The 10-Best Video-Game Franchises

A Link to the Past was 2D adventure-gaming bliss.

A Link to the Past was 2D adventure-gaming bliss.

1. The Legend of Zelda
Developed by Nintendo

In the end, it all comes down to a scrappy young adventurer in a green outfit to fill the numero-uno position. What started as a top-down adventure series evolved into one of Nintendo's powerhouse franchises--The Legend of Zelda. But marketing muscle isn't the reason that Zelda is such a renowned series-it's the game play and level designs that are constructed with the best creative talents that Nintendo has to offer.

Thematically, the Zelda games usually involve some type of impending disaster that can only be averted by a Link, a lone adventurer. The initial 2D top-down view adventures primarily featured dungeon exploring and puzzle-solving as Link slowly acquired weapons and learned new abilities to help him vault the next hurdle and defeat ever-challenging bosses. Nintendo already proved they could construct clever level designs and devise perplexing puzzles in other franchises such as Mario and Metroid, and those trademarks are all over the Zelda games.

The Wind Waker's cel-shaded visual scheme had some fans doubtful, but in the end the game delivered.

The Wind Waker's cel-shaded visual scheme had some fans doubtful, but in the end the game delivered.

Always the innovator, Nintendo created one of the most memorable adventures of the 16-bit "golden" era of gaming in 1992 with A Link to the Past. An unforgettable play from start to finish, Past linked an epic narrative with lush colorful graphics and engaging play techniques. Addictive and playable for hours on end, it's arguably the finest game in the series.

After two successful 3D quests on the Nintendo 64, Link was given a brand-new look for his first GameCube adventure, The Wind Waker. Despite quibbles from fans that the cel-shaded visual scheme somehow demeaned the series (and made Link look like a child), the game was a huge success. The follow-up, Twilight Princess, will bring Link up to date, with a leaner, more adult look. There's no reason to believe the game won't any less enjoyable than previous adventures.

The Legend of Zelda series is a true rarity, as it has survived the test of time and managed to churn out consistently engaging titles, while successfully leaping the technological gaps between evolving consoles. For that (and other reasons) it's our choice as the top gaming franchise.--Major Mike

The upcoming Twilight Princess promises to make a man out of Link.

The upcoming Twilight Princess promises to make a man out of Link.

Key Entries in the Zelda Series

Comments [0]

post a comment

Post a Comment