Embark on an adventure in a kingdom facing a dark era. You control Link, a young boy on a quest to gather the scattered pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom and rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon. This game, first released in 1986, is known for its interconnected world design.

Your journey will span diverse environments, including forests, graveyards, plains, and deserts. Within these areas, you will discover hidden entrances to eight dungeons, each containing puzzles and enemies, and holding a fragment of the Triforce.

The Core Adventure

The gameplay involves exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players navigate the overworld, finding secrets, obtaining items, and determining the path forward. Acquired items are essential for progression, often enabling access to new areas or providing solutions to environmental challenges.

Combat is conducted in real-time, requiring the strategic use of a sword and other acquired tools to defeat enemies. The experience balances action with discovery and exploration.

Groundbreaking Mechanics

This title introduced several mechanics that influenced the adventure genre. It featured a freely explorable world from the beginning, a notable departure from more linear game structures of the time.

Additionally, the implementation of permanent power-ups allowed for the enhancement of Link's abilities throughout the game, facilitating access to previously unreachable locations. The inclusion of a battery save feature enabled players to retain their progress, allowing for longer play sessions.

Setting and Atmosphere

The game establishes an atmosphere of mystery and peril within the Kingdom of Hyrule, which is under threat. The player's actions are central to the kingdom's restoration. The world is filled with secrets, encouraging exploration and a sense of discovery.

What makes this game unique?

Its pioneering approach to open-world design and the integration of persistent character progression through power-ups are distinctive. The emphasis on player agency in exploration and the reward of discovering secrets contribute to its lasting appeal.

What is the main objective?

The primary objective is to collect the eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom, defeat the evil Ganon, and rescue Princess Zelda to restore peace to the Kingdom of Hyrule.

What platforms is it available on?

This game has been released on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, Family Computer, Family Computer Disk System, Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS.