The original Legend of Zelda game arrived in America in August 1987 via the Nintendo Entertainment System. Featuring a rich fantasy setting, challenging puzzle-based gameplay, and an instantly iconic soundtrack, the game hit big critically and commercially, and Zelda was quickly established as one of the Japanese game company’s prestige properties. In the 40 years since, a mainline Zelda game has been a tentpole for every Nintendo system, both console and handheld, making up a dazzling library nearly as enchanting as Hyrule itself. With the “Ocarina of Time” remake arriving this week on Switch 2, and a major film adaptation of the property coming in 2027, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to summon the wisdom, courage, and power to attempt to name the Best “Legend of Zelda” game of all time – or at least until late 2026, when we’re recording this.
Games discussed: “Ocarina of Time” (N64), “Oracle of Seasons”/“Oracle of Ages” (GameBoy Color), “A Link to the Past” (SNES), “The Legend of Zelda” (NES), “Twilight Princess” (Wii/GameCube), “Link’s Awakening” (GameBoy/Switch), “Echoes of Wisdom” (Switch), “The Wind Waker” (GameCube), “Majora’s Mask” (N64), “The Adventure of Link” (NES), “A Link Between Worlds” (3DS), “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” (Switch), “Breath of the Wild” (Switch), “Skyward Sword” (Wii), “Spirit Tracks” (DS), “Tears of the Kingdom” (Switch/Switch 2)
Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelist David Silbert, and special guest “Zelda” fans Derek Boriack and Iris Rezsnyak as they discuss and debate 16 of the most legendary “Legend of Zelda” games.
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Round 1 Match-Ups:
Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours!
Match-Up 1: “Ocarina of Time” (N64) (1) vs. “Oracle of Seasons”/“Oracle of Ages” (GameBoy Color) (4)
Match-Up 2: “A Link to the Past” (SNES) (3) vs. “The Legend of Zelda” (NES) (2)
Match-Up 3: “The Twilight Princess” (Wii/GameCube) (1) vs. “Link’s Awakening” (GameBoy/Switch) (4)
Match-Up 4: “Echoes of Wisdom” (Switch) (3) vs. “The Wind Waker” (GameCube) (2)
Match-Up 5: “Majora’s Mask” (N64) (1) vs. “The Adventure of Link” (NES) (4)
Match-Up 6: “A Link Between Worlds” (3DS) (3) vs. “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” (Switch) (2)
Match-Up 7: “Breath of the Wild” (Switch) (1) vs. “Skyward Sword” (Wii) (4)
Match-Up 8: “Spirit Tracks” (DS) (3) vs. “Tears of the Kingdom” (Switch/Switch 2) (2)
Want to play along at home?
Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours!
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Episode Credits
Host: Eric Rezsnyak
Panelist: David Silbert
Guest Panelists: Derek Boriack, Iris Rezsnyak
Producer: Bob Erlenback
Editor: Bob Erlenback
Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch
