The Legend of Zelda series

The Legend of Zelda (Japanese: ゼルダの伝説 Zeruda no Densetsu) is a Nintendo franchise that debuted with a title on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 (Japan release) and 1987 for United States and European gamers. Nintendo has managed to release a title of the series for each handheld and console system, except the short-lived Virtual Boy. The Legend of Zelda series titles can be expected to be sword-play adventure games featuring the hero Link. The titular Princess Zelda frequently appears in the typical damsel-in-distress role. The primary antagonist of the hero's homeland, Hyrule is generally Ganondorf; although other villains have been used. Retellings, often with artistic liberties, of the games' plots are available through several paperback novels and mangas. Original stories can also be found as paperback novels.

Developers

Shigeru Miyamoto is known to be the primary creator of the series and its characters. Shigeru Miyamoto has said he was inspired by The Lord of the Rings and his own exploration of caves near his childhood home. Although Nintendo published every title considered canon by the fanbase, three games were released for the Phillips CD-i. These titles are known for poor quality and are commonly spoofed among fans. The same era of the franchise history also included an animated series.

Beginning with Majora's Mask Shigeru Miyamoto has given the lead development tasks mostly to Eiji Aonoma. Capcom and Flagship have developed games of the series for the Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance. Nintendo of America is generally credited for the spin-off Link's Crossbow Training.

Games

style="border-top-left-radius: 15px; background:#Template:Zelda blue light; " \| Zelda Series Games	style="background:#Template:Zelda blue light;" \| JP release	style="border-top-right-radius: 15px; background:#Template:Zelda blue light;" \| NA release
Legend of Zelda	1986	1987
Adventure of Link	1987	1988
A Link to the Past	1991	1992
The Faces of Evil	?	1993
The Wand of Gamelon	?	1993
Zelda's Adventure	?	1993
Link's Awakening	1993	1993
Ocarina of Time	1998	1998
Majora's Mask	2000	2000
Oracle of Seasons	2001	2001
Oracle of Ages	2001	2001
Four Swords	2002	2003
The Wind Waker	2002	2003
Four Swords Adventures	2004	2004
The Minish Cap	2004	2005
Twilight Princess	2006	2006
Link's Crossbow Training	2007	2008
Phantom Hourglass	2007	2007
Spirit Tracks	2009	2009
Skyward Sword	pending release	pending release
colspan=3 Tingle Series Games
Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland	2006	no US release
Tingle's Balloon Fight DS	2007	no US release
Color Changing Tingle's Love Balloon Trip	2009	no US release