Daily Debate: What Is The Most Divisive Zelda Game?
Posted on March 04 2023 by Mike Midwood
I think the Zelda series spans the full gamut of video game quality. Of course, there are entries I appreciate more than others, as anyone will. For the most part, however, I think that broad consensus exists for most of the games. The rare Ocarina of Time detractor does exist, but nobody could argue that it is widely considered one of the franchise’s best titles, if not the best. Likewise, I’m sure there’s somebody out there dying to throw an “um, actually” into the conversation about Tri Force Heroes, but that conversation will remain almost universally negative. Games like The Minish Cap, Oracle of Seasons, and A Link Between Worlds are just less likely to generate strong opinions, and typically occupy the middle ranks of most tier lists. A few games, however, do manage to spark intense debate, with most people either loving or hating these entries. Which Zelda game do you think is the most divisive?
The first Zelda title to really create and maintain a split opinion was Majora’s Mask (opinion of Zelda II was overwhelmingly positive at release and has shifted to being overwhelmingly negative since, much to my chagrin). It was a major departure for the series both tonally and mechanically, especially compared to it’s predecessor which is often considered the series’ quintessential entry. The infamous three day cycle is an interesting and demanding challenge to some, while others consider it to be a punishing limitation on their ability to progress. Fans of the game hold its dungeon design in the highest regard, but the fact that there are only four is unacceptable to detractors. The game’s somber, melancholy presentation can be a draw for one person and a turn off for another. Majora’s Mask remains one the most argued over games in the franchise.
A more recent game to kindle intense disagreement is Skyward Sword. The decision to lean heavily on motion controls probably made this an inevitability. Right out of the gate, there will be a significant amount of people with no interest in playing a game like this, and some who literally can’t. While the controls were improved in the HD rerelease, the very use of this gameplay format is going to divide players. People who love this game will praise the prominent character and narrative moments, while these same moments are derided by others as disruptive melodrama. Many players appreciated the focus on an epic main quest. Conversely, many believe this focus resulted in a narrow, linear game with little opportunity for exploration. Skyward Sword has been known to spark a quippy argument between myself and ZeldaDungeon’s Chief Editor Andy Spiteri, and I’m sure we’re not the only ones.
What about you? Which Zelda games create a split opinion for Zelda fans? Which is the most divisive? Let us know in the comments below!
Hi, I’m Mike Midwood and I’m a Senior Editor at ZeldaDungeon! Video games and literature are my greatest joys in life. An avid Zelda fan, some of my other favorite games include the Resident Evil and Dark Souls series. I hope you enjoy my content here on ZeldaDungeon!
“The sword has no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage.”
