Summary
The Legend of Zeldais an extremely nostalgic series, with a rich sense of storytelling throughout, so it’s no wonder they aresome of the most immersive games in the action-adventure genre. Throughout the franchise’s history, its developers have consistently sought to create games where the quality of play matches up to the depth of the game’s lore.
TheLegend of Zeldaseries currently consists of 29 games, including remakes, which continue to be some of the most popular releases. This list explores the most immersive games inThe Legend of Zeldaseries, looking at the narrative style, the approach to art and imagery, and the experience players have with mechanics, movement, and exploration of the world.
The Wind Wakeris distinctive for its crisp and vibrant graphics, as well as its expansive map of islands to explore across a broad sea setting. This is a fun departure from other games in the series; players have to navigate the sea in a boat, which of course gives an adventurous feel.
This maritime world also offers a host of characters that add to the experience of sailing across the seas. The navigation is also a super immersive aspect, offering a sense of fun and freedom in this light and airy world.
It’s definitely the combat that makesSkyward Swordas immersive as it is. Yes, there’s a great story exploringnew depths of Hyrule, but it is primarily the immersion of motion-controlled movement that makesSkyward Swordmemorable and addictive.
This is one of the most hands-on games in the series, padding out an already exceptional narrative and some great settings, including the numerous dungeons and the story’s beginning location of Skyloft.
It’s the complex puzzles that make this game truly immersive. Yes,A Link to the Pasthas 2D graphics which fans might today consider rudimentary, but players can still explore every bit of Hyrule using quests and secrets to understand the world as they go. Another great component of this game is the Light World and Dark World - but of course, players already know thatThe Legend of Zeldaseries does split worlds excellently.
Perhaps the primary reason this game is so immersive is because players must truly work toward goals, with a progression that relies on exploration and curiosity despite the limitations of 2D.
The setting ofOcarina of Timeis super cohesive and full of different atmospheric environments for players to explore. This was definitely ahead of its time, but what really makes the new 3D world ofOcarina of Timespecial is that the world spans two different timelines, throwing the player into a non-linear playground.
It’s thedistinctive environment that setsOcarina of Timeapartfrom other games in the series, and certainly its most immersive component as well.
Despite being released in 1986,The Legend of Zeldawas revolutionary in its immersive qualities. Itoffers players a sense of freedom and mystery with little assistance. Players have to figure out for themselves how to explore the world and where to find secret spaces and items, all of which lead to a great sense of isolation that draws people in.
One truly immersive aspect of the originalLegend of Zeldais the challenging nature of combat. There’s a whole plethora of weapons that can be used, but players are encouraged to think strategically about their moves and how they wish to navigate the world’s enemies. These challenging questions set the stage for the rest of the series, laying a solid foundation for the games that come later.
Twilight Princessis a darker, more mature story than some of the earlier games in theZeldasaga. The visuals of this game are some of the most naturalistic seen in anyZeldagame, and there’s certainly a darker, grittier feel to everything. The most atmospheric aspect of the setting is probably the Twilight Realm, with its hazy, mysterious lighting.
One of the reasons this game is so immersive is simply because it sits in stark contrast with many other games in the series. The story is weightier and full of intrigue, which works well alongside the darker graphics and the sense of realism.
Majora’s Maskwas a distinctly dark departure from previousZeldagames, with eerie, atmospheric imagery and music that truly brought the game to life. Notably, the three-day cycle of the game creates a sense of rhythm and familiarity that throws the player into the world.
Getting to know the characters in the world ofMajora’s Maskis definitely a highlight, with everyone growing more familiar as the three-day cycles of gameplay repeat again and again.
One of the newer iterations in theLegend of Zeldaseries, it’s no exaggeration to sayBreath of the Wildchanged gaming with its vast, interwoven open-world version of Hyrule. Players are always keen to point out the amount of detail in this game, including the experience ofchanging weather and the movement of wildlife, all of which make this an extremely immersive game.
What separates this game from many of its predecessors is the ability for players to interact with the world wholly. They can climb most objects, utilize their surroundings in new ways, and find new lore in secret areas.
