[The Top Five] Legend of Zelda Clones

It’s a very exciting time to be a Zelda fan, as it always is when a new game in the series is slated for release. It’s been a long wait since the last console installment in the legendary franchise, as it’s been four long years since Twilight Princess hit shelves, but thankfully we’ve had multiple games in between to keep us from cracking. Two new handheld games in the form of Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, and the entire backlog of Zelda games from the NES, SNES, and N64 have finally been released on the Virtual Console. Still, it’s not enough.

That’s why I’m making this list. We’ve got less than a year (hopefully) before Skyward Sword gets an official release and if you’re anything like me you’ve already burned through the Virtual Console offerings, and are ready for something fresh. Something new. Something different. These five clones should give you exactly that: a break from Hyrule so you don’t get burned out on saving the princess before it’s time to go back to work next year, while still offering very similar experiences so you don’t get rusty while waiting.

Enjoy.

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[Game Review] The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS)

System: Nintendo DS (Exclusive)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Adventure

It’s always a phenomenal event when a new Zelda game hits store shelves. The legendary series has been going strong for over 20 years without a single bad entry (except Zelda II. And those awful CDi games don’t count either). Some of the games are better than others, sure, but every notch into the convoluted Zelda time line represents a timeless classic and a memorable adventure. Now that Spirit Tracks for the Nintendo DS, the latest entry into the renowned series, is finally here, it’s time once again to venture through the land of Hyrule on an epic quest to save Princess Zelda. Continue reading

[Game Review] The Legend of Zelda (Wii Virtual Console, NES)

NES Legend of ZeldaOverview:

System: Wii Virtual NES
Developer: Nintendo R&D4
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Adventure

Originally released in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, The Legend of Zelda was a bold new design from the now-legendary Shigeru Miyamoto. The game shipped with a gold cartridge and a revolutionary ability to save a game’s progress via batter power. Sporting a huge overworld to explore, tons of dungeons and bosses to vanquish, and yet another blond princess to rescue, Miyamoto’s new game went on to become one of the most influential titles in the industry.

Since its release, there have been many sequels, spinoffs, character cameo appearances, and even a philosophical book, but there is only one original. This game is where the greatest franchise in video game history was born. Continue reading

Game News: Majora’s Mask Finally Washes Up On North American Shores, Marks the Virtual Console’s 300th Release

It’s been an overly long wait for American Gamers to finally get their hands on the Virtual Console release of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, possibly the most under appreciated Zelda title aside from Windwaker. This gem originally hit store shelves for the Nintendo 64 way back in 2000 and was one of the last hurrah’s for the 64 cartridge king. Because it released so late in the system’s life, sadly, many gamers failed to pick up a copy, depriving themselves of one of the greatest adventures of all time.

majoras-maskThis legendary game finally being released to the Virtual Console also marks two truly grand events. First off, it celebrates the 300th retro release on Nintendo’s download service, making the Wii the only place to be for all of your old-school gaming needs.

Second, Majora’s Mask’s release means all applicable Zelda titles (NES, SNES, N64 entries) have been released onto the Virtual Console. To celebrate this, we are going to bring you reviews of every single entry onto the Virtual Console starting with the timeless original making our way to Majora’s Mask.

I’ve got a LOT of gaming to do.

So That Book Didn’t Come Out…

I’m referring of course to The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy. I drove all around town this morning hoping to pick up a copy for review, but alas my search was in vain. I have high hopes that Walden Books will get it in tomorrow, but those chances are slim since their computer has it scheduled for a December release even though it came out today. I have Books A Million order me a copy, but it takes 2-3 weeks for it to arrive, so I’m fairly bummed about it.

Oh well, life goes on. I was hoping to make this my first book review, but I guess that’s not going to happen. It’s either going to be “I Am 8-Bit” or a retro review for the Metal Gear book released way back when. Anyway, keep reading Everyview!