Zelda and Metroid Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

In this video, we explore the transformative impact of The Legend of Zelda and Metroid, two groundbreaking games that redefined what home console gaming could be in the late '80s. Released in the same year—1987—and sharing a similar RPG-lite foundation, these games carved distinct identities while shaping an entire generation of gamers.

From Zelda’s enchanting world of Hyrule, designed to evoke the wonder of childhood exploration, to Metroid’s haunting caverns inspired by Ridley Scott's Alien, these games reimagined RPG mechanics for a broader audience. They emphasized exploration over goals, discovery over points, and mastery through experience rather than stats. We dive into how each game simplified and redefined the RPG genre, ushering in new design philosophies that still influence gaming today.

Discover the fascinating development stories behind these titles, including Shigeru Miyamoto’s “Anti-Mario” philosophy for Zelda and the miraculous last-minute completion of Metroid. Learn how both games inspired generations of players to share secrets, solve puzzles, and experience the joy of the journey rather than the destination.

Whether you’re a fan of fantasy adventures or sci-fi odysseys, this video examines how Zelda and Metroid are two sides of the same coin, forever linked by their shared legacy of innovation and wonder.