The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords: Difference between revisions

From Zelda Wiki, the Zelda encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
No edit summary
(122 intermediate revisions by 39 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{GameNav}}
{{Italic Title}}
<br>
{{Infobox Game
{{UC}}
|name= ''The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords''
<br>
|image= [[File:ALttP&FS English Logo.png|250px]][[File:Four Swords Box.png|250px]]
{{Game
|caption=  
| title=       A Link to the Past & Four Swords
|developer= {{List|[[Nintendo|Nintendo R&D2]], [[Capcom]]}}
| image=       [[File:Four_Swords_Box.png|250px]]
|publisher= [[Nintendo]]
| caption=     The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords US box art
|designer=  
| developer=   [[Nintendo]]<br>[[Capcom]]
{{List|
| publisher=   [[Nintendo]]
[[Yoichi Yamada]] (director),
| designer=   Hidemaro Fujibayashi
[[Hidemaro Fujibayashi]] (director),
| released=    {{release|na= December 2, 2002|jp= March 14, 2003|eu= March 28, 2003}}
Noritaka Funamizu (producer),
| esrb= E
Yoshihiro Sudo (producer),
| elspa=
[[Takashi Tezuka]] (producer),
| cero= All
Yuko Takehara ({{FS|-}} sound composer),
| grb=
Taiju Suzuki ({{ALttP|-}} sound programmer),
| usk= 6
Hiroaki Kondo (sound effects),
| cb= G8+
Yuki Takamasa (sound effects),
| dejus=
[[Koji Kondo]] ({{ALttP|-}} original sound composer/{{FS|-}} sound advisor)
| gsrmr=
| platforms=  [[Game Boy Advance]]
| predecessor= {{OoS}}<br>{{OoA}}
| successor=  {{TWW}}
}}
}}
'''''The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords''''' for [[Game Boy Advance]] is a remake of {{ALttP}} coupled with an entirely new game, {{FS}}. It was released shortly before {{TWW}}. While ''A Link to the Past'' is largely a faithful port of the original, it does include an entirely new dungeon and a new quest as rewards for the player playing through the multiplayer-only ''Four Swords''. Aside from these additions, it includes a number of smaller gameplay and dialogue changes, the latter of which are designed to correct a number of minor translation mistakes and inconsistencies with the original Japanese release and to unify the common terms used with the later games, making it the most canonical version of ''A Link to the Past''.
|released=
{{Release
|US= December 2, 2002<ref name="E 7">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 7}}</ref>
|JP= March 14, 2003<ref name="E 7"/>
|UK= March 28, 2003
|AU= December 6, 2002<ref>{{Cite Web|retrieved=July 14, 2013 |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20021221112651/http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/games/gameoverview.php?gameid=293 |title=<nowiki>| Games Matrix - Game Boy Advance |</nowiki> |site=Nintendo Australia |type=archive}}</ref>
}}
|ratings=
{{List|
{{Game Rating|ESRB|E}},
{{Game Rating|CERO|All}},
{{Game Rating|USK|6}},
{{Game Rating|ACB|G8+}}
}}
|platforms= [[Game Boy Advance]]
|predecessor= {{List|{{OoS}}, {{OoA}}}}
|successor= {{TWW}}
}}
'''''The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords''''' is an enhanced port of {{ALttP}} for [[Game Boy Advance]] coupled with an entirely new game, {{FS}}. This two-in-one game was released shortly before {{TWW}}.


''Four Swords'' was later released as a standalone entry with added single player option and new stages on the [[Nintendo DSi]], known as ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition]]'', but the Game Boy Advance version of ''A Link to the Past'' has not been released again in any form, nor have any of the changes made been carried over to the [[Virtual Console]] release.
While {{ALttP|-}} is largely a faithful port of the original, it does include an entirely new dungeon and a new quest as rewards for the player playing through the multiplayer-only {{FS|-}}. Aside from these additions, it includes a number of smaller gameplay and dialogue changes, the latter of which are designed to correct a number of minor translation mistakes and inconsistencies with the original Japanese release and to unify the common terms used with the later games.
 
{{FS|-}} was later re-released as a standalone entry with an added single-player option and new stages on the [[Nintendo DSi]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]], known as {{FSAE}}. The Game Boy Advance version of {{ALttP|-}} has not been released again in any form, nor have any of the changes made been carried over to the Virtual Console releases. Even so, the changes to {{ALttP|-}} heavily influenced {{ALBW}}, most notably with the inclusion of [[Rupee Rock]]s and the [[Great Spin]].
{{clear|left}}
{{clear|left}}


==''A Link to the Past''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Differences==
==Changes and Additions in {{ALttP|-}}==
===Translation===
The Game Boy Advance port of {{ALttP|-}} features an updated and more faithful translation in the game's localization. Several strings of in-game text were changed and a few expanded, and are phrased differently from the original text. A few names and references were also changed to remain consistent with the rest of the series; most notably the Seven Wise Men now being referred to as the Seven [[Sage]]s, and the Hylia now referred to as [[Hylian]]s. The prologue in the game's intro was expanded and explains the [[Imprisoning War]] in greater detail.
 
Among other significant changes to the dialogue, [[Link's Uncle]] no longer says "[[Princess Zelda|Zelda]] is your..." when [[Link]] receives his [[Sword]] and [[Shield]]. A similar line is however referenced in the [[Palace of the Four Sword]], when [[Blind the Thief|Blind the Thief II]] impersonates Link's Uncle.<ref>{{Cite|Uhhnn... Link... I didn't want you involved in this... I told you not to leave home. You must rescue Princess Zelda... You are... the princess's... ... ... ...|Blind the Thief|ALttP}}</ref>
 
===Saving===
In {{ALttP&FS|-}}, the [[File-Selection Screen]] is entirely new and is displayed before selecting either of the two games. Both {{ALttP|-}} and {{FS|-}} share the same file. When starting a new game in {{ALttP|-}} for the first time on a file, the story of the Imprisoning War and the rest of the prologue is displayed before the rest of the game begins, and cannot be skipped. The player can however skip the [[Triforce]] sequence before the title screen appears, which was previously only possible in the PAL version of the game.
 
When bringing up the save menu, it is now possible to "Save and Continue" playing without Link dying, rather than simply "Save and Quit". A sound effect now also plays when the save menu appears and disappears. Saving and quitting no longer counts as a "game played" or death on the Quest Log. When reloading a save file, it is now possible to start from the same location where the game was last saved from. This places Link where he last was on the overworld, or at the start of a [[Dungeon]]. This option replaces the mountain cave one found originally.{{Clarify}} Saving and quitting while in a Dungeon no longer forces Link outside the Dungeon when the file is reloaded. The filled state of the [[Life Gauge]] is also preserved instead of being reduced to just three [[Heart]]s when reloading a file.
 
A sleep option was also added to the save menu. This allows the player to leave their Game Boy Advance in a battery-saving mode and resume playing where they left off later.
 
===Palace of the Four Sword===
A new bonus Dungeon, the [[Palace of the Four Sword]], was added and can be found on the eastern side of the [[Pyramid of Power]]. It can only be accessed after completing {{ALttP|-}} and defeating [[Vaati]] in {{FS|-}} on the same save file; otherwise a {{Term|ALttP|Gatekeeper (A Link to the Past)|link}} will prevent Link from entering. Link faces several powered-up versions of the [[Dark World]] Bosses throughout this Dungeon, which are considerably stronger and require new tactics to defeat. These Bosses guard the four colored blades necessary to destroy the barrier blocking the way to the final Boss. The Dungeon's final Boss is a group of four {{Plural|ALttP|Dark Link|link}}, which attack Link one-by-one.
 
The Palace of the Four Sword displays an alternate credits sequence upon its completion. After the credits roll, a Quest Log shows how many times each Item was used, the number of times saved, Rupees found, Enemies slain, and total play time.
 
===Lumberjack's Riddles and Hurricane Spin===
A new side-quest, known as the [[Lumberjack's Riddles]], is available once the player has obtained 10 [[Medal of Courage|Medals of Courage]] in {{FS|-}} and has defeated [[Agahnim]] the first time in the current game of {{ALttP|-}}. The quest is given to Link by [[Q. Bumpkin]], a Lumberjack that only appears in the port, and has Link collecting objects in a [[Basket]] to solve a series of riddles. After solving the tenth riddle, Link learns how to use the [[Hurricane Spin]], a much more powerful version of the [[Spin Attack]]. He also receives three [[Carver's Statue|Statue]]s resembling himself, Princess Zelda, and a [[Cucco]].
 
===Other Changes===
====Controls====
*The R button now performs the same actions that the A button originally did. The A button now replaces the Y button as the button to use Items.
 
====User interface====
*When Link's [[Rupee]], [[Arrow]] or [[Bomb]] carrying capacity is full, the color of the amount's number changes to yellow to signify this.
*The secondary menu in the inventory screen that held the [[Bottle]]s is now merged with the main screen, creating a new column on the right side. This is made possible due to the wider screen ratio of the Game Boy Advance.
*The cursor in the inventory screen is now a pair of parentheses instead of a circle.
 
====Places====
*The area south of [[Kakariko Village]] now plays the overworld theme instead of Kakariko's.
*Link can now jump over some of the [[Tombstone]]s found in the [[Graveyard]].
*The [[Digging Game]] can now be played again without the need to leave and re-enter the area. Also, the sound effect played when an Item is dug up is changed.
*The cave in the Light World that can be accessed by using the [[Magic Mirror]] from outside Turtle Rock now contains [[Eyegore]]s instead of Goriyas.
*A piece of a broken bridge was added east of the Pyramid of Power in order for Link to see the [[Skull]]s used to cross the gap with the [[Hookshot]].
*The [[Shop]] to the west of the Pyramid of Power now not only sells [[Red Shield]]s, but also [[Fighter's Shield]]s and, once Link obtains it from {{Term|ALttP|Turtle Rock|link}}, [[Mirror Shield]]s. This is because Link can now lose his Mirror Shield to [[Like Like]]s, which now infest the area around the Shop as well as the Palace of the Four Sword.
*A new Shop appears in the [[Village of Outcasts]] that sells [[Bee]]s, [[Fairy|Fairies]] and [[Golden Bee]]s, though Link cannot buy Golden Bees until he shows the shopkeeper one from the Light World.
*The [[Smithery]] is now called Smithy during the credits.
*Dungeon names and their Level number are now displayed on the screen when Link enters them.
*One of the rooms in [[Hyrule Castle]] now has a single [[Spear Soldier]] instead of two.
*The [[Ice Palace]] was altered to make the puzzle requiring Link to push a block to a lower floor slightly easier.
*The symbol seen before activating the [[Treasure Chest]] containing the [[Big Key]] in the [[Eastern Palace]] is replaced with a new one.
*The staircase leading to [[Ganon's Tower]] no longer makes Link walk faster halfway through it.
*The platform with the Treasure Chest appearing after defeating [[Moldorm (Boss)|Moldorm]] in Ganon's Tower is extended by one row.
*The [[Telepathy Tile]] found in [[Chris Houlihan]]'s room is no longer present.
 
====Characters====
*During the prologue sequence, the blue [[Soldier (Enemy)|Soldier]]s hold spears rather than swords, as in the original Japanese version of the game.
*The [[Witch's Assistant]] is replaced by [[Maple]].
*[[Tree]]s in the Dark World only spit Bombs after being talked to, and only if they are unfriendly.
 
====Items====
*Obtaining an Item which consumes Magic now fills the [[Magic Meter]]. Likewise, obtaining the Bow gives Link 10 Arrows.
*The flames from the [[Lantern]] can now cause minor damage to enemies.
*Light coming from the Lantern in dark rooms now disappears only after lighting every [[Torch]] in the room.
*The archaic spelling "Faeries" has been changed to the much more common "Fairies".
*The Good Bee has been renamed to the [[Golden Bee]].
*[[Pot]]s can now be shattered using Arrows or the [[Golden Sword]], and [[Silver Arrow]]s can break through entire rows of pots. This new ability is used for puzzles in the Palace of the Four Sword. [[Sign]]s can now also be destroyed with the [[Master Sword]] and its upgrades.
*Certain [[Rock]]s and Skulls will sparkle on the overworld. If Link strikes these [[Rupee Rock]]s with his Sword, they will scatter Rupees. Link can continue striking them until they return to normal.
*[[Bush]]es can now be destroyed using the [[Hammer|Magic Hammer]].
*Link can now dive underwater using the [[Zora's Flippers]]. This allows him to dodge Enemy attacks.
*The [[Shovel]] now has its own inventory slot and is kept after finding the [[Flute]]. Link is also able to dig in all four directions instead of just right and left.
*The Flute has a ninth destination point in addition to the original eight. This new location is at the top of the [[Light World]] equivalent of Turtle Rock.
*[[Bunny Link]] retains the [[Blue Mail|Blue]] or [[Red Mail]] if Link is hit by a [[Rabbit Beam]] while wearing it, rather than reverting to his [[Green Tunic]].
*The [[Super Bomb]] now grows in size when it is about to explode.
*Link's hands no longer change color to indicate that he is wearing either the [[Power Glove]] or the [[Titan's Mitt]].
*Bomb drops no longer create a splash effect when appearing on water.
*Upgrading an Item at a [[Great Fairy Fountain]] now plays the "Get Item" jingle.
*Items thrown into a Great Fairy Fountain now move up a down when retrieved by a Great Fairy.


===Gameplay Changes===
====Enemies and Bosses====
[[File:ALttPGBAtitle.png|left|thumb|240px|The new title screen]]
*Enemies and Bosses now flash white and shake when struck, rather than flash in multiple colors.
*The File Select screen is entirely new and is displayed before selecting one of the two games. When starting a new game, the original File Select screen is not displayed. When starting a new game, the story of the Imprisoning War and the rest of the prologue is now displayed before the game begins. The player can also skip the Triforce sequence before the title screen appears, which was previously only possible in the PAL version of the game.
*[[Crow]]s are now more aggressive, however their Dark World counterparts, [[Dacto]]s, are less so.{{Verify|ALttP}}
*A new dungeon, known as the [[Palace of the Four Sword]], can be found on the eastern side of the [[Pyramid of Power]]. While Link can access, he will be stopped by a [[Pikku]] and cannot pass unless the player fulfills the requirements of completing the game once and defeating [[Vaati]] once in ''Four Swords'' on the same save file.
*Fire breathed by [[Kodongo]]s can no longer be seen in the darkness.
*A new boss in the form of four [[Dark Link#A Link to the Past|Dark Link]]s and four powered-up versions of previous bosses that are considerably stronger and require new tactics to defeat appear in the Palace of the Four Sword.
*[[Goriya]]s keep moving even if Link is pushing a solid object.
*A new ending and credit sequence after conquering the Palace of the Four Sword, including a new Quest Record that displays how many times Link has used certain items.
*Up to four [[Geldman|Geldmen]] can appear at once instead of the previous three.
*A new quest, known as the [[Riddle Quest]], which is available from a third [[Lumberjack]] once the player has obtained ten [[Medal of Courage|Medals of Courage]] in ''Four Swords''.
*[[Stalfos]] in the Eastern Palace can no longer be defeated before spawning.
*A new ability, the [[Hurricane Spin]], obtained after completing the Riddle Quest.
*Like Likes appear in the Palace of the Four Sword and near the Shield Shop to the east of the Pyramid of Power. Much like the [[Pikit]]s, they will eat Link's Shield, but will also run away and fly into the sky to prevent him from getting it back. They will even eat the Mirror Shield, which can be repurchased only in said Shield Shop.
*The flames from the [[Lamp]] can now cause minor damage to enemies.
*Link can no longer shoot Arrows when defeating a [[Lanmola]] until it fully disappears.
*[[Jar|Pot]]s can now be shattered using the [[Golden Sword]] or the [[Arrows]]. This new ability is used for puzzles in the [[Palace of the Four Sword]]. [[Sign]]s can also be destroyed with the Master Sword and its upgrades.
*[[Mothula]] can now be damaged by attacks of any of the Master Sword upgrades.
*Link can now dive under the water when using [[Zora's Flippers]]. This allows him to avoid damage from enemy attacks.
*[[Kholdstare]] now has an animation when its shell is melted.
*The [[Ice Palace]] dungeon was altered slightly to make the puzzle requiring Link to push a block to a lower floor slightly easier.
*[[Ganon]]'s arm when holding his [[Trident]] has been mirrored horizontally. This may either be a graphical glitch or an oversight.
*[[Crow]]s are now more aggressive, but their Dark World counterparts [[Kyune]]s are less so.
*The [[Flute]] has a ninth destination point in addition to the original eight. The new location is the top of the Light World equivalent of [[Turtle Rock]].
*Certain [[stone]]s and [[skull]]s will sparkle on the overworld. If Link strikes these with his sword, they will scatter Rupees. Link can continue striking them until they return to normal.
*A new shop appears in the [[Village of Outcasts]] that sells [[Bee]]s, [[Fairy]]s and [[Golden Bee]]s.
*A new enemy, the [[Like Like]], was introduced, and appears in the Palace of the Four Sword and in the woods to the east of the Pyramid of Power. They will eat Link's shield much like [[Pikit]]s, but also run away and fly into the sky to stop him from getting it back. They will also eat the [[Mirror Shield]].
*The shop found to the west of the Pyramid of Power not only sells [[Red Shield]]s, but also sells [[Fighter's Shield]]s and, once Link obtains it Turtle Rock, Mirror Shields. This is because Link can now lose his Mirror Shield from Like Likes.
*The cave in the [[Light World]] that can be accessed by using the [[Magic Mirror]] from outside Turtle Rock no longer contains [[Goriya]], which are normally a Dark World exclusive enemy, and now contains [[Eyegore]]s.
*When reloading a save file, it is now possible to start from the same location you left the game. This places Link exactly where he left the game on the overworld, or at the start of a dungeon. It is also possible to "Save and Continue" without dying, rather than simply "Save and Quit*.
*A "Sleep" option is added to the save menu, allowing the player to leave their GBA in a battery saving mode and resume where they left off later.
*Saving and quitting no longer counts as a "game played" on the Quest History, making it a lot easier to get a "perfect" game.
*The R button now performs the actions that the A button would normally perform.
*When Link's Rupees, Arrows or Bombs are full, the color of the number turns yellow to signify this.
*The [[Chris Houlihan Room]] is no longer accessible without hacking the game or using a cheat device. If the player does access it, Chris Houlihan's name is not mentioned in the game text, just like the original Japanese version of the game.


===Audio and Visual Changes===
====Miscellaneous====
*The game has a lighter color palette to compensate for the lack of back light on the [[Game Boy Advance]], giving the game a washed out appearance in screenshots. However, the player can adjust the brightness on a file, and switching to "Dark" sets the colors to the same as the original release. There is also a "Bright" option, which makes things even lighter.
[[File:ALttPGBAtitle.png|right|thumb|240px|The new title screen]]
*The title screen has been slightly altered where the Master Sword is now blue in color, as opposed to purple in the original game. The background also takes up more of the screen and a "PRESS START" prompt now appears under the game's name.
*The game has a lighter color palette to compensate for the lack of backlight on the Game Boy Advance. However, the player can adjust the brightness on a file, and switching to "Dark" sets the colors closer to the original release. There is also a "Bright" option, which makes the colors even lighter.
*There is an option to speed up and slow down the text speed.
*There is an option to speed up and slow down the text speed.
*The game has a slightly smaller viewing area, sacrificing some height and width.
*The music and sound effects have been altered slightly due to the limited sound capabilities of the Game Boy Advance, resulting in some lower quality samples.
*The title screen is altered slightly, particularly the appearance of the [[Master Sword]], and the addition of a "Press Start" prompt.
*The icons that display at the top of the screen have been adjusted to compensate for the smaller screen size. The pause menu has also been adjusted.
*The icons that display at the top of the screen have been adjusted to compensate for the smaller screen area. The pause menu has also been adjusted.
*Link now has voice samples as sound effects, which are taken from child Link in {{OoT}}. He will yell when attacking and falling down holes, and grunt when taking damage.
*The music and sound effects have been altered slightly due to the sound capabilities of the GBA, resulting in some lower quality samples.
*Certain sprites found in Dark World dungeons use the same green palette that is otherwise used for the overworld, as opposed to the blue palette used in all the original game's Dungeons and the Light World. This has the effect of changing the color of certain Enemies, such as [[Bari]] and [[Kyameron]].
*Link now has a different voice, taken from that of [[Young Link]], and will yell when attacking and falling down holes, and grunt when taking damage.
*Pots make the same sound effect for shattering even if they fall down a pit, unlike in the original game.
*A sound effect now plays when the save menu appears and disappears.
*Dropping Bombs or Blocks created by the [[Cane of Somaria]] into a pit also makes the sound effect used when other Items fall as well.
*Enemies and bosses now flash white and shake when struck, rather than flash multiple colors.
*Rubble no longer falls from walls when blown open with a Bomb.
*Certain sprites found in Dark World dungeons use the same green palette that is otherwise used for the overworld, as opposed to the blue palette used in all the original game's dungeons and the Light World. This has the effect of changing the color of certain enemies, such as [[Bari]] and [[Kyameron]].
*Performing a Spin Attack on grass also cuts the grass patch Link is standing on.
*The role of the [[Witch's Assistant]] was changed to that of [[Maple]] from {{OoS}} and {{OoA}} to show the games' connection to each other.
*Items dropped after bashing a Tree now produce a sound effect.
*Dungeon names (and their Level, in the case of the Dark World dungeons) are now displayed on the screen when Link enters them in a similar manner to {{LA}} and other games.
*Dashing over landmines does not make them explode, unlike in the original where it would safety detonate them.
*Faeries are now called [[Fairy]]s like other games in the series.
*The [[Fairy Fountain (Theme)|Fairy Fountain theme]] no longer loops after a [[Great Fairy]] is summoned twice.
*The Good Bee was renamed to the more accurate translation of [[Golden Bee]].
*Link can now cancel a warp after being picked up by the bird summoned with the [[Ocarina]].
*The [[Sage#A Link to the Past|Seven Wise Men]] are referred to as Seven Sages.
*Among other significant dialogue changes to better correct the translation, Link's [[Uncle]] does not say "Zelda is your..." when Link receives his sword and shield. This line is however referenced in the Palace of the Four Sword.
*The Pegasus Shoes were renamed to their correct name of [[Pegasus Boots]].
*During the prologue sequence, the blue [[Soldier (Enemy)|Soldier]]s hold spears rather than swords. Originally this was only the case in the Japanese version of the game.
*Pots make the same sound effect for shattering even if they fall down a pit, unlike the original game.
*Ganon's arm when holding his trident has been mirrored horizontally.


==New Artwork==
==Speedrun Records==
{{Main|Speedrun Records}}
<!-- NOTICE: To update completion records, please edit the Speedrun Records article (https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Speedrun_Records). This table will automatically be updated with the records on that page. -->
{{#section:Speedrun Records|ALttP GBA}}


Aside from the aforementioned changes, new artwork was produced to promote and commemorate the new release. Each piece of artwork was based on those created for the original release, but updated with a slightly more modern anime style. Some pieces, most notably artwork for [[Agahnim]], used new poses.
==Nomenclature==
{{Nomenclature}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
{| style="float:left; width:250px; height:100px; text-align:center; background-color:#1d578b; border:1px solid #426787; font-size:130%;"
File:ALttPFStitle.png|The title screen
| [[File:ALttP English Logo 2.png|62px|link=Gallery:A Link to the Past|View Gallery]]<br/>'''[[Gallery:A Link to the Past|{{ALttP|-}} Gallery]]'''
File:ALttPFSfile.png|The file select screen
|}
File:ALttPFSgame.png|The game select screen
{| style="float:left; width:250px; height:100px; text-align:center; background-color:#1d578b; border:1px solid #426787; font-size:130%;"
</gallery>
| [[File:FS English Logo.png|115px|link=Gallery:Four Swords|View Gallery]]<br/>'''[[Gallery:Four Swords|{{FS|-}} Gallery]]'''
|}


===New ''A Link to the Past'' Artwork===
==External Links==
<gallery>
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/azlj/ Japanese site]
File:Linkalttpr.png|Link
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/The-Legend-of-Zelda-A-Link-to-the-Past-Four-Swords-267475.html Nintendo UK site]
File:Princess Zelda ALttPFS.png|[[Princess Zelda]]
File:Link To The Past Remake - Princess Zelda.png|Princess Zelda in royal dress
File:Agahnim.png|Agahnim
File:ALttP-FS Link.png|Link in his original artwork's pose
File:ALttP-FS Link Block.png|Link using his [[Fighter's Shield]]
File:ALttP-FS Link Bow.png|Link using the [[Bow]]
File:ALttP-FS Link Dash.png|Link dashing
File:ALttP-FS Link Fall.png|Link leaping down
File:ALttP-FS Link Slash.png|Link performing a [[Dashing Attack]]
File:Spin02.png|Link using the [[Whirling Blade Attack]]
File:Link_Swim.png|Link swimming
File:Link Bash.png|Link performing a Dash Bash
File:ALttP-FS Pull.png|Link pulling a switch
File:Link Zelda ALttP-FS.jpg|Princess Zelda speaking to Link telepathically
File:BallChainArt_ALttP.jpg|The [[Ball and Chain Soldier|Ball and Chain Trooper]] guarding Zelda
File:Sewer passageway remake.png|Link leading [[Princess Zelda]] through the [[Sewer Passageway]]
File:Link vs. Geldman.png|Link fighting a [[Geldman]]
File:Link resting.jpg|Link resting under a tree
</gallery>


==''Four Swords'' Illustrations==
{{Clear}}
<gallery>
{{Ref}}
File:FS Link.png|The four [[Links]] fighting over [[Rupee]]s
File:FSA Link Octorok.png|The four Links attacking an [[Octorok]]
</gallery>


===[[Gallery:Box Art|Box Art]]===
{{Games}}
<gallery>
File:Four Swords Box.png|North American box art
File:ALttPFS PC US Box.jpg|North American Player's Choice 'box art
File:ALttPFS EU Box.jpg|European box art
File:ALttPFS JP Box.jpg|Japanese box art
</gallery>


{{ref}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:A Link to the Past & Four Swords}}
<br>
{{Categories
{{Names
|2D Games, Compilations, Games, Remakes
|English=
}}
|Japanese= {{Japanese|ゼルダの伝説 神々のトライフォース＆４つの剣|Zeruda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Toraifōsu & 4 Tsu no Ken|The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods & 4 Swords}}
|Spanish=
|Spanish(LA)=
|Spanish(SP)=
|French=
|French(CA)=
|French(FR)=
|German=
|Italian=
|Korean= }}
 
{{Games}}
[[Category:Games|A Link to the Past & Four Swords]]

Revision as of 17:28, 14 May 2024

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords is an enhanced port of A Link to the Past for Game Boy Advance coupled with an entirely new game, Four Swords. This two-in-one game was released shortly before The Wind Waker.

While A Link to the Past is largely a faithful port of the original, it does include an entirely new dungeon and a new quest as rewards for the player playing through the multiplayer-only Four Swords. Aside from these additions, it includes a number of smaller gameplay and dialogue changes, the latter of which are designed to correct a number of minor translation mistakes and inconsistencies with the original Japanese release and to unify the common terms used with the later games.

Four Swords was later re-released as a standalone entry with an added single-player option and new stages on the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo 3DS, known as Four Swords Anniversary Edition. The Game Boy Advance version of A Link to the Past has not been released again in any form, nor have any of the changes made been carried over to the Virtual Console releases. Even so, the changes to A Link to the Past heavily influenced A Link Between Worlds, most notably with the inclusion of Rupee Rocks and the Great Spin.

Changes and Additions in A Link to the Past

Translation

The Game Boy Advance port of A Link to the Past features an updated and more faithful translation in the game's localization. Several strings of in-game text were changed and a few expanded, and are phrased differently from the original text. A few names and references were also changed to remain consistent with the rest of the series; most notably the Seven Wise Men now being referred to as the Seven Sages, and the Hylia now referred to as Hylians. The prologue in the game's intro was expanded and explains the Imprisoning War in greater detail.

Among other significant changes to the dialogue, Link's Uncle no longer says "Zelda is your..." when Link receives his Sword and Shield. A similar line is however referenced in the Palace of the Four Sword, when Blind the Thief II impersonates Link's Uncle.[3]

Saving

In A Link to the Past & Four Swords, the File-Selection Screen is entirely new and is displayed before selecting either of the two games. Both A Link to the Past and Four Swords share the same file. When starting a new game in A Link to the Past for the first time on a file, the story of the Imprisoning War and the rest of the prologue is displayed before the rest of the game begins, and cannot be skipped. The player can however skip the Triforce sequence before the title screen appears, which was previously only possible in the PAL version of the game.

When bringing up the save menu, it is now possible to "Save and Continue" playing without Link dying, rather than simply "Save and Quit". A sound effect now also plays when the save menu appears and disappears. Saving and quitting no longer counts as a "game played" or death on the Quest Log. When reloading a save file, it is now possible to start from the same location where the game was last saved from. This places Link where he last was on the overworld, or at the start of a Dungeon. This option replaces the mountain cave one found originally.[clarification needed] Saving and quitting while in a Dungeon no longer forces Link outside the Dungeon when the file is reloaded. The filled state of the Life Gauge is also preserved instead of being reduced to just three Hearts when reloading a file.

A sleep option was also added to the save menu. This allows the player to leave their Game Boy Advance in a battery-saving mode and resume playing where they left off later.

Palace of the Four Sword

A new bonus Dungeon, the Palace of the Four Sword, was added and can be found on the eastern side of the Pyramid of Power. It can only be accessed after completing A Link to the Past and defeating Vaati in Four Swords on the same save file; otherwise a Gatekeeper will prevent Link from entering. Link faces several powered-up versions of the Dark World Bosses throughout this Dungeon, which are considerably stronger and require new tactics to defeat. These Bosses guard the four colored blades necessary to destroy the barrier blocking the way to the final Boss. The Dungeon's final Boss is a group of four Dark Links, which attack Link one-by-one.

The Palace of the Four Sword displays an alternate credits sequence upon its completion. After the credits roll, a Quest Log shows how many times each Item was used, the number of times saved, Rupees found, Enemies slain, and total play time.

Lumberjack's Riddles and Hurricane Spin

A new side-quest, known as the Lumberjack's Riddles, is available once the player has obtained 10 Medals of Courage in Four Swords and has defeated Agahnim the first time in the current game of A Link to the Past. The quest is given to Link by Q. Bumpkin, a Lumberjack that only appears in the port, and has Link collecting objects in a Basket to solve a series of riddles. After solving the tenth riddle, Link learns how to use the Hurricane Spin, a much more powerful version of the Spin Attack. He also receives three Statues resembling himself, Princess Zelda, and a Cucco.

Other Changes

Controls

  • The R button now performs the same actions that the A button originally did. The A button now replaces the Y button as the button to use Items.

User interface

  • When Link's Rupee, Arrow or Bomb carrying capacity is full, the color of the amount's number changes to yellow to signify this.
  • The secondary menu in the inventory screen that held the Bottles is now merged with the main screen, creating a new column on the right side. This is made possible due to the wider screen ratio of the Game Boy Advance.
  • The cursor in the inventory screen is now a pair of parentheses instead of a circle.

Places

  • The area south of Kakariko Village now plays the overworld theme instead of Kakariko's.
  • Link can now jump over some of the Tombstones found in the Graveyard.
  • The Digging Game can now be played again without the need to leave and re-enter the area. Also, the sound effect played when an Item is dug up is changed.
  • The cave in the Light World that can be accessed by using the Magic Mirror from outside Turtle Rock now contains Eyegores instead of Goriyas.
  • A piece of a broken bridge was added east of the Pyramid of Power in order for Link to see the Skulls used to cross the gap with the Hookshot.
  • The Shop to the west of the Pyramid of Power now not only sells Red Shields, but also Fighter's Shields and, once Link obtains it from Turtle Rock, Mirror Shields. This is because Link can now lose his Mirror Shield to Like Likes, which now infest the area around the Shop as well as the Palace of the Four Sword.
  • A new Shop appears in the Village of Outcasts that sells Bees, Fairies and Golden Bees, though Link cannot buy Golden Bees until he shows the shopkeeper one from the Light World.
  • The Smithery is now called Smithy during the credits.
  • Dungeon names and their Level number are now displayed on the screen when Link enters them.
  • One of the rooms in Hyrule Castle now has a single Spear Soldier instead of two.
  • The Ice Palace was altered to make the puzzle requiring Link to push a block to a lower floor slightly easier.
  • The symbol seen before activating the Treasure Chest containing the Big Key in the Eastern Palace is replaced with a new one.
  • The staircase leading to Ganon's Tower no longer makes Link walk faster halfway through it.
  • The platform with the Treasure Chest appearing after defeating Moldorm in Ganon's Tower is extended by one row.
  • The Telepathy Tile found in Chris Houlihan's room is no longer present.

Characters

  • During the prologue sequence, the blue Soldiers hold spears rather than swords, as in the original Japanese version of the game.
  • The Witch's Assistant is replaced by Maple.
  • Trees in the Dark World only spit Bombs after being talked to, and only if they are unfriendly.

Items

  • Obtaining an Item which consumes Magic now fills the Magic Meter. Likewise, obtaining the Bow gives Link 10 Arrows.
  • The flames from the Lantern can now cause minor damage to enemies.
  • Light coming from the Lantern in dark rooms now disappears only after lighting every Torch in the room.
  • The archaic spelling "Faeries" has been changed to the much more common "Fairies".
  • The Good Bee has been renamed to the Golden Bee.
  • Pots can now be shattered using Arrows or the Golden Sword, and Silver Arrows can break through entire rows of pots. This new ability is used for puzzles in the Palace of the Four Sword. Signs can now also be destroyed with the Master Sword and its upgrades.
  • Certain Rocks and Skulls will sparkle on the overworld. If Link strikes these Rupee Rocks with his Sword, they will scatter Rupees. Link can continue striking them until they return to normal.
  • Bushes can now be destroyed using the Magic Hammer.
  • Link can now dive underwater using the Zora's Flippers. This allows him to dodge Enemy attacks.
  • The Shovel now has its own inventory slot and is kept after finding the Flute. Link is also able to dig in all four directions instead of just right and left.
  • The Flute has a ninth destination point in addition to the original eight. This new location is at the top of the Light World equivalent of Turtle Rock.
  • Bunny Link retains the Blue or Red Mail if Link is hit by a Rabbit Beam while wearing it, rather than reverting to his Green Tunic.
  • The Super Bomb now grows in size when it is about to explode.
  • Link's hands no longer change color to indicate that he is wearing either the Power Glove or the Titan's Mitt.
  • Bomb drops no longer create a splash effect when appearing on water.
  • Upgrading an Item at a Great Fairy Fountain now plays the "Get Item" jingle.
  • Items thrown into a Great Fairy Fountain now move up a down when retrieved by a Great Fairy.

Enemies and Bosses

  • Enemies and Bosses now flash white and shake when struck, rather than flash in multiple colors.
  • Crows are now more aggressive, however their Dark World counterparts, Dactos, are less so.[verification needed]
  • Fire breathed by Kodongos can no longer be seen in the darkness.
  • Goriyas keep moving even if Link is pushing a solid object.
  • Up to four Geldmen can appear at once instead of the previous three.
  • Stalfos in the Eastern Palace can no longer be defeated before spawning.
  • Like Likes appear in the Palace of the Four Sword and near the Shield Shop to the east of the Pyramid of Power. Much like the Pikits, they will eat Link's Shield, but will also run away and fly into the sky to prevent him from getting it back. They will even eat the Mirror Shield, which can be repurchased only in said Shield Shop.
  • Link can no longer shoot Arrows when defeating a Lanmola until it fully disappears.
  • Mothula can now be damaged by attacks of any of the Master Sword upgrades.
  • Kholdstare now has an animation when its shell is melted.
  • Ganon's arm when holding his Trident has been mirrored horizontally. This may either be a graphical glitch or an oversight.

Miscellaneous

The new title screen
  • The title screen has been slightly altered where the Master Sword is now blue in color, as opposed to purple in the original game. The background also takes up more of the screen and a "PRESS START" prompt now appears under the game's name.
  • The game has a lighter color palette to compensate for the lack of backlight on the Game Boy Advance. However, the player can adjust the brightness on a file, and switching to "Dark" sets the colors closer to the original release. There is also a "Bright" option, which makes the colors even lighter.
  • There is an option to speed up and slow down the text speed.
  • The music and sound effects have been altered slightly due to the limited sound capabilities of the Game Boy Advance, resulting in some lower quality samples.
  • The icons that display at the top of the screen have been adjusted to compensate for the smaller screen size. The pause menu has also been adjusted.
  • Link now has voice samples as sound effects, which are taken from child Link in Ocarina of Time. He will yell when attacking and falling down holes, and grunt when taking damage.
  • Certain sprites found in Dark World dungeons use the same green palette that is otherwise used for the overworld, as opposed to the blue palette used in all the original game's Dungeons and the Light World. This has the effect of changing the color of certain Enemies, such as Bari and Kyameron.
  • Pots make the same sound effect for shattering even if they fall down a pit, unlike in the original game.
  • Dropping Bombs or Blocks created by the Cane of Somaria into a pit also makes the sound effect used when other Items fall as well.
  • Rubble no longer falls from walls when blown open with a Bomb.
  • Performing a Spin Attack on grass also cuts the grass patch Link is standing on.
  • Items dropped after bashing a Tree now produce a sound effect.
  • Dashing over landmines does not make them explode, unlike in the original where it would safety detonate them.
  • The Fairy Fountain theme no longer loops after a Great Fairy is summoned twice.
  • Link can now cancel a warp after being picked up by the bird summoned with the Ocarina.

Speedrun Records

Main article: Speedrun Records


Nomenclature

Names in Other Regions
LanguageNames
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery

View Gallery
A Link to the Past Gallery
View Gallery
Four Swords Gallery

External Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 7
  2. ↑ | Games Matrix - Game Boy Advance | , Nintendo Australia (archive), retrieved July 14, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Uhhnn... Link... I didn't want you involved in this... I told you not to leave home. You must rescue Princess Zelda... You are... the princess's... ... ... ..." — Blind the Thief (A Link to the Past)


Retrieved from "https://zeldawiki.wiki/w/index.php?title=The_Legend_of_Zelda:_A_Link_to_the_Past_%26_Four_Swords&oldid=1146762"