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2D vs. 3D

The eternal debate in the Zelda community: what makes a better Zelda game, 2d or 3d? First off, let's lay down the facts. There are three different types of dimensions: length (l), width (w), and height (h). Games such as the original LoZ and ALttP are configured as lw, or length x width. AoL is configured as lh, or length x height. I don't believe that you could create a game that was width x height. OoT, MM, WW, and LOZ GC are all lwh, length x width x height.

OK, now that we know we're comparing and contrasting three different types of dimensional arrangements, let's begin:
Length x Height: Yes, my friends, most of you would know this as a side-scrolling game. The only LoZ game ever done in this configuration was AoL. I've never played this game before, and don't plan on doing so, so I won't say whether it's fun or not. However, unlike lw games, this game focuses more on fighting and is completely 2D. Don't know what I mean? Keep reading. Because of this, lh games aren't too ideal for mind-boggling puzzles.

Length x Width: This configuration was used for the first Zelda game (LoZ) and the latest (TMC). In this style you look down on Link from above and the emphasis is more on puzzles than fighting. However, these games really got a boost when Nintendo (and Capcom) employed a rudimentary third-dimension. In these games there are fairly realistic staircases, pitfalls, cliffs, and multiple floors for dungeons (in harmony with the length and width, remember). This really kicks up the challenge a good notch or two.

Length x Width x Height: Ah, the three-dimensional games. "Three dimensions?!" you say. That's right, and age unshered in with the wonderful OoT. "With three dimensions, the games should be way harder, right?" Logically, you're correct. In reality, you're incorrect. The trademark challenge of Zelda was lost in part when the series went 3D. OoT was about 1/2 as challenging as LttP, and WW was about 1/2 as hard as OoT (if even that). I never saw the "Game Over" screen once during the entirety of WW; I finally saw it when my sister was playing and died. Sad. If that keeps up, something will die: the Legend of Zelda. Of course, there are a gazillion benefits with 3D. (If I've told you once, I've told you a million times, I never exaggerate.) One being that 3d games are about 1000 times more realistic than 2D games. The puzzles may be easier, but having to use Real Space Logic is still fun.

To get right to the point, which makes the best Zelda game: lh, lw, or lwh?

The best Zelda games have THREE dimensions!

Why? Despite their rather lackluster challenge, 3D games are becoming extremely realistic. Some might call the Wind Waker a setback, I call it another step forward. You just wait until LoZ GC/LoZ 2005 comes out! If that game is challenging and realistic (and it appears to be so), then you'll all see the light! It's not as if 2D games aren't without flaws! For example, the overworld in ALttP is crammed with so much...junk, it's terrible! (It being the overworld, not the game.)

Still, all Zelda games are blessed (two syllables) and should be praised because they aren't like my next topic. The video game industry, if it continues to do was it is currently doing, is doomed. Does anyone realize how many games out there are first-person shooters? Or WWII games, or Vietnam war games? Or worse, a combination of the above?! Seems like 70-75% of more recent game, I'd say! And that's BAD! To be vague, the next generation systems (the replacements for PS2, XBox, and GameCube) will roll out sometime around the year 2006. This will either continue the rise of video games, or begin the path towards their inevitable decline. Having us stare at a TV screen for hours on end will not keep the industry going. They must evolve to changing technology and, well...boredom. And we must remember that when videogames die, so does Zelda.

Until that time comes, let us all bask in the lovely glow that is the Legend of Zelda. Whether you play 2D, 3D, both, or...umm...nevermind that! Just play and enjoy the Legend of Zelda!

The past is history,
The future is a mystery,
But what we have right now is a gift.
That is why it is called the "Present".