The Legend of Zelda is one of the most consistent video game series ever. Most entries are incredible and have stood the test of time. Nintendo is the company to thank for this, as it has developed almost all of the Zelda titles. Yet, the word 'almost' is key, as Nintendo hasn't developed every game in the series.
Related10 The Legend of Zelda Games With The Best Stories
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Posts 5Other developers have made some, too. In fact, these other studios have made several really good Zelda games that offer different types of experiences to those made by Nintendo. Here are the ones that stand out the most.
8 Hyrule Warriors
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Action Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 54% Released September 26, 2014 ESRB T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Team Ninja, Omega Force Publisher(s) Nintendo, Koei Tecmo Engine unity Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Local Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALOmega Force and Team Ninja both developed the original Hyrule Warriors game. Team Ninja is known for Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, while Omega Force is mainly known for Dynasty Warriors. The similarities between Hyrule Warriors and Dynasty Warriors are clear.
If you made a Dynasty Warriors game with Zelda characters, it would be Hyrule Warriors. After all, it's a hack-and-slash game where countless enemies appear on screen at once, and you have to swing your weapon at large groups of them. So, this is a more combat-focused take on the Legend of Zelda series.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap
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Action-Adventure Systems Released January 10, 2005 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine fox Franchise The Legend of ZeldaWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALCapcom has made plenty of great games, including some Zelda ones. The Minish Cap is one of the studio's best attempts at a Zelda game. Unlike some non-Nintendo Zelda titles, it's actually very similar to the main games.
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PostsYou play as Link, and you must traverse a bright green overworld while using swords and arrows to take out any enemies that get in your way. What separates this title from other Zelda games is the inclusion of the Minish Cap ability, which allows Link to get really small, opening up new ways for him to traverse the enviroment.
6 Cadence Of Hyrule
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Action Rhythm Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 93% Released June 13, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Brace Yourself Games Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Monkey X Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCadence of Hyrule was developed by Brace Yourself Games. The studio is best known for the NecroDancer games. In fact, Cadence of Hyrule is a combination of the Crypt of the NecroDancer and Legend of Zelda.
The game is set in Hyrule and contains classic Legend of Zelda characters like Link and Zelda. However, the gameplay is different from that of a traditional Zelda adventure. Like the NecroDancer games, you need to move and attack in time with the music that is playing. So, it's a unique kind of rhythm game.
5 Link: The Faces Of Evil
Link: The Faces of Evil
Action-Adventure Systems Released October 10, 1993 ESRB e Developer(s) Animation Magic Publisher(s) Philips Interactive Media Franchise The Legend of Zelda Platform(s) PC, Philips CD-i Developer Animation Magic Publisher Philips Media Powered by Expand CollapseNot only was Link: The Faces of Evil not developed by Nintendo, but it was also the rare Zelda game that was not published by the company, either. The publisher was Phillips Media, while Animation Magic was responsible for developing the game.
The title follows the classic Legend of Zelda story formula as Link goes on an adventure to save Zelda and defeat Ganon. Yet, a lot of other elements of the title are different from what you expect to see in a Zelda game. After all, it's a 2D side-scroller with an unusual art style.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Seasons
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Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Released May 14, 2001 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Violence Developer(s) Capcom, Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Havok Franchise The Legend of ZeldaWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALFlagship was a development studio owned by Capcom. It doesn't exist anymore, but it did create the underrated Legend of Zelda game, Oracle of Seasons. The action-adventure title is very similar to the early games in the Zelda series. It uses an overhead camera and has Link exploring interesting places.
What's unique about this Zelda title is the Rod of Seasons. This is a special item that Link can use to change the season instantly. For example, if water is blocking his path, he can change the season to winter, where it will be frozen. This comes in handy for puzzles and exploration.
3 The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages
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LikeThe Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
Action-Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Released May 14, 2001 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Violence Developer(s) Capcom, Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine unity Franchise The Legend of ZeldaWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALAlong with the Oracle of Seasons, Flagship also developed the Oracle of Ages. Like the Seasons title, it is an action-adventure game with an overhead camera that plays like a typical Legend of Zelda game.
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PostsWhat sets it apart from most of the others is the inclusion of the Harp of Ages. Link can use the harp to manipulate time, allowing him to travel between the past and the present. When you're not changing the time period, you're exploring places and swinging your sword at enemies.
2 Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
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Action Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 79% Released November 20, 2020 ESRB T for Teen: Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Koei Tecmo, Omega Force Publisher(s) Nintendo Franchise The Legend of ZeldaWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALUnlike the first Hyrule Warriors game, Age of Calamity doesn't involve Team Ninja. Omega Force was still a developer on the game, though, and it still plays similarly to a Dynasty Warriors title. This means it's a hack-and-slash game where you face many enemies at once.
The story revolves around Link and Zelda gathering allies to take the fight to Calamity Ganon. Along with the typical hack-and-slash combat, the game involves puzzle-solving and paragliding. Also, the presentation in this one is very similar to Breath of the Wild.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Remake)
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Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 96% Released September 20, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy, Violence Developer(s) Grezzo Publisher(s) Nintendo Franchise The Legend of ZeldaWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALGrezzo didn't create the original 1993 Link's Awakening, but the studio was responsible for the 2019 remake. This version keeps several elements from the original, including the top-down perspective and general gameplay.
However, the presentation is very different. It uses a whole new art style that makes Link look a bit toy-like and very adorable. The developers have also made a few quality-of-life changes and removed some of the original's imperfections, making this the ultimate version of Link's Awakening.
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