Zelda (Game & Watch)

Zelda is a multiscreen Game & Watch game that was only released in English as a stand-alone "system" pre-loaded with the single game. It has dual screens which fold in a clamshell design (similar to the Nintendo DS). It was rereleased in 1998 as part of the Nintendo Mini Classics line. The complete game can be unlocked in Game & Watch Gallery 4 (known as Game & Watch Gallery Advance in Europe and Australia) for the Game Boy Advance.

Its core formula is based on that of the original The Legend of Zelda, where Link must fight through eight dungeons and obtain the eight shards of the Triforce of Wisdom. However, it bears more gameplay similarities to The Adventure of Link, since it is 2D and from a side-on perspective. The game features an original, though minimal storyline. It is not clear where it fits in the timeline, but it likely features Link's incarnation from the original The Legend of Zelda.

It is commonly confused with the The Legend of Zelda Game Watch.

Plot Synopsis
The eight dragons cannot live in peace with humans and have decided to take over the world. They have kidnapped Princess Zelda and locked her in a cage which can only be opened by the Triforce. Each of the dragons is located in their own labyrinth, and each guards a different fragment of the Triforce. Link sets out to destroy all eight dragons and reassemble the Triforce to free Zelda from the dragons' dungeon. Once Link defeats the last dragon, he reassembles the Triforce and frees Zelda from her prison.

Manual Excerpt
"The havoc caused by eight fierce dragons is increasing day by day. These dragons have refused to live in peace with man and are fighting against him to rule the world. Now that your sweetheart Princess Zelda has been kidnapped by the evil dragons, you have resolved to destroy the dragons."

"When you've destroyed the Dragon, you can get one of the Triforce fragments. The Triforce is the key to unlock the seal that keeps Princess Zelda locked in the dungeon. When you have destroyed the eight labyrinths and destroyed the eight dragons, you can complete the Triforce and rescue Princess Zelda."

"The game will end with a happy ending when Link has rescued Princess Zelda."

Screens
The multiscreen system has two screens in a clamshell design. The bottom screen is used for normal battles, while the top screen displays the inventory, map, and the upper part of bosses.

The Sub Screen: The sub screen doubles as an inventory screen and boss arena, featuring Zelda's prison in the upper left, below which is the players Triforce area, dungeon map, and items list. On the right half of the screen is the area that boss battles with the evil dragons take place.

The Main Screen: The lower of the two screens consist of Link, the enemies, Link's health meter, the enemies' health meter, and the old lady who sounds the system's alarm.

Characters

 * Excerpts from the game manual:

Link: The hero of the game. He risks his life and fights to rescue Princess Zelda. Link can perform a sword beam attack when his life meter is full (five hearts). The sword beam always hits the Goblin and generally makes the fight much easier.

Princess Zelda: Link's sweetheart who was kidnapped by the dragons and locked inside a deep dungeon.

Enemies
The enemies in the game consist of Moblins (referred to as Goblins in the user manual), which must be defeated by stabbing them repeatedly in order to advance to the next room. They attack at Link by throwing spears, which can be blocked by Link not attacking, thus keeping his shield forward; Ghinis (referred to as Ghosts), which launch attacks at Link from behind (which can be blocked by stabbing, placing his shield behind you), and one to four Stalfos, which stand underneath Link and try to swing their swords up at him. (they can be avoided by simply moving out of the way).

The boss of each dungeon is a dragon that has two attacks: slashing Link with its tail; or breathing fireballs at him. Link must dodge the fireballs and slash at its tail to defeat the dragon. This is the only area where Link can use the Tomahawk.

Items
Items are obtained by defeating Moblins. They will drop the item once they are defeated. The different items are as follows:
 * Recovery Heart: This classic Legend of Zelda item recovers one heart.
 * Water of Life: Automatically used when Link has zero hearts, reviving him with full health. This fills Link's health up to five hearts, allowing Link to shoot beams from his sword. It can also be used voluntarily during the game.
 * Map: Shows you the layout of the dungeon.
 * Tomahawk: This weapon is only used in boss battles. It is automatically equipped when Link enters one, and works in the same way as the sword. Its only difference is that it does triple the usual damage. It will break on the final attack, requiring Link to obtain a new tomahawk in each labyrinth.

Second Quest
Like the original The Legend of Zelda, the Game & Watch Zelda has a Second Quest. After the ending scene where Zelda is rescued, if the player presses the attack button the Second Quest will start. The Second Quest has quicker enemies and the player's score from the previous game is carried over.

Controls
The controls are as follows:
 * Left/Right: Move in the direction of the button pressed.
 * Up: Go up a staircase.
 * Down: Use the "Water of Life".
 * Attack: Attack with whatever weapon Link is using.

Alarm
Like the vast majority of the Game & Watch titles, an alarm can be set in Zelda for use with the watch mode (hence Game & Watch) of the system. When the alarm goes off, an old lady with a magic flute would appear on screen.