The Legend of Zelda leads with 81% of votes
Latest odds: The Legend of Zelda - 79%, Metroid - 21%
Metroid = Innovative non-linear gameplay
The Legend of Zelda = Iconic soundtrack and visual style
See full Original NES Game rankings →VS
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In the world of original NES games, Metroid champions a solitary, explorative experience with its atmospheric, sci-fi setting, while The Legend of Zelda offers a sprawling, fantasy adventure rich with puzzles and iconic characters. This clash is not just about two titans from the NES era; it's a showdown of fan loyalties, where nostalgia meets the deep emotional connections that have fueled decades of debates and fandom. Do you favor Metroid’s haunting isolation and innovative gameplay, or does Zelda's mythic quest and enduring legacy capture your spirit? Dive into this epic battle and let your voice decide which world truly rules the realm of classic gaming!
| Criteria | Edge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay Innovation | Metroid | Metroid introduced non-linear exploration and backtracking, revolutionizing adventure game design. |
| Graphics and Design | The Legend of Zelda | The Legend of Zelda's top-down perspective and varied environments set a high visual standard. |
| Soundtrack Quality | The Legend of Zelda | Zelda's iconic theme is universally recognizable and has been beloved for decades. |
| Cultural Impact | The Legend of Zelda | Zelda's vast fanbase and influence across multiple game generations underscore its massive cultural footprint. |
Latest battle odds:
The Legend of Zelda: 79%
Metroid: 21%
Overall battle results:
Overall fans prefer The Legend of Zelda over Metroid when it comes to the greatest Original NES Games of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick The Legend of Zelda 81.0% of the time over Metroid.
Across all battles:
The Legend of Zelda win rate: 69.5%
Metroid win rate: 39.1%
That'd be Super Mario Bros. — it's jumping high above the rest! Check out where it stands on our GOAT List.
Metroid hits home with its atmospherics and breakthrough gameplay, featuring one of the earliest strong female protagonists in video games. Fans dig the intense action and the deep space exploration vibe.
Zelda is crushing it! Fans love the game’s rich, adventurous storyline and the fact that it was a trailblazer in open-world concepts. This love affair with Link’s quests and Zelda’s charm just keeps pulling in votes.