Undoubtedly, one of the most successful franchises in the annals of video games is the Legend of Zelda series. That is not being overstated. The first piece of proof that immediately springs to mind when defending these words is, of course, their quality. Each succeeding chapter provides extraordinary experiences, and it is actually more difficult to identify the weak point than the strong one. The quality appears to be excellent all the time.
We can still have a good time there even though we are currently peering under vistas from two or three decades ago. The action is always at its best, and that’s the only explanation. It also comes as no news that the majority of the series’ premieres have raised the bar for the category. And every year, numerous efforts are made to duplicate the original.
But this franchise stands out in the annals of video game history for another reason. Naturally, we are also discussing revenue. There are many parts to Link’s adventures that are dispersed in frightening numbers, but today I’ll show you ten games that have the greatest ratings. Importantly, I count it here as one if any of the views were subsequently published on other consoles or in a modified version. And now, without further ado, let’s get to the point!
The Adventure of Link (approx. 5 million)
Let’s begin with the 1987 release of the second game, “The Legend of Zelda.” (later also in 2004 on GBA). I can understand why the production is regarded as one of the most challenging in the entire series. The player assumes the role of Link, who must search for treasure and battle various foes to live. Although this is a rather brief description, it accurately captures the situation at hand. However, what caught my attention the most was the game’s intriguing degree of difficulty.
Majora’s Mask (6.8 million)
Next on our list is the popular Majora’s Mask, which was released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64 and later refreshed for the 3DS. The game is known for its unusual approach to the game, which focuses on the cycle of time and the ability to change the course of history. A very refreshed approach in the context of the brand itself, but also a novelty in the genre that fans quickly liked.
The Wind Waker (approx. 6.8 million)
The action of this production takes place … In the ocean, where the player controls Link, who fights against the forces of darkness to save his sister and discover the secrets of the world. Both the Game Cube original and the refresh released ten years later on Wii U enjoyed considerable popularity. Perhaps because of the climate itself? It’s hard for me to say, although I’m sure there were many reasons – I’ll list a lot myself.
The Legend of Zelda (approx. 7.3 million)
The first installment of the series was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (and in 2004 also for the GBA). The player takes on the role of Link, who must save Princess Zelda from the evil wizard Ganon – something that is now industry canon. The game was appreciated for its innovation, which turned out to be a signpost for other representatives of the genre in which direction to go. Today it is one of the greatest classics.
A Link to the Past (approx. 7.4 million)
Currently, many people mention this title in the context of the best ever released under the name of the “The Legend of Zelda” series. Can you be surprised by this fact? I do not think so. Released on SNES (and ten years later also on GBA), the installment of Link’s adventures not only matched its two predecessors, but surpassed them in many ways. And it was a huge injection of possibilities for developers.
Twilight Princess (approx. 10 million)
Next in the ranking is a game released in 2006 for the GameCube console (and in 2016 for the Wii). The plot presented in this part focuses on Link, who is drawn into the fight against dark forces in order to free the huge Hyrule from the curse. The game was positively received by critics for its developed storyline, great graphics and use of motion controllers. And even to describe this part as innovative would be an understatement – great fun even today.
Link’s Awakening (12.1 million)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was originally released in 1993 on Game Boy, in 1998 on GBC, and in 2019 it was remake for Nintendo Switch. The story presented in the production focuses on Link, who must collect eight instruments to awaken a water spirit that will tell him how to return to Hyrule. Interestingly – the production for the latest Nintendo console has higher sales than the two previous editions combined!
Ocarina of Time (approx. 14 million)
The second place and slightly over 14 million copies sold is “Okaryn Czasu” – summing up the results from the releases from 1998 and 2011. In terms of plot, it was nothing groundbreaking, but the gameplay itself was at a very high level, going down in capital letters in the history of the industry as one of the most satisfying. Even today, reaching for the Nintendo 3DS, you can get absorbed in this world for many wonderful hours.
Breath of the Wild (approx. 29 million)
And finally, the biggest hit of recent years and definitely the most-bought installment of the entire series. Let its phenomenon be best demonstrated by the fact that, taking into account only sales from one console (Switch only, without Wii U), it will still be twice as high as in the case of “Ocarina of Time”. Anyway – I’m sure that most of you, Dear Readers, had the opportunity to play. I’m right?