Let me tell you, the OG Legend of Zelda is HARD!
It also is so SATISFYING!
From starting the game last week, I have died more times than in any Zelda game I have ever played before. All before the first dungeon. It’s direction in subtle: totally open for you to explore. I wandered and fought my way to the fifth dungeon in the game, before finding anything else. I couldn’t solve the puzzle or beat the enemies so I had to leave, swearing I would return to conquer it. Then I died.
And died.
And died.
I nearly busted out paper and pen to make a map so I could create a makeshift guide for Link. Then I downloaded this-
I’M SORRY! The original game was thought to be too difficult by Nintendo so they threw in a map with the cartridge! I figured I should have a map too. I use it to guide myself through the over world. This has not made the game easier. I am learning about the game and its design.
It marvels me that this game fit and SAVED on a NES cartridge. It has wonderful music and dungeon design. It is easy to see how this game inspired the latest Zelda game, A Link Between Worlds. The eShop version even suffers slow down like the original game should have on the NES.
I finally found the first dungeon and slashed my way through it’s dark corridors. I found a bow, but no arrows. What? No arrows? What. Da. Heck. Turned out I had to buy them from a merchant for 80 rupees. Sneaky Nintendo. I found that merchant on the other side of the over world and bought those arrows.
I finally made it to the to the boss in the dungeon, which was a DRAGON! I don’t recall dragons in Zelda games, but alright! I slaughtered the beast and claimed my prize— a piece of the Triforce.
Next, I went to dominate the second dungeon where I would face a familiar Zelda foe—Dodongo. Of course the giant dino-monster dislikes smoke. Armed with a few bombs I picked up (no bomb bag required!) I took care of Dodongo in a flash.
With 5 heart containers, I feel pretty invincible. Expect, I keep dying.
And dying.
And dying.
But alas! There is hope. I am slowly learning enemy patterns and becoming familiar with the immediate over world next to the one spawn point. My skills with enemies are improving. D-pad navigation is slick. I will beat this game. Now on to the third dungeon!
Keep an eye out for my next summary post on my Legend of Zelda journey, next Friday!
Not sure what in the world I am talking about? Check out my Legend of Zelda themed gaming resolution here! Make sure to follow along here on Go Left Gaming to keep up with my quest to save Hyrule 8 times!