The Legend of Zelda/Gameplay

Starting a New Game
Before you begin, you must first enter your name in one of the three save slots. Press Select until the heart is next to "REGISTER YOUR NAME" and press Start. Use the Select button to line up the heart with the Link that you wish to name. Enter a name of up to eight letters using the control pad to select a letter and the A button to enter it. Once you have registered your name, line up the heart with "REGISTER END" and press Start.

Erasing an Old Game
Press Select until the heart is next to "ELIMINATION MODE" and press Start. Use Select to move the heart next to the Link that you wish to erase and press the Start button. This will erase that name. Move the heart to "ELIMINATION END" and press Start again. This permanently erases all the data for the Link selected so use with caution.

Continue a Saved Game
On the selection screen, you can select a saved game to continue. Certain information can be seen from the selection screen. This information includes the save file's name, the total number of heart containers collected so far, which ring, if any, that save file's Link is wearing, and the number of times Link has died for that save file. If Link is holding a sword, it means the save file in question is in the middle of the second quest.

Game Over Options

 * If you want to continue the game, choose "CONTINUE" with the Select button and press Start. You will begin with three full heart containers, either at the starting point of the Overworld, or the entrance to the particular dungeon that you died in in the Underworld, with all of your possessions in tact.
 * If you are done for the time being, choose "SAVE" with the Select button and press Start. All information about your accomplishments will be stored and retained until the next time you play.
 * If you want to forget about all of your accomplishments since the last time you saved the game, choose "RETRY" with the Select button and press Start. When you continue next, you will continue exactly the same way you continued last time.

Sub-Screen
The top portion of the screen can only be seen when you pause the game using the Start button. When you press the Start button, the screen will scroll up and the normal portion of the screen will drop away. On the sub-screen, you can see which items you currently possess in your inventory. Items which appear above the blue box are use automatically. Only one item in the blue box can be assigned for use with the B button, and you can only change this assignment by switching to the sub-screen. In the Overworld, the lower portion of the sub-screen shows you how many pieces of the Triforce you have collected so far. In the Underworld, you are shown a map of your current progress through a dungeon. Only rooms which you have visited are indicated on the sub-screen map, even if you have collected the dungeon map item.

Status Bar
The status bar can be seen in both modes, at the bottom of the sub-screen, and the top of the normal view. On the left, you will see your general position in the Overworld, or your position in the Underworld against a map if you have collected the dungeon map item. You can also see how many rupees, keys, and bombs you currently possess. You can see which item is currently assigned to the B button, as well as which power of sword you are using with the A button. Lastly, you can see your total remaining life as well as the total number of heart containers you have collected.

Normal View
Below the status bar is where the action of the game takes place. You can view the area in the Overworld that you are currently located in, or the room of the dungeon that you are currently located in the Underworld.

Link
Link is the destined hero of Hyrule, and the character that you control. Link can move in four directions, and is always armed with a sword as well as one other weapon of your choosing. When Link's sword is sheathed, he holds his shield out in front of him, but it only protects him in the direction he is facing. He starts with three Heart Containers and can reach a maximum of 16 by the end of the game. The Blue Ring, and later on the Red Ring, can substantially improve the amount of damage that Link can withstand before dying.

Zelda
Princess Zelda, daughter of the King of Hyrule, has been kidnapped by the evil Ganon. Before her capture, Ganon successfully claimed the Triforce of Power. With the Triforce of Courage's location unknown, and the Triforce of Wisdom under her family's protection, she broke the Triforce of Wisdom up into eight parts and scattered them throughout Hyrule. Ganon holds Zelda captive until she reveals the locations of the pieces, but she refuses. Link is Zelda's only hope for rescue.

Shop Keeper
Various shop keepers ply their trade throughout Hyrule offering common and uncommon goods alike. They often set up shop in many of Hyrule's cliff side caves, but some are harder to locate than others. Link's persistent searching is well rewarded as many of the hidden shop keepers have lower prices on essential items. Only one shop keeper however has the precious Blue Ring that grants protection.

Old Woman
Many women make their homes in Hyrule's caves and trees. It is common for the women of Hyrule to know the secrets to making the Water of Life, a Hyrulian recipe that restores the strength of those who drink it. But they only sell this concoction to those who present a special letter to them. Other women in Hyrule offer important information about the nearby vicinity, but sometimes only after being well compensated.

Old Man (Overworld)
A variety of men live in Hyrule's overworld as well. Like the women of Hyrule, they may dispense information. Hyrulian men are also fond of gambling and will play the Money Making game with anyone who will part with their rupees. However, some men of Hyrule prefer to be left alone. If you reveal their location by destroying their secret entrance, expect to be forced to compensate them for the repairs.

Old Man (Underworld)
A few distinguished gentlemen prefer to make their homes among the dungeons of Hyrule. They wait there in order to aid explorers that pass through, and provide cryptic hints. Occasionally, they even sell enhanced bags that can hold more bombs. A more treacherous type of man can be found underground in the second quest who will force you to part with either your money or a heart container.