The third entry in any series is a difficult position. Because it is really when it becomes a series. It is no longer just the original and its sequel, it’s something much much larger. This puts a ton of pressure on the third entry. It is really where staying-power comes into play. Will this series go on for ten/twenty more entries? Or will it forever stay a trilogy?

Now there are multiple ways this goes. The best way I can think to talk about the disappointment (or satisfaction) that a third entry can bring is to talk about Star Wars real quick. Star Wars is sort of split into three trilogies. The original trilogy ends with Return of the Jedi, a movie that is excellent in every way, but sort of falls short of the second movie in that trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back. The prequel trilogy ends with Revenge of the Sith, which is undeniably the best of that particular trilogy. Then the new Star Wars trilogy ends with The Rise of Skywalker, which may be the worst Star Wars movie ever made. Each of these third entries leave the fans with certain feelings. For me, Return of the Jedi makes me want to watch Star Wars forever. Revenge of the Sith makes me not hate the other prequels as much. The Rise of Skywalker makes me pray that they just let Star Wars die.

So, when it comes to the third entry in The Legend of Zelda, how does A Link to the Past hold up?

To keep it short: Incredibly.

A Link to the Past hits the ground running and never even comes close to stopping. First and foremost, the game is BEAUTIFUL. It was, is, and always will be one of the prettiest games ever made. The sprites, enemies, and locations all feel unique and perfect. Not to mention that Link himself is adorable.

But none of that matters if the game isn’t fun. But… Good news, A Link to the Past has one of the best feels of ANY Zelda game. By that I mean the actual dungeons, bosses, swordplay, items, puzzles, and really every little aspect of the game is perfect. I honestly could not think of a single thing to change in this game. Every single moment is a joy to play. That’s all without mentioning that it has one of the better stories in the Zelda series. There is a reason this game is so beloved. Because there are not many things to complain about. Really, the only complaint I ever see about this game is that the ice palace is a little confusing. BUT THAT’S IT! I don’t even have that complaint! I genuinely think the ice palace is one of the best Zelda dungeons ever made.

I honestly could talk about A Link to the Past all month. So, I’ll cut myself off. This game is obviously getting a 4 out of 4. I don’t even want to pretend that I could say something negative about this game. It is perfect in every way. If you are a fan of Zelda or honestly just video games at all, please play this game. It will never be a disappointment. It took me about seven and a half hours to 100% this game and it only made me want to play it more. Please, please play this game. Unlike the feelings I had after The Rise of Skywalker, I hope that The Legend of Zelda series runs forever. Just as long as I can return to A Link to the Past every month or two.

As for the rankings of every Zelda title:

1. A Link to the Past (spoiler alert: It won’t fall far from this spot)
2. The Legend of Zelda
3. Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link