The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

This is the game that started my lifelong love of video games.  

My first game (which came with my new SNES) was Super Mario Brothers, and that was a pretty great game.  But Link to the Past was about more than just mastering the moves… there was puzzle-solving, exploration, story, characters, ambiance… it was fully-immersive.  I also played almost all of the first play-through with my dad, so this game will always be tied with fond memories and nostalgia.  In fact, Dad and I have had a great time reminiscing about the game over the last couple months as I've played it again.

Literally one of the first things I did... for old time's sake.

Link to the Past does an excellent job of letting you figure things out as you go.  Unlike the first two Zelda games, it doesn't just plunk you down with zero guidance.  It instead introduces you to new elements slowly, without lazily relying on tutorials like some of the later Zelda games.  Also, a single play takes just long enough to make you feel like you got your money’s worth, but not so long that you get bored or frustrated.  Basically, it’s the Goldilocks of Zeldas.

One of the most epic moments in video game history.

One of the great things about playing through again is trying new things, like defeating Agahnim with the bug net.

When Dad and I played we didn't have a walkthrough guide, so we just explored and usually found everything we needed.  However, the game did come with a little booklet called “Top Secret Messages from Sahasrahla”, which also had the Nintendo Help Line phone number on the back.  You know… because this was back before you could just use the internet if you got stuck.   Dad did end up calling the help line for us – twice I believe.  I specifically remember us being stuck in the Ice Temple, so I made Blake play it this time to see if he could figure it out.  He got stuck in the same spot, so our pride is intact.  Overall though, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I remembered most of the tricky secrets, even so many years after my last play.  It was kinda nice to show off my expertise of the game, since it’s usually Blake who remembers old games so well.

Blake begging the Ice Monster to open the door.

Beating the game felt nearly as rewarding as it did the first time, and we even stuck around for the credits to see how all our favorite characters fared.  I was glad to see that (in my biased opinion) the game has held up well over the years, meaning it was just as enjoyable as it was when I was a kid.  As an adult, I have decided that that’s the real test of a genuinely good vintage video game. 

Lindsay’s Picks:

1st – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

2nd – The Legend of Zelda

3rd – Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Blake’s Picks:

1st – The Legend of Zelda

2nd – Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

3rd – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past