<P> The Legend of Zelda incorporates elements of action, adventure, and role - playing games . The player controls Link from a flip - screen overhead perspective as he travels in the overworld, a large outdoor map with varied environments . Link begins the game armed only with a small shield, but a sword becomes available to Link after he ventures into a cave that is accessible from the game's first map screen . Throughout the game, various characters aid Link by giving or selling equipment and clues . These people can be found in caves scattered throughout the overworld; some are readily accessible, while others are hidden behind obstacles such as rocks, trees, and waterfalls . </P> <P> Barring Link's progress are creatures he must battle to locate the entrances to nine underground dungeons . Each dungeon is a unique, maze - like collection of rooms connected by doors and secret passages, and guarded by monsters different from those found on the surface . Dungeons also contain useful items which Link can add to his arsenal, such as a boomerang for retrieving distant items and stunning enemies, and a recorder with magical properties . Link must successfully navigate through each of the first eight dungeons to obtain all eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom . Once he has completed the artifact, he can enter the ninth dungeon to rescue Zelda . Apart from this exception, the order of completing dungeons is somewhat left to the player, although they steadily increase in difficulty and some of them can only be reached or completed using items gained in a previous one . In addition, the entrances of the three highest - level dungeons are hidden . Link can freely wander the overworld, finding and buying items at any point . This flexibility enables unusual ways of playing the game . For example, it is possible to reach the final boss of the game without ever receiving the first sword . </P> <P> After completing the game, the player has access to a more difficult quest, officially referred to as the "Second Quest" (裏 ゼルダ, Ura Zeruda, lit . "other Zelda"), with new dungeon locations / layouts, different item placements, and stronger enemies . Although this more difficult "replay" was not unique to Zelda, few games offered entirely different levels to complete on the second playthrough . The Second Quest can be replayed each time the game is completed and can also be accessed at any time by starting a new file with the name "ZELDA". </P> <P> The plot of The Legend of Zelda is described in the instruction booklet and in the short prologue after the title screen . A small kingdom in the land of Hyrule, the setting of the game, is engulfed in chaos after an army led by Ganon, the Prince of Darkness, invaded it and stole the Triforce of Power, a part of a magical artifact bestowing great strength . In an attempt to prevent Ganon from acquiring the Triforce of Wisdom, another of the pieces, Princess Zelda splits it and hides the eight fragments in secret dungeons throughout the land . Before the princess is eventually kidnapped by Ganon, she commands her nursemaid Impa to find someone courageous enough to save the kingdom . While wandering the land, the old woman is surrounded by Ganon's henchmen, though a young boy named Link appears and rescues her . After hearing Impa's plea, he resolves to save Zelda and sets out to reassemble the scattered fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom, to become powerful enough to defeat Ganon . </P>

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