Zelda Hits IGN’s Top 100 NES Titles

The folks over at IGN have recently compiled what they thought are the 100 greatest NES titles of all time. The criteria was simply the the game had to be released in the US and had to be tons of fun. As you’d expect, both Zelda titles made the list near the top.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link came in at number 21 on the list. Here is a tidbit of what they had to say about the title. For the full entry, click here.

“Zelda II’s entire system suggested it was trying to be more of an RPG, and in many ways, it was a huge success. Debate ensues to this day surrounding Zelda II’s place in The Legend of Zelda franchise as a whole, but most everyone agrees that Zelda II is a stellar standalone title.”

The Legend of Zelda just missed the top spot, landing in at number 2 on the list, just ahead of the original Super Mario Bros. and just behind Super Mario Bros. 3. For the full entry, click here.

“The game left players confounded with its intricate, wide-open design. Zelda was an action-adventure game with RPG elements, and in an age without the Internet, people were on their own about how to get through the game in one piece. Some people made maps. Others called Nintendo’s own hotline for help or consulted a magazine. And some were fortunate enough to have friends who knew answers. But for the most part, early Zelda gamers had nothing but their own ingenuity to rely on. And rely on it they did, making The Legend of Zelda one of the NES’ most famous games, part of a franchise that thrives to this day.”

Some of you were probably a bit too young to be playing the NES back in the hay day. Even I only got in on the action during the last few years of its life cycle, but I too have my NES memories. What are your favorite NES titles and what do you think of the placement of the two Zelda adventures? Head on over to our Zelda Forums to voice your opinion.