The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 (1987 in Europe) for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was a revolutionary game of its time - and the beginning of one of the most important video game series ever. Developed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, it combined action, exploration and puzzles in a way that had never been seen before.

In The Legend of Zelda, you take on the role of the young hero Link, who sets out to save the fantasy kingdom of Hyrule. The evil sorceress Ganon has stolen the Triforce of Power and kidnapped Princess Zelda. To free her and bring peace to the land, Link must find eight fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom - hidden in dangerous dungeons full of monsters, traps and puzzles.

The game world in The Legend of Zelda is open - a real milestone for the time. You can decide for yourself where you go, which dungeons you explore in which order and how you prepare for your adventure. You fight in real time: with swords, bows, bombs and other helpful items that you find along the way or discover in secret caves.

What was particularly impressive in The Legend of Zelda at the time was the ability to save game saves - thanks to a built-in battery in the module. This meant you could experience an epic adventure piece by piece instead of having to play through it in one sitting.

Graphically, The Legend of Zelda is of course simple in the typical 8-bit style, but with great attention to detail. The iconic designs of Link, Ganon, the dungeons and items shaped the image of "Zelda" for generations. The music - especially the title theme - is still unforgotten today.

The Legend of Zelda on the NES is far more than just a classic - it is a cornerstone of the action adventure game. With its open world, mix of combat, puzzles and exploration, as well as its high replay value, it laid the foundations for an entire genre. Despite its age, it remains a fascinating, charming game that is still worth playing today - whether out of nostalgia or pure curiosity.