The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition

"Four excellent games and a demo...on a single disc?!"

Overview

Oh my gosh! This...is insane! Never before have video games been given such a mind boggling deal like this. Included in this once in a lifetime bonus disc is:

The Legend of Zelda
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Wowza! Personally, I believe that any fan of adventure games will love this.

You can quite obviously notice from the second your turn the GameCube on that you have many choices. You can begin any of the four games listed above. Each game has increased resolution in its graphics, and the controls were well adapted to the GameCube control, but more about that later on. Let's begin.

Replay Value: 10/10

The replay value grade of a 10/10 is applied to all 4 Zelda classics. You can virtually play these games until your head explodes. With many mini-games, extras, and overall amount of fun you can have playing these games, you will never get tired of them.

Note: All grades will be in relation to the system in which the game was first released on.

Example: The Legend of Zelda gets a 9/10 on graphics because it is based on the system it was released on.

The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Entertainment System)

Introduction

This is the story that began a legacy. If you've played any Zelda game you know that all of the characters are memorable, right? Well this is the game that introduced those characters.

Graphics: 9/10

You take a look at this and say, wow those are some crappy graphics. Well guess what, they aren't crappy, they are stupendous. The resolution has been enhanced to create even more detail from the NES version.

Some added shadowing allows you to notice and appreciate the true greatness of these graphics. Compare them with the original if you are in doubt. The texture obviously isn't up to par with future games, but oh well.

During the time in which this game was made many people couldn't even fathom how realistic video games would come to be. Fortunately, we have stepping stones (namely the Zelda games and the Final Fantasy games) that paved the way for the ''futuristic'' graphics used in games like Wind Waker and in Final Fantasy X-2 et cetera.

Overall the graphics in the original Zelda game are splendid.

Sound/Music: 10/10

How can anyone not love the tracks featured in Zelda games? They are superb! Our favorite tunes begin in this game, and of course, are and will continue to be carried on through future generations of Zelda games, and pick up new favorites on its way up the ladder.

The most famous of all Zelda tunes is the overworld theme. While traveling this is heard quite frequently depending on where you are. The music will never get old, and will always be loved. Phenomenal Zelda tunes make the game have that certain BAMF that you don't normally get.

Story: 10/10

Here we are. The beginning of the story. Long ago...well you'll find out. Anyway, if you have ever played later Zelda games you've probably heard of the Triforce, and an evil man that plagues Hyrule...tada introduction!

This game has one of the greatest stories of all the Zelda games. Though the story may seem short (unless you are a Zelda first-timer,) it is perfect none the less. The first chapter in that of many, the Triforce has never seemed so darned good.

Gameplay: 9/10

Not much to say on the gameplay. All of the controls have been perfectly transferred to the GameCube controller to make your adventure easier. It is too. The new set-up allows for very easy access to menus and items that the NES controller couldn't provide.

The aerial view of Link's surroundings is great. Not only does it show how far we have come since the NES days, but it shows a perspective on the kingdom of Hyrule that many have never seen because they have just joined the Zelda series for the first time.

Overall: 9.6/10

A GREAT game. I'd tell you to buy it, but quite obviously, you already have. If by chance you haven't bought this disc yet DO IT. Even if you have played the other games and dislike them you will probably love this game. What's so special about the first chapter in the legacy of Zelda...? Everything!

Next!

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Nintendo Entertainment System)

Introduction

We once again encounter Link, the elfish looking forest dweller we came to love in the first title. This time, though he has saved the world from darkness, Link must now journey to save...himself. In this epic tale of the Zelda series you will learn much more about our hero...enough to hook you on the series, forever.

Graphics: 9/10

Once again, the graphics grading will be based off of the Nintendo Entertainment System release compared to similar releases of that time.

The graphics are, like the original, a bit ''scratchy'' in texture, however, the backgrounds make up for that. Though the game is 2-Dimensional there aren't many graphical problems. Link looks less pixilated than he did in The Legend of Zelda, which is a good thing. Being one of the later Nintendo Entertainment System games, Zelda II incorporates both a rich foreground for the matrix behind it, and a bunch of detailed (as detailed as they can get) objects in the foreground itself.

You'll be surprised at how cool our sword stabbing hero appears as his is running down long corridors to find an enemy to slay.

Sound/Music: 10/10

Need I say much? The music has basically remained the same from the previous game. The music is, of course, spectacular and the effects are great for their day and age. The sound/music gets a well deserved 10/10 for obvious reasons.

Story: 10/10

Link is contacted by the Princess' caretaker, Impa, to follow her to meet Zelda again. When there certain events occur, and the evil vanquished in the prequel to this game has a way to escape from darkness. Link goes out to find an ancient-text to decipher, and this is where our story begins.

This story is just as good as the first chapter of Zelda. With the threat of a returning evil, and the journey Link must make to find the answers that can save the world again, not to mention himself, this game is even deeper than the original.

Not only does Link meet new friends, but deadly enemies seem to be reappearing all over Hyrule, and Link just can't have that. Slash your way through the story, and unveil the answers that both Link and you are looking to find.

Gameplay: 9/10

Once again we have a 2-Dimensional game. We get an aerial view of the world surrounding Link, just like in The Legend of Zelda.

Menus are still easy to navigate, and of course your items are easily swapped and equipped with the many buttons of the GameCube controller.

Can't really elaborate further, you'll have to play it to understand it.

Overall: 9.6/10

Overall Zelda II: The Adventure of Link gets the same grade as its predecessor. Why you ask? Simple. Both games were created with the same graphical engines, incorporate the same music, and have equally great story lines. No one would have though that Zelda would become as popular as it is today, but we owe its popularity to the early titles, like this one, for they made Zelda a genre of its own.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)

Introduction

My personal favorite Zelda game, and one of my favorite games period, Ocarina of Time is an excellent blend of new with old. Old enemies show up, new ones are made, and we learn that chickens are immortal. This game contains splendid scenes, a great story, and a battle between good and evil that will never be forgotten.

Graphics: 10/10

In comparison to the original Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64, these graphics are perfect. The same graphics are used from the other GameCube release. These graphics are more crisp and clean than the original version, which is always a plus. You can even see the collar on Link’s tunic now, which might I add, wasn’t visible in the Nintendo 64 version.

Our hero faces many enemies on his run through the Zelda world, and each enemy appears with the ferocity of a rabid gorilla. When you reach the final boss you will understand why I say this. As foes scowl and flap their jaws you can see it. The appearance of the enemies is great, and I doubt anyone will be disappointed.

Link’s friends also are greatly created. Smiles and winks make the player feel the affection displayed among the many characters. There are even scenes where the characters appear cute and harmless, and the stupendous graphics are to ‘blame.’
Try it, you’ll love what you see.

Sound/Music: 10/10

Perfect tunes. We get to keep most of the classic music while still getting new sounds. What isn't to like?

We have our classics, such as the overworld theme, which you will be hearing a lot of, then we have new tunes from the many temples you journey to.

The sounds that emanate from the castle town are splendid. Beats worthy of dedicated gamer's ears, and their ears alone.

The sound effects are great too. You get everything from the sound of an enemy biting to dust to Link yawning as you go idle. Even the sounds of Link swinging his sword is rich. This is one part of the game that I am sure you will love. The music and sound, as with all the others, deserves a 10/10.

Story: 10/10

As with all Zelda games the story is thick. We have emotions running high with our hero and the princess, both fear and affection are displayed. We are given a rundown of Link's past, and we live his future alongside of him.

Link meets many friends on his journey to save a kingdom known as Hyrule. Everyone from farm girls to scarecrows become friends of Link's. The King of Evil of the Desert, known as Ganondorf, is ready to dish out some major butt kicking, so of course, enemies are on the prowl.

You play from Link's childhood through his adulthood seeking out powers that will help you to ultimately save the kingdom. The Triforce, mentioned in previous games, plays a large part in this game as it does it the others.

From forests, to temples, to a quiet and relaxing day of fishing, Ocarina of Time has a perfect story.

Gameplay: 10/10

The gameplay is a bit different from LoZ and Zelda II. The transfer of the controls from the Nintendo 64 to the GameCube was great. You now have the ability to set and use your items, and even navigate the menus much more easily than you could on the Nintendo 64 version. Why? Simply because of the button configuration.

The gameplay has obviously changed from the earlier two reviewed games. While they were both 2-Dimensional, this game (and Majora's Mask) as 3-Dimensional. This allows for much more freedom of movement while you trek across the barren wasteland of the King of Evil and the vast lake of the Zoras.
The gameplay is, like everything else in this game, perfect.

Overall: 10/10

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the greatest games of all time. With a rich story, excellent mini-games, a soundtrack that would make anyone envious, and the graphics that took Zelda to the 3-Dimensional world, what is not to like about this game? The story alone makes it worth while.

Enjoy this game, and play it over and over. I know you will. How can't you?

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64)

Introduction

Link is in a faraway land...which is not Hyrule! You are given 72 hours game time (which is a very short period of time in real life) to complete certain parts of the game such as getting required songs to enter temples, locating and successfully gaining masks, and gaining special items. Can you save the humble people of Clock Town, or is it doomed to fall to a new evil...an evil as lethal as the King of Evil Ganon himself.

Graphics: 9/10

Just like the graphics used in Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask takes place in a vast 3-Dimensional environment with everything from glistening water, to detailed butterflies. Majora's Mask may not contain as much detail as Ocarina of Time, but it surely does come close.

At very few points in the game you may encounter a glitch. This glitch will momentarily lower the resolution of Link and his surroundings. Don't fret, it will return within seconds.

Apart from the occasional graphic glitches, this game has fabulous graphics that many games on the Nintendo 64 did not have. The detail and expressions shown on the characters faces is exquisite.

Sound/Music: 9/10

We have new music! Not only does Majora's Mask keep all of the music from Ocarina of Time, but it gets its own new tunes such as those played in odd secret areas.

When striking blob like enemies you will hear an amusing sound effect that will make you think someone is throwing applesauce at the wall followed by a spring-like sound. Hit the Gossip Stones and you'll hear the familiar, but still great, bong sound.

As usual the environment of Zelda gives off its own special sounds, especially the soothing sounds of a well played ocarina, or the shatter of a deku nut on a nearby enemy.

Once again, you may encounter a glitch in the sound occasionally, but just like the graphical glitches, it will fix itself very quickly.

Great music, great sound, period.

Story: 10/10

Okay. We have a non-traditional storyline going here. Not only does Majora's Mask ignore the Triforce, but it doesn’t even take place in Hyrule. Majora's Mask is basically a follow-up of Ocarina of Time, only minus the King of Evil and plus a freakish little native.

Basically, this story kicks butt even though it strays from tradition. Link is in a foreign land, and must save the world from catastrophe. The moon is set to land on Clock Town merely 72 hours after Link arrives, the clock is ticking!

A great story is generated in this follow-up/spin-off of Ocarina of Time.

Gameplay: 9/10

This game returns from the complete freedom, given in Ocarina of Time, to the partial freedom that is in most Zelda games. This is probably the main ''drawback'' to the game because you are limited to where you can go because of both time, and many obstacles blocking you until puzzles are solved. I look at it as a drawback because after getting used to the vast freedom given in Ocarina of Time, I was disappointed to some of that freedom.

Other than the loss of freedom, which truthfully isn't a bad thing, the gameplay is basically the same as in Ocarina of Time.

Overall: 9.25/10

Though Majora's Mask got a lower score than the other games, it doesn't mean it isn't as good. A story line is what makes a game good, the other specifics just add ''spice'' to the game.

Majora's Mask is one of the coolest adventure games there is for the Nintendo 64, and now you have it for the GameCube, there isn't much that can beat that. The game has an excellent story, great graphics, and as all Zelda games have, a perfect soundtrack.

Ending Notes

In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition Disc is one of the best deals ever. Pick this up as soon as you can.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/06/03