The beloved RPGFan podcast Retro Encounter has returned with one of its most ambitious episodes yet, diving headfirst into the contentious world of tier list rankings. Episode 490 marks the beginning of a special two-part series where four passionate panelists attempt the seemingly impossible task of ranking 20 entries in The Legend of Zelda franchise. With the series celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, what better way to honor Nintendo’s iconic adventure franchise than with spirited debate and strongly held opinions that threaten to divide even the closest of gaming friends?
The panel features hosts Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love, Mike Salbato, and Matt Wardell, with editing handled by Zach Wilkerson. According to the episode description, opinions ran so deep and discussions became so thorough that the team had no choice but to split the recording into two separate episodes. This first installment covers the initial nine picks from the panelists, setting the stage for what promises to be an equally contentious conclusion in the follow-up episode.
The Legend of Zelda: A 40-Year Legacy
The Legend of Zelda franchise first burst onto the scene in 1986 when Nintendo released the original game for the Famicom Disk System in Japan, with a North American release following in 1987. Created by legendary game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, the series introduced players to the land of Hyrule and established gameplay conventions that would influence action-adventure games for decades to come. The franchise has since grown to encompass over 20 mainline entries, countless spin-offs, and has sold more than 140 million copies worldwide, cementing its place as one of gaming’s most treasured properties.
Over four decades, the series has constantly reinvented itself while maintaining its core identity of exploration, puzzle-solving, and epic adventures. From the revolutionary transition to 3D gaming with Ocarina of Time in 1998 to the open-world renaissance sparked by Breath of the Wild in 2017, each generation has brought new innovations that have kept the franchise fresh and relevant. The recent release of Tears of the Kingdom in 2023 broke sales records and demonstrated that Link’s adventures continue to captivate audiences of all ages.
The Great Debate: Classic vs Modern Zelda
One of the most intriguing aspects of this tier list episode is the potential clash between classic and modern entries in the franchise. The hosts tease a particularly spicy comparison between Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, the notoriously difficult 1987 sequel that departed significantly from the original’s formula, and Tears of the Kingdom, the critically acclaimed 2023 release that expanded on Breath of the Wild’s groundbreaking design. Zelda II remains one of the most divisive entries in the series, beloved by some for its challenging side-scrolling action and RPG elements, while criticized by others for straying too far from what made the original special.
The tier list format has become increasingly popular in gaming discourse, offering a structured way for fans and critics alike to express their preferences while sparking meaningful discussions about game design, nostalgia, and personal experience. For a franchise as storied as The Legend of Zelda, such rankings inevitably become exercises in comparing vastly different gaming eras and design philosophies. How does one fairly compare the pioneering simplicity of the original NES title against the technological marvels of modern Switch releases?
Where to Listen and Join the Discussion
Retro Encounter has made the episode available across all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and various other services like Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Podbean, and Podcast Addict. The show encourages listeners to leave ratings and reviews to help spread the word about the podcast. Fans eager to share their own Zelda tier list opinions or respond to the panelists’ rankings can email their feedback directly to [email protected]. The episode features opening and closing music composed by Miles Morkri, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere that has made Retro Encounter a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
With part two still to come, listeners can expect even more heated debates and surprising rankings as the panel works through the remaining Zelda titles. Whether you agree or vehemently disagree with the hosts’ choices, the episode promises to be an entertaining journey through one of gaming’s most beloved franchises during this milestone anniversary year.
Expert Opinion: The timing of this tier list coincides perfectly with renewed interest in the Zelda franchise following Tears of the Kingdom’s massive success and the upcoming Zelda movie announcement. As the series enters its fifth decade, we’re likely to see Nintendo continue balancing innovation with nostalgia, potentially revisiting classic formulas while pushing technological boundaries. These community discussions help shape the broader narrative of which design philosophies resonate most with players across generations.