The Legend of Zelda: The First Ever Game
The Legend of Zelda is a beloved video game series created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo. The series is renowned for its captivating gameplay, memorable characters, and vast open worlds. However, have you ever wondered which game started it all? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Hyrule and uncover the secrets of the first ever Zelda game.
A Quick Background
Before we dive into the first game, it’s essential to know that the Legend of Zelda series is set in the land of Hyrule, where heroes and villains have battled for centuries. The main character, Link, is an brave young warrior chosen to save the kingdom from evil forces. Throughout the series, Link embarks on perilous quests, gathers powerful artifacts, and defeats formidable enemies to protect Hyrule.
What is the First Ever Zelda Game?
The first-ever Zelda game was The Legend of Zelda (), released in 1986 for the Famicom Disk System in Japan. The game was later released in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987 and in Europe in 1987.
Here’s a brief overview of the game:
- Plot: The game begins with Link receiving a mysterious telepathic message from the Princess Zelda, telling him that the evil Ganon has stolen the Triforce of Wisdom, and the land of Hyrule is in danger. Link must explore eight caves and temples to retrieve the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom, which are scattered throughout the kingdom.
- Gameplay: The game features 2D side-scrolling platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players can collect items, keys, and heart containers to improve Link’s health and abilities.
- Iconic Elements: The first game introduced many iconic elements that would become synonymous with the series, such as the Triforce, Hyrule Castle, and the Master Sword.
Chronology of the Series
To understand the sequence of events in the series, it’s crucial to comprehend the chronology. While the games are connected through their stories, their order is not necessarily chronological.
Here’s a breakdown of the series’ chronological order:
| Game | Release Year | Events in Order |
|---|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time | 1998 | (Childhood), followed by Majora’s Mask |
| The Wind Waker | 2002 | Several hundred years after Ocarina of Time |
| The Phantom Hourglass | 2007 | Immediately after The Wind Waker |
| Skyward Sword | 2011 | Set over a thousand years before the other games |
| Breath of the Wild | 2017 | Takes place over 100 years after the fall of Hyrule |
The original The Legend of Zelda game does not follow this chronological order but sets the stage for the adventures that would follow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first ever Zelda game is The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 for the Famicom Disk System. This game introduced players to the world of Hyrule, the legendary Master Sword, and the beloved character Link. While the game may seem simple compared to modern Zelda titles, its influence on the series cannot be overstated. We hope this article has enlightened you on the history and development of the first Zelda game.