The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past puts the player in control of its protagonist, Link , and is viewed and controlled from an overhead perspective, much like the original The Legend of Zelda . This contrasts its predecessor, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link , which had a side-scrolling perspective. Where Link could only move in four directions in the original The Legend of Zelda , Link can now move diagonally as well. The player explores the overworld of Hyrule while entering dungeons in order to defeat bosses and receive items necessary for completing Link's quest.

These dungeons are often multi- level , requiring Link to ascend and descend stairs or fall into holes to progress. Link is able to use a variety of weapons and items, with his two main items being his sword and shield, both of which are acquired early and can be upgraded multiple times. Certain items, such as the Lantern, use magic points when used. Link acquires items at various point in his journey, sometimes in the overworld.

Each dungeon has a large chest, which grants a piece of equipment that is typically necessary to complete the game. As the player explores the overworld, they can find optional health upgrades called Heart Pieces; when four are collected, they form a Heart Container, which increases Link's health by one. A Link to the Past features two separate but similar overworlds: the Light World and the Dark World. Link starts in the Light World.

By traveling through portals, he can enter the Dark World, a parallel version of the Light World. The Dark World has different enemies, non-playable characters , and dungeons; the player will often have to travel back and forth between the two worlds to progress. The Dark World's locations and geography often line up with the Light World's, such as Kakariko Village and the Village of Outcasts. While Link can enter the Dark World via portals, he can only exit the Dark World using an item called the Magic Mirror.

This leaves a special portal behind that allows him to return through it, though it is erased if Link uses the Magic Mirror in the Dark World. At times, this allows Link to reach areas otherwise inaccessible.