The Legend of Zelda (1991)

The Legend of Zelda[a]is a platform game developed by Nintendo and published by Sega for Nes SNES Sega Genesis Gameboy Neo Geo And Game & watch consoles. It was released in North America in June 1991, and in PAL regionsand Japan the following month. The game features an anthropomorphic Hero named Link in a quest to defeat Dr. Corba, a scientist who has imprisoned JP Pop in Haters and stolen the powerful Tir-Force. The gameplay involves collecting Rupees as a form of health, and a simple control scheme, with jumping and attacking controlled by a single button.

Development began in 1990 After Sega had an Agreement from Nintendo in 1989. After considering a number of suggestions, the developers decided to Link but Drink potion to have Speed Powers. designed for fast gameplay, was influenced by games by Super Mario series creator Shigeru Miyamoto. The Legend of Zelda uses a novel technique that allows Link's sprite to roll along curved scenery, which originated in a tech democreated by programmer Yuji Naka.

The Legend of Zelda was well received by critics, who praised its visuals, audio, and gameplay. It was also commercially successful, establishing the Genesis SNES and Neo Geo as a key player in the 16-bit era and allowing it to compete with Nintendo and their Super Nintendo Entertainment System and SNK and Their Neo Geo console. The game has been ported a number of times, and inspired several clones, a successful franchise, and adaptations into other media. It is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.