Description Zelda no Densetsu 1 - The Hyrule Fantasy (Japan)

Zelda no Densetsu: The Hyrule Fantasy (in English translation The Legend of Zelda) is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo. It is the first title in the extensive The Legend of Zelda series and was initially released on February 21, 1986, in Japan for the Family Computer Disk System (Famicom Disk System). In North America, the game was released in 1987 and in Europe in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). With its open world, non-linear structure, and innovative elements, it laid the foundation for numerous sequels and became one of the most influential titles of the 1980s.

1. Development and Release

• Main creative team: The game’s chief designer was Shigeru Miyamoto, who had already been responsible for successful titles such as Super Mario Bros. Takashi Tezuka also contributed to the development, helping to design game mechanics and the story.
• Technical background: The version for the Famicom Disk System utilized a disk format that not only allowed easier saving but also offered higher storage capacity compared to regular cartridges. Later versions for the NES implemented battery-backed saving directly in the cartridge.
• Release dates: In Japan, the game appeared on February 21, 1986, in North America in the middle of 1987, and in Europe in 1988.
• Game title: In Japan, the game was known by the name Zelda no Densetsu: The Hyrule Fantasy. For international markets, it was adapted to The Legend of Zelda, which became the standard name for the subsequent entries in the series.

2. Story

• Setting: The story takes place in the fictional land of Hyrule, threatened by the evil king of darkness, Ganon. Hyrule is a vast territory with diverse regions – from forests and mountains to lakes and underground dungeons.
• Main characters:
– Link: A young hero controlled by the player who is destined to save the kingdom of Hyrule.
– Princess Zelda: The ruling princess who, before Ganon’s arrival, splits an artifact known as the Triforce of Wisdom into eight pieces to protect it.
– Ganon: The main antagonist who has acquired the Triforce of Power and is trying to obtain all parts of the Triforce to take over Hyrule.
• Goal of the game: The player must collect all eight fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom from various dungeons, defeat Ganon, and rescue Princess Zelda. Each piece is guarded by a powerful boss, whose defeat opens the path to the next objective.

3. Gameplay

• Open world: The game is characterized by a non-linear structure. The player can freely move around the game world and explore dungeons (also called labyrinths) in nearly any order. At the time of its release, this element was considered highly innovative.
• Top-down perspective: Zelda no Densetsu is presented from a top-down view, which facilitates orientation on the map while allowing for complex exploration and combat.
• Inventory and items: During the game, Link acquires a variety of items that enable progress. These include a sword, shield, bombs, a bow and arrows, a boomerang, magical rods, or a flute. Such items can open up hidden areas and are crucial when battling bosses.
• Health and stamina: Link can increase his endurance by collecting Heart Containers, which raise the number of hearts on the health gauge. With the increasing difficulty of enemies, this mechanic becomes vital for survival.
• Saving: The Famicom Disk System version allowed progress to be saved directly to the disk. The international NES version used a battery module built into the cartridge to save data.

4. Critical Reception and Success

• Contemporary reviews: Upon its release, the game was praised for its deep and well-developed gameplay as well as the freedom it gave players. Compared to the typical linear platformers of the era, this proved to be a markedly different experience.
• Sales: The Legend of Zelda became a commercial success, selling more than 6.5 million copies worldwide. In Japan, it gained significant popularity thanks to the new save feature and the expansive world design.
• Significance: The game laid the groundwork for the successful The Legend of Zelda series, which has continuously grown its universe ever since and ranks among Nintendo’s most recognized franchises.

5. Legacy and Influence

• The Legend of Zelda series: Zelda no Densetsu: The Hyrule Fantasy is the first entry in one of Nintendo’s longest-running and most innovative series. Most subsequent games in the series incorporate similar gameplay elements—finding dungeons, solving puzzles, and exploring vast worlds.
• Impact on the video game industry: The title had a major influence on the action-adventure and RPG genres, thanks in particular to its open-level design, item collection mechanic, and save system.
• Ports and re-releases: Over the years, the game was re-released multiple times on various consoles through Virtual Console services, such as on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS. As a result, it remains accessible to modern gamers. Historically, it also inspired fans to create ROM hacks and fan translations.

6. Trivia

• Golden cartridge: In North America, the game was shipped on an unusually shaped golden cartridge, which has since become a collector’s item.
• Genre fusion: The Legend of Zelda is often described as a blend of action, adventure, and light RPG elements, which was a groundbreaking mix at the time of its release.
• In-game references: Many items and motifs from the original title—such as the Master Sword or iconic melodies by composer Kōji Kondō—appear in newer entries of the series as well.

Conclusion

Zelda no Densetsu: The Hyrule Fantasy is one of the most important titles of its era and is considered the game that defined the action-adventure RPG genre with an open world. Its innovation, freedom of progression, and unforgettable atmosphere strongly shaped the video games of the 1980s and future generations. It remains a milestone to which both players and developers still return for inspiration and enjoyment.