“The Legend of Zelda” is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and is the first installment in the highly successful “Legend of Zelda” series.
In “The Legend of Zelda,” players assume the role of a young hero named Link, who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon to restore peace to the kingdom of Hyrule. The game takes place in a vast, open world filled with dungeons, puzzles, enemies, and secrets.
The Legend of Zelda Facts
- “The Legend of Zelda” was directed and designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, one of Nintendo’s most renowned game designers.
- It was released in Japan on February 21, 1986, and in North America on August 22, 1987.
- The game was originally planned to be a launch title for the Famicom Disk System, an expansion peripheral for the Nintendo Famicom (NES).
- It introduced the iconic protagonist Link, Princess Zelda, and the antagonist Ganon (also known as Ganondorf).
- “The Legend of Zelda” was one of the first video games to feature a non-linear, open-world exploration style, allowing players to explore the game’s world at their own pace.
- It was one of the first console games to have a battery-backed save system, enabling players to save their progress and continue their adventure from where they left off.
- The game’s gold cartridge, distinctive golden cartridge casing, added to its allure and made it stand out among other NES games.
- The game’s dungeons were designed to be challenging, each with its own unique theme, puzzles, and boss battles.
- “The Legend of Zelda” introduced the “Zelda Cycle,” a recurring theme in the series where the hero Link must rescue Princess Zelda and defeat Ganon.
- The game features an array of memorable items and weapons, including the Master Sword, the Boomerang, the Bow, and the iconic Hylian Shield.
- The famous “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this” line is spoken by an old man who gives Link his first sword at the beginning of the game.
- “The Legend of Zelda” is known for its captivating and atmospheric music composed by Koji Kondo, including the iconic overworld theme and the dungeon theme.
- It sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling NES games of all time.
- The game received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements.
- “The Legend of Zelda” was awarded the title of Game of the Year by numerous publications and is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made.
- The game was so successful that it spawned an entire franchise of “Legend of Zelda” games, including direct sequels, spin-offs, and remakes.
- It has been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, and the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- The “second quest” is an unlockable, more challenging version of the game that becomes available after completing the initial quest.
- “The Legend of Zelda” was included in the NES Classic Edition, a miniature console released by Nintendo in 2016, which featured a selection of classic NES games.
- The success of “The Legend of Zelda” paved the way for the evolution of the action-adventure genre and solidified Nintendo’s reputation as a leading developer of video games.
The Legend of Zelda Quotes
- It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.” – Old Man
- “It’s a secret to everybody.” – Old Man
- “Dodongo dislikes smoke.” – Old Man
- “It’s a secret to everybody.” – Moblin
- “Pay me for the door repair charge.” – Moblin
- “Many secrets lie outside the town walls.” – Old Man
- “Master using it and you can have this.” – Old Man
- “Grumble, grumble…” – Old Man
- “I found a mirror under the table.” – Old Man
- “I am Error.” – Error
The Legend of Zelda Gameplay Tips
- Explore Thoroughly: Take the time to thoroughly explore the world of Hyrule. Search every corner, burn bushes, and bomb walls to uncover hidden secrets, rupees, and items.
- Talk to NPCs: Interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) throughout the game. They often provide valuable hints, clues, and information about hidden locations or items.
- Gather Rupees: Collect rupees whenever you can. They serve as the game’s currency and are used to purchase items and upgrades from merchants.
- Obtain Items: Acquire various items and weapons throughout your adventure. These include the sword, bow, bombs, boomerang, and more. Each item has its unique use and can be essential for solving puzzles and defeating enemies.
- Use the Map and Compass: Make good use of the dungeon map and compass to navigate through the labyrinthine dungeons. They help you locate important items and guide you to the boss room.
- Bomb Walls: Look for cracked walls in dungeons and the overworld. Use bombs to reveal hidden rooms, secret passages, and shortcuts.
- Burn Bushes: Some bushes can be burned to reveal hidden entrances or secret items. Experiment with using the candle in various areas.
- Save Often: Take advantage of the game’s save feature. Save your progress frequently, especially after accomplishing significant milestones or before entering challenging areas.
- Level Up Your Health: Seek out Heart Containers and Pieces of Heart to increase your maximum health. These can be found in dungeons or hidden throughout the world.
- Pay Attention to Dungeon Patterns: Observe patterns in dungeon layouts to help solve puzzles. Look for recurring motifs or themes that can offer hints on how to progress.
- Use Secondary Weapons Strategically: Different enemies may be weak against certain weapons or items. Experiment with using secondary weapons like the boomerang, arrows, or bombs to your advantage.
- Explore at Different Times: Some events or characters may only appear at certain times of day or under specific conditions. Try exploring areas during different time periods to uncover new secrets.
- Use the Recorder: Utilize the Recorder in dungeons to uncover hidden passages and interact with certain objects. Play the Recorder near suspicious areas to reveal hidden staircases or reveal hidden monsters.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Study the attack patterns and movements of enemies to anticipate their actions and effectively dodge or counter-attack.
- Watch Your Health: Keep a close eye on your health meter and be prepared with potions or fairies to heal when necessary. Prevent unnecessary deaths by managing your health carefully.
The Legend of Zelda Walkthrough
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