The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition

"Four great games merge together to form a perfect disc."

The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition
Nintendo Gamecube

How I would love to get my hands on this game - INTRODUCTION
Probably what almost every single Zelda fan would say. And who can blame them? Four classic Zelda games, plus a demo and two Zelda videos - it's any fanboy's dream. But seriously this game is amazing, especially for our more nostalgic gamers. If your mind is constantly filled with getting the Wooden Sword from the old man in Zelda One, finally placing the first crystal in Zelda Two, gripping the Master Sword in Ocarina of Time for the very first time, or learning the Song of Time in Majora's Mask, this game is definitely for you. With this amazing collector's disc, you can finally experience some of Nintendo's greatest gaming memories all on one system - the Nintendo Gamecube.
In this review, I'll do a detailed look at all the parts of this disc, then take a simply look at the big picture.

It is dangerous to go alone - take this -
LEGEND OF ZELDA - NES -1987
Most old-timer Zelda games would remember this line - it's the very first out of very little spoken dialogue in Zelda One. Yes, the very game that started the big Zelda craze is finally available once again - on the Gamcube!

Gameplay - 7/10
I'm obviously grading this by how the game would play back in ‘86. And it played well, believe it or not. The Legend of Zelda was truly evolutionary - it introduced bird's eye view gameplay and was the very first game to include saving batteries. Anyway, your quest is pretty straightforward - go to eight dungeons to assemble pieces of the Triforce. I found the game's difficulty factor just right - you had a huge overworld to explore to find these eight secret labyrinths, and along that overworld lies countless treasures to collect. Unfortunately, a beginner player would find this game probably too challenging for the reason that there are very few hints that would help to locate these dungeons. Also, the game would be more exciting if there were at least one or two interesting cut-scenes in this game. That's right - don't expect much story evolution throughout the game, as a matter of fact, don't expect any at all. But either than that, this game played just fine.

Graphics - 9/10
Back when this game was launched, people were amazed. It was a totally different view and that is bird's eye view. Instead of a traditional side-scroller, you got to see everything around Link - almost 3-D! Anyway, I'm not too big of a fan on graphics, and anyway it's a Zelda game, so you can always expect nice, clean visuals.

Controls - 10/10
To me, a perfect score means there were no problems with that category. And usually the control scheme doesn't present any problems, such as this game. The transition from the NES pad to the Cube's controller went very smoothly, and I don't have any complaints.

Music - 6/10
I have two things to say about the music - one is very good and the other is not so good. The not so good part is the quantity. There were only three different music tracks to this game - overworld, dungeon, and the last dungeon. I know it was an NES game, but even an NES game can bring a setting to life by giving it its own separate music track.. But although very limited, the good thing was the quality. Amazing. The overworld theme is still used today to represent the entire series, and I'm sure you've heard it before. I, like most people, love it.

Storyline - 6/10
The monster Ganon has stolen the Triforce of Power, and has kidnaped Princess Zelda to steal her Triforce - that of Wisdom. However, Zelda split her Triforce into eight pieces and hid them across Hyrule's eight ruins. You, Link, must reassemble the Triforce and go defeat Ganon to rescue Zelda. It makes sense. So why did the storyline get such a low score? Because there was no development. It's just continuous gameplay up until the end. No plot development, no nothing. It's unfortunate too, because there could have been some good scenes for this game, even if there was just one or two. But whatever.

So there you have it - the very first Zelda game on the Gamecube!
My Score 8/10

A side-scrolling Zelda game...with RPG Elements!?!...How does that work?
LEGEND OF ZELDA: ADVENTURE OF LINK-NES-1988
I'll tell you exactly how it worked. Adventure of Link is the most criticized Zelda games to date - with the exception of the Philips CD-i's *shudders*. No one really like the side-scrolling idea, or the point system. Here's what I thought:

Gameplay - 5/10
That's right. I didn't like it either. Flame me as you wish, but that's my opinion. The game included a combination of side-scrolling and bird's eye views (overworld only). There was a rather comlicating point system where you can “level up” and a magic system where you can use spells. It's just very ‘meh'. And it's not like a Zelda game. It was almost a cross of Zelda and Final Fantasy, which actually isn't too good if you think about it. It was also extremely difficult. Expect to have quite a few game-overs before you finish the first dungeon. Anyway, most people didn't like how the game was played and I am one of them.

Graphics - 10/10
Excellent. Even better than Zelda One's. In this game, you can see more of the world around you and you can actually tell whether you're walking in a forest or a desert. You can see more of Link himself and the many colours of Hyrule are very pleasant to the eye. Like always the Zelda franchise never fails with its top-notch graphics.

Contols - 9/10
I am extremely lenient when reviewing controls, but there is a problem here. It's not the GC controller. This problem has been present since the NES version. There are just too many functions to one button. When you're in the overworld, the A button will do one things, in towns another, and has whole different function in dungeons. Why? Because there is no item screen! I preferred the item system a lot more in Zelda One, just this system wasn't as efficient. Oh well, it's just controls.

Music - 5/10
Same as the original - no quantity. Why a lower score? Because the quality. Went down. The classic overworld and dungeon themes are missing in action in this game. Instead, they are replaced with rather bland tracks that were barely ever used again (yes, I know, SSBM, but that's once). Just not very creative.

Storyline - 6/10
Same as last time. You simply start out in the middle of some weird castle without any directions. The only way to find out what the hell you're supposed to be doing is to wait at the title screen for another - you guessed it - Princess rescue mission. Also, there are no scenes or anything during the gameplay. Unfortunate.

Not the best Zelda game, but at least Nintendo tried!
My Score 7/10

Best Zelda game ever...possibly best game ever!
LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME-N64-1998
More than a decade after its debut and there is a landmark created in Zelda history - and that is the release of Ocarina of Time - the best Zelda game to date.

Gameplay - 10/10
Perfect. Everything about it was perfect. Your quest was clear, there were many hints available, loads of sidequests, a huge beautiful world to explore. The feel of the game was epic, tons of secrets, amazing weapons, unlimited items to collect. This has to be the best Action/Adventure game ever. I loved it. Almost everyone who played it loved it. You will too. In this game, you are going from dungeon to dungeon collecting various important items along the way to save Hyrule. But this time it's actually fun. It has amazing cut-scenes and awesome sidequests. This is the perfect game - flawless at its best.

Graphics - 10/10
Also perfect. Zelda made its jump into 3-D with smooth glory and clarity. The graphical quality is simply to die for. It's like Hyrule is coming to life around you. You can tell one area from another, because each area of the game has its own design - whether its Hryule Field, Lake Hylia, The Lost Woods or Death Mountain. You can tell where you are because the graphics will blow you away. Doesn't make much sense, but just goes to show how much I appreciate the graphics of this game.

Controls - 10/10
Well, I guess you were expecting that. Why? Because I am lenient with controls and it's a Zelda game. If you've played one before, you will not find this one any difficult to learn. Everything makes sense in this game. And the controls were mapped onto the GC controller with perfect accuracy - it'll be just like playing the old N64 version.

Music - 10/10
Wow. Just wow. Why am I so pleased? This game's music has two qualities - quantity and quality. Every area in this game has its own distinct tune and that tune is perfect for whatever area it is. If you're in the market, you'll hear people speaking in the background along with a nice bouncy track. If you're in the village, it'll be an old lazy tune. The music in this game is the pure definition of perfection.

Storyline - 10/10
Too much to describe. You start off as a regular boy in the Kokiri Forest called by the Great Deku Tree. Nothing about any Triforce or Princess yet, right? Well there is later on. Why did I point that out? Because this game has ploot development. Throughout the midst of playing, you will be experiencing amazing cut-scenes full of action and drama. The story in this game is what it's called - a legend.

What would a collector's disc be without the best Zelda game ever?
My Score 10/10

More 3-D Zelda...Next to heaven!
LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA'S MASK - N64 - 2000
Obviously with the success of Ocarina of Time, fans simply wanted more and more. So, Nintendo obviously responded to that cry with this - a brand new 3-D adventure that has Link combating in an all new world with an all new goal.

Gameplay - 10/10
The same sparkling, beautiful gameplay of Ocarina of Time. Perfect. In this game, there are only four dungeons to explore but the enormous number of sidequests make up for that. Yes, Majora's Mask gives you a chance to do some outside of dungeon exploring by getting involved with the people of the land. There's even a notebook where you can keep track of all the people you can help in the game. Also, if you're tired of always being Link, don't fret it. In this game, you can now assume different forms. I will say no more.

Graphics - 10/10
The same graphics system as Ocarina, but even better. How is it better? I don't really know if you'd notice it, but this game's graphics seem to be more colourful than OOT's. Especially the main overworld...so many colours!...so good!

Controls - 10/10
If you played Ocarina of Time, you'll be perfectly fine at this. Once again, the controls are perfect for the Gamcube's contoller.

Music - 8/10
Each dungeon has its own tune, same with the town and the overworld. But the areas off of the main field all have the same track. I would have preferred if each area (swamp, mountain, ocean) would have their own specific song for good distinction. What did I like about the music? Classic overworld music! That's right - you'll be exploring Termina Field to the same music you explored Hyrule Field in the original NES game with. Lovely.

Storyline - 10/10
Finally the Zelda series takes a much-needed break from the ususal Triforce, Ganon and Zelda theme. Yay! Now Link embarks on a totally new adventure in a totally new land. He accidently walked too far into the Lost Woods and emerged in a totally different land that will be doomed in a matter of 3 days! Only Link can save the day now.

A good side-story with usual Zelda basics
My Score 9/10

So what else is there on this disc?
BONUS FEATURES

1) Wind Waker Demo
Basically you have 20 minutes to do whatever you want in three different options:
-Dungeon (Dragon Roost Cavern)
-Stealth (Forsaken Fortress)
-Island (Windfall Island and sailing)
Good for anyone who hasn't yet played the game, but I don't recommend it if you've already played the game.

2) Legend of Zelda: A Retrospective
A look at all the Zelda games in the series up to the Wind Waker. Includes some of the greatest moments from the games. Very reminiscing for any Zelda veteran.

3) Wind Waker Special Video
An in-depth look at the Wind Waker. Shows some of the best parts of the game. Good music and good portrayal.

Buy, Rent, or Stay Away
Definitely not stay away. Come on? Who would have the will power to stay away from such a great disc. I wouldn't recommend rent either for two reasons - you won't be able to beat these four games in one and week - there is a very low chance that you will not find this in a rental store. Or even a retail store. That's right. This beautiful package has been discontinued for a while now. But don't worry! I bought mine off of E-bay for a very low price! There are new copies of this game coming up on that site all the time now and I recommend you go for it. Strive as hard as you can to get this disc, because it is definitely worth it. This game is a piece of art.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/21/06