Legend of Zelda Series (1986-2000) Japanese Packaging Translations

Legend of Zelda, The (2.21.86) & Adventure of Link (1.14.87)

While possessing beautiful and adventure evoking artwork, there's little to be translated except for the names of both titles. As a rule, Famicom Disk System games only contained text detailing how to load the disk into the system. 

Legend of Zelda, The (Famicom Cartridge) (2.19.94)

Along with Castlevania, in Japan the original Zelda got a cartridge port much later on in the system's life. Interesting how they were specifically marketing it towards those who had an interest in Link to the Past, but may not have access to a Super Famicom just yet. For the Famicom boxart, we get better view of the gorgeous artwork. It was really neat how when Breath of the Wild first came out, people were posting this artwork and suggesting that it finally lived up to the original vision...

 

(Images taken from MobyGames (Contributed by user: Michael Cassidy)

The disk version of "The Legend of Zelda" has been revitalized on Famicom cassettes!!

"The Legend of Zelda" went on sale in 1986 as part of the first wave of Disk System software. Since then, the game has won over many fans, continuing with the release of the sequels "The Adventure of Link" and the Super Famicom version of "The Legend of Zelda". This is the first game in the series, "The Legend of Zelda," transferred from the disk system to a ROM cassette. For those without the disk system interested in the playing the prequel to the Super Famicom release, by all means, please give it a try!

Legend of Zelda, The: A Link to the Past / Triforce of the Gods (SNES / Super Famicom) (11.21.91)

The entire sub-title was changed for the west in order to avoid any religious connotations. Beautiful artwork featuring Link deep in the Lost Woods.  As a kid, what an incredible moment it was to pull the Master Sword out from its platform for the first time...

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by users “celljr89" and "Mr_Big_Boss")

The masterpiece [The Legend of Zelda] has been resurrected on the Super Famicom.

The Legend of Zelda
Triforce of the Gods

This time, the stage for Link's actions take place in an age further back in the past, when Hyrule was still a single Kingdom. Run, collide, carry, throw. Press, pull, swim, swing your sword...
You have the freedom to move all throughout the land of Hyrule. Once you get a hold of the golden power (the Triforce), you will then become the legendary hero.

Realtime
Action
Adventure

Legend of Zelda, The: Link's Awakening / The Island Seen in Dreams (Game Boy) (6.6.93)

The Zelda series gets some rather light hearted artwork for its Game Boy debut. Another game to get a major sub-title change upon localization. Throwing away any doubts of the Game Boy's ability to handle a Zelda, the description on the back goes so far to say that this surpasses the 16-bit version!

A new legend...from the island of the south!

The action adventure masterpiece (The Legend of Zelda) returns on the Game Boy! Using a refinement of the system seen in the Super Famicom version, new items, actions and map functions have been added, making the latest edition to the series even more complete. On the far off southern island, experience a rather mysterious riddle that must be solved. Once again, “Zelda” doesn't stop!

Legend of Zelda, The: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64) (11.21.98)

The otherworldly image of a negative flame is the perfect encapsulation of how impactful Zelda: OOT was for the entire industry. While it lacked the emphasis on action I preferred in the previous titles, exploring the first 3D iteration of Hyrule was indeed magical back in the late 90s.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by Guard_Master, odino, and RFH.)

In the vast land of Hyrule, fate has been entrusted to a single boy. Guided by the sounds of the Ocarina, Link's adventure begins!

Set in the land of Hyrule, where the descendants of the Gods were said to live. In that land, a legend has been passed down of an evil thief names Ganondorf, who tries to obtain the power within the Triforce. The legend also tells of people chosen to stop him...none other than Link and Princess Zelda!

Going from boy to a young man, and also young man back to a boy...guided by a musical instrument concealing magic 'The Ocarina of Time,' Link continues through a mysterious adventure in which he travels back and forth through a 7 year span.

Beautiful 3D spaces display a tangible feeling of light and darkness. Monsters dramatically move and attack with realistic movements. Also, utilize a variety of actions during battles. Solving deep puzzles distinctive to the Zelda series...now is the time for YOU to feel the experience!

Legend of Zelda, The: Link's Awakening / The Island Seen in Dreams DX (12.12.98)

So good, they remade it twice! Nintendo must have assumed most buyers were double dipping, as the text on the back contains a cryptic but significant spoiler.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

Now, a new legend awakens.

Heading towards Hyrule, halfway through his sea voyage, Link is swallowed up by a storm and is washed ashore...

Where a God called the 'Wind Fish' slumbers...what a mysterious island that was!

Made compatible with the Game Boy Color, new mysteries and gameplay elements have been added. When journeying to the 'Island of Dreams,' you'll find yourself departing as well.

Legend of Zelda, The: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64) (4.27.00)

The colorful, yet sinister box packaging features a beckoning sales pitch. The beginning of the game is unbelievably stressful for a Zelda title, but once you get your ocarina back a truly wonderful adventure begins.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by RFH, odino, and prominos)

Link has wandered his way into a world...over there...it's a world that ends in three days.

Link has wandered his way into a mysterious world. There, the world shall be decimated when the moon comes crashing down in three days. Within this limited time frame, Link encounters the world's inhabitants going about their daily lives, attempting to discover whatever he can from them. There, you'll embark on a new adventure, be taken aback by the scenery, and perhaps even change the fate of the world.

Masks are what hold the key to this world. There are masks all throughout. A mysterious power resides within them. Those who don a mask shall have their form completely changed. Not only their form, but their abilities will completely transform. As this world enveloped in mystery unfolds, the tale revolving around masks begins, begins...