Hookshot

The Hookshot is a favorite item among Zelda fans (and apparently favorite along the game's designers as well, as its acquisition is often accompanied by whimsical messages of "BOING!" or "What a great invention!"). It, or a variation of it, has appeared in almost every Zelda game since A Link to the Past. The item, which is exclusive to The Legend of Zelda series, is a complex machine consisting of a chain and hook. When it is being used, the chain extends sending a large hook, which is attached to the chain, flying through the air. If the hook latches onto certain objects, the person using it (in this case, Link) is projected towards that object (rather than the chain returning to its original position).

Uses
In the Zelda games, the item is used most commonly to grapple onto far away objects so that Link can reach previously inaccessible areas. In addition, the Hookshot has been used as a replacement for the Boomerang by allowing Link to grab far away objects (like hard to reach rupees or that switch that is just out of his reach) and attack enemies. In most cases, attacking an enemy with the Hookshot will only stun them, but some weaker enemies (such as Keese) will die when hit with the Hookshot.

Over the years, the Hookshot has been redesigned many times, but the concept remains the same. However, a few games in the series have replaced the Hookshot with other similar items. Oracle of Ages replaces the Hookshot with the Switch Hook, and The Wind Waker includes the Hookshot but also gives Link a Grappling Hook. The Switch Hook has never made a second appearance, but the latest Zelda game, Twilight Princess, has chosen to replace both the Hookshot and the Grappling Hook with a single, new item called the Clawshot. Sometimes, the Hookshot is also upgraded into the Longshot.

An interesting note is that many versions of the Hookshot and its variations are found in water dungeons. One of the few exceptions is the version found in the Wind Temple in The Wind Waker.

A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, the Hookshot is the big chest item in the Swamp Palace. As with most dungeon items, the chest guarding it can only be opened with the Big Key. In that dungeon, it is needed not only for puzzles and collecting items but also for defeating the boss, Arrghus. It can latch on to many objects, including blocks and shrubs. It can also be used to defeat smaller enemies and retrieve far away items.

Link's Awakening
In Link's Awakening, the Hookshot is the hidden item in Catfish's Maw. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as opening a chest. Master Stalfos has stolen the Hookshot, and Link must defeat him four times before he will hand it over. The Hookshot will be useful when fighting some enemies and bosses including Slime Eel and Evil Eagle.

Ocarina of Time
Because Ocarina of Time is the first Zelda game released in 3D, this is also the first appearance of the Hookshot in 3D. For the release of the game, the Hookshot was redesigned, and the game was designed to rely on it more than ever. The Hookshot becomes less useful as a weapon and more useful as a means of solving puzzles and accessing unreachable areas or items.

The Hookshot is the first new item Link will acquire in Ocarina of Time after becoming an adult. In order to retrieve it, Link must enter the Dampé's Grave. He will challenge Link to a "race." Even though he calls it a race, Link's job is not to beat Dampé but rather to not get too far behind. If Link follows him through the entire maze, then he will reward Link with the Hookshot. This Hookshot can latch onto any surface made of wood, including trees, bridges, and rafters. There are also several bull's-eye targets that are made especially for the Hookshot. It utilizes a red dot to aim.

This Hookshot appears in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Longshot
Ocarina of Time also includes a second version of the Hookshot called the Longshot. It functions the same way as the Hookshot but has a longer chain allowing Link to reach areas and items that are out of the reach of the regular Hookshot. The Longshot is found in the Water Temple after defeating the mini-boss, Dark Link.

In the Master Quest version, the Longshot is found early on in the Water Temple, rather than after facing Dark Link.

Majora's Mask
In Majora's Mask, the Hookshot was again redesigned, now sporting a golden-colored appearance. This time, Link will find it in the Pirates' Fortress, in a room where a group of Gerudo pirates are discussing the location of some Zora Eggs. It is essential for navigating the fortress and for accessing the village in Ikana Canyon. Its chain length seems to be between the Hookshot and Longshot of Ocarina of Time. Other than the aforementioned differences, this Hookshot functions much like its Ocarina counterpart.

The Wind Waker
The Wind Waker is the latest Zelda game that includes the Hookshot. This time, it has been redesigned to attach onto the arm of the user. Link gains it in the Wind Temple after defeating a powerful Wizzrobe, and it will be helpful in fighting the boss, Molgera. Like in Ocarina of Time, this Hookshot can latch onto wood and special targets. It features a new targeting cursor that becomes a rotating starburst when over a possible target. It can also be used in conjunction with the Iron Boots to pull heavy objects like statues down. The Hookshot is found relatively late in this game, as the Wind Temple (where it's found) is the second-to-last dungeon in The Wind Waker.

Twilight Princess
The Hookshot does not return as an item in Twilight Princess. Instead, the Clawshot replaces it as Link's main grappling item.

Super Smash Bros. Series
The Hookshot is Link's grab move in both Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, though not in Brawl, where it has been replaced by the Clawshot. Link can use this move as a tether recovery to grab the edge of the stage and pull himself back up to it. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Toon Link uses the Hookshot as a tether recovery as well.