Episode 469: The Zelda 2D Ranking Hootenanny (Patreon)

Good morning, or perhaps evening if you find yourself on the opposite side of the planet from me. I'm Jeremy, and I'll be your host this episode as we take a searing, groundbreaking look at a little-known corner of video game history: A cult classic series called The Legend of Zelda. 

You may never have heard of these tidy, tiny adventures from a plucky upstart developer called "Nintendo," but to those in the know, they leave a lasting impression. This week, Diamond Feit and Stuart Gipp join me (Jeremy, your host this episode) to look back not only at the history of these games but also their relative merits. Nintendo has made many Zelda games, and here we evaluate them through the critical lens of criticism and decide which is the best and which should never have been created. But only the ones that play in a two-dimensional aspect! Many Zelda games have ventured into 3D; those, I fear, are for another discussion.

Cover art this episode by Greg Melo. Edits by Greg Leahy. Hosting by me, Jeremy.

• 10:09 - 30th Anniversary Concert: The Legend of Zelda Main Theme
• 25:33 - The Adventure of Link: Palace 1
• 34:53 - A Link to the Past: Hyrule Castle
• 42:46 - Link's Awakening (GB): Sword Search
• 51:48 - Link's Awakening (GB): You Found Your Sword/Overworld | Oracle of Seasons: Tarm Ruins
• 1:00:48 - Four Swords Adventures: Snow
• 1:08:22 - The Minish Cap: Minish Village
• 1:14:28 - Phantom Hourglass: Linebeck's Theme
• 1:23:19 - Spirit Tracks: Full Steam Ahead (Realm Overworld)
• 1:28:53 - A Link Between Worlds: Lorule Castle
• 1:37:43 - Tri Force Heroes: The Dunes
• 1:47:11 - A Link to the Past: Triforce Chamber
• Closing - Link's Awakening (Switch): Staff Roll