The Legend of Zelda is one of the most successful and enduring video game franchises of all time, with over thirty Zelda games released and millions of copies sold over the last few decades. Yet it wasn't always that way, and the titular Zelda was often confused as Link until she became a playable character across Nintendo's Legend of Zelda franchise and beyond.

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Over the years, Princess Zelda has surely climbed her way to the top of video game history with grace and dedication. Since her first appearance in The Legend of Zelda in 1896, Zelda has become more than just a damsel in distress archetype and has proven herself time and again to be a committed and caring ruler. Appearing in all but three Zelda games (although not always in the same incarnation), it's about time Zelda was given her own brilliant title. Although there hopefully won't be a long wait until that day, there are still a few options for gamers looking for the chance to play Zelda.

6 Zelda's Adventure

Metacritic Score: n/a

Zelda's Adventure is a decidedly odd CD-i game from the 90s, and although it is one of three, this one was created by a totally different company to the others, named Viridis Corporation. The game mimics the classic top-down Zelda style but includes live-action cutscenes, adding to one of the many negative aspects of this Nintendo game.

It's refreshing to see Zelda as the central protagonist of a game, but it's a shame that it had to be this one. Zelda's Adventure has barely any redeeming qualities, with poor graphics, awkward acting, and agonizingly difficult gameplay. Thanks to its generally bad quality, and the discontinuation of the CD-i, copies of Zelda's Adventure can now be worth a decent amount in the gaming world. Unfortunately, its rarity is the only thing that gives this game real value.

5 Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon

Metacritic Score: n/a

Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon is one of the few, incredibly strange entries in The Legend of Zelda franchise that is drastically different from almost any other game in the franchise. This CD-i game continued through the infamous trend of the Zelda franchise in terms of gameplay and character decisions.

In terms of plot, The Wand of Gamelon was somewhat ahead of its time. Released in 1993 alongside another game titled Link: The Faces of Evil, the script is actually flipped so that Zelda has to rescue Link from Ganon. Although it's nice to play a game with Zelda as the hero, unfortunately, The Wand of Gamelon is routinely disowned by the Zelda series and is generally believed to be one of the worst games in the series.

4 Hyrule Warriors

Metacritic Score: 76

Hyrule Warriors is a far cry from any of the terrible CD-i Zelda games. It was one of the best Wii U games with unique gameplay thanks to its hack-and-slash style game that combines The Legend of Zelda with Dynasty Warriors to create a fun and referential experience, non-canon to the mainline series.

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Although Hyrule Warriors isn't exactly the Zelda-led title that fans would love to see, it nonetheless decisively places Zelda in a heroic and capable position. She's certainly a more active participant in her own fate, and is assigned her own weapons and skills that relate to some of her previous iterations.

3 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Metacritic Score: 78

Although not in the main timeline canon, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity directly references scenes and details from Breath of the Wild in order to create a fun and satisfying hack-and-slash game. It follows Link and Zelda one hundred years prior when they originally tried to collect champions and defeat Calamity Ganon - and there's no weapon durability, so players can battle to their heart's content.

Like Breath of the Wild, Zelda plays a significant role in Age of Calamity. But, players actually being able to control Zelda and witness her original quest proves how much of a formidable enemy she can be. Thanks to the creative and comprehensive lore of Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity was able to make a vivid and exciting world that lends itself excellently to the mechanics.

2 Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring The Legend of Zelda

Metacritic Score: 85

Cadence of Hyrule may be one of the few Zelda spin-off games that a lot of players don't know about due to its style of gameplay. In this title, players will learn the combination of rhythm-based gameplay and classic Zelda gameplay to bring forth original mechanics and a unique pixel art style.

This game gives players the option between both Link and Zelda, which is something no main Zelda title has done - and it's nice to see Brace Yourself Games giving Zelda the respect she deserves. In general, Cadence of Hyrule is incredibly charming and delightful to play, and it's a fantastic use of the iconic Zelda music that's been created over the years.

1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Metacritic Score: 93

Super Smash Bros. is a spin-off fighter game that celebrates Nintendo's best library of characters, with a few guest stars included. This competitive fighting game has spanned decades and multiple consoles, from the original Super Smash Bros. to the potential finale of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. One of the best and highly regarded fighters involved is none other than Zelda, and her alter-ego and disguise as Sheik.

Whilst Super Smash Bros. Melee was the first Smash Bros game to include Zelda as a playable fighter, it was Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that perfected her combat and brought her into a game where she could hold her own. With great combos and mechanics, Zelda belongs in the rankings as one of the best characters in the game, especially with her versatile fighting style and potential to become Sheik.

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