I don't think I spoiled anything major. Most of the direct "sequels" i haven't played yet. According to GameTrailers, OoA and OoS take place at the very end of each side in the split timeline.

Also, please note that I did play A Link to the Past before Link's Awakening, but I got stuck on Mystery Mire (level 6?) and gave up for a good two years or so XD

vivaeljason

11-10-2009, 07:12 AM

Seeing as how the timeline -- if there is one -- doesn't matter at all because most of the games in the series have few concrete references to one another, the order itself really doesn't matter.

I'd say go to either of the Oracle games next if you want, but you could play any game and not spoil Link to the Past in any real way. Hell, play Wind Waker next.

Leo_A

11-10-2009, 08:04 AM

Although I never played Zelda much I was always intrested in the whole timeline thing but this video has pretty much ended it all for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5FozOuwQjI&feature=player_embedded
(If you don't feel like watching the video)
Nintendo has stated the there's no Timeline unless a game is a direct sequel.

I didn't watch the video you linked to, but Eiji Aonuma and Shigeru Miyamoto have both publicly stated multiple times that a master document containing the timeline exists and is maintained as each title is released.

Link to the Past is superior to Link's Awakening and the Oracle games, so if you're just worried about spoiling your experience in LttP, I wouldn't worry about it.

Jisho23

11-10-2009, 08:39 AM

I wouldn't worry about any of the zeldas really "spoiling" any of the other ones. You'll either think it was a "good" Zelda or a "meh" Zelda and then you'll just move on to the next. I would try and play the series in order though (thats mainly for the benifit of the older ones and so you can see how the series evolves + adds improvements to the formula over time).

AB Positive

11-10-2009, 08:40 AM

For timeline reasons the answer is "Any order" because the timeline is borked beyond belief. Watch the AVGN Zelda Timeline video to get a good handle on just how messed up it is.

If I were to make a run at it I'd want to take out the "mainline" games first then take care of the side games (handhelds)

So I'd go:

Zelda 1, Zelda 2, Link to the Past, Ocarina, Majora's Mask, Windwaker, Twilight Princess...

then start in on the handheld line - Awakening, Ages... skip the GBA remake as technically you already beat it, Phantom Hourglass

then, if you really hate yourself, play the CD-i games.

TonyTheTiger

11-10-2009, 09:37 AM

Wasn't it so much easier back before Ocarina came out? You had four Zelda games, it was all the same Link, all the same Zelda, and it was pretty clear how everything played out.

Damn you, Ocarina.

Jorpho

11-10-2009, 10:35 AM

So, would I miss much if I played Phantom Hourglass before Wind Waker? I've been wondering about that.

Nature Boy

11-10-2009, 11:04 AM

I've always felt like the timeline thing is hogwash really. It's fun to look at and it's neat that they keep one, but there is no master plan at work using it so it's not worth thinking about except as something to have fun with.

I would recommend playing them simply in the order they were released. As a player it'll be easier on you I would think, as you'll evolve with the series, rather than getting used to a particular item, say, and never seeing it again because it didn't exist previously (like the hookshot).

GrandAmChandler

11-10-2009, 11:10 AM

What about the Zelda games for CD-i? Where do they take place?

Nintendork

11-10-2009, 11:46 AM

What about the Zelda games for CD-i? Where do they take place?

How dare you!

All this tlak about Zelda is giving me a bit of a craving for some playing of LttP.

Labrynian Rebel

11-10-2009, 11:59 AM

Shame Spirit Tracks will probably change the timeline again :beaten:

exit

11-10-2009, 12:27 PM

I thought it was once said that LoZ was the last in the timeline, or towards the end of it and Adventures of Link was a different Link. Then again this was years ago I heard this, so for all I know Ganon is Link's father by now.

jb143

11-10-2009, 01:16 PM

Don't forget to watch the cartoons and try to somehow fit them into the timeline as well :)

mobiusclimber

11-10-2009, 02:07 PM

I found the Oracle games to be really difficult, not sure if I'm in the minority on that or not. I also didn't enjoy them as much as I had hoped I would. Zelda I, Link's Awakening and LttP are, to me, the best games in the series, and the jump to 3D pretty much ruined the whole "pick up and play" aspect of the earlier titles (none of the games pre-Ocarina force you to spend hours in a village learning all the moves).

Not sure if this rant helps you at all in deciding which order to play the games in or not. I'd personally play LttP before the Oracle games, and then play LttP every time I got bored or overly frustrated with the other titles. Seriously, I've played LttP A LOT over the years. It's one of those go-to games if I want to just sit and have fun playing something. It's pretty much what I call a "palate cleanser" game. If I just beat a really tough game, a really long game, or had to force myself to slog through something, I'll pop in LttP afterwards and just pick up where the save starts me at.

jb143

11-10-2009, 02:12 PM

I found the Oracle games to be really difficult, not sure if I'm in the minority on that or not. I also didn't enjoy them as much as I had hoped I would.

Same here...I'm currently (have been for a while now) stuck on that island and don't know what to next. Before that, I was stuck trying to fugure out how to get to the island. Seems much too linear for a Zelda game to me. I did still like them untill I started getting stuck though, and the Zelda series is still one of my favorites. But give me Link's Awakening any day.

TheRedEye

11-10-2009, 02:36 PM

Don't forget to watch the cartoons and try to somehow fit them into the timeline as well :)

Yeah and the Valiant comic books too.

kupomogli

11-10-2009, 02:54 PM

I've always taken the Zelda games as alternate universes. Like games such as Breath of Fire for example. Neither of these series I've ever felt links to one another(other than several cameo characters.)

As for Zelda, I like Zelda 2 the best. Only games in the series I like is Zelda, Zelda 2, Link's Awakening, OoT, and Wind Waker.

I actually haven't played Minish Cap and Oracle of Seasons/Ages, though. So not sure if I'd like those or not.

I never liked LttP much as I've always disliked the dark world aspect because it felt like a cheap way to extend play time, so I always end up quitting the game without even getting close to finishing it.

Majora's Mask is the worst in the series. It plays like OoT, but this game is nothing but an endless fetch quest. After you complete the first series of fetch quests you have to redo it all again with a slight change but you acquire an extra item from that one guy, ooooo. After going through the second part of the game, I quit. I couldn't stand the game. And this is one game in the series which is praised so highly in comparison to every other title other than OoT. Is it just biased fanboy praise? Maybe I'd like it better if I got through whatever extra fetch quest crap I had to go through, but I don't think a game is good if you have to be bored out of your mind to get to the good parts.

Arkhan

11-10-2009, 03:23 PM

just blow through them in release date order!

thats how I did it! Though i didnt have much choice in the matter really. :) lol

Ed Oscuro

11-10-2009, 05:58 PM

Wasn't it so much easier back before Ocarina came out? You had four Zelda games, it was all the same Link, all the same Zelda, and it was pretty clear how everything played out.

Damn you, Ocarina.
Except for that time the king said "DINNER" and Zelda saved Link. SQUADALAH

Myself, I rue the day that game creators started to treat games like comic books instead of, you know, games. (No offense meant to the Game Doctor, Bill Kunkel.)

TonyTheTiger

11-10-2009, 06:07 PM

In Nintendo's defense they're pretty damn game oriented. The whole Zelda timeline fiasco is pretty much an afterthought and is just a haphazard way of pacifying the fans who are plot oriented. Nintendo would probably be perfectly content just saying "suck it up, it doesn't matter."

vivaeljason

11-10-2009, 07:07 PM

Shame Spirit Tracks will probably change the timeline again :beaten:

If there is a timeline, and I don't think there is, then Spirit Tracks will after Phantom Hourglass.

That said, there is no way to create a working timeline that pacifies every fan. Even if Nintendo released an official timeline, waaaaaaaaaay too many people would complain because "Nintendo forgot blah blah blah when ordering it, so Twilight Princess is OBVIOUSLY after Adventure of Link," or some such. If you're plot oriented and really care about how the games work order-wise, I think it's best to think of everything as similar to Greek mythology. These are all of the stories that influenced the land of Hyrule (possibly playing out in the NES games), they happened long ago -- doesn't matter what the order is.

Push Upstairs

11-10-2009, 07:25 PM

I never liked LttP much as I've always disliked the dark world aspect because it felt like a cheap way to extend play time, so I always end up quitting the game without even getting close to finishing it.

Yeah, I got that vibe too when playing the game.

And I really missed having the feather to jump when you want.

I did get Oracle of Seasons and wasn't as impressed with it as I was with "Link's Awakening".

I might be biased since "Awakening" is the only Zelda game I ever beat on my own, no strategy guide, no walk through (this was years before I had internet) and minimal help from issues of Nintendo power.

Hitting the Level 8 dungeon flying solo like that was a goddamn pain in the ass. It is now much, much easier with the guide though. :D

AB Positive

11-10-2009, 08:47 PM

I love how Square gets a free pass with Final Fantasy only because they said early on "None of these stories are linked together".

If Nintendo just did that with LoZ you wouldn't have this rabid fanbase bitching at you for a crappy timeline. Still, it doesn't matter as they're all great in some fashion (minus CD-i versions of course)

TonyTheTiger

11-10-2009, 09:07 PM

I think Square gets the free pass because all the stories are genuinely separate involving different people and taking place on different planets and/or in different parallel dimensions. The Zelda games are all set presumably in the same world and constantly feature people named Link, Zelda, and Ganon. And some games actually reference earlier ones albeit very minimally.

I remember when Ocarina's plot first came to my attention. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I kept thinking, "How can Link and Zelda have their first meeting in Ocarina of Time when they had their first meeting in A Link to the Past?" The whole multiple Links and Zeldas thing sounded absolutely ridiculous to me. But, then again, I have no problem with DC's multiverse and all the different versions of the same characters.

I think what bugged me most about the multiple Links fiasco was that it seemed so unnecessary to me. The plot device sounds forced. Zelda was never all that plot oriented anyway so why was it so necessary to retell Link and Zelda's first meeting so many times? Would it be so bizarre for Twilight Princess to start with Link waking up one day and being told "Hey, your girlfriend's in trouble again so go do something"? It works for Mario just fine.

Jorpho

11-10-2009, 10:59 PM

I might be biased since "Awakening" is the only Zelda game I ever beat on my own, no strategy guide, no walk through (this was years before I had internet) and minimal help from issues of Nintendo power.

Hitting the Level 8 dungeon flying solo like that was a goddamn pain in the ass. It is now much, much easier with the guide though. :DNo way! How did you find that key that you can only get by firing an arrow at the statue? Someone must have surely told you about that one! (The rest of the level isn't too bad, really, but that's just nasty.)

So is someone going to answer my question about playing Phantom Hourglass before Wind Waker?

exit

11-10-2009, 11:04 PM

It works for Mario just fine.

Now that's a timeline that I'd like to see someone try and put together, the Mario universe is more messed up than Zelda's.

vivaeljason

11-10-2009, 11:07 PM

No way! How did you find that key that you can only get by firing an arrow at the statue? Someone must have surely told you about that one! (The rest of the level isn't too bad, really, but that's just nasty.)

So is someone going to answer my question about playing Phantom Hourglass before Wind Waker?

To my recollection, the only part of Phantom Hourglass that really is connected to Wind Waker is the opening -- the game doesn't really spoil anything if you haven't played Wind Waker.

TonyTheTiger

11-10-2009, 11:14 PM

Now that's a timeline that I'd like to see someone try and put together, the Mario universe is more messed up than Zelda's.

Really? It seems pretty straight forward. Every ten days or so the princess gets kidnapped and Mario has to go save her.

vivaeljason

11-10-2009, 11:16 PM

Really? It seems pretty straight forward. Every ten days or so the princess gets kidnapped and Mario has to go save her.

Ah, but what about Mario Kart/Party/Tennis/Golf/Strikers, etc.? What about the original Mario Bros. game? What about Mario's Time Machine? Mario is Missing? MARIO'S PRESCHOOL YEARS?!? MARIO TEACHES TYPING?!?

DeputyMoniker

11-10-2009, 11:24 PM

There is so much debate regarding the Zelda timeline, I would forget about all that. Considering there is no official timeline, just play them in order of their release date. Put your focus toward experiencing the evolution of the franchise. Personally, I would find that far more interesting than a speculative timeline. You'll have the opportunity to witness the increasing depth of character, storyline, puzzles, etc. Just my 2 cents.

PentiumMMX

11-10-2009, 11:35 PM

I've heard so many rumors over the timeline in my years of experience with the series; some saying Link's Awakening is non-canon, while others going as far as to say it takes place in the middle of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Also, some claiming that it is, in fact, still one Link; and that he's in his early 40s by the time Zelda II happens.

To sum it up quickly, I'd suggest not thinking into the issue of the timeline too deeply; it's just as bad as trying to explain gaping plot holes in any long-running TV series.

TonyTheTiger

11-10-2009, 11:53 PM

Ah, but what about Mario Kart/Party/Tennis/Golf/Strikers, etc.? What about the original Mario Bros. game? What about Mario's Time Machine? Mario is Missing? MARIO'S PRESCHOOL YEARS?!? MARIO TEACHES TYPING?!?

Uh...he's had a lot of jobs and hobbies in between fighting evil?

mobiusclimber

11-11-2009, 12:05 AM

No way! How did you find that key that you can only get by firing an arrow at the statue? Someone must have surely told you about that one! (The rest of the level isn't too bad, really, but that's just nasty.)

So is someone going to answer my question about playing Phantom Hourglass before Wind Waker?

I also beat Link's Awakening without a strategy guide or any help whatsoever for that matter. I don't remember any of the puzzles being too tough to figure out, but the one where you have to throw some balls around over pits or something like that had me pulling my hair out trying to do it correctly.

DeputyMoniker

11-11-2009, 12:16 AM

I also beat Link's Awakening without a strategy guide or any help whatsoever for that matter. I don't remember any of the puzzles being too tough to figure out, but the one where you have to throw some balls around over pits or something like that had me pulling my hair out trying to do it correctly.

I don't use guides or ask advice on any of the games I play. One thing that haunts me is that I still need to fuse one more...thing(?) in Minish Cap. Grr!

HappehLemons

11-11-2009, 01:16 AM

No way! How did you find that key that you can only get by firing an arrow at the statue? Someone must have surely told you about that one! (The rest of the level isn't too bad, really, but that's just nasty.)

So is someone going to answer my question about playing Phantom Hourglass before Wind Waker?

I'm not sure if you were being serious, but there's an owl right next to it that says "shoot the statue with your arrows".

Push Upstairs

11-11-2009, 02:48 AM

I also beat Link's Awakening without a strategy guide or any help whatsoever for that matter. I don't remember any of the puzzles being too tough to figure out, but the one where you have to throw some balls around over pits or something like that had me pulling my hair out trying to do it correctly.

That part was the part that was a huge pain in the ass. It was trying to remember which room went to/had the stairs to the area that had the ball/pillar.

As for a statue thing, I think I got a tip from a NP issue, owl/tablet hint, or process of elimination.

fahlim003

11-11-2009, 12:24 PM

I'm pretty sure I beat Awakening without a guide or NP. Upon replay through, I did use a guide to assist in secret seashell recovery. At the moment, I'm trying to make my own guide, which is going to take a while.

Minish Cap seems to be pretty frustrating, I got stuck very early on and was not content searching the entire Minish and regular sized explorable area.

Push Upstairs

11-11-2009, 01:43 PM

I didn't have any in depth guide from an issue of NP (did they even have any coverage of the game besides issue 50?).

The things I meant from NP were where people would write in needing specific help on certain things.

Other than that, it was flying blind and solo. I never manged to collect all the hidden shells until I got the guide to tell me where they were, now I can get the Level-2 sword pretty early in the game as opposed to late in the game like I did before.

jb143

11-11-2009, 01:53 PM

Hmmm...where do timeliners put the second quest I wonder? Is it an alternate reality version of the original game, or does Gannon come right back to life and kidnap Zelda again? LOL Really though, the Zelda series is my all time favorite and I have never been too disapointed with any I've played.

Jorpho

11-11-2009, 02:19 PM

I'm not sure if you were being serious, but there's an owl right next to it that says "shoot the statue with your arrows".You must be referring to the DX version, as the original had no owls in the dungeons.

Push Upstairs

11-11-2009, 03:52 PM

I'd love to play the DX version, I know the extra dungeon doesn't have much aside from a shirt or something, but I'd still like to explore the place.

Ed Oscuro

11-11-2009, 04:03 PM

Uh...he's had a lot of jobs and hobbies in between fighting evil?
Don't forget Mario's Game Gallery!

I HOPE SHE MADE LOTSA SPAGHETTI.

(wait that's HM.)

Arkhan

11-11-2009, 08:24 PM

I also beat Link's Awakening without a strategy guide or any help whatsoever for that matter. I don't remember any of the puzzles being too tough to figure out, but the one where you have to throw some balls around over pits or something like that had me pulling my hair out trying to do it correctly.

you mean when youre throwing those big steel balls and knocking out pillars?

that shit was annoying! :)

mobiusclimber

11-11-2009, 08:54 PM

you mean when youre throwing those big steel balls and knocking out pillars?

that shit was annoying! :)

Yup, that's the part I meant. I almost gave up on the game over it, but I finally just persevered and got through that part. Not sure I have that kind of patience anymore...

kupomogli

11-11-2009, 09:15 PM

I also beat Link's Awakening without a strategy guide or any help whatsoever for that matter.

Same here.

Also, when it's came to the seashells, I've never used the guide and actually found them all, first time I played the game. Never tried getting it any other times because while the level 2 sword is more powerful, it it really isn't worth going through all that trouble finding them all again, especially when you can go back to the beginning of the game and get the Boomerang which is just as powerful and is also long range.

HappehLemons

11-11-2009, 11:15 PM

You must be referring to the DX version, as the original had no owls in the dungeons.

haha wow

that
sucks.

camarotuner

11-12-2009, 10:15 PM

vivaeljason

11-13-2009, 01:16 AM

The angry video game nerd did a video on the Zelda timeline. Basically, there isn't one. Any attempts to put one together now is like trying to fit Oprah in a size 6, no matter how hard you try it isn't going to work.

Oh and yeah I've heard Miyamoto say lots of things. Tons of them are to screw with the public for his own amusement. I like that in him.

While I don't doubt that some of what he does is for his own amusement, I think that Miyamoto's intentions are somewhat less mean. I feel as though the only reason he ever talks about a timeline is because he's been pressured into it by the demand from fans to have one.

I said earlier that I don't think there's a timeline and I think that's because Miyamoto didn't have one in mind when he started the series (or even into the N64 era for that matter).