Difference between revisions of "The Legend of Zelda"

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[[Image:Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA.jpg|thumb|256x256px|North American box art.]]
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{{Video Game
 +
| Title            = The Legend of Zelda
 +
| SortTitle        = Legend of Zelda, The
 +
| Image           = Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA.jpg
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| ImageDescription = NES - USA - 1st edition.
 +
| Developer        = {{VideoGameDeveloper|Nintendo}}
 +
| Publisher        = {{VideoGamePublisher|Nintendo}}
 +
| PublishedYear    = 1986
 +
| PublishedMonth  = 02
 +
| PublishedDay    = 21
 +
| Platforms        = {{Platform|Famicom Disk System}}, {{Platform|NES}}
 +
| Genres          = {{VideoGameGenre|Action video game|Action}}, {{VideoGameGenre|Adventure video game|Adventure}}, {{VideoGameGenre|Exploration video game|Exploration}}, {{VideoGameGenre|Metroidvania|Metroidvania}}
 +
| Themes          = {{MediaTheme|Adventure}}, {{MediaTheme|Fantasy}}
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| Series          = ''[[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|The Legend of Zelda]]''
 +
| Distributions    = {{VideoGameDistribution|Commercial}}
 +
}}
  
'''''The Legend of Zelda''''' is an adventure action game developed and published by [[Nintendo]] and released on the [[Famicom Disk System]] on 1986-02-21, then ported to [[NES]] on 1987-08-22 for release in other countries. It is the very first game in the [[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|Zelda series]]. In the game, an evil wizard named Gannon used a powerful artifact called the Triforce of Power to kidnap the princess of the land of Hyrule, Zelda, and spread his evil minions across the realm. You play an elfin boy named Link who must collect the 8 pieces of a second artifact called the Triforce of Wisdom, as well as many other weapons and items, to become strong enough to defeat Gannon.
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'''''The Legend of Zelda''''' is an adventure action game developed and published by [[Nintendo]] and released on the [[Famicom Disk System]] on 1986-02-21, then ported to [[NES]] on 1987-08-22 for release in other countries. It is the very first game in the [[The Legend of Zelda (universe)|''Zelda'' series]].
  
I first played this game in the late 1980s when my brother borrowed it from his friend who lived down the street. My brother accidentally deleted the boy's near-complete save game file, and we struggled to get all his items back before having to return it to him. Later, we ended up getting our own cart, and it quickly became one of our favorites. We used help from ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' and ''[[The Official Nintendo Player's Guide]]'' to get details about the game, and I painstakingly burned and bombed nearly every title in the game to uncover its secrets. As we reached the end of the game, I faked being sick so I could stay home from school and keep playing. I was able to find the last heart container and the red ring, but I didn't get to Gannon. My brother beat it first, showed me how it was done, and then I was able to beat it too. The second quest took a lot longer because several of the puzzles were more complicated, but I did end up beating it too.
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In the game, an evil wizard named Gannon used a powerful artifact called the Triforce of Power to kidnap, Zelda, the princess of the land of Hyrule, and spread his evil minions across the realm. You play an elfin boy named Link who must collect the eight pieces of a second artifact called the Triforce of Wisdom, as well as many other weapons and items, to become strong enough to defeat Gannon.
 +
 
 +
==Personal==
 +
{{VideoGameStatus
 +
| Own      = Yes. I own five US NES copies of this game including one original 5-screw gold cart, three 3-screw gold carts with round seals, and the gray cart. I also have a rev-A box with round seal, three manuals (NES-ZL-USA-I★, NES-ZL-USA-2, and one missing the cover, but I think it's NES-ZL-USA-I), and two maps.
 +
| CantOwn  =
 +
| Won      = Yes. I have beaten the US version many times with 100% completion. I've beaten the second quest with 100% completion. Prior to the Internet, I hand-mapped nearly every bomb/burn site for both quests. I've also beaten the first quest of the FDS.
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| CantWin  =
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| Finished = NES: Around 1990 / FDS: 2024-02-01.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
I first played this game in the late 1980s when my brother borrowed it from his friend who lived down the street. My brother accidentally deleted the boy's near-complete save game file, and we struggled to get all his items back before having to return it to him. Later, we ended up getting our own cart, and it quickly became one of our favorites. We used help from ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' and ''[[The Official Nintendo Player's Guide]]'' to get details about the game, and I painstakingly burned and bombed nearly every title in the game to uncover its secrets. As we reached the end of the game, I faked being sick so I could stay home from school and keep playing. I was able to find the last heart container and the red ring, but I didn't get to Gannon. My brother beat it first, showed me how it was done, and then I was able to beat it too. The second quest took a lot longer because several of the puzzles were more complicated, but I did end up beating it too. In my 40s, wanting to learn more about the FDS, I beat the Japanese original.
  
 
It is my second favorite Zelda game, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]'', being my favorite.
 
It is my second favorite Zelda game, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]'', being my favorite.
  
==Status==
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==Review==
I own the original gold cart, the revised gold cart, and the gray cart. I have beaten the game many times with 100% completion. I've beaten the second quest with 100% completion. I once hand-mapped nearly every bomb/burn site for both quests.
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{{Video Game Review|8|7|6|7|10|NES}}
  
==Review==
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{{Spoilers}}
{{Video Game Review|9|7|6|6|10|76%|NES}}
 
  
 
===Good===
 
===Good===
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* Despite having very little space for music, [[Koji Kondo]] managed to fit memorable songs that don't become annoying; the title music is especially good. Kondo also made good use of environmental sound effects like the crash of the ocean on the shore and the monster roar when a boss is nearby.
 
* Despite having very little space for music, [[Koji Kondo]] managed to fit memorable songs that don't become annoying; the title music is especially good. Kondo also made good use of environmental sound effects like the crash of the ocean on the shore and the monster roar when a boss is nearby.
 
* The slow progression of items you can buy and through the exploration of dungeons keeps the game fresh the whole time.
 
* The slow progression of items you can buy and through the exploration of dungeons keeps the game fresh the whole time.
* I like how the underworld monsters are more sinister and gruesome than the over world monsters.
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* I like how the underworld monsters are more sinister and gruesome than the over world monsters. It was also a good design decision to give each dungeon a primary monster type to help give them character, and to have the type become more difficult as the game progresses. The switch from water to blood/lava as you reach underworld 5 was a nice touch as well.
* Even without the second quest, the game is wonderful. The addition of an entirely new underworld was delicious icing on the cake.
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* Even without the second quest, the game is wonderful. The addition of an entirely new underworld was icing on the cake.
* The manual is very well-made, and the inclusion of a partial map was a great help.
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* The manual is very well-made, and the inclusion of a partial map was a great help. I also love how they hired someone to create a clay model of Hyrule just for a background photo!
* Coloring the game cartridge metallic gold was icing on the cake.
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* Coloring the game cartridge metallic gold was a nice touch.
 +
* In order to prevent him from blending into the background, Link's sprite palette actually changes in certain underworlds. The designers were wise to do this.
  
 
===Bad===
 
===Bad===
* The game requires a lot of trial and error to find all the hidden rooms and treasures. Thankfully, the vast majority of these are optional.
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* The game requires a lot of trial and error to find all the hidden rooms and treasures, and the cryptic hints from the Hyrulians aren't all that helpful. Thankfully, the vast majority of these are optional.
 
* I wish there were more red/blue versions of the various enemies, items, etc. This seems like an untapped area. For example, there are no blue Like-Likes, red Wall Masters, Red Gibdos, or Red Manhandlas. Some of them are backward was as well, like the Red Tektites being harder to kill than the blue.
 
* I wish there were more red/blue versions of the various enemies, items, etc. This seems like an untapped area. For example, there are no blue Like-Likes, red Wall Masters, Red Gibdos, or Red Manhandlas. Some of them are backward was as well, like the Red Tektites being harder to kill than the blue.
 
* Unless you're familiar with Japanese mythology, a lot of the monsters will seem particularly unusual and abstract.
 
* Unless you're familiar with Japanese mythology, a lot of the monsters will seem particularly unusual and abstract.
 
* The "Pay me for the door repair charge" annoyingly punishes you for exploring.
 
* The "Pay me for the door repair charge" annoyingly punishes you for exploring.
 
* Some of the items seem to be poorly placed like when you get boomerangs from both the first and second dungeons. Although this may have been on purpose to introduce the idea of upgrading items early on.
 
* Some of the items seem to be poorly placed like when you get boomerangs from both the first and second dungeons. Although this may have been on purpose to introduce the idea of upgrading items early on.
 +
* There is noticeable slowdown when a lot of sprites are on the screen at once.
 
* Dungeon 7 is particularly out of place with a, by then, sissy Aquamentus for a boss, and the red candle for a treasure.
 
* Dungeon 7 is particularly out of place with a, by then, sissy Aquamentus for a boss, and the red candle for a treasure.
 
* In one of the second quest dungeons, it is possible to become trapped in a couple rooms closed off by a shutter door, and, if you don't have any bombs, you need to reset the game.
 
* In one of the second quest dungeons, it is possible to become trapped in a couple rooms closed off by a shutter door, and, if you don't have any bombs, you need to reset the game.
  
 
===Ugly===
 
===Ugly===
* Nothing. This game is sheer brilliance.
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* There is very little in the game to keep you on track. Dungeons usually feature a cryptic hint to get you to the next one, and sometimes you can buy hints from old ladies, but, unless you have a hint guide, you'll be lost a lost, especially in the second quest. At least the manual and map that comes with the game gives you a decent start.
  
 
==Media==
 
==Media==
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<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan.jpg|The original Famicom Disk System box features a cartoon Link in front of an aerial painting of Hyrule. Although the red lettering doesn't fit, the empty Triforce mold is a nice addition.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan.png|The original Famicom Disk System box features a cartoon Link in front of an aerial painting of Hyrule. Although the red lettering doesn't fit, the empty Triforce mold is a nice addition.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA.jpg|The North American box is a fairly plain gold box with a metallic coat of arms. A part of the coat of arms is cut out to reveal the golden cartridge inside. This was a great marketing decision. The typeface of the "ZELDA" logo is Zapf International Demi.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA.jpg|The North American box is a fairly plain gold box with a metallic coat of arms. A part of the coat of arms is cut out to reveal the golden cartridge inside. This was a great marketing decision. The third release did not have the window because the cartridge was gray. The typeface of the "ZELDA" logo is Zapf International Demi.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA - Back.jpg|The screenshots in back of the US box use the original thin Japanese typeface.
 
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Japan.jpg|The Japanese release for the Famicom uses the same box as the FDS, only with more of the art visible and a dark cyan backdrop.
 
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Japan.jpg|The Japanese release for the Famicom uses the same box as the FDS, only with more of the art visible and a dark cyan backdrop.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Gold Cartridge.jpg|The North American release featured a shiny metallic gold cartridge. This really made the game unique compared to the dull gray carts, and gave the game a psychological uniqueness. It made me happy just to look at it.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA - Emblem.png|The emblem of the US reprint box.
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</gallery>
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===Game Media===
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<gallery>
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Disk - A.jpg|Famicom Disk System - Japan - Disk - Side A.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Disk - B.jpg|Famicom Disk System - Japan - Disk - Side B.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Gold Cartridge.jpg|NES - USA - Cartridge - Metallic gold. This really made the game unique compared to the dull gray carts, and gave the game a psychological uniqueness. It made me happy just to look at it.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Game Board.jpg|NES - USA - Cartridge - Internal circuit board.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===Documentation===
 
===Documentation===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA - Manual.pdf|Manual, USA.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Manual - Cover.jpg|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Instruction Booklet|Legend of Zelda: The Hyrule Fantasy]]'' - Manual - Japan.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA - Manual - Revision.pdf|Manual, USA - Revision.
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Legend of Zelda, The - Instruction Booklet - Booklet - USA - 1st Edition.jpg|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Instruction Booklet]]'' - Manual - USA.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA - Manual - Digital.pdf|Manual, USA - Digital.
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Legend of Zelda, The - GBA - USA - Manual.pdf|Manual - Game Boy Advance - USA.
Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Manual.pdf|Manual, Japan.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA - Map.pdf|Map - USA.
Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Manual - Digital.pdf|Manual, Japan - Digital.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Poster - Front.jpg|Poster - FDS - Japan - Front.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - France - Manual.pdf|Manual, France.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Poster - Back.jpg|Poster - FDS - Japan - Back.
Legend of Zelda - In-box Map.jpg|The map that came with the game.
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Tips & Tactics - Legend of Zelda, The - Paperback - USA.jpg|''[[Tips & Tactics: The Legend of Zelda]]''.
Legend of Zelda - NES - Tips & Tactics.pdf|Tips & Tactics hint guide.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 007.jpg|''[[The Official Nintendo Player's Guide]]'', part 1.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 007.jpg|[[The Official Nintendo Player's Guide]], part 1.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 008.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', part 2.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 008.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, part 2.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 009.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', part 3.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 009.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, part 3.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 010.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', part 4.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 010.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, part 4.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 011-012.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', part 5.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 011-012.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, part 5.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 013.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', part 6.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 013.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, part 6.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 014.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', part 7.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 014.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, part 7.
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Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 127.jpg|''The Official Nintendo Player's Guide'', blurb.
Official Nintendo Player's Guide - 127.jpg|The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, blurb.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 026-027.jpg|''[[Nintendo Power]]'', 1988-06 - 2nd Quest, part 1.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 026-027.jpg|[[Nintendo Power]], June, 1986, 2nd Quest, part 1.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 028-029.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-06 - 2nd Quest, part 2.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 028-029.jpg|Nintendo Power, June, 1986, 2nd Quest, part 2.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 030-031.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-06 - 2nd Quest, part 3.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 030-031.jpg|Nintendo Power, June, 1986, 2nd Quest, part 3.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 032-033.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-06 - 2nd Quest, part 4.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 032-033.jpg|Nintendo Power, June, 1986, 2nd Quest, part 4.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 034.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-06 - 2nd Quest, part 5.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 034.jpg|Nintendo Power, June, 1986, 2nd Quest, part 5.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 035-037.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-06 - 2nd Quest, part 6.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 035-037.jpg|Nintendo Power, June, 1986, 2nd Quest, part 6.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 054-055.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-06 - levels 8 and 9.
Nintendo Power - 1988-06 - 054-055.jpg|Nintendo Power, June, 1986, levels 8 and 9.
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Nintendo Power - 1988-09 - 064-065.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1988-09, locations.
Nintendo Power - 1988-09 - 064-065.jpg|Nintendo Power, September, 1986, locations.
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Nintendo Power - 1989-01 - 050-051.jpg|''Nintendo Power'', 1989-01 - Counselor's Corner.
Nintendo Fun Club - 1987-Q2 - 01.jpg|[[Nintendo Fun Club]], 1986-Q2 - Description.
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Nintendo Fun Club - 1987-Q2 - 01.jpg|''[[Nintendo Fun Club]]'', 1987-Q2 - Description.
Nintendo Fun Club - 1987-Q2 - 07.jpg|Nintendo Fun Club, 1986-Q2 - Contest.
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Nintendo Fun Club - 1987-Q2 - 07.jpg|''Nintendo Fun Club'', 1987-Q2 - Contest.
Nintendo Fun Club - 1988-06-01 - 12.jpg|Nintendo Fun Club, 1988-06 - Tricks.
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Nintendo Fun Club - 1988-06-01 - 12.jpg|''Nintendo Fun Club'', 1988-06 - Tips and Tricks.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Ad (Japan).jpg|Famicom Disk System advert.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Winning Book Series 1.pdf|''Winning Book Series 1'' - Japanese hint book.
Legends of Localization - Chapter 1 - Legend of Zelda, The.pdf|Legends of Localization.
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Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Collection of Secret Tricks 1.pdf|''Collection of Secret Tricks 1'' - Japanese hint book.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - FDS - Japan - Collection of Secret Tricks 2.pdf|''Collection of Secret Tricks 2'' - Japanese hint book.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - Shogakukan - 2nd Grade - 1986-07.pdf|Japanese hint book.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Hint Book - Urawaza Taizenshu.jpg|''Urawaza Taizenshu'' hint book.
 +
Legends of Localization - Chapter 1 - Legend of Zelda, The.pdf|''Legends of Localization''.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Graphics===
 +
<gallery>
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Palette Swap Artifact.png|[[Palette swap|Palette swapping]] link's tunic causes an undesired artifact.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/historyofhyrule/albums/72157629221232021 flickr.com/photos/historyofhyrule/albums/72157629221232021] - Official published art.
 +
* [https://www.spriters-resource.com/nes/legendofzelda spriters-resource.com/nes/legendofzelda] - Graphics.
  
 
===Screenshots===
 
===Screenshots===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Screenshot - Title.png|Title screen.
 
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Screenshot - Title.png|Title screen.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Screenshot - Secret to Everybody - 100.png|Getting 100 rupees.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Screenshot - Invulnerable.png|When Link gets a magic clock, he remains [[Invincibility (video game terminology)|invulnerable]] until he leaves the room.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Screenshot - Dead.png|Watch your hearts or you'll wind up dead!
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Screenshot - Game Over.png|The game over screen.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
===Design Notes===
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===Design Documents===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 1.jpg|Dungeon layout?
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Overworld.jpg|Overworld.
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 2.jpg|Sprite memory layout.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Overworld - Labeled.jpg|Overworld map.
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 3.jpg|Unused dungeon entrance screen.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Overworld - Labeled - Translated.jpg|Overworld map (translated).
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 4.jpg|Early over world map.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Overworld room layouts.jpg|Overworld room layouts.
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 5.jpg|2nd quest, dungeon layout 1.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Overworld map objects.jpg|Overworld map objects.
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 6.jpg|2nd quest, dungeon layout 2.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Room layouts.jpg|Overworld rooms, and wallmaster room with unused monster.
Legend of Zelda - NES - Design Notes - 7.jpg|Dungeon time line?.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Secret passage.jpg|Secret passage room layout ([[Takashi Tezuka]]'s alias is seen).
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Notes 8.jpg|Underworld room.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Secret passage - Overlay.gif|Secret passage compared to actual game.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Notes 9.jpg|Over world rooms.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Early control scheme.jpg|Scrapped control scheme.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Notes 10.jpg|Over world rooms, and wallmaster room with unused monster.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworld entrance.jpg|Scrapped underworld entrance.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Notes 11.jpg|Over world room objects.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworld entrance - Translated.jpg|Scrapped underworld entrance (translated).
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Notes 12.gif|Ganon's room compared with finished product. [[Takashi Tezuka]]'s alias is on this one.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworlds - First quest.jpg|Underworld maps - first quest.
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Notes 13.gif|Shortcut room compared with finished product. [[Takashi Tezuka]]'s name is on this one.
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Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworlds - First quest - Detail.jpg|Underworld maps - first quest - detail.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworlds - Second quest.jpg|Underworld maps - second quest.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworlds.jpg|Underworlds.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworld floors.jpg|Scrapped underworld floor system.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Underworld room.jpg|Underworld room layout.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Triforce room layout.jpg|Triforce room layout.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Ganon room.jpg|Ganon room layout ([[Takashi Tezuka]]'s alias is seen).
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Ganon room - Overlay.gif|Ganon room compared to actual game.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Monsters 1.jpg|Monsters.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Monsters 2.jpg|Monsters.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Monster drops.jpg|Monster item drop information.
 +
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - Design Document - Character ROM layout.jpg|Character ROM layout.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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Legend of Zelda - Deimos-Remus - 30 Year Anniversary Poster.jpg|30 Year Anniversary Poster by Deimos-Remus.
 
Legend of Zelda - Deimos-Remus - 30 Year Anniversary Poster.jpg|30 Year Anniversary Poster by Deimos-Remus.
 
Legend of Zelda - NES - Fan Art - Deimos-Remus.jpg|Fan art advert by Deimos-Remus.
 
Legend of Zelda - NES - Fan Art - Deimos-Remus.jpg|Fan art advert by Deimos-Remus.
 +
Safely Endangered - It's Dangerous to Go Alone.png|''[[Safely Endangered]]'' comic.
 
Honest Video Game Titles - Legend of Zelda, The.jpg|Honest title.
 
Honest Video Game Titles - Legend of Zelda, The.jpg|Honest title.
 
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - CGA Mockup.png|[[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]] mockup.
 
Legend of Zelda, The - NES - CGA Mockup.png|[[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]] mockup.
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===Videos===
 
===Videos===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7zx-9jDaOk youtube.com/watch?v=W7zx-9jDaOk] - Review, NES Works.
+
{{YouTube|xo2614GbiHE|NESComplex.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OjzYePQuJE youtube.com/watch?v=5OjzYePQuJE] - Review, Implant Games.
+
{{YouTube|W7zx-9jDaOk|Review, NES Works.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj9u00PMkYU youtube.com/watch?v=fj9u00PMkYU] - Game exploit explanation.
+
{{YouTube|5OjzYePQuJE|Review, Implant Games.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ6hgzzk_o8 youtube.com/watch?v=RQ6hgzzk_o8] - Longplay, USA, 1st quest.
+
{{YouTube|bieAKgV4TFs|Regional differences.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG8lVuLs9EY youtube.com/watch?v=tG8lVuLs9EY] - Longplay, USA, 2nd quest.
+
{{YouTube|LsrBH2wzJSw|Cut content.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z59aFzS80c youtube.com/watch?v=2Z59aFzS80c] - Longplay, Japan, 1st quest
+
{{YouTube|e1DgzwNpJiQ|Making of.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjZPNfx5SYk youtube.com/watch?v=KjZPNfx5SYk] - Longplay, Japan, 2nd quest.
+
{{YouTube|KXQ2Z3AKfKA|Obscure facts.}}
 +
{{YouTube|FBk-QkzMeIk|Collision code.}}
 +
{{YouTube|qTjA9cDry2Y|Drop code.}}
 +
{{YouTube|kDluReuJDOk|Speedrun progression.}}
 +
{{YouTube|PpXdhCiyFUc|Is it ever necessary to buy keys?}}
 +
{{YouTube|RQ6hgzzk_o8|Longplay, USA, 1st quest.}}
 +
{{YouTube|tG8lVuLs9EY|Longplay, USA, 2nd quest.}}
 +
{{YouTube|2Z59aFzS80c|Longplay, Japan, 1st quest.}}
 +
{{YouTube|KjZPNfx5SYk|Longplay, Japan, 2nd quest.}}
 +
 
 +
==Play Online==
 +
{{PlayOnline|https://www.retrogames.cc/fds-games/zelda-no-densetsu-the-hyrule-fantasy-japan-rev-1.html|Famicom Disk System}}
 +
 
 +
==Representation==
 +
{{Representation
 +
| Media                      = Video games
 +
| StrongFemaleCharacterStatus = Fail
 +
| StrongFemaleCharacterNotes  = None of the women are strong.
 +
| BechdelTestStatus          = Fail
 +
| BechdelTestNotes            = There are women, but they never talk to each other.
 +
| StrongPOCCharacterStatus    = Fail
 +
| StrongPOCCharacterNotes    = Nobody is human.
 +
| QueerCharacterStatus        = Fail
 +
| QueerCharacterNotes        = There are no queer characters.
 +
}}
  
 
==Credits==
 
==Credits==
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| English || The Legend of Zelda || ||  
 
| English || The Legend of Zelda || ||  
 
|-
 
|-
| Japanese || ルダの伝説ゼ THE HYRULE FANTASY || Zeruda no Densetsu Za Hairaru Fantaji || Legend of Zelda: The Hyrule Fantasy
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| Japanese || ゼルダの伝説ゼ THE HYRULE FANTASY || Zeruda no Densetsu Za Hairaru Fantaji || Legend of Zelda: The Hyrule Fantasy
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{{Link|MobyGames|http://www.mobygames.com/game/legend-of-zelda}}
 
{{Link|MobyGames|http://www.mobygames.com/game/legend-of-zelda}}
 
{{Link|Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda_(video_game)}}
 
{{Link|Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda_(video_game)}}
 +
{{Link|StrategyWiki|https://strategywiki.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda}}
 
{{Link|VGMPF|2=http://www.vgmpf.com/Wiki/index.php/The_Legend_of_Zelda_(NES)}}
 
{{Link|VGMPF|2=http://www.vgmpf.com/Wiki/index.php/The_Legend_of_Zelda_(NES)}}
{{Link|NESHacker|2=http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Games/Hacking/Wiki/index.php/The_Legend_of_Zelda}}
+
{{Link|ROMDetectives|2=http://www.romdetectives.com/Wiki/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda_(NES)}}
 
{{Link|TCRF|https://tcrf.net/The_Legend_of_Zelda}}
 
{{Link|TCRF|https://tcrf.net/The_Legend_of_Zelda}}
 +
{{Link|TVTropes|https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaI}}
  
 
* [https://www.zeldadungeon.net/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda zeldadungeon.net/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda] - Zelda Dungeon.
 
* [https://www.zeldadungeon.net/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda zeldadungeon.net/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda] - Zelda Dungeon.
  
  
[[Category: Games|Legend of Zelda, The]]
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[[Category: Video Game Prime Order - Adventure, Action, Strategy]]
[[Category: Video Games|Legend of Zelda, The]]
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[[Category: Favorite]]
[[Category: NES Games|Legend of Zelda, The]]
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[[Category: Favorite Games]]
[[Category: Famicom Disk System Games|Legend of Zelda, The]]
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[[Category: Trope - Damsel In Distress]]
[[Category: Action|Legend of Zelda, The]]
 
[[Category: Adventure|Legend of Zelda, The]]
 
[[Category: Games I've Beaten|Legend of Zelda, The]]
 
[[Category: Favorite|Legend of Zelda, The]]
 
[[Category: Favorite Games|Legend of Zelda, The]]
 
[[Category: Fantasy|Legend of Zelda, The]]
 

Latest revision as of 16:26, 7 March 2024

The Legend of Zelda

Legend of Zelda, The - NES - USA.jpg

NES - USA - 1st edition.

Developer Nintendo
Publisher Nintendo
Published 1986-02-21
Platforms Famicom Disk System, NES
Genres Action, Adventure, Exploration, Metroidvania
Themes Adventure, Fantasy
Series The Legend of Zelda
Distribution Commercial

The Legend of Zelda is an adventure action game developed and published by Nintendo and released on the Famicom Disk System on 1986-02-21, then ported to NES on 1987-08-22 for release in other countries. It is the very first game in the Zelda series.

In the game, an evil wizard named Gannon used a powerful artifact called the Triforce of Power to kidnap, Zelda, the princess of the land of Hyrule, and spread his evil minions across the realm. You play an elfin boy named Link who must collect the eight pieces of a second artifact called the Triforce of Wisdom, as well as many other weapons and items, to become strong enough to defeat Gannon.

Personal

Own?Yes. I own five US NES copies of this game including one original 5-screw gold cart, three 3-screw gold carts with round seals, and the gray cart. I also have a rev-A box with round seal, three manuals (NES-ZL-USA-I★, NES-ZL-USA-2, and one missing the cover, but I think it's NES-ZL-USA-I), and two maps.
Won?Yes. I have beaten the US version many times with 100% completion. I've beaten the second quest with 100% completion. Prior to the Internet, I hand-mapped nearly every bomb/burn site for both quests. I've also beaten the first quest of the FDS.
FinishedNES: Around 1990 / FDS: 2024-02-01.

I first played this game in the late 1980s when my brother borrowed it from his friend who lived down the street. My brother accidentally deleted the boy's near-complete save game file, and we struggled to get all his items back before having to return it to him. Later, we ended up getting our own cart, and it quickly became one of our favorites. We used help from Nintendo Power and The Official Nintendo Player's Guide to get details about the game, and I painstakingly burned and bombed nearly every title in the game to uncover its secrets. As we reached the end of the game, I faked being sick so I could stay home from school and keep playing. I was able to find the last heart container and the red ring, but I didn't get to Gannon. My brother beat it first, showed me how it was done, and then I was able to beat it too. The second quest took a lot longer because several of the puzzles were more complicated, but I did end up beating it too. In my 40s, wanting to learn more about the FDS, I beat the Japanese original.

It is my second favorite Zelda game, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, being my favorite.

Review

Video Game Review Icon - Enjoyment.png Video Game Review Icon - Control.png Video Game Review Icon - Appearance.png Video Game Review Icon - Sound.png Video Game Review Icon - Replayability.png
8 7 6 7 10

Best Version: NES

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

  • Considering the constraints of the media, there is an unbelievable amount of game here! Fitting everything into 64K was a serious feat of engineering.
  • The game has pretty nice graphics considering the limitations of the NES.
  • Despite having very little space for music, Koji Kondo managed to fit memorable songs that don't become annoying; the title music is especially good. Kondo also made good use of environmental sound effects like the crash of the ocean on the shore and the monster roar when a boss is nearby.
  • The slow progression of items you can buy and through the exploration of dungeons keeps the game fresh the whole time.
  • I like how the underworld monsters are more sinister and gruesome than the over world monsters. It was also a good design decision to give each dungeon a primary monster type to help give them character, and to have the type become more difficult as the game progresses. The switch from water to blood/lava as you reach underworld 5 was a nice touch as well.
  • Even without the second quest, the game is wonderful. The addition of an entirely new underworld was icing on the cake.
  • The manual is very well-made, and the inclusion of a partial map was a great help. I also love how they hired someone to create a clay model of Hyrule just for a background photo!
  • Coloring the game cartridge metallic gold was a nice touch.
  • In order to prevent him from blending into the background, Link's sprite palette actually changes in certain underworlds. The designers were wise to do this.

Bad

  • The game requires a lot of trial and error to find all the hidden rooms and treasures, and the cryptic hints from the Hyrulians aren't all that helpful. Thankfully, the vast majority of these are optional.
  • I wish there were more red/blue versions of the various enemies, items, etc. This seems like an untapped area. For example, there are no blue Like-Likes, red Wall Masters, Red Gibdos, or Red Manhandlas. Some of them are backward was as well, like the Red Tektites being harder to kill than the blue.
  • Unless you're familiar with Japanese mythology, a lot of the monsters will seem particularly unusual and abstract.
  • The "Pay me for the door repair charge" annoyingly punishes you for exploring.
  • Some of the items seem to be poorly placed like when you get boomerangs from both the first and second dungeons. Although this may have been on purpose to introduce the idea of upgrading items early on.
  • There is noticeable slowdown when a lot of sprites are on the screen at once.
  • Dungeon 7 is particularly out of place with a, by then, sissy Aquamentus for a boss, and the red candle for a treasure.
  • In one of the second quest dungeons, it is possible to become trapped in a couple rooms closed off by a shutter door, and, if you don't have any bombs, you need to reset the game.

Ugly

  • There is very little in the game to keep you on track. Dungeons usually feature a cryptic hint to get you to the next one, and sometimes you can buy hints from old ladies, but, unless you have a hint guide, you'll be lost a lost, especially in the second quest. At least the manual and map that comes with the game gives you a decent start.

Media

Box Art

I'm not a huge fan of any of the boxes. The Japanese art is a bit primitive, and, while I like the design of the North American art, it's a little too simplistic.

Game Media

Documentation

Graphics

Screenshots

Design Documents

Maps

Fan Art

Videos

NESComplex.
Review, NES Works.
Review, Implant Games.
Regional differences.
Cut content.
Making of.
Obscure facts.
Collision code.
Drop code.
Speedrun progression.
Is it ever necessary to buy keys?
Longplay, USA, 1st quest.
Longplay, USA, 2nd quest.
Longplay, Japan, 1st quest.
Longplay, Japan, 2nd quest.

Play Online

Famicom Disk System

Representation

Strong female character?FailNone of the women are strong.
Bechdel test?FailThere are women, but they never talk to each other.
Strong person of color character?FailNobody is human.
Queer character?FailThere are no queer characters.

Credits

The Legend of Zelda has credits, but they leave out some people and are mostly aliases. Thankfully, dedicated fans have determined the majority of their real names.

Role Staff
Executive Producer Hiroshi Yamauchi
Producer, Director Shigeru Miyamoto
Director, Designer Takashi Tezuka
Programmers Toshihiko Nakago, Yasunari Soejima, I. Marui
Music, Sound Effects, Audio Programmer Koji Kondo

Titles

Language Native Transliteration Translation
English The Legend of Zelda
Japanese ゼルダの伝説ゼ THE HYRULE FANTASY Zeruda no Densetsu Za Hairaru Fantaji Legend of Zelda: The Hyrule Fantasy

Links

Link-MobyGames.png  Link-Wikipedia.png  Link-StrategyWiki.png  Link-VGMPF.png  Link-ROMDetectives.png  Link-TCRF.png  Link-TVTropes.png