Comments on: Anatomy of a Game: Zelda XIV

By: MetManMas

MetManMas — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 09:23:51 +0000

@LBD “Nytetrayn”: I think Prime tried that in the LP. If memory serves me right, trying to give the old man a heart when you only have the default three hearts either leaves you almost dead or flat out kills you. Either way, you can’t lose your initial three hearts.

Speaking of Heart Containers, as an early game the original Zelda was weird with its permanent upgrades. Besides the old man making it possible to permanently lose hearts in trap rooms in the second quest unless you pay him Rupees/stab him and get killed by fireballs/use the Go to Continue~Save~Retry screen trick, the first quest features what I like to call the Idiot Test.

Out of the five heart containers in the overworld, four of them are held by an old man who offers them alongside a 2nd Potion, telling you to “Pick any one you like.” Smart players will go for the container; newbie gamers or stupid players will go for the disposable health refill you could buy from stores after giving the letter to the old lady and lose the container forever.

By: LBD "Nytetrayn"

LBD "Nytetrayn" — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 07:36:31 +0000

I’m with you in the “this quest will make you sorry, but I’m glad it’s there” camp. I’ve never beaten the Second Quest, though my parents have, and it just makes the game seem… I don’t know, like it has a greater value for your money, for those who wish to partake in it.

Your screencap of the old man who takes a heart or money led Nadia to ask, “can you actually go below three hearts?”

I’m curious to know myself.

By: Red Silvers

Red Silvers — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 04:05:54 +0000

I have never finished the Second Quest, though I did play Zelda Classic’s ‘Official Third Quest’.

I hope Zelda II is the next part of this series!