A Parent’s Guide to Sharing Zelda with Your Kids: Reliving the Adventure Together
Posted by Drew on Oct. 17th, 2024
If you grew up playing The Legend of Zelda, you know just how magical that first journey through Hyrule was. Now, you might be wondering how to share that same sense of adventure with your kids. Whether it's their first time picking up a controller or they're already familiar with some games, introducing them to Zelda can be an amazing bonding experience. Let’s take a look at why The Legend of Zelda is perfect for family gaming and how you can guide your child through the wonder of this legendary series.
Why Zelda Is Perfect for Kids
1. A World of Adventure
The Legend of Zelda is all about adventure, exploration, and discovery. Your child gets to step into the shoes of Link, a hero on a quest to save the kingdom of Hyrule. From exploring forests and dungeons to solving puzzles and battling enemies, Zelda offers a world full of surprises. And it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of finding secret treasures or helping characters along the way. For kids who love exploring and using their imagination, Zelda games are perfect.
2. Easy to Pick Up, Fun to Master
While Zelda games can get tricky in certain spots, they’re also very beginner-friendly. Many of the older games, like A Link to the Past for the Super Nintendo, start with simple controls and a clear goal, rescue the princess or recover an important item. As your child plays, they’ll slowly get better at solving puzzles, defeating enemies, and discovering hidden areas. The game teaches them at a steady pace, so they never feel overwhelmed, and you can guide them through any tough spots along the way.
3. Fun for the Whole Family
The
Zelda series is full of good morals, bravery, and teamwork. Unlike many modern games, Zelda focuses on using your wits to solve problems and encourages helping others. Link is a brave and kind hero, and your child will quickly grow to admire his courage and determination. Even the "bad guys" in Zelda are never too scary, making it a safe option for younger players.
Best Zelda Games to Share with Your Kids
If you’re ready to introduce your child to
The Legend of Zelda, here are some of the best retro games to start with. These titles are great for beginners and offer the perfect balance of challenge and fun.
1.The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986)
Why it’s perfect: The original
Legend of Zelda for the NES is where it all began. This game introduced players to the vast world of Hyrule, filled with secrets, dungeons, and epic battles. With its top-down perspective, it’s easy for beginners to pick up and understand. The sense of exploration is key, and there’s no hand-holding, which lets kids (and parents) discover things at their own pace. It’s a great way to introduce your child to the roots of the series.
Why it’s collectible:
The Legend of Zelda sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide and was one of the first games to feature a save function using a battery in the cartridge. Its status as the first game in one of the most iconic gaming franchises makes it a valuable and nostalgic piece for any collector.
Family connection:
Playing the original Zelda with your child offers a chance to share a foundational piece of gaming history. As you explore the dungeons and defeat Ganon together, you’ll bond over the challenges and triumphs that make this classic adventure so unforgettable.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo, 1991)
Why it’s perfect:
This game is a fan favorite for good reason.
A Link to the Past features top-down gameplay with simple controls, making it easy for new players to jump right in. The story is classic, save Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon, and it has plenty of puzzles and secrets to keep kids engaged. The colorful world of Hyrule is just the right size for a first adventure.
Why it’s collectible:
With over
4.61 million copies sold worldwide, A Link to the Past remains one of the most beloved and iconic SNES games. Its timeless gameplay and classic story make it a must-have for any retro gaming fan.
Family connection:
Introduce your kids to a
Zelda classic where adventure and exploration are at the heart of the experience. Exploring the world of Hyrule with your child is a great way to share your love of gaming and spend quality time together.
3.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)
Why it’s perfect:
This game introduced many players to the 3D world of
Zelda. Ocarina of Time is a bit more complex but still beginner-friendly. The open world lets kids explore at their own pace, and the story teaches them about growing up and becoming a hero. Plus, the music from the ocarina is a fun, interactive part of the game that kids will love. If you’ve played this one yourself, guiding your child through it will feel like reliving your own memories.
Why it’s collectible:
With
7.6 million copies sold worldwide, Ocarina of Time was a groundbreaking game that revolutionized 3D action-adventure gaming. Its lasting impact makes it highly collectible, especially for fans of classic Zelda titles.
Family connection:
Revisit your own memories of playing
Ocarina of Time while introducing your kids to the 3D adventures of Link. From solving puzzles to playing ocarina tunes, this game provides plenty of opportunities to connect and share in the joy of exploring Hyrule together.
4.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube, 2002)
Why it’s perfect:
The Wind Waker stands out for its bright, cartoonish graphics and sense of adventure through sailing. The game is simple to learn, with intuitive controls and plenty of islands to explore. It’s colorful and visually appealing for younger kids, while the sailing mechanic adds a fun layer of discovery. It’s a great Zelda game for introducing exploration in a playful way.
Why it’s collectible:
The Wind Waker sold over 4.6 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most visually striking Zelda games due to its unique art style. Its influence on the series continues, making it a sought-after title for collectors.
Family connection:
Sailing the seas of Hyrule and exploring new islands with your child in
The Wind Waker is a fun, shared experience. It’s a perfect introduction to the Zelda series for younger players and a way to relive your own adventures.
Sharing the Experience with Your Child
1.
Guide Them Through Tough Spots
If your child gets stuck on a puzzle or doesn’t know what to do next, this is a great opportunity for you to jump in and help. You don’t need to solve everything for them, but offering hints or guiding them through the game keeps it fun. It’s also a great way to bond as you help each other along the adventure.
2.
Let Them Discover on Their Own
As much as you might want to share all the secrets of Hyrule, one of the most exciting parts of playing
Zelda is the discovery. Let your child explore, find hidden treasures, and solve puzzles on their own. It makes the experience even more rewarding when they figure something out by themselves.
3.
Relive Your Own Memories
Introducing your kids to
Zelda can bring back memories of when you first played. Whether you’re showing them your favorite shortcuts or reliving those tough boss fights, this is your chance to share something you love. It’s a great way to see the game through fresh eyes and pass on that sense of adventure.
Tips for Making Zelda Fun and Engaging
- Take Turns Switch off controlling Link so both you and your child get a chance to play.
- Encourage Exploration Point out areas they might have missed, but let them discover the treasures and hidden rooms on their own.
- Talk About the Story Discuss what’s happening in the game. Ask questions like, "What do you think we should do next?" or "How do you think we can save the princess?" This keeps them engaged in the adventure and helps with problem-solving.
Reliving the Adventure Together
Sharing
The Legend of Zelda with your kids is more than just playing a game, it’s about experiencing adventure together. Whether they’re stepping into Hyrule for the first time or revisiting it through your memories, it’s a chance to bond, have fun, and pass down a piece of your own childhood. With so many great retro Zelda games to choose from, your family will have plenty of adventures to share.
The Zelda series is full of good morals, bravery, and teamwork. Unlike many modern games, Zelda focuses on using your wits to solve problems and encourages helping others. Link is a brave and kind hero, and your child will quickly grow to admire his courage and determination. Even the "bad guys" in Zelda are never too scary, making it a safe option for younger players.
Best Zelda Games to Share with Your Kids
If you’re ready to introduce your child to The Legend of Zelda, here are some of the best retro games to start with. These titles are great for beginners and offer the perfect balance of challenge and fun.
1.The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986)
Why it’s perfect: The original Legend of Zelda for the NES is where it all began. This game introduced players to the vast world of Hyrule, filled with secrets, dungeons, and epic battles. With its top-down perspective, it’s easy for beginners to pick up and understand. The sense of exploration is key, and there’s no hand-holding, which lets kids (and parents) discover things at their own pace. It’s a great way to introduce your child to the roots of the series.
Why it’s collectible:
The Legend of Zelda sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide and was one of the first games to feature a save function using a battery in the cartridge. Its status as the first game in one of the most iconic gaming franchises makes it a valuable and nostalgic piece for any collector.
Family connection:
Playing the original Zelda with your child offers a chance to share a foundational piece of gaming history. As you explore the dungeons and defeat Ganon together, you’ll bond over the challenges and triumphs that make this classic adventure so unforgettable.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo, 1991)
Why it’s perfect:
This game is a fan favorite for good reason.
A Link to the Past features top-down gameplay with simple controls, making it easy for new players to jump right in. The story is classic, save Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon, and it has plenty of puzzles and secrets to keep kids engaged. The colorful world of Hyrule is just the right size for a first adventure.
Why it’s collectible:
With over
4.61 million copies sold worldwide, A Link to the Past remains one of the most beloved and iconic SNES games. Its timeless gameplay and classic story make it a must-have for any retro gaming fan.
Family connection:
Introduce your kids to a
Zelda classic where adventure and exploration are at the heart of the experience. Exploring the world of Hyrule with your child is a great way to share your love of gaming and spend quality time together.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)
Why it’s perfect:
This game introduced many players to the 3D world of
Zelda. Ocarina of Time is a bit more complex but still beginner-friendly. The open world lets kids explore at their own pace, and the story teaches them about growing up and becoming a hero. Plus, the music from the ocarina is a fun, interactive part of the game that kids will love. If you’ve played this one yourself, guiding your child through it will feel like reliving your own memories.
Why it’s collectible:
With
7.6 million copies sold worldwide, Ocarina of Time was a groundbreaking game that revolutionized 3D action-adventure gaming. Its lasting impact makes it highly collectible, especially for fans of classic Zelda titles.
Family connection:
Revisit your own memories of playing
Ocarina of Time while introducing your kids to the 3D adventures of Link. From solving puzzles to playing ocarina tunes, this game provides plenty of opportunities to connect and share in the joy of exploring Hyrule together.
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube, 2002)
Why it’s perfect:
The Wind Waker stands out for its bright, cartoonish graphics and sense of adventure through sailing. The game is simple to learn, with intuitive controls and plenty of islands to explore. It’s colorful and visually appealing for younger kids, while the sailing mechanic adds a fun layer of discovery. It’s a great Zelda game for introducing exploration in a playful way.
Why it’s collectible:
The Wind Waker sold over 4.6 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most visually striking Zelda games due to its unique art style. Its influence on the series continues, making it a sought-after title for collectors.
Family connection:
Sailing the seas of Hyrule and exploring new islands with your child in
The Wind Waker is a fun, shared experience. It’s a perfect introduction to the Zelda series for younger players and a way to relive your own adventures.
Sharing the Experience with Your Child
1. Guide Them Through Tough Spots
If your child gets stuck on a puzzle or doesn’t know what to do next, this is a great opportunity for you to jump in and help. You don’t need to solve everything for them, but offering hints or guiding them through the game keeps it fun. It’s also a great way to bond as you help each other along the adventure.
2. Let Them Discover on Their Own
As much as you might want to share all the secrets of Hyrule, one of the most exciting parts of playing Zelda is the discovery. Let your child explore, find hidden treasures, and solve puzzles on their own. It makes the experience even more rewarding when they figure something out by themselves.
3. Relive Your Own Memories
Introducing your kids to Zelda can bring back memories of when you first played. Whether you’re showing them your favorite shortcuts or reliving those tough boss fights, this is your chance to share something you love. It’s a great way to see the game through fresh eyes and pass on that sense of adventure.
Tips for Making Zelda Fun and Engaging
- Take Turns Switch off controlling Link so both you and your child get a chance to play.
- Encourage Exploration Point out areas they might have missed, but let them discover the treasures and hidden rooms on their own.
- Talk About the Story Discuss what’s happening in the game. Ask questions like, "What do you think we should do next?" or "How do you think we can save the princess?" This keeps them engaged in the adventure and helps with problem-solving.
Reliving the Adventure Together
Sharing The Legend of Zelda with your kids is more than just playing a game, it’s about experiencing adventure together. Whether they’re stepping into Hyrule for the first time or revisiting it through your memories, it’s a chance to bond, have fun, and pass down a piece of your own childhood. With so many great retro Zelda games to choose from, your family will have plenty of adventures to share.