Classic NES Series: The Legend of Zelda

 Game Boy Advance
Classic NES Series: The Legend of Zelda Image
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84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 100 Ratings

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  • Summary: In this classic NES game, you'll embark on a quest to find the Triforce, slay Ganon, and save Princess Zelda. The Legend of Zelda comes to the Game Boy Advance, complete with all the dungeons, puzzles, and menacing enemies from the original game. As Link, you can brandish a variety ofIn this classic NES game, you'll embark on a quest to find the Triforce, slay Ganon, and save Princess Zelda. The Legend of Zelda comes to the Game Boy Advance, complete with all the dungeons, puzzles, and menacing enemies from the original game. As Link, you can brandish a variety of weapons, including swords, boomerangs, bombs, and arrows. Collect rupees to buy even more weapons and other special items. There are many secrets, hidden passages, and caves to be found in Hyrule--now you can see if you still have what it takes to find them. … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Pocket Games
    100
    Not only is this the best game of the classic series, it's arguably the best game in the history of the NES. [Summer 2004, p.14]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Gaming Age
    91
    The game holds its own despite dated graphics and sound.
  3. GameZone
    90
    One of the best games to be released on the NES years ago, and even though it is over fifteen years old, it still retains the fun factor as it did back then.
  4. netjak
    85
    The important thing to understand is that you’re getting exactly that, being the version that came out for the NES; you get nothing more and nothing less. More than any of the other NES re-releases, though, The Legend of Zelda is easily worth the $20 investment, despite the lack of updates and occasional slowdown.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Nintendojo
    80
    Zelda has aged rather gracefully compared to some of the games from its time, and it's worth picking up for the portability factor alone.
  6. BonusStage
    78
    This is a mediocre re-release of a great game that is adequate, yet one can’t help but wonder how great it might have been if Nintendo hadn’t rushed it to the market.
  7. GBA Central
    40
    But for those of you who have yet to play the NES title, unless you're extremely curious as to how the Zelda franchise started, you're better off without this mediocre 'adventure'. Nintendo, lay this one to rest.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. EBidd
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    I completely disagree with GBA Central. Nintendo should NEVER lay this one to rest! When I think back to my top 5 games of all time, this one I completely disagree with GBA Central. Nintendo should NEVER lay this one to rest! When I think back to my top 5 games of all time, this one is always on the list! Infinite replay! Long live The Legend of Zelda!… Expand
  2. ihatefilm
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    "It's dangerous to go alone!" Truer words may never have been bleeped and/or blooped onto a CRT television. While it may be hard for those who"It's dangerous to go alone!" Truer words may never have been bleeped and/or blooped onto a CRT television. While it may be hard for those who started later in the series to go back to where it all started; The Legend of Zelda for the NES to this day stands as one of the greatest games, not just of that generation, but of all time.… Expand
  4. JoshuaL.
    May 26, 2004
    10
    The Legend of Zelda is hands down the best gaming series in the world! And the fact that they are re-releasing it for the GBA just Rocks!! I The Legend of Zelda is hands down the best gaming series in the world! And the fact that they are re-releasing it for the GBA just Rocks!! I hope to see Zelda II also! Good Job Nintendo for one of your best ideas to date!!! (now what about Mario RPG for GBA!?)… Expand
  5. WillP.
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    One of the greatest games in the history of video games.
  6. AlanB.
    Apr 19, 2006
    9
    It's a remake so what do you expect. I like it though because it was so well made before and it stood that way even when it went to the It's a remake so what do you expect. I like it though because it was so well made before and it stood that way even when it went to the GBA. Good job nintendo keep up the good work.… Expand
  7. RZaga
    Jan 28, 2020
    8
    The game that revolutionized the adventure genre. This game aged extremely well, still giving players giddiness whenever they exploreThe game that revolutionized the adventure genre. This game aged extremely well, still giving players giddiness whenever they explore something new.

    The dungeons can be merciless at times, being extremely difficult and downright insane during some rooms. This only adds to the greatness of the game, as it only motivates you to try again and get better and better. Getting past a difficult stage always brings out good feelings.

    Some of the screens and enemies on the overworld feel more and more repetitive the longer you play, which sometimes gives you a feeling of "ugh I have to get through this again". This, thankfully, does only little to suck out the fun of this classic game    … Expand
  8. PaulH.
    Aug 16, 2005
    7
    Certainly has aged, i forgot how hard this game is, I'm expierencing a lot of slow down. still classic zelda though, worth buying for 15Certainly has aged, i forgot how hard this game is, I'm expierencing a lot of slow down. still classic zelda though, worth buying for 15 bucks, actually I only got it for 7 dollars so I don't feel cheated the least bit.… Expand

See all 22 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
8
#8 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
5
#5 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004