I have never played a Zelda game, but will defiantly try now. I am considering "A Link to the Past", "Ocarina of Time" and "Majora's Mask"

All have gotten great reviews here and I am sure all are very good games. But which is better for a newbie?

"Ocarina of Time" seems obvious, being called the greatest game of all time. However, some say the same about "Majora's Mask" and it sort of looks better being a newer game. But I am also a great fan of classics 2D games, so even though "A Link to the Past" is something completely different than the other two, I dont wanna disregard it.

I am slightly tilting towards "Ocarina of Time" but I would really like to hear others opionions as well

A Link to the Past. Then progress to Ocarina of Time. Or download both at the same time and switch back and forth every so often. They're different enough.

Majoria's Mask is better if you're already familar with the Zelda series.

If you've never played a Zelda game ever, go for ALttP, then OoT, then MM. A Link to the Past is straight-up classic Zelda action; treat yourself to that before heading for any of the 3D versions.

Link's Awakening or Ocarina.

Play them chronologically

Ocarina of Time was my first foray into the Legend of Zelda series, and it got me hooked. It has the classic "Zelda Storyline" so you really can't go wrong. I haven't gotten to Link to the Past yet, but I plan to at some point definitely (Played the original Zelda on NES first on the VC). Majora's Mask is a direct sequel to Ocarina, so I'd say play that after you play OoT.

The first time I played OoT on the N64 was an amazing experience. Really can't go against it. You may want to play ALttP first though, so you can appreciate how the game was expanded into 3D. Be assured, that no matter what, you really can't lose.

I concur.

...and if you'd like to meet our ever-cute Token Girl / Bombchu Girl, be sure to pick OoT. Just don't be insulted if she looks bored.

Go with OoT or LttP. Well, since some people are talking about their Zelda stories, let me share mine:
I was in kindergarten. I went to a baby-sitter at 12:00 (at kindergarten, you only went half-day). She had a N64 down in the downstairs. I decided to play it. And I started with OoT, (Or maybe it was Super Mario 64) I loved that game, but, I was playing on this one guys savews that was off at college, so I kept on running around with all of the items. And then I begged my mom for a Gamecube. So, one day, she got us a Gamecube with Mario Party 5 and Luigi's Mansion (LM is awesome). But you know what's funny, I never got a Zelda game for Gamecube. And eventually I got Oot on Vc and TP

NES Zelda might be a bit too dated for new comers, I'd say start with the SNES version, then OOT then the more difficult MM.

I'm with the ALttP crowd.

Not only is this chronological, but it will give you a bigger appreciation on Ocarina of Time, and how increadibly "fitting" the switch to 3D was.

Also, seeing the Zelda style puzzles in 2D first will make for better enjoyment. Once you get used to the 3D world, the 2D will feel a bit easier.

ALttP without a doubt. The previous could be way to frustrating or dated if you're jumping into the series, but ALttP aged awesomely and is in my opinion still the best. After that, you can't really go wrong.

Also if possible, don't exclude gameboy games!

Definetly OoT. I don't know why, but I'm a Zelda fan, and ALttP never got me truly hooked. Sure, I _almost beat it, but I liked Zelda 4 and OoT much more. I've got nothing against MM, but its maybe not the best for your first Zelda game. Don't let the primative 3D graphics set you off, you'll hardly notice them once you're hooked.

Ocarina of time, it's more accessible to newcomers than Majora's Mask and not as challenging as A Link to the Past.

But you should download all three anyway.

I think you have convinced me to download "A Link to the Past".

@jwl then our job is done haha

Agreed on A Link to the Past as the ideal starting point. And as for Majora's Mask...if the Legend of Zelda were a meal, Majora's Mask would make for a tasty dessert.

If you can get your hands on Link's Awakening for the Gameboy, or it's Gameboy Color enhancement, then get that first. However if you're strictly limited to the VC games, play A Link to the Past, then the NES duo, then Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. It's definitely worth playing the best game last.

Chronologically is always the most logical way to play a series if you know you'll love it. But if you don't, you should take a stab at the more accessible / definitive / popular entries in the two series, 2D and 3D. A Link to the Past should be your first stop, followed by Ocarina of Time. Depending on which you like more, it should be obvious which titles to pick up next.

Well my advice is start with the ones on VC which your obviously doing so instead my advice to you is by following:

if you been around since 1980's start with Legend of Zelda on the NES/VC

If your a Pokemon fan or 16-bit fan start with a link to the past on SNES/VC

If you like 3D go with Ocarina of Time N64/VC (i myself started with this one)

However even do both Zelda 2 and Majora's Mask are awesome don't start with those since there squeals and more hard to master the their previes games, when you beat ocarina of Time then go to Majora's mask, same goes with Zelda 2 the adventure of link if you beat The legend of Zelda NES/VC.