In 1986, Nintendo launched The Legend of Zelda, a groundbreaking game that set the stage for adventure and exploration in video games. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, Zelda combined action, puzzle-solving, and an open-world experience that captivated players and inspired future generations of game developers. As players stepped into the shoes of Link, tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and defeating the dark lord Ganon, they encountered a world brimming with secrets, challenging dungeons, and a sense of wonder that has defined the series for nearly four decades. Here’s a dive into the backstory, fun facts, hidden secrets, and tips to help you master The Legend of Zelda.
The Origins of The Legend of Zelda
The inspiration for The Legend of Zelda came from Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood explorations of caves, forests, and countryside in Japan. Miyamoto wanted players to feel the same sense of discovery and adventure he experienced, with the freedom to explore a vast world at their own pace. The NES cartridge for The Legend of Zelda was also revolutionary, being one of the first to include a save feature, which allowed players to continue their progress in such a vast game world — a necessity given the game’s length and difficulty.
The game’s story is simple yet timeless: Princess Zelda is captured by Ganon, who has stolen the Triforce of Power. Before her capture, Zelda splits the Triforce of Wisdom into eight pieces and scatters them across Hyrule. It’s up to Link, the game’s hero, to find these pieces, rescue Zelda, and defeat Ganon.
Fascinating Facts About The Legend of Zelda
- A Groundbreaking Save Feature: The Legend of Zelda was the first NES game to feature a battery-backed save system, allowing players to save their progress directly on the cartridge. This made it possible for players to explore Hyrule without having to start over each time they played, an innovation that shaped future adventure games.
- The Influence of Shigeru Miyamoto’s Childhood: Much of the game’s design comes directly from Miyamoto’s own experiences exploring the natural landscapes of Kyoto, Japan. He wanted players to feel a sense of wonder and curiosity, leading them to uncover secrets and explore every corner of the map.
- One of the First Open-World Games: At a time when games were often linear, The Legend of Zelda encouraged exploration and allowed players to tackle challenges in any order. This freedom was revolutionary and laid the foundation for open-world games that followed.
- A Secret Second Quest: Completing the game unlocks a more difficult “Second Quest,” where item locations, enemy positions, and dungeon layouts are altered. This feature added replayability and provided a greater challenge for seasoned players.
- Link’s Iconic Green Outfit and Sword: Link’s look — the green tunic, sword, and shield — was inspired by fairy-tale and folklore heroes, designed to be instantly recognizable. His attire has become as iconic as the game itself, evolving over the years while staying true to the original vision.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
- The Money-Making Game: Hidden in some caves, players can find a gambling game known as the “Money-Making Game.” By paying a small amount of Rupees, players can choose one of three rupees, with the chance to win a larger amount or lose their investment. It was an early form of in-game gambling and a great way to earn extra Rupees.
- Hidden Rooms and Heart Containers: Throughout Hyrule, players can find hidden rooms, many of which contain valuable items like Heart Containers to increase Link’s health. Some of these rooms are hidden under trees or rocks that can be burned or bombed, rewarding players who explore every nook and cranny.
- The Magic Sword: The most powerful weapon in the game, the Magic Sword, is hidden and can only be wielded by players who have collected at least 12 Heart Containers. This sword is essential for the tougher enemies in the later dungeons, rewarding dedicated players with added strength.
- Pushable Gravestones: In the game’s graveyard, players who experiment by pushing gravestones can find hidden stairways leading to secret areas and items. This was one of the many ways The Legend of Zelda encouraged curiosity and rewarded exploration.
- The “Eastmost Peninsula is the Secret” Clue: In the second dungeon, players encounter an Old Man who gives the cryptic hint, “Eastmost Peninsula is the secret.” This refers to a part of the map where players can find hidden rooms and items, if they’re observant enough to figure it out.
Tips and Tricks to Master The Legend of Zelda
- Bomb Walls for Hidden Rooms: Many dungeons contain hidden rooms that can only be accessed by bombing certain walls. Look for rooms on the map that seem closed off and experiment with bombs to discover new paths, items, or shortcuts.
- Upgrade Your Weapons and Armor: Collecting Heart Containers not only increases Link’s health but also allows him to wield more powerful items, such as the Magic Sword. Upgrading your sword and obtaining a better shield will make battles significantly easier, especially against tougher enemies like Ganon.
- Memorize Enemy Patterns: Each enemy in The Legend of Zelda has a unique pattern, and learning these patterns can make combat easier. For instance, Dodongos (large dinosaurs) can only be defeated with bombs, while Darknuts are best approached from the sides.
- Use the Blue Candle for Exploration: Early in the game, the Blue Candle can only be used once per screen, but it’s crucial for discovering secrets like burnable trees that hide caves. Save up for the Red Candle later, which allows multiple uses per screen, making exploration more efficient.
- Stock Up on Rupees and Bombs: Rupees are essential for buying items, while bombs are needed to discover hidden paths and defeat certain enemies. Make a habit of collecting as many as you can, especially before entering difficult dungeons where they may be required.
The Lasting Legacy of The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda was a milestone in gaming history, a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat that defined the action-adventure genre. Its success paved the way for a long line of sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations that have continued to expand on the original game’s lore and world. Over the years, Zelda has become a beloved series, with each installment adding new layers of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and character development.
The character of Link, though silent, has become an iconic hero representing courage and resilience. Princess Zelda, too, has evolved from a damsel in distress to a complex character with her own agency in the series. The Triforce, a symbol of power, wisdom, and courage, has become a recognizable emblem across generations of players.
The influence of The Legend of Zelda reaches far beyond gaming; it has inspired books, music, and even live orchestras that play the series’ iconic themes. The game’s open-world design, engaging combat, and puzzle-solving mechanics have shaped countless other franchises, including Final Fantasy and Elder Scrolls, underscoring its impact on the gaming industry.
Conclusion
With its rich world, innovative mechanics, and endless secrets, The Legend of Zelda remains a timeless adventure that draws in both new players and nostalgic fans. From secret rooms to challenging dungeons, every corner of Hyrule beckons players to explore, discover, and overcome. The Legend of Zelda isn’t just a game; it’s a journey that has left an indelible mark on the history of video games and continues to inspire generations of adventurers.